Thinking about how you respond to a hit when practicing martial arts with a partner almost forces you to consider the speed of your techniques during practice.
We "should" talk about whether or not you practice at full speed, after the technique has been perfected. But in this article, if it's OK with you, I'd prefer to skip the speed discussion.
Let's assume that you practice at, or near, full speed.
Most practical-application fighters know the value of making the responses realistic. You get hit in the stomach, pretend that it was a full it, and crumple forward in pain ... to the extent that a hard hit would make you bend.
If you get a back fist to the face, imagine how it would feel if it really made contact. Full contact. Would your head snap back? Would you have to take time to wipe the blood from your nose? Would you grab your nose with both hands because of the pain?
Can you see the benefit of giving your partner a more accurate response?
Yes, that's right. Occasionally, practice where you just keep going. The hits and kicks don't stop you.
Your partner kicks you in the knee -- and you continue moving in on him (or her). After all, you weren't really injured.
You feel a tap to your throat, representing a throat chop -- you immediately respond with a kick and an eye jab.
Nothing phases you.
Are you wondering, "Isn't this a bit unrealistic?"
In one respect, yes. But you are also giving your partner some excellent practice.
Why?
In real life, it's possible that not all of your techniques will have the desired effect. Your partner could eye jab, and miss. He could kick the shins and only score a glancing blow, which doesn't stop the attacker.
Your partner, in a real fight, could even punch the bad guy in the stomach and have no effect.
By occasionally practicing ignoring your opponent's hits in sparring or drills, you teach your partner to continue the series of punches and kicks. (Notice the word "occasionally.")
Three ebooks for the price of one -- all valuable, all practical:
Become the Martial Artist You Were Meant to Be By Taking Charge of Your Learning (47 pgs) Shows how to look to different styles, build up techniques, and pare down, to develop a practical way to defend yourself. Revised Kick My Tummy: Getting the Most From This Exercise (14 pgs) -- How to get the most out of roundhouse kicking with a partner. Relaxation For Martial Improvement (50 pgs) - 3 ways to use relaxation -- Bruce Lee's way to relax the muscles, relaxation for memorizing martial arts sequences, and relaxation to improve technique speed. Read more about the 3 for 1 Deal ...FREE
Martial Arts
Weekly ezine
Mastery