3 Easy Ways to Boost Your Fighting Ability

By Jason Stanley www.karatetips.com

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"Are You Ready To Boost Your Fighting Ability... And Have Your Sparring Partners Shake Their Head In Disbelief At Your New Found Skills?"
By Jason Stanley www.karatetips.com

Hey thanks for your interest in this ebook.

Although this publication is brief, its packed full of tips to help you improve your sparring skills.

While you may be familiar with some of the concepts and ideas Im about to share, the important point is that these ideas will now be brought into FOCUS for you. Too often we (as fighters) forget about the simple ideas and strategies, but in reality a lack of results can almost always be traced to the basic concepts.

But why should you believe me?

Well, let me really quickly share with you my background so you know where Im coming from. Would that be ok? (If not, skip this page, go to the next)

At the time of writing its been almost 25 years since I began martial arts. And for 20 of those I almost exclusively studied and taught karate (still do in fact thats my job if you like. I run a full time school and over the last 8 years have taught about 8,000+ classes.)

I also competed for many years in karate kumite and placed amongst Australias (yep, thats where Im from) top competitive fighters back in the early 90s. Ive fought over 80 fights in 7 different countries, trained with and learned from world class coaches, world champions and hundreds of international competitors who compete at the highest level. So the information Im sharing with you is not only proven time and time again to work, but comes from a myriad of successful sources.

I retired from karate tournament in 2006, after a successful career, but I couldnt get the bug out of my system. I love to fight competitively, so in 2007 I took up competitive full contact stick fighting (WEKAF), and last year in 2010 won a world championship at the age of 38 (yikes!). Much of my stick fighting success comes from

applying what I learned over the years from karate and what Im about to share with you.

Anyhow, I've put together a collection of articles that have featured in my KarateTips Newsletter - Kachi!, that are dedicated to helping you understand more about the science behind fighting - for the dojo and competition (what I call fighting dynamics).

(While we're on that subject, if you haven't done so already, please sign up for the KarateTips Newsletter at http://www.karatetips.com . It's a free publication full of tips articles and informative information to help you improve your fighting, kata and teaching skills...)

Before we get started, here's one extremely important point I wish to make...

Always remember that it's not just "practice, practice, practice" that will improve your skills. In fact, this alone is a slow and painful way to improve. Keep in mind that bad practice makes bad technique.

The best way to improve is by learning the right information, deepening your understanding and then practicing the right way, while being self-critical and making corrections along the way. That's when you'll see the best results for you and if you teach, your students.

So anyway, I hope you find these concepts, strategies, techniques and tactics helpful. There is something here for everyone, no matter what level you're at - so read away...

And enjoy!

Sincerely,

Jason Stanley www.karatetips.com

This first article from the KarateTips Newsletter archive is one I wrote back in 2003. It is the foundation of good footwork and the backbone of becoming a great fighter. If you learn nothing else about fighting dynamics, learn this

"Learn To Use Your Feet... Master this and watch your fighting ability explode!"
By Jason Stanley 7th October, 2003

Many new students have difficulty using their feet. I'm not referring to kicking in this article; I'm talking about footwork, positioning and dynamic movement. This is one thing that is difficult to master. Until you have it "under your belt" so to speak, you don't use your feet in the correct way and will be left frustrated and disheartened.

Footwork is one of the foundations of karate. It doesn't matter if it's in self defense, kihon, kata or kumite - footwork is required in all four aspects of your training. If you're willing to learn and want to improve then I'm about to show you exactly how easy it is to move once you understand and know how to apply these concepts.

This might be basic revision for some of us, but for most it is the realization of an important concept.

First let's consider why footwork is important...

1. Good footwork gets you into striking range where you can hit. 2. Good footwork gets you out of striking range where you'll avoid being hit, or worse yet, killed.

It's important to have good footwork to take you from point A to point B so you maximize your opportunities...

quickly smoothly precisely

Good footwork also gets you back from point B to point A, or from point B to point C, where point C is a different position to that in which you started.

