a blogger's truth...

Krav Maga...

I don't normally plug in videos etc., but this one is a dandy... start to finish....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W2ysA2mdno&feature=g-vrec

jab, cross, jab...

More and more I am thinking about multiple punch defense. Punches rarely come in one shot, yet often we practice against this scenario. It is definately a good starting point. After all, how can we deal with two strikes if we are unaware of how to protect ourselves against just one? That said, I worry sometimes many teachers focus on one-punch attacks--overlooking a possible situation to cope with outside the dojo. We should do exercises protecting ourselves from multiple strikes: some where we step back and get distance (a possible flinch situation); and other excercises where we try to get inside before the attack, or redirect the attack soon thereafter.

The other area I wonder about is jab defense. A jab is an uncommitted attack but potentially devastating. It is both underused, in my opinion, and under studied from a defensive point of view. Although an improper jab leaves a hole in the defense of the opponent (especially if not retracted fast enough), it can be difficult to read and still leaves bigger weapons available to your opponent, i.e. back arm and legs. To me, it is also a warning sign that the attacker is not ignorant to combat strategy in general. A jab, to be studied defensively, should be learned as a weapon as well.

Buddha Nature...

"There's a very amusing story of a little disciple who comes to his Master and says, 'Oh Master, am I of the Buddha nature?'
And the Master says, 'No, you are not.'
'Well I've heard that all the stones, and all insects, and all the animals are manifestations of the Buddha--all beings. And I'm not?'
'Oh,' said the Master. 'It's true. All nature, all insects, all stones are manifestations of the Buddha nature. But not you.'
'Why not me?'
'Because you are asking the question!'"

                                        -- Joseph Campbell

two left feet...

instructor one: "I think your footwork has become more relaxed, and you're mixing traditional form with a looser boxing form... i like it."
instructor two: "Your footwork during technique is good, but your traditional stance exercises are sloppy."

coloured leaves and thoughts on stuff

the leaves are already showing glimpses of colour; the air is cooler at night. it's hard to believe, for me, that i took more than an entire month off training. it was more work-related than summer-sun-related--although that's been nice, too. however, now I am ready.
what did the month off teach me? well, it taught me what life is like without bruises. it taught me how quickly time can go, and how easy it is to let things slide when you are on autopilot.
oh well.
as for my thoughts, budo-wise, i've been largely musing over the idea of closing distances; neutralizing strikes (punches and kicks); and overcoming strong grappling skills.
so basically, nothing has changed. 
i'm also pondering the notion of using initial distance (an instinctual reaction, often, to an attack) as a means to break the flow of the opponent's assault. huh? what? i guess i mean how to turn that first instinct to step back into something good.
i'll flesh out these thoughts more in the near future.