In this week’s tutorial video we’re focusing on moving and firing punches. As explained in the video, a lot of times the punching exercises do not involve psychology of the self-defense situation meaning that we are just extending our arms is a very up-right position and not really training so that it would help us in the self -defense situation.
In self-defense we are using punches to create damage to the opponent so that we can save ourselves from getting hurt, not to score points. This means that we have to integrate the punches in the same motion as we are moving out of the line of fire and be able to continue with necessary amount of effective hitting of the opponent to clear off the danger. If we train the punches in a not fighting/defending type of position, let’s say standing up relaxed, we won’t be able to get any shots leaving when we are stressed. Also, if we don’t accustom our body to hit-recoil-hit rhythm, we won’t be able to move as needed. Therefore, I’ve put together few training tips to consider:
Training tips:
- Start by thinking that you just got hit to stomach and get your abs to work
- Now extend your left hand forward and do not raise your shoulder
- Next is to pull the hand back and extend your right hand forward at the same time, focusing on using you core to do the motion
- Don’t force your feet to stay in place, if you feel like moving with the punch, move with the punch, but be ready to deliver the next one, so stay in balance
- Once the movement and trajectory are there, use a punching bag or when training with a partner, focus- mitts to connect.
Common pitfalls:
- Focusing on rotating your feet -> your bodyweight is not where it should be-> toes towards the target!
- Turning your fists and hands -> don’t overreach -> you’ll have to stay in balance and be able to continue hitting!
- Pulling and stopping the attacks -> when training with partner, use focus -mitts and other protective gear so that you don’t have to stop the attack from landing. Control exercises come with time, but in the beginning, you will have to learn how to land the punches.
Repetitions and deliberate practice, failure is needed
According to numerous studies in skill training, f failing is very important, but you’ll have to understand the reason behind the failure. Just like a child learning to walk. If you fail more than 50% of the time, the exercise might be a bit too demanding, so back up a bit and aim for 70-80% success -rate. Then again if you succeed 100% of the time, you are giving yourself a bit too much slack.
To get something working for you naturally takes a lot of repetitions and feedback. When learning a movement such as punching, you must train the movement deliberately. This can be done on your own. By using video-analytics or machine -view AI like we have in kravmagacoach.com online platform, will help immensely since in solo training we might miss some crucial points while when training with a partner, the mark of failure is getting hit. The best situation of course is that you combine all types of training:
- Learning movement on your own by using kravmagacoach.com platform
- Training the movement with partner in block-like training or hitting bag or training dummy
- Scenario-type of training where the attack comes from different angles and uses different sort of weapons or objects within it (remember using the protective gear so that everyone will be healthy after the training session!)
We have the technology to help, let’s use it
Practicing the right things and practicing them right is the key to faster learning. This is why we created the kravmagacoach.com online platform utilizing the machine-view AI. When you train by the tutorials and take video footage of your own performance you will be able to visualize the learning and the automated feedback will help you to become better.
Check it out and start your free trial! https://www.kravmagacoach.com/