Bo Nickal Vs Val Woodburn

[Drew]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYDiFOFYQ4k

Here's a video so you can see what I mean more easily.

In this fight, Nickal violates some fundamental laws of the martial arts. In particular, they lead with a hook, break, lead with a rear hand, and that pattern of events repeats. This is because Woodburn was carrying his lead hand low, this prevented him from simply jabbing the shorter lead hook, or jamming it. People have said that he lowered his hand because of two faked single-leg shots, but you don't need the underhook to sprawl, you should use a more narrow stance so that you have a strong, lead thrusting knee to dissuade such attempts.

It is interesting to note the angles which occurred in the fight. Nickal wound up giving an outside angle to Woodburn when he threw a naked lead hook. He had time to break, then came back in, taking the inside angle. It was a shallow angle, but it helped the rear straight beat the overhand, a punch that typically counters it. Usually, if your counter isn't working, it is because the opponent has an angle.

Again, it was technical or kihon errors which prevented Woodburn from lasting long. He was not threatening with a long, thrusting knee, and he was not threatening with his jab. If your lead side doesn't have good strikes, you cannot mount an offence of any kind, whether it be striking, throwing, wrestling, chin na, or ne waza.

[bushido_man96]

I didn't notice any fake single leg shots...unless it was very subtle and I missed something (very possible).

Thank you for this evaluation. Very interesting. It's very hard for me to see the angles here. I'm guessing they are very subtle, and because I've never had any kind of experience with this kind of fighting.

[Drew]