Angus Posted January 21, 2002 Posted January 21, 2002 I see too many people who practice all this technique and don't pratice the single most effective thing. This will greatly increase your chances of not getting hit, and winning a fight; Bruce Lee practiced this more than he did his actual techniques (according to Linda Lee); and without it you will never be complete... It's called footwork. Even boxers need it. Especially BOXERS in fact. I asked a guys to hit me with a jab/cross combo and he walked towards me, so i stepped back and kicked him in the stomach. Then he tried to slide in and i did a snap roundhouse to his head (not hitting him)... He didn't realise that by keeping his guard up that he could slide in with his front foot (bringing the backfoot up immediately after the front foot had stopped) and shoot out a jab, and then rotate on his back foot and shoot a cross that could reach just as far. Too many people and not aware of the subtleties of boxing, and the fact that u can do these things and still invorporate your kicking and grappling techniques. All it takes is practice. So if u ever get hold of a guy who does boxing then talk to him about footwork, and get him to show u some moves. Then, and only then, will u be able to get yo' groove on! Angus Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
SuperMinh Posted January 21, 2002 Posted January 21, 2002 :nod:That's true Angus, i've only come across the extreme importance of footwork when i started kickboxing. Before that, while i was into kung fu or karate, i gave little importance to moving around and stuff. I thought i could push opponents back by staying there and not moving around a lot. Now i've learnt... Footwork, when well incorporated to your technique, makes you the best fighter you've ever been. You get almost untouchable... SuperMinh
Tobias_Reece Posted January 21, 2002 Posted January 21, 2002 Yes, I agree with Angus as well. When doing sparring (yes, the gloried game of tag) I was quite nervous (there are reasons, but they're not important). I used to stand still with a high guard and wait for the opponent to make a move. Now I've gained more confidence I like to jump around on my feet, and I find this is a lot more effective. Isn't it Moobrack?......LOL C ya "You Are Never Given A Dream Without Also Being Given The Power To Make It True. You May Have To Work For It, However"Principal Kobudo Instructor & OwnerWest Yorkshire Kobudo Academy2nd Kyu (Matayoshi Okinawan Kobudo, IOKA UK)
SaiFightsMS Posted January 21, 2002 Posted January 21, 2002 Excellant tips. It is all to easy for those who practice and "eastern" martial art to "write off" boxing and any other "wester" way of fighting as well. I find it interesting that Ali's old training camp is retrofitted as a karate camp now.
SBN Doug Posted January 21, 2002 Posted January 21, 2002 I also agree completely. A number of our grappling techniques are taught with little emphasis on the actual grab to start. The emphasis is in proper stepping, so that you're positioned correctly for the throw. We also work on footwork when sparring. We try and teach to continuously move in circles around your apponent, as to always be in close for a counter after a forced near miss. Kuk Sool Won - 4th danEvil triumphs when good men do nothing.
Piastre Posted January 21, 2002 Posted January 21, 2002 One of my criticisms of martial arts in general is the linear movements. Martial artists should watch boxers and learn how to move laterally and in a circular motion.
Angus Posted January 21, 2002 Author Posted January 21, 2002 Quite right... Some martial arts i have studied have also written off the quick jab - saying that it would never be use in a street fight. Well, with the correct use it is quite effective i believe. It's useless if you're standing still, but moving in a circular motion to the outer side of the person's guard then u allow yourself a window to punch them in the eye or the cheek... Very cool stuff. Angus Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
dreamer38f Posted January 21, 2002 Posted January 21, 2002 Ok, we need footwork, I totally agree. Now have you got some good drills If you think you can't, then you must. If you must, you will.
Piastre Posted January 22, 2002 Posted January 22, 2002 While not a drill as such, skipping is a very effective way of developing balance while moving on the balls of the feet, co-ordination and remaining light on the feet. I imagine that every world class fighter uses skipping to sharpen their footwork.
Angus Posted January 22, 2002 Author Posted January 22, 2002 Drills.... well, i can't really offer any drills until u know the proper technique... U'd really have to talk to someone who knows the boxing kinda footwork and take it form there... Sorry. Angus Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
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