Week 12: Fear

KEY WORDS:
select two words for the stare down and then to apply in the fighting rounds. My words were calm or relax and attack or pressure. Was doing ok except when there was lots of pressure from my opponent. This was the first time a stare down had been part of my training. At first it was tough to stay focused but with the internal key word mantra it made it much easier to cope with.

FEAR AND INTENT IN STRIKING:
felt very scared when sparring with Ben. He seemed to be throwing powerful intent heavy shots. I went into a defensive shell and tried to weather the storm. It taught me to have more intent in my hands as this will have greater psychological effects on the opponent.

CLINCH DRILLS:
working the primary grip whilst striking with hands and knees. The first session i don't wear a box and take a knee to the plums. From here we looked at the knee tap takedown. Lee then emphasized the need to practise chaining techniques together. The more we can attack with pressured variety the more unable the opponent will be to settle into his own attacks.

STRIKING DRILLS:
the round kick to the lower body. You could block, check or evade. As both my thighs are struggling to work today I need to develop better and more dynamic footwork. On the plus side I am getting better at keeping the hands and eyes disciplined.

GRAPPLING DRILLS:
part 1 was from kneeling to grt your partner on their back. Restart when done. My first round was with Sami who was using his hips excellently to prevent my takedowns. Drill 2 was previous but holding down when their back
is on the floor. For this I had Pitas. An even and patient battle.

PETE'S TIPS: At the end of class I quizzed Pete about training and picked up the following tips.
HEAD MOVEMENT: Don't be a static target. Work on movement in attack and defence.
ATTACKING AT THE END OF THEIR ATTACK: This is when they are at their most vulnerable. Use body motion and head movement to create good angles for attack.
USING FOOTWORK AND STANCE: Use the lead hand to keep the distance you need. Having thus should enable you to be out of the range of attacks.