the rum soaked fist: internal martial arts forum

Some ideas on footwork for defence, hands for offence

Nice, this footwork is the bread and butter of our type of Silat. The only difference with us is that you seems to use slight bob and weave when moving in, we tend not to do that.

I really like the idea of using your feet for defence and your arms for the attack. Nice work Rob.

Thanks guys. TP yes, I often see parallels with good silat work, changing levels, getting in close, etc As for bob and weave it may be something I do, there's no fixed way of working. At the top level you see very little head movement but those guys are three steps ahead of whatever you try and do to them!

A valuable lesson for all of the 'rooted to the spot' types. Thanks Rob.

thanks a lot. i was about to ask about to ask about a boxing sort of tight guard and then you explained cons of only covering and not moving and doing something else.

While I like this concept of movement - I also like the concept of the Philly Shell - The Mendoza guard - Wing Chun's Bong Sau.





http://www.mightyfighter.com/how-to-do- ... technique/

I think that answers my question as well. These examples seem to show covering/guarding while moving (ok leaning instead of footwork). I think Bruce Lee talked a lot about this in his books. You want to emphasize footwork, but sometimes, quick body moves are needed.

Yeah - mix it up - do both

As a starting point, go with whatever moves first. This is usually the head if someone is punching at it. But, as I say in the clip, let everything else then follow. Leaning is ok above, especially in boxing, but it leaves the legs vulnerable, for kicks or for take downs (the Gracies showed that, right?)
So yes, move the head, but then move the feet! As skill develops and fear lessens, there is less overt head movement.
We train drills where movement is initiated from the head, the hand, the foot, this helps people with the concept of not only getting out of the way but of moving into a useful position

Yes..... but I want you to take me down - that's my plan lol

Excellent, there need be no further argument on the reason traditional Chinese martial arts determine to stay on their feet in effort to defeat their opponent.

Irish stand down..

Wanderingdragon wrote:Excellent, there need be no further argument on the reason traditional Chinese martial arts determine to stay on their feet in effort to defeat their opponent.

Determining to stay on your feet and actually staying on your feet can be two different things though!

No doubt, that’s in the training and skill level. Aaannnnd FOOTWORK