Drills are required to become good at what we do. We repeat over and again in order to train the body to do what the mind requests and what the situation demands.Blocking becomes automatic so that the mind is free to understand the situation and calculate the desried outcome. But some drills have a far different purpose. Moving and stiking require training, but so does the natural or nuetral positions of the body, legs and arms. We need to teach the body to not forget about all of the other parts when we are performing a move of some type. Very often when a person is determined to hit another, the focus is only on the target and the striking hand. All other things seem to disappear. The off sided hand typically drops. The body forgets to move the feet and balance is lost, we dont see the opponenets response and we are surprised when we miss or we are put in a serious disadvantaged position. These things we do not want. These things need to be trained as much as striking, blocking and moving. The natural position of the hands, legs and body will protect us just as much as an intentional movement of the same. So, this week we focused on the things that are typically forgotten. When we move, strike, block or attack,,, we will place our focus and intent on all other parts of our bodies as well as all the liabilities that present themselves. It is not easy and makes the things that we typically do easily far more difficult.
We started with hand drills, the ones that we have been practicing for some time now. But we focused on and controlled the off hand of the oponent in recognition that it represents a serious threat. As is usual these drills were repeated many times.
We then moved on to basic attakcs. But, again, instead of focusing mainly on the desired outcome of the attack,, we focused on the threats and liabilities that present themselves when we move toward an opponenet. We trained our hands and legs to move into positions that provide a good amount of protection as well as maintaining the ability to effectively move in a defensive or offensive manner.
These drills sound very simple,, and the movements actually are. But the training of the mind to keep track of all of these things at the same time is not an east task,, and must be mastered in order to limit the risks and injuries to ourselves during an altercation.
Thank you for your patience with my attempts to share this art with you fine men. Until we next meet,, stay safe.