Originally Posted by
k gledhill
There are certain drills we use to focus the students on their elbows and not wrists
keep the idea of having every action an attacking action, and that we don't fight like chi-sao with 2 hands equally extended....one leads one follows...cycles of attacking actions..strikes with dual simultaneous ability to block/strike as they move back and forth cycling along the centerlines, as you angle and shift flowing with the opponent ...
Although Wing Chun as most know it favors being square on to allow for equal representation of each side; your description is the way I like doing it as well because it is more natural feeling for me and is more closely resembling the way I'd actually fight. You're using long bridge and short bridge as well I assume?
...
Well, to define my idea of "striking" development, I first define my idea of a proper strike. A proper strike requires (1) maximum power generation, (2) maxmimum speed, and (3) Proper timing
Power Generation
Definition: The development of kinetic force.
- Correct body mechanics / joint alignment
Example: for the Kuen, making sure the punch is directed with the elbow, making sure that power flows from the ground through the heel, knee, hip, spine, shouler, elbow, and wrist.
- Softness in delivery (relaxation)
Establishing the idea that when the muscles are relaxed in movement, that more speed can be developed and subsequently more power (to the limit of the mass being moved).
Speed
Definition: The time it takes for an object to move from point a to point b; and also the time it takes for the brain to respond to stimulus and command an action.
- Mechanical speed
This is done simply through repitition with the already ingrained mechanical structure and relaxation.
- Neural-response speed
This is achieved through stimulus drills that vary in nature like a beep, the initiation of a partners punch (they punch first you hit first)...etc.
Timing
Definition: Timing is proper application of the technique that maximizes the chance of success and allows for the strike to work at an even higher efficacy because the opponent's movement adds to the effectiveness of the impending strike.
- Single step drills
For example a drill where the parter punches once and the student learns to stop-hit.
- Multi step drills
Using the example above, where this occurs in 2-3-4-X steps.
- Focus Mitts & Pad Hitting
It is important to note this is done while moving and using footwork, to ingrain distance and timing and the success is determined by how "square" the hit lands on the mitt or pad
- Heavy Bag
If you're alone, heavy bag work can be used for this as well by simple having the bag swing (and keeping it swinging) in order to time when to hit it with maxium effect. Punching it as it swings away produces less power than if it is going towards the strike. Hitting bag in general also aids in developing power as it "corrects" the person on their mechanics if it is done wrong.
- Sparring drills
Where sparring is done, but limits are placed on one or both individuals to work on a specific skillset.
- Sparring drills
The epitomy of one's training IMO. This is where everything is put together, and where you learn through doing the proper application of striking using all its components.