Key Point It doesn't matter if it's competition or in the street, the same footwork principles apply. It's just the techniques that differ.

Before you can move effectively, you must be on the balls of your feet as this is the part of your foot that is responsible for your balance and dynamic movement. Don't believe me? Stand in your forward stance and put all your weight on your heels by lifting your toes and balls of your feet off the floor - try to move around.

The most effective way to move is by sliding rather than stepping. Although there are certainly times when you need to step rather than slide, please remember the following key point....

Key Point Sliding will always be faster than stepping! The foot that moves first is the one in the direction that you wish to move.

I have listed the following 4 movements in order from fastest to slowest:

Slide forward Slide backward Step forward Step backward

So if you're only good at stepping, you're going to be in trouble when you come across someone who knows how to slide dynamically!

I'm not going to teach you how to step, as different styles place emphasis on different aspects of stepping, plus your sensei can show you that. Instead I'd like to break down the 4 basic sliding movements and discuss how to perform each.

Moving forward To move forward from your forward stance slightly pick up your front foot and drive powerfully and quickly with your rear leg. You will largely depend on the ball of your rear foot and toes to provide the push-off. This "slide" will propel you forward. Only lift your front leg slightly. Don't completely transfer your weight onto your rear leg, otherwise you will be working against the direction in which you want to move.

The key to this is that you are transferring very little weight to your rear leg. With practice you'll know when you do this technique correctly. But an easy way to test your forward slide is by trying the following exercise.

Stand in your forward stance and pick up your front foot 2 inches without transferring your weight to your rear leg. What happens? You fall forward because you have around 50% of your weight over your front foot which is no longer on the ground and you also have tension in your stance that causes you to move forward.

Now when you want to drive forward (instead of just falling), pick up your foot slightly and push with your rear leg before your front foot hits the floor. Viola! You've just slid 12-24 inches depending on how hard you pushed.

Important For this technique do not move your back foot first! If you step up with your back foot

and then lift your front foot, pushing with your back leg you will get a jerky, awkward movement that will take longer and usually give away your technique to your opponent.

Moving backward You guessed it, moving backward requires that you do the exact reverse of moving forward. So this time without transferring your weight forward, pick up your back foot a fraction and use your muscles in your front leg to push backward. Again, rely on the ball of your foot and toes--this time of your front foot--to drive you backwards.

Moving sideways Moving sideways is a little more complicated, but uses the same principle. For this example let's assume you are standing with your left leg forward. If you want to move left, pick up your left foot slightly. Which way do you fall if you don't push? Forward, not left! To prevent yourself from falling forward, push to the left with your rear (right) leg as soon as you pick up your front (left) foot.

Of course moving right is the exact opposite of moving left. First pick up your rear (right) leg a fraction and drive right with your left (front) leg.

Other directions Moving in other directions requires mixing together two of the above techniques. eg. Moving forward and moving left. Depending on how much emphasis you want to place on going forward relative to moving left is up to you. You simply drive more in the direction you want to go with your other leg. It's just deciding which way you want to go and lots of practice that will increase your directional accuracy.

The "Double Shuffle" Stringing together two single shuffles (or slides) will give you a double shuffle. This is an extremely easy way to move forward or backward very quickly. As soon as you complete your first shuffle forward, immediately repeat the process and you'll have created a double shuffle.

This is exceptionally handy in a sparring situation when you throw a front hand/rear hand combination. Throw the first punch on the first shuffle and the reverse punch on the second shuffle. Be sure to keep your hands up! You'll find that you "cross the gap" between you and your opponent quickly and easily.

For advanced users.... The first time I saw my sensei do this I was quite impressed and was inspired to learn it as soon as possible! This technique again allows you to cover a lot of ground very quickly. You'll cover about the same distance as with a double shuffle but in less time, giving you the valuable element of surprise. This technique uses the same dynamic movement as a double shuffle but with a twist.

