Authentic learning via resistance
One example of trying to make martial arts training more "authentic" is the process of practicing self-defense combos on resisting partners. This means the defender responds to the attack with the self-defense technique, while the agressor (bad guy, "dummy") tries to resist in as realistic a way as possible. A major problem for some martial arts clubs is a decided lack of realism -- the bad guys throws a punch, then stands like a stone statue while the defender whacks away. Resisting is a way to complicate the situation to more closely simulate a live confrontation. The defender has to do their technique very well to make it work, and has to develop timing, have good range, hit targets precisely, and be able to deal with anything that goes horribly wrong. A resisting partner will make sure everything goes wrong, if the defender lets them.
A few rules about how to do this more-or-less safely (sometimes it hurts, and it's exhausting, but it shouldn't lead to injuries):
First, some strikes can have a bit more force, like a punch to the stomach. Others can not. Nothing worse than someone who doesn't understand the difference between hitting the stomach and hitting the throat!
Second, the dummy has to dummy well ("don't be a dumb dummy"), meaning if there's a groin kick and there is that lovely "chok" sound as the foot hits the cup, then the dummy should respond as if struck, whether that be bending over or sinking down. I find this part easier than it sounds. With a little practice, it's easy to feel, even at full speed, a good hit from a bad one. (And if the dummy gets it wrong and doesn't react well every so often, then there's that much more to work with.)
Third, and most important, is the idea that the dummy makes that first attack as the technique is designed for, then works like mad to evade, counter, slip and dodge, attack, or otherwise gum up the defender. The defender has to be able to strike effectively, invade space, control zones, and all the rest well -- well enough to overcome resistance. The resistance has to be as realistic as the participants can make it, short of a doctor visit. One vital part of this whole thing is that the defender doesn't quit when a tech goes wrong. Rather the defender continues the defense to resolution, doing whatever the situation calls for even if she or he wanders far from the pre-planned moves, then next time works to get the tech right.
Kenpo's self-defense techs/combos are beautifully designed. "Pressure testing" reveals that the tech is made well, but the practitioner is weak in the application. Almost always, in my limited experience, this is because of a poorly done basic or a timing issue. A resisting partner reveals weaknesses in execution that aren't apparent when working with a compliant partner.
In my opinion, working with resistance should be a gradual development, done when all parties are ready and at the limits of their ability. (Don't push them into more resistance, just offer it and they will seek it on their own, at the pace they can handle.) In other words, the pressure testing for a yellow belt will differ in intensity and kind from the pressure testing for a green belt. But it must be done eventually, and everyone must know from early on that they are working for more realism, more "live" training.
Doing techniques on a resisting partner is a real eye-opener. And fun, to boot.
-- SGB
A few rules about how to do this more-or-less safely (sometimes it hurts, and it's exhausting, but it shouldn't lead to injuries):
First, some strikes can have a bit more force, like a punch to the stomach. Others can not. Nothing worse than someone who doesn't understand the difference between hitting the stomach and hitting the throat!
Second, the dummy has to dummy well ("don't be a dumb dummy"), meaning if there's a groin kick and there is that lovely "chok" sound as the foot hits the cup, then the dummy should respond as if struck, whether that be bending over or sinking down. I find this part easier than it sounds. With a little practice, it's easy to feel, even at full speed, a good hit from a bad one. (And if the dummy gets it wrong and doesn't react well every so often, then there's that much more to work with.)
Third, and most important, is the idea that the dummy makes that first attack as the technique is designed for, then works like mad to evade, counter, slip and dodge, attack, or otherwise gum up the defender. The defender has to be able to strike effectively, invade space, control zones, and all the rest well -- well enough to overcome resistance. The resistance has to be as realistic as the participants can make it, short of a doctor visit. One vital part of this whole thing is that the defender doesn't quit when a tech goes wrong. Rather the defender continues the defense to resolution, doing whatever the situation calls for even if she or he wanders far from the pre-planned moves, then next time works to get the tech right.
Kenpo's self-defense techs/combos are beautifully designed. "Pressure testing" reveals that the tech is made well, but the practitioner is weak in the application. Almost always, in my limited experience, this is because of a poorly done basic or a timing issue. A resisting partner reveals weaknesses in execution that aren't apparent when working with a compliant partner.
In my opinion, working with resistance should be a gradual development, done when all parties are ready and at the limits of their ability. (Don't push them into more resistance, just offer it and they will seek it on their own, at the pace they can handle.) In other words, the pressure testing for a yellow belt will differ in intensity and kind from the pressure testing for a green belt. But it must be done eventually, and everyone must know from early on that they are working for more realism, more "live" training.
Doing techniques on a resisting partner is a real eye-opener. And fun, to boot.
-- SGB
posted by Scott Bonner at 12:16 PM
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