Fifth Grip on the Cane – Three Strike Drill: Low, Centre, High

http://youtu.be/rcLgQCSmWZY

This is a second basic version of this drill is this one. Swing then Hook LOW, then CENTRE, then HIGH and follow up with three cross checks done LOW, CENTRE and finishing with HIGH.

Again, the point is practice this drill a lot of times regularly.

In the end, it should feel like a blink or a twitch. The moves should be a flicker of movement.

Without prejudice

Fifth Grip on the Cane – Three Strike Drill: High, Centre, Low

 http://youtu.be/KEQeT_GLNdo

The most basic version of this drill is this one. Swing then Hook high, center, low and follow up with a cross check high, center, low.

Repeat this drill. Slowly at first and allow it to sink in. This is not a combination, it is a familiarization drill.

The old military saw is absolutely true here; slow leads to smooth and smooth leads to fast.

Without prejudice

Tactics for using the Shift Away Side Kick

http://youtu.be/188K1rOvkdk

The attack is a combination Roundhouse kick to the body followed by a same side Backfist to the head.

The defender blocks the kick, then the backfist. This is immediately followed by a lead backfist to the kidney. It is only at this point that the defender has the time to sgift his weight back to his rear leg, lift his lead leg and fire a side kick to the attackers body.

Without prejudice

Performing the Shift Away Side Kick

http://youtu.be/4MTy7kG20fc

The concept is to slide my lead leg back from a Leading Horse and lift it up before kicking. It is only an illusion that I kick while I am moving back. I move back, STOP, then kick.

I stand in a Leading Horse that is close enough to my target to strike it with a Leading Backfist. It is at this range that I can then shift away and kick.

Tightening the core, bending the knees and tilting the hips, cocking the leg and foot correctly allow a speedy and powerful delivery of the kick.

Without prejudice

Tactics for using The Slide in Side Kick as a Counter Attack

http://youtu.be/HTtATtf5Dtc

The rhythm is one and two. I block (or evade) on one. I slide in on two. I execute a Side Kick on three. At this point I can even add my counters, as needed.

This combination drill works on the idea that my attacker is striking in an ‘in-and-out’ fashion. What they used to call a ‘hit-and-run’ fighter.

For a brawler or a sharpshooter, the combination would have to be changed or it would be ineffective.

Without prejudice

How to Execute The Slide in Side Kick

http://youtu.be/oFbM-k0WGPE

I perform this version of the Side Kick (there are several) because I have a good working knowledge of it. I simply step, lift and drive the edge of my heel out.

Now there is a lot more to it than that and I explain it in more detail in the video. However, the proof is in the doing. The more I do (when I do it well), the better I get at it (doing it well).

(This is just another way of saying, “Perfect Practice Makes Perfect Technique.”) Except that perfection is fleeting.

The real trick is to be able to execute this kick effortlessly (like blinking) so that all my attention is focused on my opponent.

Without prejudice

Tactics for Using The Shift Forward Side Kick

 http://youtu.be/b8WQBFthU_0

As I said before, the Side Kick has a long reach and it is a powerful kick. As a counter against an attacker who darts in and out in an attempt to catch me unprepared, this kick works well as he withdraws just out of my front kick range.

It also works well on an attacker who is taller (and therefore has a longer reach). The Side Kick allows me to tag him when my other kicks and punches would fall short.

Without prejudice

The Shift Forward Side Kick

http://youtu.be/HbunVaoW6Sw

I use the outside edge of my heel as the weapon. I use my rear leg by tightening my core, bending my knees and pivoting forward on the balls of my feet until I am sideways to my target. I drive my heel out and into my target.

The Side Kick as a long reach and is a powerful kick but it slower than others and must be timed perfectly or it will be defended against, leaving me vulnerable to a renewed attack.

Without prejudice

The Diagonal Cat Stance

http://youtu.be/X_7f385-KfQ

The Diagonal Cat Stance has many of the best features of both the Front Cat and the Side Cat.

I start in a Diagonal Horse and shift my weight to my back leg and draw it about one foot length back.

The Diagonal Cat also allows me to draw back at an angle to my attacker. I may shift back or block with either arm or my lead leg (if necessary).

I nay also counter with my lead arm or turn slightly and counter with my rear arm as well as kick with my lead leg.

I may also step again (a likely possibility).