Make your first shuffle forward, but before your front foot touches the ground, drive as hard as you can with your rear leg a second time. It's kind of like a double shuffle but your front foot doesn't touch down between the first and second shuffle as it does with the double shuffle.

You can apply this same concept to moving backwards when you have to get out of

range very quickly. Lift your rear foot and drive with your front leg backwards, but before your rear foot touches down, drive again with your front leg in the backwards direction.

In closing here are some important points to remember...

Don't over rotate or lean to compromise your stance when trying to strike your opponent. Instead always use your feet to get as close as needed to do your technique effectively.

Whether it be in the dojo or street always move your feet to the outside line of your opponent's feet so you have the advantage of sweeping or throwing your opponent across your leg.

Always move to the outside line of your opponent's feet so that you are out of their firing line and you have the added advantage of striking unprotected targets. You will notice from this position that they will have to punch across themselves to try to hit you.

It's always better to move from Point A to Point B to Point C rather than staying at Point B or moving back to Point A. Point C is the least most predictable position after you've attacked.

Only lift your feet as much as you have to in order to propel yourself in one direction or another. A good connection with the ground is important for strong effective technique. Lifting your feet too high will transfer more weight onto your other leg making it slower and more difficult to move into and out of position.

This next article is about utilizing one of the most underrated techniques in kumite

"Learn To Use One Of The Most Effective, Yet Forgotten Techniques - Your Front Jab!"
By Jason Stanley 5th January, 2004

Over 80% of students I meet tell me they have problems knowing what to do when they spar. So many thoughts are racing through their heads that they often get overwhelmed by their options, making it virtually impossible to select a few things which would rapidly accelerate their improvement in a fight. Rather than do something, many fighters simply figure it's better to do nothing.

Bad optionbut an understandable one! =)

After all there is so much to consider when fighting. Timing, distance, line work, footwork, attack, defense, tactics, strategy and fighting combinations are just some of the important areas! Break this down further and you have a myriad of individual things to keep in mind. And all the while remembering not to get hit!

A good analogy to consider is that of a motor car. It is a very complex machine with so much happening at any one time. However break this vehicle down and you'll find that it basically comes down to a bunch of nuts, bolts and simple processes.

When fighting we also need to break it down into simple nuts and bolts. We need to analyze every single point and dynamic process so we can understand and then build our "fighting" vehicle to improve our skills. One great and often ignored technique is the front hand jab. That is what this article is about; learning to use an incredibly effective technique that anyone can immediately employ to increase their scoring frequency AND reduce the occurrence of being hit!

Attacking

Close distance

Scoring with the front jab as a single technique depends on you being at "close distance" with your opponent. Of course from this position your opponent can score on you so be aware. Obviously staying so close for more than a moment is dangerous.

However next time you find yourself in this situation, fire your front hand jab towards your opponent's head being sure you focus your technique and recoil it back to the guard position. Be sure to use your feet and quickly move to a safer place immediately afterwards. Don't stay there trading punches!

Middle Distance

From this position you will not be in range to score with the jab, however this is

the perfect time to set up another technique! Use your front hand jab to protect yourself as you "cross the gap". Throw your jab and move in behind it, leaving it out to fill your opponent's visual field. The aim of this "set up" technique is not to score, but to position yourself within range to strike with your reverse punch or another similar technique.

Failing to protect yourself when crossing the gap may have you visiting your dentist, or worse yet (in the street), have you knocked out. So make sure you keep your guard up and strong.

In competition this is known as "mubobi" - disregarding one's own safety.

Defending

Moving

When moving around in a fight it's a good idea to think about your strategy and pay attention to what your opponent is doing. At the same time you need to be working. This means even while you are in the safe zone, you should have zero down time. Keep moving, keep thinking, and keep pressuring your opponent even when you have no intention of attacking!

An excellent way to keep your opponent at bay when sparring is to fire off your front jab fast and often, even if you have no intention of scoring!

This simple strategy does two important things.

Firstly it helps you gauge the distance between you and your target, indicating to you how close you are to scoring or being hit.

