closing distance, footwork and distractions

[Nit]

Trying to improve my sparring technique. I've noted that I'm quite capable close in, and with the opponent advancing. However I feel and seem slow when advancing. It's like my movement is too obvious and slow.

I've been reading up about triangle footwork and practising 'dual' techniques (block and punch, distract and move) and they seem to be working, however I only know a few techniques at teh moment which make me predictable after a few rounds.

what do you use/train to close distance 'safely' and swiftly?

[Benjamin Dover]

The fastest footwork with the least telegraph when closing in on a straight line is fencing. It's technique of using the rear foot as a spring is extremely quick. To close the gap using angles...boxing footwork in great.

[Nit]

Thanks Ben

'fencing' is that the same as the wado ryu 'sliding'? will have a look for boxing footwork on google, do you have any good resources for that?

[MrBoxerGrappler]

Originally Posted by Nit

Thanks Ben

'fencing' is that the same as the wado ryu 'sliding'? will have a look for boxing footwork on google, do you have any good resources for that?

I would recoment the boxing footwork as well, a good resource would be a book called the will to win..It describes the training and such of Muhamud Ali, the man with perhaps the best stand up foot work of all time.

[tekshow]

where is your triangle footwork coming from? FMA? yup, keep your heel up in back, basic boxing, your back foot is radar, it relates to you your position in the ring, and is the spring of mobility in your stance...


i close the distance with a jab, unless you mean you're doing sparring with kicking involved. Then i'll do something more JKDish, like bruce lees nearly patented shin kick to straight jab...


once you start jabbing the distance is already closed, throw a hook and just lay it on there and go for the plum and you've got knees and elbows right there, or a takedown...



do you mean closing distance initially?


i'm smaller so here's what i do.


if they're bigger i usually wait for them to initiate, knowing i'm full well out of range, then i take advantage of their "moment of helplessness" and either cut kick the standing leg.... trap their attacking arm....


maybe elaborate a little bit more on the situation, that'd help. Footwork will get you many places... never change your stance while fighting, as much as you can stay in your preferred lead and try to keep your stance wherever you move...



works for me? hope that is a little helpful,
joe