Padwork: Prt 2

In keeping with the advanced padwork theme in part 1, I’m going to talk a little about freeflow work. Without doubt, my favourite form of padwork. It really shouldn’t be used until the basics have been nailed down. If not, then you are really just slapping the pads around. Something I find useful as a bit of fun cardio training for PT clients, but little else really. Freeflow aims to engage as many of the real-life skills you require when striking. Timing, distance, angling, etc etc.

The main thing I try to focus on though, when applying freeflow, is the philosophy of ‘filling the gap’ when throwing strikes(This also keeps the drill simple in the mind). By that, I mean hitting the pad wherever it sits. Any angle, any elevation, and so on, with no set form, to create the effect of your opponent feeding you a target, as they would in reality. You spot the gap, you fill the gap. This really helps to cultivate the ability to hit FROM anywhere, TO anywhere. The fact that it is a pad drill gives the feeder the ability to spot, test, and re-test any awkward movement that occurs. Likewise, you may ask for this to be done, but ultimately you want the drill to flow constantly without stopping and starting.

Its tough to describe it without a demo of some of the finer points. I hope most of you reading have at least a half decent perspective of it. As always, feel free to ask questions.

Train Hard,

Train Happy,

Always….