This grade introduces control, confidence and movement using weapon basic unarmed and body mechanics together. Too much power or speed at this level is unnecessary and will create mistakes. Therefore, concentrate on receiving and giving controlled (on target) strikes to help members adjust and adapt to training
Control / Confidence / Movement
Ex.1:Zoned Strikes (5) SS: static / with footwork / with partners. Free hand must be active at all times, very important for armed and unarmed training and for advancement. Never have your free hand inactive! Zoned: hitting to a specific area. Not over hitting. Doing the 5 strikes Single Stick (SS) solo on the spot, triangular footwork, and then walking with a partner who steps back and places their stick in the space they make with a handcheck between each strike.
Ex.2: Zoned Solo strikes: numerically / random / using either hand and with kicks and punches (linear first then in different directions – move with every strike). Add 5 strikes moving with hand changes (5 strikes each hand). Repeat strikes with suppressed power for both hands and analyse the affects (read theory and message). Hitting while walking both in straight lines and changing direction with each hit. Adding many options:1) Strikes in order (1-5). 2) Random order. 3) #1,#1,#2,#2,#3,#3,#4,#4,#5,#5 – changing hands between each strike.4) Add punches and kicks.5) Add suppressed strikes
Ex.3:DS exercise (RT – Up – RT – Down / LT – Up LT – Down) – add supressed strikes with no contact on weaker hand (builds strength) improves training and prepares members for higher grades. 1st Double Stick drill. Start in range to hit the body then take a step backwards for safety. Do in groups of 3 so can swap out and rest.Add supressed strikes to build strength and energy. Also do unarmed, wth forward pressure on low block.Moving with each hit, even if only a small amount, maintaining head discipline
Ex.3:DS exercise (RT – Up – RT – Down / LT – Up LT – Down) – add supressed strikes with no contact on weaker hand (builds strength) improves training and prepares members for higher grades. 1st Double Stick drill. Start in range to hit the body then take a step backwards for safety. Do in groups of 3 so can swap out and rest.Add supressed strikes to build strength and energy. Also do unarmed, wth forward pressure on low block.Moving with each hit, even if only a small amount, maintaining head discipline
Ex.4:1# defend with RB RF/L Off/L then attacker adds punches (Always finish with 5 strikes and move on each strike – vary the strikes between weapons, punches, elbows and kicks, etc. (THROUGHOUT THE SYLLABUS).Attacker shold offline with attack, not step directly down the power line (as this makes it far harder for defender to defend and ofline).Defend #1 strike with Roof Block, Right Foot Lead Offline. Follow up block with #1 (NOT #2!) for safety, until later grades.Attacker punches under the RB. Either drop from the RB to jam the punch, or use the Live Hand to pass it and move to the outside.Finishing with 5 strikes around the body is something you should do after every exercise, – can follow with 5 out of range hits with power and speed, or hitting held sticks (like padwork).
Ex.5:Pointing exercises moving in all directions – tipped strike (gentle) to hand using elbow discipline, then punch to hand, then random, then add kicks touching the leg that should be attacked, then add BS – then all random with verbal commands and hand positioning). This exercise benefits later grades.Pointy Game:- stick strike to hand. – punch to hand. – kick to the thigh (kick with either leg). – butt strike to hand. – elbow strike to hand.
-Ex.6:1# RB LF/L O/S – check angles (pivot) are correct for attacks (facing opponent to use all your limbs).Defend #1 strike with Roof Block, Left Foot Lead Outside
Ex.7:3# exercise to partners (central stick) first then followed by hit to stick then body to target correct strikes.Target practice for #3 and #4, teaching to hit correctly. Hold the stick vertically in front of you as a target. 1) 3 hits to the stick (static) then stepping to give 1 hit to the body. 2) 1 hit to stick (no contact) then one to the body.3) Straight to the body, by-passing the stick
Ex.8:3# I/S RF/L defences then attacker adds punches. Defend #3 strike Inside, Right Foot Lead. Attacker adds punch. Only Offline at this grade, do not Crash In.Show the reality of hitting straight to the attacker’s head, but explain we defend the stick first for safety.
Ex.9:Then add random punches with 1# or 3# to defender. Attack with #1 or #3 plus a punch.
Ex.10:SQ/Off from 1# with direct strike to opponent then repeat adding a hand check to opponents hand/arm.1) Square off against #1 and hit directly – move through the RB position but do not make stick to stick contact.2) Add in a hand check as you move off for safety (still no stick/stick contact).You mainly move sideways, and should be just close enough to punch (this leads into the DS roof block in later grades).
Ex.11:Pre-empt and awareness (stance may change before, during or after an attack). Mainly against #1, but can also be trained against other strikes. Stating either neutral or in any stance.Pre-empt: they pull back to strike: you strike before waiting for the strike to manifest.Awareness: – They hit before you are ready for the strike: an Ambush. Block and move to hit.- You start in a ready position: a Confrontation. Defend as you prefer from your position.
Ex.12:Use unarmed applications alongside the above with and without weapons combinations.This grade is about passing the power using basic blocks. Can open up from inside or close down from outside against second attack. There are no grabs or interferance from the attacker in this grade.1) UA vs #1 + punch: use i[] passing against stick arm.2) UA vs #3 + punch: use i[] low block against stick arm.3) UA vs single punch. 4) UA vs punch combo (high or low).
Concepts for Grade 1
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS CONTROL: When delivering your strikes you must be able to stop your strikes in case the defender makes mistakes or cannot yet deal with pressured attacks.
No Speed No Power
Controlled Strikes
Difference between Rattan and Hickory Sticks
Keeping Live hand Up and “Live”
Learning 5 Basic Strike Zones
5 Basic Strikes for follow up
This grade introduces control, confidence and movement using weapon and body mechanics together. Too much power or speed at this level is unnecessary and will create mistakes. Therefore, concentrate on receiving and giving controlled (on target) strikes to help members adjust and adapt to training.