Quote:
Originally posted by knuckledragger
I find it awkward to deliver horizontal # 1 strikes from a postion where my hand is held in front of my body ,it feels odd and weak ( does this make any sense ???) Iit seems easier to raise my hand and come down with a diagonal caveman then to go for the horizontal. Thoughts ? advice ?
|
I assume you are speaking of holding your weapon with the tip chambered on the left shoulder and the weapon hand held to the front. In PT we refer to this as the advanced chamber and most all our strikes can be done from this position. As Chad stated in an earlier post when a #1 strike is done from this position Tuhon McGrath calls this a Reverse #1. When done with proper footwork and body motion this is a extremely fast and powerful strike. Raising the hand and then driving down with a strike is much slower although more powerful for the less advanced practitioner.
As to using a diagonal strike with a stick for power I feel there are more advantages to striking the different targets properly than just making diagonal or horizonal strikes. Most diagonal strikes are for edged weapons not for sticks. Especially rattan training sticks. They are simply too soft. Most of what is being taught today as stick fighting has been adapted from edged weaponary yet sticks don't have a edge therefore when used in the manner that a edged weapon would be used the result is not the same. Though the strikes hurt they will not be disabling. If you are going to train to fight with sticks learn what targets to hit and how to hit them for the greatest amount of effect. Don't do the movements or strikes simply because it is easier or because that is just how it is done. For the most part, vertical targets should be struck horizonally and horizonal targets should be struck vertically for the greatest amount of power transfer and damage. Most diagonal stick strikes to the body though they sting will just glance off and not do a great amount of damage.
Danny T