Close range combat

We had an interesting kind of training for the latest one. It is called the shadow kihon i think or shadow sparring. For those who missed it, it is the same as shadow boxing which means you imagine fighting an opponent. It is not just random swinging of your sword though. You imagine what your opponent is doing or will be doing and you do what you must to attack or defend. It is a practice for sparring or even in a real fight. Just like during sparring without fighting a real person. Other than that, our seniors which are black belt and above, did a few stuff for us to see what our mistakes are. One of it was making sure we move back fast enough after attacking. Another one is making sure our balance is still correct after moving back quickly.

The more interesting part though is having our senior Bryan pushing us backwards after we move back. Its good that none of us lost balance but we later learn that it was for us for us to resist and not continue moving backwards which some of us did. It was explained to us by Master Dav to why we have to stop the person from pushing us backwards. The reason is because if we do so, our opponent will have an opportunity to attack us. We will learn more of this in Combative Kenjutsu. I actually got kinda shocked by him coming to me and accidentally putting my bokken forward which might have actually hurt him. ><

Anyway, something I would like to emphasise that was said by Master Dav. The long sword is a long range weapon which means it is useless when your opponent comes very close to you which Master Dav have demonstrated to us. Which Senior Bryan also did to some of us but without the sword. This is where close range combat is important. It is important even with other other form of martial arts too. Someone might have the advantage when attacking you with the naginata or spear when you are using the sword but it will be your advantage when you come very close to that person as he cannot use the spear anymore. So do not be complacent just because you have a longer weapon. Skill and fundamentals play a very important part too and do not forget about brains. Knowing what to do is most important.

Anyone learning how to use the stomach to ki-ai?

Fight on,
Ezan (Assistant Webmaster)