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An intermediate-level dodge conditioning

After having initiated our mind / body to the idea of the dodge motion (read Preparing body to dodge punches (“U” motion)) we want to share an exercise that, at the same time, teaches us to:

Dodge multiple / combined attacks without going too far from the opponent
Maintain balance even in close-range conditions (read Hitting effectively: distances and targets)
Coordinate our body in terms of defense and simultaneous / consequential attack
Connect our reflexes to consistent Quick Reasoning (read Quick reasoning in combat: how to develop it)
Manage with our spatial intelligence (read The most important skill in combat) the adversary’s movements before seeing them
…

Note – This article has been asked by one of our Core Course practitioners on Patreon (see how to attend our home study classes here Learn Kung Fu online: a beginner-to-expert course).

How to perform the exercise

A note by Master Kongling – Before proceeding, we must stress that this practice is not for beginners. It is for those who have already gained some familiarity with the basic version of our Hanging Speedball Training (at least 3-4 months, read Basic tools: the hanging speedball): for those who do not have this background, this exercise becomes frustrating and counterproductive.

What we need

We need (read The basic equipment for training in 6DKF and 6DKF’s basic equipment: explanation):

2-3 speedballs
Several elastic ropes
Several carabiners
A non-slip square platform (1-2mq, the material is not important)

A note by Master Kongling – If we do not have a platform, we can simply draw lines on the ground (eg. with chalk).

The preparation

How to set the training area:

Let’s hang the speedballs with the elastic ropes (as in the picture)
The speedballs must be at 2 different heights (between 50 and 170 cm from the ground)
Let’s position the non-slip floor directly below the vertical of our speedballs

The exercise

How to perform the exercise correctly:

Let’s position us at the center of the platform and let’s make the ropes swing
The goal is to dodge, move and hit the speedballs
The only restriction is that we can never get off the platform
Let’s try to limit the use of parry and channeling (in this case let’s focus on attacks and dodges only)
Let’s try to work on complex / combined blows, focusing our action on speed, power and balance
…

Execution details

A few tips:

As always let’s imagine that there is an adversary who is attacking us
Let’s try to avoid the speedballs exiting from our field of view (read The overall view: see everything, do not look at anything)
If the speedballs come out from our view we have to project their image in our mind and continue to follow them (using our spatial memory, read Body and mental perception)
This is not strength training, let’s not hit with too much power or the pace of the practice will inevitably slow down
…

Variants

Let’s see a few variants:

The smaller the platform, the more the difficulty increases, let’s find one that fits our level (eg. a support plan for washing machines)
We can add a third speedball to simulate the adversary’s head, abdomen and knees (but this will slow down the swingings)
The exercise can also be performed with all types of training weapons (that do not damage the speedballs, the ones made of smooth wood, plastic, etc.)
After a long practice (at least 12 months), we can increase the difficulty to the maximum level by oiling the support platform (it is very dangerous, this is only for those who have a good dynamic balance (read The concept of Dynamic Equilibrium), let’s not try this especially if we do not know how to correctly fall, read Everything you should know about breakfalls)
…

Final notes

A few conclusive thoughts:

It is important to stress that this training is not a substitute for the normal one with the hanging speedball, it is simply one of its (secondary) variations
Contrary to the primary ones (read /// Subscribe (it's free!) or Login to see this content ///), this kind of practice makes sense if it is not performed too frequently (our mind does not have to get used to it)
Let’s be rational, if we have difficulties with this practice, let’s not damage our martial growth (risking becoming slow, clumsy, frustrated, etc.), let’s just step back to the classic version (without the platform)
…

In-depth video courses

Basic 6 Dragons Kung Fu Exercises – The development path of the crucial skills for combat
Static and dynamic balance: how to – How to deeply work on our balance
Advanced speed and reflexes training – How to develop a high-level combat reactivity
DIY training tools for martial arts – How to build step by step your own martial training tools
Basic free hand fighting techniques – The base of 6 Dragons Kung Fu fighting system
Combat mobility: how to – A video course about how to manage our movements in combat
Upper limbs training for combat – A specific path toward the development of the upper limbs

In-depth articles

What we need to develop the overall view – An article to deepen the concept of the overall view
6DKF‘’‘s speed training with the wooden dummy – An advanced exercise to develop speed with a speedball and a wooden dummy

Questions

Reply in the comments and share your experience:

Can you maintain a good balance?

Author: Master Kongling

Founder of 6 Dragons Kung Fu.

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