Saturday, 1 December 2012

Week 63: MMA striking (away the fears)

The club website and thus calendar had been down for a week or two so I had no idea what was on the menu tonight until Craig turned up and sarcastically informed me that it was my favourite; stand up. Last week I talk about my fears and insecurities about the stand up and tonight was a real breakthrough for me.

Warm up on a chilly night from Milzy.

Drill 1 was 3 rounds of striking from bottom control, no submissions but submission set ups allowed. In top position I made it my duty to use the head as a third limb and felt this opened some opportunities to strike. Enjoyed the leather of Craig, Ivan and Ptas.

3 jabs and one kick, then with the kick as part of the final punch motion, Straight v circular striking techniques, free form striking rounds, strength and conditioning (matt punches from your back, matt spins, matt static holds - 3 rounds, extra grappling sparring with Ptas.

Edited highlights on the following link: 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NTx4V5RfnI4

In the first sparring round I went with Craig who was characteristically aggressive and heavy handed and then at some point during this I had a realisation, a moment of clarity. That of it doesn't matter, whatever it is. I became more mentally relaxed and confident, less scared if you will. Not better at sparring but carrying less emotional baggage. So it only takes 63 lessons or roughly 140 hours of matt time to control the mental panic and woe. Before sparring with Mischel I got the usual dread as his techniques are circular, fast and accurate. Physically I was rubbish but mentally focused and calm therefore proud of my mental progress. I must also thank him for my limp and swollen quad for the knee he landed there. Been walking round school very street today with my limp. Rare for me to be injured on the meat of the muscle towards the inner part of the leg, normally the outside is banged up. 

I have watched the video from last night several times already and am grateful to have the chance to see myself in action and give myself tips to improve. Tip one is the hands. The punches have to have more meaning in them, far to pitter patter and not enough depth. Good to see most others doing what i should be. Tip 2 get the kicks out, retract faster and tip 3 is more lateral movement in attack and defence. This is the beauty of video, you see things hat in the moment you are unaware off as it is you and him and nothing else matters. Cue Metallica circa 1992. Hopefully now that one obstacle has been overcome I can start to be more confident physically standing up. A real milestone for me tonight.

Postscript: this club is a team who nurture. Mishel commented after class at how every MMA club he has trained at it is always about the individual or, in my experience, the favourite students. No so at Promai. All are equal and there truly is no room, need or acceptance of ego. Long may it continue.

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