Basics question

[pigram86]

Upon receiving the manuals, I have a few questions? What is a U-punch? What is a reverse soft bow stance? What is the pendulum maneuver?

Pig

[Maximus]

We recognize that you may have several questions concerning the basics and rudimental strikes. We are currently producing DVD's that will contain a comprehensive analysis of the basics as well as a DVD for the entire Defender Level (slated for December). I am more than happy to help you understand the basics and any question that you may have. I encourage you to ask as many questions as possible. Our mission is to provide you with excellent instruction and service.

1. A U-Punch.
A U-Punch is a simultaneous striking motion. It consists of a forward thrusting uppercut punch simultaneous with an overhead punch. For example, imagine that you are delivering a right forward thrusting uppercut punch (palm facing upward) to your opponent's stomach at the same time that your left hand is delivering an overhead punch to his nose (palm facing downward). Your arms are forming a "U" shape, hence a U-Punch.

2. A Reverse Soft Bow Stance.
A reverse soft bow stance is derived from a reverse bow stance. So, we will begin by describing a reverse bow stance. A reverse bow stance is formed when your opponent is to the rear. Your leg that is nearest to the opponent is straight with your heel to the ground. Your opposite leg is bent at a 90-degree angle. The weight distribution is 60 percent on your bent leg and 40-percent on the straight. (Note: a reverse bow stance has the same structure as a forward bow stance; only your view and the location of the opponent is changed.)

A soft bow stance is simply formed by relaxing your straight leg. Your body weight drops slightly and your heel is lifted off the ground. It is the mid-way point between a bow stance and a kneeling stance.

So, to form a reverse soft bow stance, begin with a reverse bow stance and slightly bend your knee that is nearest to the opponent and lift your heel.

3. A Pendulum Maneuver
A pendulum maneuver is similar to a drag-step maneuver, but it is generally used only for kicking. To explain, let's first look at a forward drag-step. Pretend that you are in a right lead fighting stance. To execute a forward drag step, slide (drag) your left foot (rear foot) forward until it is beside your right foot (lead foot); immediately step forward with your right foot. This two-step action is called a drag step.

A pendulum maneuver is essentially the same two motions executed in one continuous action. Pretend that you are in a right lead fighting stance. Move your left foot quickly forward and lift your lead foot off the ground. Your left foot will now be standing in the same place (footprint) that your right foot was. When done properly it will feel as though you are "kicking" your foot out from beneath you. With your lead right foot off the ground, you may step forward or kick. A low thrusting side kick to an opponent's knee is generally delivered with this maneuver.

This maneuver is called a "pendulum" because if you performed this rapidly back and forth, you would look like a clock pendulum. This type of maneuver is also called a "replacement step".

I hope this answered your questions. We are continually looking for ways to aid in your study. Please feel free to post a question or e-mail at any time.

-Maximus

[pigram86]

Got it. :D

Thanks
pigram86

[warrior-scholar]

I don't know if you wish to answer all of my questions within this thread, but I am unclear on the following Deflections:

One-Hand Catch
Outward Positional
Outward One-Hand Catch
Two-Hand Catch
Inward Thrusting Shield Block
Including Punch
Excluding Punch

Also, when practicing training clusters, should one execute each movement in succession and repeat that series 10 times or execute each strike individually 10 times?

Thank You
Ryan

[Maximus]

I don't mind answering these.

1. Catches
The "catches" are related to the parries. All catches begin with a parry and end in a grab. For example,

To execute a right outward one-handed catch, begin with a right outward parry against the opponent's punch. At the conclusion of the parry, turn your right hand over and grab his wrist.

To execute a right inward one-handed catch, begin with a right inward parry against the opponent's punch. At the conclusion of the parry, simply grab his wrist.

A two-handed catch is a combination of both. As the opponent punches with his right arm, defend with a right outward parry simultaneous with a left inward parry. At the conclusion of both parries, grab his wrist.

2. Outward Positional Block
An outward positional block is a method of raising a barrier that causes the opponent's attack to safely deflect away. For example:

To perform, drive your right arm upward along your Self-Centerline in a motion similar to an upward thrusting uppercut punch. End this action with your palm facing you about face level. Delivered with the correct timing, this defense will meet his wrist at a slightly outward motion (do not over-emphasis this motion). His forward pressure meeting your arm at this angle will cause his arm to deflect. (This block is also called a "deflection block").

This block is a passive block because it is the opponent's own motion that causes the deflection, not yours.

3. Including/Excluding Punches
Including and Excluding Punches are simultaneous attacks and defenses. They are more advanced forms of defense requiring superb timing, judgment, and speed. They utilize the Cutting Angle Principle and Pyramidal Advantage.

Look on page 54 of your Defender Level Reference Manual (page 60 in your Adobe Search). Here you will see a diagram of two fighters. Fighter B is attempting to punch Fighter A. Imagine that Fighter A is delivering a punch along the same line as illustrated. If he punches correctly, his Attack Pyramid will cause his opponent's attack to deflect outward while simultaneously giving him the opportunity to continue the motion and deliver a punch to his opponent's face. This is called an "Excluding Punch" because your simultaneous punch will force his arm outward or "exclude" it. An "Including Punch" follows the same principles; however, it forces his arm inward or "includes" it.

These methods of attack and defends will be trained in the Protector Level.

4. Leg Shield
The Leg Shield is formed by lifting your leg off the ground so that your thigh (femur) is horizontal in relation to the ground and your shin (tibia) is perpendicular in relation to the ground. This position is traditionally called a "crane" in referenced to the water fowl.

To execute an inward thrusting shield block, your leg is lifted and travels in a forward 45-degree angle. So, if you are delivering a right inward thrusting shield block, your right knee will point toward 10:30.

The leg defenses will be unfamiliar to many because the Elite Fighter System is one of the very few martial art systems that trains the legs to block as well as kick.

The majority of these defenses will be explored in the Guardsman and the Protector Levels; however, I felt that it was important for you to at least be exposed to the many natural weapons that we will be covering in your training. We are beginning to film a basics (natural weapons) DVD next week. We hope to have this released by mid or late September.

-Maximus

[Maximus]

When practicing Training Clusters, it is important to practice the same strike in succession 10 times before moving on to the next. In this manner, you will be focused mentally on its correct execution and you will properly train your neuro-muscular system for this skill. This will give you the greatest benefit of training.

Since we are on the subject, when practicing PCS's I am a firm believer in the Whole-Part-Whole Approach (please refere to volume 1 of the Instructor Candidates Training Manual).

http://www.elite-fighters.com/library/downloads/downloads.htm

First, have a general feel and knowledge of the entire PCS. Then, practice the first motion (or series of motions in some cases) at least three times in succession before practicing the second motion three times, and so on. Finally, practice the entire PCS the required number of repetitions.

For example, when you first learn Alternating Winds:

1. Learn and review the entire PCS. (Whole)
2. Practice S1 three times. (Part)
3. Now, add S2 to S1 and practice three times. (Part)
4. Finally, add S3 to S2 and S1. Practice three times (Whole)

This method of training needs only be followed when you first learn a new PCS. However, you may wish to use this training method if you find that you are having difficultly remembering or executing a particular motion of a PCS. The Whole-Part-Whole Approach allows you to focus on the individual elements so that you do not have any "weak links" in your reactive defense.

-Maximus