But for every advantage, there is an equal and opposite disadvantage so skill must be developed and good judgment exercised when using The Diagonal Cat Stance.

Without prejudice

The Side Cat

http://youtu.be/CC1mdaZ7EXQ

Like the Leading Horse Stance, The Side Cat Stance gives a side leading profile to an attacker. This means any attacks to my torso have to come in at an angle and are easier to see.

The Side Cat also allows me to use a Roundhouse Kick, Side Kick or Reverse Roundhouse Kick.

As I have stated before, the best way to make this stance work is to drill it repeatedly.

Without prejudice

The Front Cat

http://youtu.be/zj5tPx8yjUw

There are three basic ways to move into a Front Cat Stance. I withdraw my lead leg from a Forward Bow or I advance from a Left forward Bow to either a Left Front Cat or a Right Front Cat (as I show in the video).

The Front Cat can be used to kick, block or strike from as well as transition to a different stance.

It is only a pause in movement.

Without prejudice

The Diagonal Horse

http://youtu.be/bhRMWslYcNI

This stance is as wide a Forward Bow but the weight distribution is that of a Leading Horse.

I have a bit further reach with my lead hand and a bit narrower profile than a Forward Bow. I can also move in a variety of directions quicker than I could in a Leading Horse.

Without prejudice

The Leading Horse

http://youtu.be/peURpT1EXsY

Just as the name says, one side of my body leads in a stance similar to what I might look like were I riding a horse. The weight is even and the feet are parallel (in this version).

I present a narrow silhouette as the front and back of my body may only be attacked in an angled fashion.

I can also move very fast both backward and forward. My lead hand and lead foot can be used quickly.

Conversely, my rear   hand and foot take longer to bring to bear and travelling in any direction other that forward or backward is slower.

Without prejudice

Using the Forward Bow

http://youtu.be/KdJog-egfns

I was originally taught that ‘Stances were just pauses in movement’. The stance was just a way to be balanced, focused and able. I could use it or getting into it (or out of it) to add strength, power and speed to my movement. I could also add or decrease the distance.

In essence, the move was the thing, not the pause. The pause allowed me to do things while still briefly.

Today, I am moving into and out of a Forward Bow Stance. I have sixty percent of my weight on my lead leg and forty percent on my back leg. I face either completely forward or a turn slightly depending upon what I wish to accomplish.

I can move in any direction a lot or a little. A shuffle or a stepthrough carry me along way while a half shuffle or a short double leg lung carry just into or just out of range.

The Forward Bow allows me to use both hands and both legs. It also provides a stable platform that presents my front to an attacker. This allows to see what is coming at me clearly. It also combines easily with a Neutral Stance, Cat Stance, Crane Stance or other deeper stances as they may be needed.

Without prejudice

The ‘Short Recovery’ from a Front Snap Kick

http://youtu.be/NQLK-InLd7c

In this case, I am demonstrating a ‘Front Snap Kick’. This kick, like the ‘Offset Snap Kick’, the ‘Roundhouse Snap Kick’ and the ‘Side Snap Kick’ all utilize the ‘Short Recovery’.

I drive the kick into the target and snap the leg back so there is no recoil effect back into me. The target absorbs all the impact.

Other types of kicks may utilize different forms of recovery.

 Without prejudice

Recovering from a Backhand Swing

http://youtu.be/2N8AtkVOECA

Just as I was able to use four different recoveries from a Forefist Thrust; I am able to do the same with a Backhand Swing.

I can Lock-It-Out, perform a Short Recovery, pull it all the way back to its point of origin (a Long Recovery) or draw it past the Target to a New Position (for a different strike). Not all strikes and few kicks work this way but the Backhand Swing does.

Without prejudice

Recovering to a Different Position

http://youtu.be/cMU9B8VNaYQ

Today, I am demonstrating my recovery to a ‘Different Position’. Literally, I thrust as far as I can, then I withdraw the attacking fist to a different position (in this case it is either a backhand position or a Forehand Knifehand Position).

I drive through with my Forefist Thrust then withdraw in preparation to execute a different strike. To move from the locked out execution to the beginning of a new strike increases the speed of multiple strikes as well as making them more unpredictable.

Without prejudice

The Long Recovery

http://youtu.be/optSQqWdUJ0

All this week I have been showing various forms of how I recover from a strike. Today I am using something called ‘The Long Recovery’. I drive my Forefist all the way into the target and then withdraw it all the way back.

