How do YOU train to reduce your reaction time?

[Convergence]

I'm looking for suggestions on how to cut down my initial reaction time.

I'm interested in your "tried and true" training routines that help minimize the time between the opponent's first movement and your interception/redirection/attack.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Dave Farmer]

Hi Convergence.

I don't really have any 'pre set' training routine for this purpose.

IMHO, relaxtion and focus are the keys to reaction speed.

Focus and relaxation develop through constant practice of the Siu Lim Tao form.

The only 'tools' I use to sharpen the all round skills are Chi sau and sparring.

Drills will help to develop basic timing, and co-ordination, but I also feel there is a danger that you may become 'programmed' to only react in pre-defined patterns and lack a natural flow if you over stress these drills.

Regards

Dave F

[wingchunner]

The best way, I've found is to work with my instructor and with other senior students. If my reaction time is not sufficient, I get wacked.

Mentally, you have to turn it up, also. You can't just 'do it'. Working with the dummy helps too. When you feel the right amount of pressure this is when you move.

Training correctly in the single arm drills is important. Again, you can't just DO the drills (actually you might get a little out of it, but not as much as if you were mentally alert and paying attention as to what you're doing). The more mentally aware you are the greater your ability to 'slow time down' (like when you're doing things that are interesting and 'time flies'. It's all relative.)

Continually working on it over time will help, also. Be patient. There is no special thing that will enable you to become more sensitive and better your reaction time. My instructor uses an analogy with this. He said every time you practice it's like putting a piece of paper down. One piece of paper (or one time of practice by itself) isn't very substantial. But, when you continue to work regularly, then after a while you have a whole pile of papers that can be made into a book!

Hope this helps.

Marty

[vingtsunstudent]

i have wing chun ones but they are ones we made up ourselves & are just way hard to put into writing.
i will however offer one that is awesome-sprint training, yes as in running.
try it & i think you will like what it does for your reaction time.
vts

[red5angel]

I woulkd have to agree and add on to Wingchunners statement... It would seem to me training sensitivity would speed up your reaction time. Then you are relying on reaction and not technique. Doing sensitivity drills often would probably help this a lot, Dan Chi sao and Chi Sao. then you become more sensitive to what your opponent is doing and you react faster.
Am I off here?

[yenhoi]

Lots of Chi sau, and never, never neglect SLT.

Hanging a piece of paper from a string or chain from the ceiling and then punching it focusing on returning to your 'ready' position, structure, and breath will also help.

Sparring alot and 'getting into it' as someone else said are also keys to speed.

[anerlich]

There are two parts to the puzzle:

Perception speed (how quickly you recognise "incoming")

Movement speed (how quickly you can move to deal with the threat once you recognise it)

Perception speed is a function of the nervous system. It's debatable whether it is possible to speed it up in absolute terms, though some nutritional supplements which allegedly improve CNS functioning such as L-Tyrosine, St Johns Wort and acetyl-L-carnitine may help.

More to the point is improving the efficiency of recognising the TYPE of threat to engineer the best response. You can train yourself to be more aware of your surroundings and other people in the street by doing so consciously - crowded places like train stations and shopping malls are good for this.

WC makes much of chi sao to improve sensitivity, but this only works for improving tactile reflexes. No doubt these are useful, if not ideal, once contact has been made, but one also needs to train the visual senses - best done by responding to semi-random and random attacks from out of range. There are certain eye exercises you can do to allegedly improve the efficiency of the muscles controlling the eyeball which may help, but you really want to be able to recognise early when a particular type of attack is coming at you by noticing the movement of the shoulders, hips or limbs, so you know if it's a straight punch, hook, side kick, roundhouse, etc. as early as possible. Sparring is one example of a random drill.

Most experienced grapplers develop excellent tactile sensitivity, and chi sao hardly has the franchise on this, but stick with the tools of your style if that's what you have.

For movement speed, as VTS said, look at how sprinters train. These are the fastest humans on the planet. Remember the simplest movements are usually the fastest. Take sprinters' concepts (working on running technique, moving against resistance, overspeed) and look at how you can adapt them to your punches, kicks, and other techs. Think fast, think loose and snappy. Work on the flow of your combos as well as the speed of single techniques. Often the speed and efficiency which one can sew combos together will be more effective than the ability to throw one fast technique.

