De-sensitize – DOs and DON’Ts (Part 2)

We are human and not machines. There are rules to follow to get to the “ready state” without “dehumanizing” your body. As an example, aside from being able to use your hands to hit, you should still be able to hold chopsticks, thread a needle and be gentle enough to touch a baby, etc.

The following discussion is applicable especially to bag-work but extensible to other type of impact drills:
DOs

• Aim to progress slowly but consistently. One tough training day and then off for a month is NOT the way to do it.
• Always start loose and with light impact and get into a rhythm and slowly add power. This ensures that you are only tightening the muscles required for delivery and nothing else.
• Use proper mechanics for each strike and make sure you know how it feels when it is done correctly. Incorrect repetitions are BAD!
• Apply the right fighting frame of mind including mobility, guards, surface, extension, mechanics, alertness, etc.
• Use isolation drills for specific purposes as appropriate, as an example, knuckles push-ups, pebbles, forearm impacts, etc.
• Allow time for recovery and apply common sense (i.e. ice, compression, massage, “Dit da jow (跌打酒)”, heat as appropriate depending on circumstances and phase of recovery).

DONTs

• Do NOT use surface / bags that are too hard / heavy because it will change your delivery commitment level and mechanics.
• Calluses prepares you against friction and NOT impact and therefore should not be a goal. Protect against skin abrasions by using gloves.
• There is a major difference between toughening up your cartilages (e.g. knuckles) versus destroying them. Being able to break through cement blocks is NOT my goal.
• Punching bags do not run away and therefore you will be able to hit it regardless of your preparation time. Do NOT wind-up to punch or kick.

Exercise (Email me your thoughts):

• Figure out how you practice loose and light and show me next class.
• Identify the chain of delivery for a punch (or whatever your choice is) and then point out your own personal ‘weak links’? Repeat for each of your favorite strikes.