heavenssix
in
fma
Shoulder check... like in hockey??
I was staying later after training class maybe a month or so ago and David(partner) asked the instructor if we could play with the training knife for a while.
Sure thing and we go at it. We play the game where the attacker has the knife. He can hold it however, change hands, change grips, roll, spin, change levels- all fair game. and the point is to get the knife/strip it/get to position for a take down or pudakapala- anything. And then immediately the next person is the attacker. Ok, you guys get it.
Here's the point: Sifu watched us for a minute and then made a very simple comment.
"Concentrate on the shoulders."
After a few tries Dave and I ask about it and ask for a little deeper explanation. And there it was. Dave and I when we have been playing with knives were extending too much and reaching for the hand of the attacker, but in reality the shoulder is a much larger and less mobile target.
So, especially if the guy is being slick with his knife, find the opportune time to shoot in and check the shoulder. Make sure, too, that you are checking and controlling the second hand. It was a neat change and made a lot of sense.
Sifu made Dave put on a boxing glove and use that to attack with the second hand to ensure that I am being honest about my timing and checking.
At first I wasn't- Dave made that clear with a nice hook to the ol' cheek.
It was a good drill and a good lesson. Yet another reason to respect knife play...
Sure thing and we go at it. We play the game where the attacker has the knife. He can hold it however, change hands, change grips, roll, spin, change levels- all fair game. and the point is to get the knife/strip it/get to position for a take down or pudakapala- anything. And then immediately the next person is the attacker. Ok, you guys get it.
Here's the point: Sifu watched us for a minute and then made a very simple comment.
"Concentrate on the shoulders."
After a few tries Dave and I ask about it and ask for a little deeper explanation. And there it was. Dave and I when we have been playing with knives were extending too much and reaching for the hand of the attacker, but in reality the shoulder is a much larger and less mobile target.
So, especially if the guy is being slick with his knife, find the opportune time to shoot in and check the shoulder. Make sure, too, that you are checking and controlling the second hand. It was a neat change and made a lot of sense.
Sifu made Dave put on a boxing glove and use that to attack with the second hand to ensure that I am being honest about my timing and checking.
At first I wasn't- Dave made that clear with a nice hook to the ol' cheek.
It was a good drill and a good lesson. Yet another reason to respect knife play...