newcomer - request for training tips

[lynj99]

Hello everyone,

I am a new practitioner of JKD it has taken me a long time to find a style. I have always wanted to practice this style but did not think I would be able to find a good school in the Uk.

I have been practicing for 2 months now and have decided to dedicate most of my free time to developing my technique.

I am finding that although I am learning lots in the classes it would be good to have a training partner who is as committed as me to developing their skills. I would like to practice more outside the classes on footwork, developing speed and defensive moves (slips and parrys).

I am also toying with the idea of combining a grappling style to enhance my groundwork, but that will be further down the line (6 months).

I have been reading this forum for about a week and have found it informative and helpful. i would like to thank all contributers for passing on your knowledge and turning this forum into an extremely useful resource.

One thing I have learnt in my 33 years is that you have to share your knowledge and experiences gain knowledge and develop. even a beginner has something to contribute.

I would like to finish with a request I am interested in any training techniques for developing speed and movement because I think although i am improving in other areas this area is letting me down. ( by movement i mean I keep finding my self static when I am throwing punches etc although i do make sure my rear foot is not flat on the ground .)

Any tips would be greatfully received.

thanks

Lyndon

[shredder]

Try these plyometric drills:

http://www.netfit.co.uk/plyometrics-web.htm

http://martialarts.about.com/library/weekly/aa040701a.htm

Make sure you warm up, and between workouts rest and stretch those muscles.

Now go pump that medicine ball, Mandelbaum!

[lynj99]

Thanks for your response Shredder and I appreciate your input. I shall give this a try.

Do you use this method yourself and what sort of results have you got from it? Is it good for all round movement (slipping punches etc) and increasing punching & kicking speed?

Do you have any good stretching routines?

Cheers

Lyndon

[Brokenmace]

Hi, lynj99

Just a quick tip on punching: no punches will be very effective if your feet aren't planted at the moment of impact. It is a tricky thing, being mobile yet powerful at the same time. Working the heavy bag can help here. Practice circling the bag. Hit it during transition from one place to the next, with one foot off the floor, and you'll see what I mean.

This doesn't mean you can't move at all while punching. To the contrary, your body can and sometimes should move in the direction of the force of the punch. This is where shuffling comes in. It is a way of staying in contact with the ground while delivering the full force of the body behind a blow. Your feet should still be planted (foot opposite punching arm flat, other foot with heel off floor and turning along with that side of body) at the moment of impact if possible, to get max effect. However, even if you are moving when the blow lands, if you are using a shuffle they will feel it. A punch thrown with one foot on the floor is a pansy slap.

Remember not to hop around and waste energy. Reserve such motions for evasion and deception during either your attack or your opponent's.

Respect.

[lynj99]

Thanks for your tips Brokenmace. I have put them into practice my punching power has increased and I have found I do not tire as quickly.
I am still trying to work on my speed do you have any good tips for that.

cheers

Lyndon

[ceasarx]

If you want to practice speed use a speed bag or something similar. Keep your hand open until the point of impact to cause less resistance. and I know this is going to sound stupid but practice your forms in the water. the natural resistance and freeness at the sametime helps build hitting speed and good body coordination