[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

right leading stance. The right side of right handed people is much stronger than the left side. Attacks
and defenses from the right leading stance will also confuse the opponent. This procedure can also be
used by left handed individuals.
The Boxing Stance The boxing stance is not ideal for close combat. This is because it leaves
the lower torso exposed to attack. The boxing stance in Figure 4 is not ideal for close combat. This is
because it leaves the stomach area uncovered. If an opponent presents this stance, do not use hand
techniques. Instead, concentrate on kicks (Fig 5), grappling and ground fighting.
Fig.4 & 5
The Karate Stance The wide stance shown in Figure 6 is not very practical outside the karate
hall.
Fig.6
Blocking and Parrying
19
Blocks and parries are useless exercises, on their own. They must form part of a fluid reflex action that
involves a counter attack. A block or a parry should interrupt the path of a strike and deflect it, rather
than stop it. The deflection of a strike will reduce its impact and also allow you to retaliate. The end
product of your block and parry training must be a fast and fluid style as opposed to a jerky and
mechanistic sequence (block, pause, punch, pause).
All blocking actions are very vulnerable to counter-attack. The opponent may trap your blocking arm
and use a follow-up strike. Your basic training in blocking and parrying should go through four stages.
" Stage 1 For a six minute period allow your partner to throw 300 punches at either your
face or body guard. These punches must be controlled so that there is no hard contact. The
first 50 punches are done in slow time or until the partner can control the technique. With the
development of control, the punches can be speeded up. Your partner must concentrate on
developing speed, focus and recovery. Your role in this exercise is to watch your partner's
arms, feet, shoulders and the attacking limb. Build up a thorough knowledge of the mechanics
of that particular technique. Learn about it's path into your defensive zone. In the final 50
repetitions try to add more power to the punches. Power punches are not just generated
through arm action alone. Learn to triple the speed, and the power, of the technique by using
the full shoulder and hip extension as well as a shooting forward action. These three actions
will be explained in more detail later on in this chapter.
" Stage 2 Practice the blocking action in slow motion. Also learn to duck, dodge and parry
the punch.
" Stage 3 Speed up the technique. Learn to use more hip and shoulder extension in both
your partner's attack and your defense. At this stage, retaliation is not considered. There are
other skills to be developed before you try counter attacks. Practice all the other skills that
keep you from being an easy target. These include; Ducking, Weaving, Stepping out of line,
Turning, Shooting forward and back, Bobbing and Crouching.
" Stage 4 At this stage you can apply your counter attack. The first three stages will have
given you a thorough working knowledge of a specific technique. You have not wasted your
time watching the opponent's actions in feinting, stepping and attacking. By studying the path
of the strike into your defensive zone, you have a broader concept of the potential follow ups
you can use. When you can predict the opponent's actions, you can also attack first and upset
their timing.
The Basic Block When you are in the fighting stance, your arms are always directly between
your centre line and the opponents. From this fighting stance deflect the striking arm or leg by striking
it with the outside of your forearm (Figures 7a & b)
.
Fig.7a & 7b
When blocking a kick, keep your fist closed to protect your fingers. Try and parry or scoop the kick
rather than stop it.
20
Smothering Block Cushion the effects of kicks and punches to the upper body by holding
both arms in front of your body. The forearms are at least six inches away from your body (Figures 8a
& b).
Fig.8a & 8b
Elbow Block Snap your elbow up and deflect the punch with your forearm (Figure 9). If you use
this block from the fighting stance, the motion is reduced to a reflex jerk of the elbow. In this block,
both your hands are free to grab the attacking arm.
Fig, 9 [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]