Secondly it makes your opponent wary of covering the gap to score. Consider if your opponent was constantly using their jab as you were trying to attack them. Would you immediately rush in to try to score or would you be wary of being hit when crossing the gap? Would you think twice about how you set up your technique?

Using your jab while moving around puts your opponent under pressure. They will have to change their attack strategy to get around your jab.

Another way to think about this is to ask yourself the following question.

When is the best time to attack? I believe it's when your opponent is off-guard, not ready; when they are stationary or have their hands are down! If you use your jab as described above you avoid doing these things, making it difficult for your opponent to attack! Do you see how this can dramatically reduce how often you'll get hit?

Remember you want to make the fight as confusing and frustrating for your opponent as possible, and as predictable and simple as you can for yourself.

For advanced users

Another great use of the front jab is to use it as a counter or forestalling technique. Instead of countering or forestalling (hitting your opponent first as they initiate their attack) with your reverse punch, use your jab instead.

Why use it?

It's uncommon and unexpected!

How is it used?

As a forestalling technique - as soon as you have any indication that your opponent is attacking, cross the gap first and fire off your front jab instead of your reverse punch. Be careful as it's easy to strike hard and fast!

As a counter technique - as your opponent attacks with reverse punch, smother their technique with your rear hand and jab with your front towards the head. I love this one!

In closing...

The front jab is often forgotten about even though it's one of the most effective techniques you can use for both attacking and defending. It's fast. It's direct. It's unexpected. What more can you ask for?

Until next time...

Good luck with your sparring!

The last article in the publication explains one of the most important and yet most poorly applied kumite strategies. After reading and learning this, never again will you be caught out because you didnt know what to do

"Improve Your Win/Loss Ratio With This One Simple Strategy - As Taught By The World's Foremost Tactical Coach"

By Jason Stanley 1st July, 2003.

Some time back I had the good fortune to train under Sensei Antonio Oliva. Sensei Oliva is regarded by many as the world's foremost tactical coach. Apart from being a national and European champion, he was responsible for taking the Spanish team to world level as the Spanish national coach.

He founded the Scientific Martial Arts Research Center in Spain and has produced world champions in over a dozen countries. If you ever want to learn about the dynamics of fighting from one of the world's best competitors and international coaches, attend a course with Sensei Oliva.

The topic of this article discusses one simple concept that I learned from Sensei Oliva. It is a single concept of fighting dynamics that, will take your fighting ability to new levels when implemented.

Before I met Sensei Oliva, I had learned the basics of what I'm about to describe. I had been consciously practicing what he was about to explain to me. However, once I fully understood and actively thought about this concept while I fought, it helped me think tactically while fighting. It changed my thought process of being "reactive" to my opponent to becoming "proactive" as I anticipated my opponent's next move.

Key Point: There is a huge difference in being reactive and being proactive! Although it may only be a split second in the execution of your technique, it could be the difference between being hit and staying safe, or scoring and not scoring.

The tactic I am referring to is using a circular defense when faced with a straight line attack.

What does this mean?

A straight line attack means exactly that - you attack in a straight line directly at your opponent. This does not limit you to only straight techniques such as mae ken zuki, gyaku zuki or mae geri. It can also include circular techniques in your straight line attack such as mawashi geri and haito uchi (ridge hand). Whatever the technique, your attack from point A to point B takes the shortest path possible: a straight line.

Now consider the options you have when defending a straight line attack. There are several you can use. The three basic defenses are as follows, all of which have several variations.

Block and counter Anticipate / forestall / pick off Circular defense

This article focuses on the last point, circular defense.

In the above diagram you'll notice the addition of point C which is the position the defender usually moves to when using a straight line defense/evasion. This evasion is commonly used and is a natural movement. It is easy for a defender to move backwards as far away from the attacker as possible. While this might work at times, it often has several disadvantages.

It is predictable; therefore your opponent can capitalize on it.

You can get yourself into an awkward position where your feet become close together and your arms cover your head as you shy away from the attack. This is a perfect opportunity for your opponent to take your legs with a double leg sweep.

