Technique
- Thread starter safc23
- Start date
shadow style
You'll get a much better answer in here -
If you have a buddy one of the bags in this picture will help you out in your kicking and punching. Should be able to find one at a sporting goods store, they're not hard to get.
I've used these a lot and my friend has one that we use on each other. Finding a good way to hold it is a bit of a challenge, but once you do that it's all good.
If you can't or don't want to get one of those, then shadow boxing both fast AND slow will help you a lot. I go into random ninja-battles all the time lol But really, if you're want to be good at punching\kicking, you should be able to do most if not all of your techniques at a snails pace. Think about what your opponent would be doing. It takes training and a strong will, but you'll get there if it's what you really want.
I've used these a lot and my friend has one that we use on each other. Finding a good way to hold it is a bit of a challenge, but once you do that it's all good.
If you can't or don't want to get one of those, then shadow boxing both fast AND slow will help you a lot. I go into random ninja-battles all the time lol But really, if you're want to be good at punching\kicking, you should be able to do most if not all of your techniques at a snails pace. Think about what your opponent would be doing. It takes training and a strong will, but you'll get there if it's what you really want.
Thanks for the advice. Ive been doing some bag work when i can at the gym instead of focusing on weights a lot in the gym and concentrating on getting my technuque as well as shadow boxing Ive noticed and been told though that because im a newbie im not generating a lot of power from my hips and am tensing my abs and hips when doing my combinations. I need to start to put my hips into it rather than just using my arms as i know this is where i will generate more power.
Good technique takes time to develop, but in Martial Arts particularly it is absolutely key.
If you can get a training partner that would be ideal, or, practice techniques in front of the mirror - watch how you are executing punches and kicks and try and improve your posture and stances.
Additionally, working on your flexibility will go along way, especially with your kicks seeing as many of the techniques will need a good degree of suppleness. Weights will help with this with particular attention to your quads/adductors/abductors, but try and make sure your lifting and stretching regime compliment one another.
Working on your abs will also be important for core stability and being able to take the impact of punches and kicks to that area.
I guess the most important aspect when it comes to technique is how it is taught to you. Hopefully the instructor in your classes knows their stuff and is helping you develop.
If you can get a training partner that would be ideal, or, practice techniques in front of the mirror - watch how you are executing punches and kicks and try and improve your posture and stances.
Additionally, working on your flexibility will go along way, especially with your kicks seeing as many of the techniques will need a good degree of suppleness. Weights will help with this with particular attention to your quads/adductors/abductors, but try and make sure your lifting and stretching regime compliment one another.
Working on your abs will also be important for core stability and being able to take the impact of punches and kicks to that area.
I guess the most important aspect when it comes to technique is how it is taught to you. Hopefully the instructor in your classes knows their stuff and is helping you develop.
Aswell as being a martial artist, I teach music privately. Learning technique for music and for martial arts is not entirely different (you may be surprised to discover). It involves learning and reinforcing a precise movement of series of motions so that they become easy and effortless.
In music, I always recommend investigative practice. That is, practice at the keyboard that involves, quite literally, investigating movement - how does each joint move, feel, where does the weight go, which muscles bear the load, etc. This is equally applicable for martial arts. Stand infront of a mirror and observe yourself. How does it look? Is you body in the right kind of alignment... are you using the right kinds of muscles? A karate style kick will often use local muscles to create snap, while a muay thai style kick may involve a more global effort, etc.
Watch video footage, or even better, have another demonstrate for you. Try to figure out the movements involved and how it feels to perform them yourself.
Ultimately, it involves using your brain, being analytical, etc. This how a dancer practices infront of the mirror for hours, making sure every line is perfect - this is how we have to practice technique also.
Also, think about the criteria you want to apply - what defines 'good' technique? In martial arts, the technique has to be effective and efficient before looking good. It's good to keep this in mind as often more aesthetically pleasing motions are less useful in actually combat.
alleycat
In music, I always recommend investigative practice. That is, practice at the keyboard that involves, quite literally, investigating movement - how does each joint move, feel, where does the weight go, which muscles bear the load, etc. This is equally applicable for martial arts. Stand infront of a mirror and observe yourself. How does it look? Is you body in the right kind of alignment... are you using the right kinds of muscles? A karate style kick will often use local muscles to create snap, while a muay thai style kick may involve a more global effort, etc.
Watch video footage, or even better, have another demonstrate for you. Try to figure out the movements involved and how it feels to perform them yourself.
Ultimately, it involves using your brain, being analytical, etc. This how a dancer practices infront of the mirror for hours, making sure every line is perfect - this is how we have to practice technique also.
Also, think about the criteria you want to apply - what defines 'good' technique? In martial arts, the technique has to be effective and efficient before looking good. It's good to keep this in mind as often more aesthetically pleasing motions are less useful in actually combat.
alleycat