I have found this method is particularly effective in multiple attacks with alternate arms as the withdrawal of one arm fuels the speed and power for the other.

Without prejudice

The Short Recovery

http://youtu.be/FjRgWgaVeSk

Today I am demonstrating ‘The Short Recovery’ from a thrust punch. Many kicks, punches and strikes can make use of ‘The Short Recovery’.

‘The Short Recovery’ is basically when I have driven my strike into the target and withdraw the attacking limb a short way back (usually a few inches). Its primary benefit is that it transmits the force of the blow into the target and withdraws before the force can trace back along its path of transmission.

Without prejudice

Forms of Recovery- The Lock-Out

http://youtu.be/eFzvyOJucG4

*Please Note: There are many different systems of Kenpo (and Martial arts in general) that use this idea. I am not proposing anything new here.

Recovering from a thrust may be done in several different ways. Today I am using a Forefist Thrust with a ‘Lock-Out’ a complete lack of recovery. I have to tense up my body at the end of the blow in order not to hurt myself.

In the ‘Lock-Out’, I leave my thrust fully extended. This is not the best way or the only way to thrust but it is one way. Other forms of recovery are based on this and without the ‘Lock-Out’ they are impossible to perform.

The ‘Lock-Out’ makes for a great practice method that teaches distance, focus, point of contact, point of finish and depth of penetration. It teaches me to commit yet if my balance is even a little off, the ‘Lock-Out’ will throw me off balance.

Without prejudice

The Cane- Defense against a Left Hand Grab

http://youtu.be/l2OA2X2dOss

The cane, being held in the 3rd grip is grabbed by the left hand of an attacker. The defense is quite simple. Keep the cane close to me, circle the grabbed end to the weak side of the grip until it is released, thrust and withdraw.

This defense presupposes that the danger is both apparent and sustained.

Practicing against a cane grab is very similar to defending against a wrist grab.

Without prejudice

The Cane-The 3rd Grip 3 Strikes while Stepping Once

http://youtu.be/K0F6m4bpyN8

Striking with the cane held in the 3rd grip is a long broad motion (much like a Forehand Knifehand Swing).

Today I combine three of these brad swing with one short step. I swing with the first step and while stationary, I swing twice more. I am literally combining two different rhythms; two different types of motions, the long brad swing with the short step.

Done once or twice this is relatively simple. Done hundreds of times, it is more difficult.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Stepping and Striking

http://youtu.be/hI2j42-m9kY

This basic drill combines stepping and striking.

Going forward these can be done as one move.

Because this training is an augmentation to bare hand practice, withdrawal means that I must be stationary in order to transmit the power forward in my strike. I step THEN I strike.

Without prejudice

The Cane- A Three Strike Drill

http://youtu.be/uOFasGVcSEM

Using the 3rd Grip on my cane and standing at kicking distance from the heavy bag; I strike horizontally forehand, the vertically overhand and finally horizontally backhand.

I then repeat the strikes, starting with the horizontal backhand first.

The rhythm is the key. The strikes are firm, focus and quick but it is the rhythm that I am working on. It is the same rhythm that I use when practicing bare hand strikes. Once I have a solid rhythm, I am also free to change it, interrupt it, go back to it, etc.

Without prejudice

Third Grip Practicing the Backhand Swing

http://youtu.be/9ItGWWzLkwg

As I have started before, I practice with the cane to improve my bare hand skills.

The Backhand swing in the Third Grip is most effective when used at Kicking distance.

I keep the blow light, quick and, in many ways, similar to a Backhand Hammerfist Strike.

Without prejudice

Angles of Strikes with the Cane in the Third Grip

http://youtu.be/jAaPhm85vyo

As the video shows, there are seven different geometric angles that the cane may travel through with both hands gripping it in the Third Grip.

Making these strikes effective becomes a matter of understanding which angles work best against which targets and practicing them until it is a reflex.

At first this drill may seem to have no bearing on improving bare handed skills…But there i!

Actually, the strikes with the cane in the Third Grip use the body in the same way a bare ahnd strike uses it. The distance is Kicking Distance. The recovery of the cane teaches that Kicks and strikes (with Bare Hands) must be swift and clean.

Without prejudice