Muchimi, anyone?

[Goju1]

How much emphasis does your school/style place on the use of 'muchimi' the 'sticky hands' techniques? And how do you practice them other than through the katas?

[delta1]

Many styles do some form of this. Kenpo calls it 'rolling', and the FMA folks have their version of it. Of course the Ving Tsun guys are the best known for it, and Taiji push hands is very similar.

 

This is a sensitivity drill, and most styles that have 'soft' moves use some variation. Basically, you and a partner face each other in a ballanced stance. Often, the lead feet are together. You can then make contact at the wrist with one or both hands. Then you both start to move in circular patterns keeping contact and a slight pressure at the wrists. The object is usually to unballance your opponent using his own energy. A variation is to find openings to strike through, or to try to tie up or check your opponent. You can also do this with joint locks being the objective. Some variations allow footwork. And you can do 'sticky feet' as well.

 

There is a tendency for the larger or stronger player to just overpower the other. This is not the idea. You should try to focus on technique and sensitivity. Learn to 'listen', or feel, his intent. If you overpower your opponent you will 'win' for a while. But eventually he'll learn to help you stand yourself on your own nose.

[karatekid1975]

My instructor has us do sticky hands. He makes us do this, and has us push our partner once we feel them loosing their balance. It's kinda fun.

[Goju1]

This is a sensitivity drill, and most styles that have 'soft' moves use some variation. Basically, you and a partner face each other in a ballanced stance. Often, the lead feet are together. You can then make contact at the wrist with one or both hands. Then you both start to move in circular patterns keeping contact and a slight pressure at the wrists. The object is usually to unballance your opponent using his own energy. A variation is to find openings to strike through, or to try to tie up or check your opponent. You can also do this with joint locks being the objective. Some variations allow footwork. And you can do 'sticky feet' as well.

 

Yeah, we do this one a lot - we call it 'kakiei' (sp?) It is a great drill for that sensitivity, as you call it. Lots of variations, like 2 vs 1, and the counters you mention. Good stuff!