You can lose your stance and ability to counter their attack.

Moving backwards and punching will/should not score you a point under W.K.F. rules, as it is considered ineffective because your weight is not behind your technique.

Eventually your opponent will overpower you with a barrage of techniques if you simply move backwards without offering any counter in return

Consider a circular defense instead. The diagram below explains how this works.

This is often called "breaking the line" (of attack). You will notice that the new Point D will provide you with some great opportunities that are absent at Point C. For starters, it is much faster to move (push) sideways than to step backwards, therefore your chances of evading the attack are much greater.

Key Point: You can always out maneuver a straight line attack with a circular defense.

The defender who reaches Point D instead of Point C has some opportunities that Point C people do not. For example, if you move to Point D you will...

be within scoring range, instead of out of range

retain your guard, allowing you to throw a counter technique immediately

have the element of surprise as your opponent usually expects you to retreat backwards

if you move to their blind side (outside line) your opponent will have to punch across themselves or reposition at least 45 degrees to hit you. This all takes time and gives you an opportunity to counter their attack. It also makes it very difficult for your opponent to score on you.

Now that the benefits of a circular defense are apparent, below are the "how to" steps to get to Point D.

At the first sign of your opponent attacking, you must move to the outside line. Do this by turning your front foot so your toes are pointing in the OPPOSITE direction to which you want to move. As you do this, slide your back foot across to accommodate the change in direction of your stance. Now push backwards by lifting your BACK leg and pushing/driving with your front leg in a backward motion at the angle as shown below.

This is just one example of a circular defense - breaking the line of attack. Once I st started to think tactically while I fought, instead of reacting to my opponent's straight line attack with a circular defense, I started moving as I anticipated the attack. This was a huge step in making this technique effective.

Key Point: By anticipating your opponent's attack and using a circular defense, you will be in position, ready to score before they complete their technique. Reacting to your opponent's attack gives your o opponent an opportunity to score on you.

The above example is just one method of a circular defense that you can use against a straight line attack. The other strategies are outside the scope of this article, but also use circular defense as the foundation of their success.

(I discuss these and many other strategies and techniques in "Fighting Secrets Revealed", which you can learn about by clicking here.)

This might all sound fairly simple, but remember that over 80% of people practicing simple, karate feel as though they do not know what to do when sparring. If you can incorporate this simple, yet very effective strategy into your sparring, you will find that you will out-position your opponent often, and as a result win more fights. I just wish I position often, knew how to apply this strategy when I began competition fighting all those years ago!

Wrapping it up
So there you have it 3 killer strategies for boosting your sparring skills. You should have plenty to work with by applying these few ideas.

But I did say I would also tell you 2 other things.

1. The biggest mistake new fighters make

2. And why UFC fighter Lyoto Machida is so hard to hit.

It should be no surprise that the biggest mistake new fighters make and the reason Machida is so difficult to hit, are 2 sides of the same coin.

The former lack footwork, and cant apply what you now know from reading these articles. The reason the latter is statistically the least hit fighter in the UFC is because he understands and applies these very concepts. To paraphrase a former opponent of Machida, Stephan Bonnar said, Lyoto is really good at making you just miss.

And if you were ever looking for a concrete example in the public eye, of someone who employs the use of the front jab, just take a look at another UFC fighter with superb karate skills in Georges Saint Pierre. Remember that fight not too long ago at UFC 124, GSP v Koscheck 2? Im sure Koscheck would rather forget it, but this was a perfect display of winning a fight almost exclusively by using the front jab.

I sincerely hope you learned something from this short publication, and for further reading be sure to sign up for the KarateTips newsletter, and also check out the resources below.

Sincerely,

Jason Stanley www.karatetips.com

Resources & Products The Fighting Secrets Revealed Home Study Course Learn the strategies and tactics of world class coaches and international fighters. In this 165 page step by step home study course youll improve your sparring skills for both the dojo and tournament. Learn more at: http://www.karatetips.com/karatekumite.aspx

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