Observations from today's training 4/1/06

Sorry this isn't a full-blown (only partially?) Training Journal Log entry, but it was an ad-hoc/last-minute training. Observations:

• Clear always while the opponent is recovering from, or reacting to an attack. In other words, don't try to clear when he is countering, 'cause that'll get you back on your heels, but do it right after you give him something to deal with (FIRE, then get out).
• Always clear away from the opponent's weapons. On a practical level, that means try to get behind him.
• When I am "comfortable", and feeling confident, I like to counter-fight. That means I like to let you lead, make you miss, and use the miss as an opening for a counter. My usual tactic is to let you get into a comfortable pattern of leading off (do you have a habit?), anticipating it, then countering simultaneously. Examples:
  -Straight right counter over a jab or lead-off right over it to close the gap, then lead hook (or open-hand)
  -Slip outside the jab and rear uppercut (punch #4) up under the chin or into the outstretched ribs or solar plexus (I love that one)
  -Jab over the straight right as a cut (using the jab to deflect)
  -Lead-hook over the straight right (risky!)
  -Push kick versus the Thai kick, esp the rear leg
  -Side kick versus any hand technique lead
  Are these enough clues?
• How to you handle the counter fighter? You force him to lead. Be a moving target by circling with a broken/erratic rythme. If you do this, it will force the counter-fighter out of his comfort zone. Unfortunately, I like to rumble and lead off, too, so also follow the next bullet's advice!
• If you must lead, nearly ALWAY feint or fake to draw the counter, then you are counter-fighting a counter fighter. If you do this, it will show you what counter he is planning, then you can solve it.

Side note for Mike - your leg-kick defense is improving a lot. The only reason I was teeing off with the flurry of 6-7 leg kicks (besides the fun of it), was to show you what happens when you back up against it. It's the same as being back on your heels when boxing - suicidal. NO ONE can block everyting in a combination of more than 2 or 3 techniques, and you sometimes need to jam an attack like that by moving forward instead of backward. Does that help?

+++++++++++++++++++

UPDATE 4/1/2006 11:33-
-I need to teach you guys to "shrimp" to get away from an attempted mount. It works.
-Mike, keep your guard up. Remind me to have you work some defense rounds!