Training Tip #6 – Combination Striking
In our first two Levels, you have had a chance to see and practice each of the core 9 Gates strikes and strike angles as well as some of the unique strike types (thrusts with the Ferrule end, extended overtop striking, feint strikes, “helicopter” strikes, downward crushing strikes, etc.).
Now we want to see you put combinations together. An easy way to start to combine strikes is to match angles that logically go together (ie #1 downward strike and then reversing and striking upwards with #6). This will start to set up kind of an infinity loop pattern as you do #1 with #6, and then #2 with #5, and #3 with #4. Then reverse the order for each set.
As you get into more complicated combinations, you can mix in some of the specialty strikes (IE #1 and then a back feint from below back up to the outside temple from your left side). Or a #2 and then a “helicopter” side strike to their left temple. Or a #7 that then transitions into a crushing doublehand downward blow. You get the idea.
Drilling the basic strikes and angles gives you tools in your tool bag that eventually you want to mix and match in the moment. Each engagement with an attacker will have it’s own rhythm, and ideally you are putting together responses and attacks that match what you need when you need it. There is another deeper level here as well, wherein you start one specifi c attack or angle, then shift to something completely different. In live classes and seminars, we talk about dropping your opponent into a type of “logic void” where they are reacting to a trap you set then respond with something else.
Please be sure to weave these concepts into your training. Don’t be in a hurry! Practice the basics one by one. Then do the combos but do them SLOWLY so you can smooth out your motions and really get this into your muscle memory.
We look forward to seeing you on the mats.
