Short Tight Hook

This video is a bit long, almost 20 minutes, but if you have the time it is a good fight. Cung Le is a very interesting fighter. He was originally a Kung Fu stylist who competed in a style of professional kickboxing, then moved into MMA. He uses a lot of traditional techniques that most MMA fighters don't even attempt, actually most MMA fighters couldn't pull them off in practice let alone in a fight. What I want you to see is the strike that was the beginning of the end, a short left hook, that was close, small motion, and powerful. If you don't have time to watch the whole thing skip ahead about 16 min. On the replay they show an overhead view that shows the punch perfectly, striking to the chin. Remember hooks are for close striking not out at a long distance, this is a perfect example.

For some reason the image isn't showing, but the clip is there.

Be Safe, Train Hard

I Love Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew has always been one of my favorite soft drinks. Over the years MD has had some good commercials, but here is a series of commercials that feature some of my favorite martial artist. By the way, I was actually looking for some Santa Clause fights to post today, but none of the ones I found were what I was looking for. Some how I came across a Chuck Norris clip, then I realized I had not put a clip of Chuck on here yet, so here ya go.












So what does this tell us? Well its obvious, if you are going to be a world famous martial artist you have to drink Mountain Dew.

Unless you like ice tea better.

Intro to Trapping

So in class we have been working on a drill that incorporates the split entry, trapping, and counter striking in combination. The influence that JKD and Kenpo have on each other is strong. Quite honestly the two have a strong influence on what we cover in class, though I would say they only account for about 40% of our material. None the less I found this clip that illustrates the principles of the drill we have been working. Take note that they are using the split entry to strike with the lead hand, rather than the rear hand the way we have been. The same principles of trapping are being applied even though they are using different techniques than we have. Finally, we finished off with a hook-cross-hook ending with a knee, where they complete the drill with a cross-hook-cross and instep kick. Everything they are doing would be good skills for us to work as well. However, I feel our approach is more combative in nature. In that we are attempting to stay tight with our opponent in order to continue to push forward with quick, heavy strikes. Thus the use of hooks and the knee, which are power shots. By ending with the knee we are close enough to finish with any of our takedowns and exit skills from the flowchart depiction of our punch defense principles approach. I would recommend using our version of the drill as a shadow boxing routine while we are away from class. It is a good way to work the repetition and force your mind to envision the engagement so when you work with a partner your mind knows what is coming next and your body is ready to respond. The drill will feel like you are waiting on your partner to move, that you are always one step ahead of them. If you both are doing this the drill will get faster and faster with little effort. Notice how a couple of times in this clip Diana begins to move and strike before Ron holds the pads in place for her. That's because she is so comfortable with the drill she knows what is coming and is moving to strike. She is not waiting to see a target then strike, she is already in motion. A couple of times Ron starts the drill a little quick and Diana must react quickly to keep from catching a mitt to the face, she does so and never breaks stride. Notice her name is Diana Lee Inosanto, she is the daughter of Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee's long time training partner and student.

The Reaper

There is nothing quite as humbling as being thrown to the ground. Regardless of how you get put down, whether by an intentional judo style throw or by simply being overpowered, either way you know the other guy has an advantage one way or the other. The odds are high that the person being thrown down is going to be injured by the fall, unless they know how to fall. One throw that is very straight forward and can be learned quickly once the principles are understood is O Soto Gari (Major Outer Reap). Now not to be confused with a simple trip or takedown, a throw elevates both of the opponents feet completely off the ground. This throw can result in the opponent being thrown on their back, shoulder, and even their head. Add in the possibility of the thrower following through and landing on the opponent there is additional damage that could be inflicted. Ideally we would prefer to stay on our feet to have the options that come with standing while having the opponent on the ground. These video clips show the standard approach to performing a Major Outer Reap. Pay close attention to the opponents arm across the throwers chest. See how you can use an overhook, underhook or wrist control to obtain this position. The off arm can be under the opponents chin, hooked around the opposite side of his neck, or pushing into the far shoulder. One way to make an attacker think twice and reconsider coming at you is to take them off their feet and slam him to the ground. O Soto Gari is a great way to do that. You don't have to be good at a dozen different throws, I would rather be great at one.

Can You Take a Punch

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get hit by a UFC fighter, how about Chuck Liddell. At some point in the life of every guy we have all been punched in the arm by a buddy. Whether it's just goofing around, getting stripes tacked on, or trying to show how tough we are, we have all gotten nailed in the arm. But this guy was dumb enough to tell Chuck Liddell the first time Chuck hit him was weak. I don't think that is a mistake you make twice. By the look on Chuck's face, after the second punch, I think he was ready for the guy to say something else stupid or for the guy to call him "Daddy." Anyway, this made me laugh.

Side headlock escape from the ground

Kesa Gatame or "side control" is one of the traditional mat holds in Judo. It is a typical landing position from a throw or takedown. For our purpose you would most likely find yourself in this position from an attacker who has you in a side headlock and you both fall to the ground before you are able to escape the hold. In these video clips you will see variations of the defensive counters to the hold that we have covered in class. Notice that in one clip the attackers arm is around the fighters neck and in the next clip the arm is under the fighters arm and around his back. Keep in mind these clips show sport techniques for the escape. You don't see any fingers to the eyes or pulling the head back by the hair, knee strikes to the back or any other number of ways you can dirty up your counter attack to aid your escape from the hold. I will agree if you can perform the escape without the aid of the additional counter measures then you can build a confidence in your ability to escape this hold from most any attacker. But, you never want to forget that most likely this guy is going to be punching you, hitting you with some blunt object, or worse pulling out a knife. While there is always the likelihood that his buddy is going to be getting involved as well. So, what ever you need to do to get up as fast as possible you use it. Proficiency in foundational skills is very important but anything goes when you have someone laying on you with there arm around your neck and they have bad intentions. Don't get caught thinking technical when you should be thinking tactical. The only rule is...you go home as unscathed as possible.

Be Safe, Train Hard