Padwork: Prt 1

The thing with padwork is distancing. Bio-mechanics should have been grasped by this stage. Timing is something we can only properly develop through live training. Something that is easier to develop in a controlled format is distancing, through our padwork in this case. Not so much the distance between the pad and the striker. But more importantly, the distance between the pad and the holder. We are talking mobile, free-form padwork here.

You must be considerate towards the basic reality of distance, i.e., you don’t hold the pad out for a hook. You either press the gap or wait for them to enter that range. Otherwise, you are creating more of a foolhardy striking mentality. Rather than correct distance-related training.

Do not be scared of catching a shot.

Be wary of hesitance.

This is what I say to all beginners and advanced alike. Because reality can reflect in your training. I have seen more folk get hit through fear of holding the pads than poor striking of the pads. Something to think about eh….

This of course takes practice from both ends of the drill. But with correct practice, free-flow pad drills become great fun. 1on1 can roll through 180degrees with ease and so can 2on1 drills through 360degrees… fluently. The methodologies are something I wont go into here.

As the guys I have trained with for years will concur. The distance between the pads and the striker is just as important as a variable. But I believe that is best developed after you understand the principals of ‘real’ distance. Then you as the feeder(pad holder) can begin to judge good positioning for combinations, so to speak. This is most prevalent in 1on1 padwork through 180degrees. In freeflow drills and set drills alike.

Thats all for now. Take care peeps.

Train Hard

Train Happy

Always…