by JOHN THURSTON » Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:25 am
Yes,
I worked with a true MMA/Uechi Master level yesterday. My "Cross Training choice, so to speak, is T'ai chi. That form (a Yang Family long form is complex and has and integrated "grappling" system called T'ai Chi Na whose concepts, depth, skill level and breadth are mind boggling enough after struggling through the Main body of the form.
That having been said, I am confronted with another vast and fast growing body of knowledge that is being used in the OKK promotionals by candidates that have had the benefit of working with two very excellent and vari talented fighters.
I would not call their approach necessarily "point" fighting. It is very visceral, new (to me) and effective.
Basically, it incorporates elements of American boxing and Mu Thay. We had an MMA O-1 Championship level visa BBJ champ at the Norwell Mass. Dojo, but we could not outbid the sultan of Dubai, and I failed to spend sufficient time working with him as I felt I was sufficient;y busted up in my ankles (smashed and in braces, but i can still stand move, kick and punch in the way of a stand up grappler.
Oscar's last fight showed his skills and his philosophy, he 'contralled his MMA opponent in 15 seconds after just blocking a few punches and kicks, then he had his opponent tied in a not and tapping out out.
15 seconds. Magic stuff.
Recent MMA sessions have shown that I can at least advance in that area a bit, although I am almost handicapped in the sense that I have to wear KF slippers to hold my braces.
Again, that is TMI and not relevant.
To the point, several of these drill involved a quick reaction retreat to musubi /heisoku dachi and bending the vitals away from the/a kick, . this is done while simultaneous "bowing" the "core" as we would label it in TC, back away from the attack, then springing the "strong side forward foot back out for a counter.
Again, this is based on not tying up the hands (as "bare knckle Uechi fighting" would not allow) .
Imagine a Uechi person bowing his Hara away from the attack and/or absorbing it in this Arched back position.
TC teaches this part, but does not quickly address the counters, and counter movements shown, which I will not try and detail today, as I have not absorbed them well enough and to do so the day after a workout specially given would seem a bit of a break with reality and fairness to the instructor.
The approach mandates much coiling and the abandanment of "ready thrust" position as the hads stay more or less in a "middle guard" position.
This is at odds with traditional Okinawan sparring where the punch must be withdrawn to 'ready thrust" quickly after the strike, or there is "no point".
Nonetheless I warrant to you that more than sufficient power is generated.
I will try and piece together one drill after i have had a chance to talk it over with out MMA/Mu Thay Cross trainer.
hHowever, I am using Boxing punches and covers in as many drills as my students will allow without rebellion.
One of them is from middle guard where one simply absorbs the first body punch -say a right almost rear hook/cross punch with A's right on one's own elbow, (left side) while swaying away from the attack slightly, then uncoiling quickly delivering a left jab while uncoling from the blocking position.
More later.
J
Last edited by
JOHN THURSTON on Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"All Enlightenment Gratefully Accepted"