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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 multiples / combined attacks without going too far from the opponent
Maintain balance even in close-aggression conditions
Coordinate our body in terms of defense and simultaneous / consequential attack
Connect our reflexes to consistent quick reasoning
Manage with the spatial intelligence (read The most important skill in combat) the opponent’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 exercise is not for beginners. It is for those who have already gained some familiarity with hanging speedball training (read Basic tools: the hanging speedball): the ones who have not this background will find frustrating and not useful this kind of practice.

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)
Oil, not harmful for the skin (advanced / expert practitioners only)

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 setup 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 swinging
We need to dodge, move and hit the speedballs (as we prefer)
The only restriction is that we can never get off the platform
Let’s 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 do not get out the speedballs 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)
Let’s do not hit with too much power or the pace of the practice will slow down
…

Variants

Let’s see a few variants:

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

Final notes

To conclude let’s see some notes:

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

In-depth video courses

Static and dynamic balance: how to – How to deeply work on our balance
DIY training tools for martial arts – How to build step by step your own martial training tools
Advanced speed and reflexes training – How to develop a high level combat reactivity

In-depth articles

What we need to develop the overall view – An article to deepen the concept of 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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