This is all theory at this point. Has anyone proven this theory? If my theory is correct, then why do professional fighters (ex. UFC, boxers) allow their face to be cut up and their ribs to be broken?
Sun Martial Arts Blog With Hosts: Master Tim Baker, Master Dave Pryga, and Mr. Matt Dowds
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
reverse punch defense
Often times in the dojo, we practice defense off a punch with the offender stepping forward and punching. The idea of this technic seems to be to remind the defender to keep a good distance away so that the offender must make a huge body movement if they are to make contact thereby allowing for reaction time. However, when we spar, we are in much closer range to our opponent and they never seem to step forward to punch. I would think that with practice, a person would be able to increase their reaction time to be able to properly defend a reverse punch aside from merely blocking it. It would be as if I tried to hit a baseball thrown by a MLB pitcher; I would invariably strike out. But start slow and over time (years that is), I should be able to connect with a high average.
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6 comments:
I believe most if not all types of attacks can be defended against to the point of disabling the attacker, including the reverse punch. I think your theory is correct.
As far as the sparring, our methodology has always been based on self defense. You, as my partner are not trying to disable me, you are trying to challenge me and help me improve my techniques, and vice-versa. If I thought my opponent was out to hurt me I personally would never let them get close.
This type of mindset does not work in high level spectator sports like boxing, ufc, etc. People want action and they want knockouts and blood. In other words, these people are supposed to stand in there and get their faces beat in and ribs broke. That's how that game is played. Of course, it could also be they aint any good at it:)
IMHO
Nice to see you posting on here Mr. Puma! I look forward to more from you.
SUN!
Regarding your observation about training in the dojo and your opponent having to step forward a large distance to be within blocking range: I recommend getting closer to your opponent and moving with him :-) It's exhilerating!
The purpose of your opponent moving forward to punch is not so you'll have more reaction time, it is because this is the best way to put the most force, (body weight) into the punch. A back fist or punch during sparring has very little injury power. It may indeed hurt, but no internal damage will occur.
And your statement about getting better with practice is true of course.
In sparring, boxing, mma, etc., there are rules regarding where you can punch and kick and where you can't. So the opponents dance around (the man dance) and look for an opening or opportunity to put the hurt on.
I thought your question about pro fighters was very perceptive. And I think you already know the answer. You CAN'T block most punches or kicks unless you want to call "covering up" a block. I'm referring to blocks like our high, low, middle, and knife hand blocks.
You might get lucky on one that's telegraphed well in advance. Bobbing, weaving and ducking are another story, but again, look at the boxers to see how effective those are in the long term.
I do put value in sparring and our two-person forms in that you are forced into confrontation and it will help relieve the fear associated with that.
I hope your inquiry is strictly for sparring purposes. One should avoid fighting, squaring off, if it is for anything resembling social dominence, alpha male hierarchy, or even honor. What you know can KILL people in a few seconds. Talk or walk your way out of it.
If it is an asocial situation (not anti-social which would include drunks and belligerents), meaning robbery etc., then you probably won't see the first punch or knife that hits you anyway. The only thing on your mind after that should be closing the distance between you and your adversary and getting the first injury on the first soft target (no rules here) you can reach. All offense all of the time. No blocks here.
I think we're all on the same page here. We have always explained the front punch as a way to get your weight moving to generate big power.
I had the same thought as far as where are the 20-30 year veterans of the hard contact MA sports...and what do they look like? IMO, not to good.
As far as Mr. Puma's intentions, I assure everyone it's for discussion only. He's probably the last guy (thankfully) that would go rogue on us. Now Ms. Gazelle (his wife) thats a different story......;)
A rogue Gazelle would be a VERY dangerous thing!
Thank you both for your insight. I assure you that my inquiry was for academic purposes and not of 'rogue intention'. Mrs. Gazelle and I do like to 'spar' sometimes, but it only puts me in a no-win situation. (those that are married know exactly what I mean LOL)
Just to be clear, it wasn't your rogue-ishness that I was concerned about. I didn't want anyone reading this to think that in a serious confrontation that they should ever attempt to block and counter.
But, back to your original post, I would have to answer Yes, one's average of "connecting" increases significantly over the years. Traps and control and manipulation of punches thrown become almost 2nd nature. I really envy everyone who gets to train with Master Pryga considering his extensive knowledge of Hapkido. And the marriage of that with PSR will one day produce some very interesting technique.(I'm sure it has already!)
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