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Post by D.Ram on Jul 7, 2013 14:22:00 GMT
I would like to improve the quality of my kumite, and would like suggestions! When outside class, unfortunately, I dont have any sparring partners, and I'm considering my options for solo kumite practice. I already do the regular warm-ups, kihon and kata practice once/twice weekly outside class; however, I'm hopeful there are more "direct" ways to improve?
In this context, I have a few requests for inputs - please feel free to revert about any of these :-)
a) First and foremost - please suggest ways that you have already tried and tested for single-practice - what works, and what doesn't?
b) Several books recommend the Makiwara - is there any convenient way to set this up? The methods mentioned in the books require a permanent setup and I was hoping there would be something i could whip up in a few minutes of effort?
c) Any thoughts about punching bags? I used to use one filled with sand, but then it is not convenient and I also read that it harms joints - any better filling which is easily obtainable?
d) Any other devices, setups, etc., which can act as practical training aids?
Thanks!
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Post by Allan Shepherd on Jul 7, 2013 15:23:03 GMT
Not wanting to suggest the obvious but have you considered spending some time training, specifically Kumite with another "style" to see if your current Kumite techniques work since solo Kumite training will not set any benchmarks?
Best Regards Allan
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Post by malk103 on Jul 7, 2013 20:24:07 GMT
I had to change the sand bag in my regular punch bag to rags as it was too hard, i'm no hardened fighter so all I was doing was risking more pain and injury, I am stronger now but have built up gradually.
The way I see Kumite training is that it's more about reaction speed than anything else, you can punch bags for a 1000 hours but still be slow to react. Having a good training partner is probably the best thing to happen, sparring with them in set routines and gradually moving onto less compliant routines.
Get them to jab at you if you drop your guard etc...
The next generation of punchbags need to be reactive so they will fight back!
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Post by nathanso on Jul 7, 2013 22:18:20 GMT
As others have said, it is hard to get better at kumite with having a patrner. The way I see Kumite training is that it's more about reaction speed than anything else, you can punch bags for a 1000 hours but still be slow to react. I definitely agree with Mal about reaction speed. There was a period of several years many decades ago when I was primarily training on my own. I tried two different types of solo exercises as an ersatz reaction training: stand in front of a window that overlooks a road with cars that come by randomly every couple seconds. Use the appearance of the car as your prompt to punch, kick, etc. Try to get the feeling that you are anticipating the appearance of the car. I also did the same kind of thing in front of the TV, using a change in scene as the key. Did this actually do any good? Who knows? But, consider it kind of like a placebo- even "nothing" can do some good if you believe that it might. Two things that you can do in solo training are to work on a couple combos that you can use against a partner, and to work on increasing the explosiveness of the start of your techniques. You might also try filming yourself so that you can then look for any tells that you give, etc.
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Post by jimlukelkc on Jul 8, 2013 11:22:07 GMT
For hand-eye coordination try hanging a tennis ball from the ceiling and using that as a speedball. Excercises to increase explosive movement such as kettlebell swings, sprinting, burpees. If you have a stopwatch app on your phone, set it to intermittent intervals and punch the bag each time it sounds, staying on your toes inbetween. For bag training work on speed rather than power, eg. try keeping the bag up against the wall by punching repeatedly as fast as you can for 30 second intervals. Set the bag swinging and move around it, punching or kicking as it swings towards you.
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Post by tomobrien on Jul 9, 2013 2:20:33 GMT
Nothing takes the place of actual sparring/kumite/fighting with an opponent. The heavy bag is my best friend (always there, on time & never gives me any lip) Shadow fighting (shadow boxing) is something you can do almost anywhere
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Post by nathanso on Jul 13, 2013 21:50:12 GMT
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Post by D.Ram on Jul 16, 2013 16:04:17 GMT
Thanks, Neil! The video looks very promising, hope to go through it in more detail soon!
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Post by D.Ram on Jul 20, 2013 17:33:12 GMT
Just to reiterate after multiple viewings - the link from Neil is a gem! Thanks!
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Post by tomobrien on Jul 23, 2013 1:43:00 GMT
I enjoyed it! Thanks Neil!
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