Lesson 3: First Class

Ready Stance. The ready stance is used to wait in a semi-relaxed state, while also staying alert and ready for the next command or action.

• Stand at attention, facing forward, with body and head erect. Step left foot outward to left side. Position feet parallel to each other about a shoulder width apart, toes pointed forward, knees slightly bent.
• Hold arms in front of the body with hands in tight fists, about one inch apart, about one inch from the belt knot, with knuckles facing outward, with arms forming a circular shape. 
• Stand relaxed, but alert and ready for action.

Sitting Stance. Typically, the sitting stance this the first fighting stance taught to students. It is commonly known as a "horseback stance," but it is also known as a "straddle-leg stance" or a "riding stance." It is used to fight an opponent who approaches from a side. Stance is strong toward sides, but weak toward front or back. In training, it is usually while facing the target, even though this is a dangerous way to use the stance in a fight. The stance presents few targets to opponent, but limits effective weapons to mostly the lead hand and foot. However, if used properly, it may be an effective fighting stance. World champion Bill Wallace used it effectively during his tournament fighting years.

• When left leg faces target, stance is called a “left sitting stance.” When right leg faces target, it is called a “right sitting stance.”

Stand in ready stance. Step left foot outward toward left side and position the feet 1 ½ shoulder widths apart, keeping them parallel and pointing forward. Bend both knees and "sit" weight down between feet. Grip floor with toes and outer edges of feet. Push outward on knees (outer tension). Keep body erect. Stance is similar to that used while riding a horse with the feet in the stirrups. Center of mass is kept centered between feet. Weight distribution will be about 50 percent on each foot foot.

• Hold both fists high with palms facing the face. Hold forearms vertical with elbows pulled together as much as possible to protect midsection.

Fighting stance. When used as a fighting stance, entire stance is rotated 90 degrees so one side is pointed toward opponent. Shoulders and hips will face toward the side, with upper body slightly turned toward opponent.

• To move forward, slide front foot forward and then slide rear foot forward into sitting stance.
• To move backward, slide rear foot backward and then slide front foot backward into sitting stance.
• To move toward sides, slide rear foot toward the side and then slide front foot toward the same side into sitting stance.
• Movements may be performed in a hopping motion.

Hand Attacks

Hands attacks and arm blocks are taught using a full-chambering motion. This helps train the body to make the motions, builds strength, and looks good in patterns. As the techniques are perfected, the chambering is minimized.

• Clinched Fist. The clinched fist is the classic fist shape. It is the most commonly used hand weapon.
  • Hold arms straight out in front of body with hands held flat (palms down), with fingers held straight and together, with thumb sticking out.
  • Starting with little fingers, tightly roll all fingers inward until they are tightly curled.
  • Fold thumb firmly down under first and second fingers and tighten fists by squeezing all fingers and thumbs inward and by squeezing thumb/index fingers and little fingers horizontally toward each other.
  • Keep fists in straight lines with forearms with wrists locked.
  • Tighten fists, wrists, and forearms until they become an integral unit. Individually, fingers and wrist cannot withstand much force, but as a part of a solid integral unit, they may withstand tremendous forces without injury.
  • Keep thumbs tightly curled so they do not snag on something while punching and do not give opponent something to grab.
• Fore Fist Punching. Fore fist punching is a punching drill used to learn the push-pull punching motion. Punches are aimed at chin, nose, temple, jaw hinge, solar plexus, lower ribs, base of skull, or kidneys. Other areas are too protected, such as skull has thick bone, mouth has teeth, chest has thick ribs, abdomen has thick muscle or fat, and back has thick bones and muscles. A direct blow over the heart is deadly, but only if it strikes between heartbeats.
  • << Prev
  • Next >>