Wednesday, January 9, 2013

The Most Effective Move

The answer to the question, "What's the best move?" is of course, totally subjective. It all depends on who, what, where, etc.

But what about for us? Should we have a go-to move? While Jason might favor some grappling move, Mark might favor a strike. Chris might favor some crazy kick, Reed might favor a tackle. So is there a "best" move?

I have watched hundreds of hours of fighting footage in my life. Everything from Pride, to UFC, to Jr. High Wrestling clubs. If I had to pick a "most effective" move, it would have to be "The soccer kick".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diHYAa65Hzs

Why do I think this?

1. You are on your feet, the guy is down. As we always teach, this is how you want to be. Never go the ground with someone if you can stay on your feet.

2. You are using the most massive, powerful muscles in your body on the most sensitive target. Butt, thighs, calves, all team up to deliver the maximum amount of force.

3. Armor. In many tests, the knee strike has been considered to be the most powerful strike possible. However, there is one thing that I have never seen tested: A soccer kick from a armored foot. In all of the tests, they use a naked foot to a standing target. The leg loses a lot of power just getting up to the head, and the striking surface is fairly soft. If you were wearing a work boot or even a athletic shoe, I would imagine you could deliver a more powerful blow.

4. You can do it on the run. Rather than holding still and delivering some goofy kung fu strike, a soccer kick is easily done on the run. Don't believe me? Just turn on Univision and watch those athletes kick the ball at full stride. Amazing power, amazing mobility. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaR_NjxFVYI

Although you need SERIOUS justification to kick someone in the head, it's the most "go-to" move I can think of....

Bonus Lesson: Watch people who get kicked in the face on the MMA videos. Pay close attention to where their hips are, and what they are doing when they get kicked and when they evade the kick.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Outstanding Example of Position Control Video

Our training has returned to some well-needed ground work once again.  I found a video while looking at some other stuff that really stood out and I think is worth our review.  It particularly drives home a lessons which should be thoroughly understood.

Control and movement of your own hips is crucial in a fight, regardless of the range: striking, midrange, or grappling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slPCq_jq8Is

This video is of Rener Gracie grappling with his hands tied against a purple belt.  Although this is not a full on street fight, I cannot help but be impressed with Rener's master level skill at movement of his hips in response to his opponent's attempts at control and position.

Seeing what is possible at the top levels has always helped me improve, and hopefully it will do the same for you.

Incidentally, I came across this video after finding the Gracie method for dealing with multiple attackers.  Such a claim piqued my interest and I was dying to hear their answer to this problem.  I'll let you look that one up for yourself.  :-)