Heresy to some perhaps, but boxing tools like spped balls, double end balls and slip bags WILL help.

SLT (and any other form for that matter) is good for learning to do techs with maximum efficiency, which should lead to faster movement speed in time. It will do NOTHING to alter your perception speed, which by definition requires outside stimuli.

[mun hung]

"I'm looking for suggestions on how to cut down my initial reaction time."

Action is always faster than reaction.

Ever hear of the principal of coverage?

That is the answer.

[anerlich]

Action is always faster than reaction.

Very true, but not something you always have a choice about.

They did tests on Muhammad Ali back in his glory days, he could punch much faster than he could react. So "do unto others but do it first" is good advice, unless perhaps you are going to wind up in court.

I'd still like the ability to react to a threat as quickly as possible.

Ever hear of the principal of coverage?

Is Coverage a school in the UK? I don't know the headmaster's name. :)

Perhaps I have heard of it, but not under that name.

That is the answer.

Possibly. Any chance you could elaborate? Or is it a "closed door" discipline?:cool:

[whippinghand]

Originally posted by Convergence
I'm interested in your "tried and true" training routines that help minimize the time between the opponent's first movement and your interception/redirection/attack.
It's not a matter of "how fast"? It's a matter of "when".

[IronFist]

overspeed

I've heard overspeed drills can be adapted to punching. Like, get some stretchy band things and punch WITH them, as opposed to against them, so that your punches travel faster than you can do them yourself, and thus your nervous system becomes used to punching faster than it can.

So I heard.

Iron

[red_fists]

Hi.

I would say the problem lies in 2 areas:

1.) Mental speed.
2.) Phsycial Speed.

Physical speed you can train for quiet easily but it is alos easy to hit the limit, the mental one takes longer and is harder.

Compare yourself to a Gun fighter, the Bullet always travels at the same speed after the trigger is pulled.
But the Brain control the Finger that pulls the Trigger, and here is where the diff comes in.

Both physical and mental relaxation are the Key.

Do 2 partner exercises.
Meditation
Awareness exercises
and reaction/awareness drills preferably with multiple partners but only 1 randomly attacks.Sensory drills also help( for more pm me)

A slow mind results in a slow reaction.

Hope this helps.

[S.Teebas]

A relaxed and focused SLT will losen up joints and ligaments. apply forward intent when in SLT, and when in chi sau your hand should spring forward of their own accord (in relation to forward intent - not push, just thought). Freeing up the body is essiential to stop counter productive muscled working againts the desired motion. eg disengage bicep for a punch. Use only necessary parts.

Correct structure allows for better levels of relaxation to be achieved. Focus always plays a big part to maganify all these (in WC all is tied in together to get end product)

SLT - create structure
CK - move structure
BG - Accelerate structure to achieve powerful force

Mass X Acceleration = Force

[jesper]

I think that often peoples reaction to an attack is slowed down because of to many possibilities of countering.
Thats why I have learned to do only to counters to an initial attack.
If he uses the leg, I will front kick him
If he uses an arm, I will strike.

The rest is really up to your sensitivity training, as sometimes he will be faster, so you have to turn your attack into a defence.

The good thing is that it has really cut down on my reaction time :), + your reaction towards the unexpected attack will be much more efficient
The bad thing is that until I was able to apply real sensitivity I got hit alot :(

But with hard training you will get hit less and less often, and instead be able to hit him more on your initial attack.

lastly if you start training like this listen to a hard learned advice. Tell your friends and family never again to throw that succer punch at you for fun, when your not expecting it. They will get hurt pretty bad.

[kj]

Some random thoughts to throw in the pot.

Anticipation or "trying too hard" will eventually be self-defeating.

"Listening" is key to responsiveness. A very good "listener" can read and nullify your intentions before you make a move, even before the thought to move is fully complete. [This is not impractical nonsense. My teacher and wingchunner's teacher are among those who can do this. When you first experience someone who can control you more immediately and more precisely than you can control or direct yourself, it can be quite unnerving.]

How can we respond with optimized timing if we cannot read or "hear" what is happening. Even if we "listen" and read well, our responses won't be appropriate unless we learn and practice to be very precise. Even then, the responses won't be effective unless we practice often and repeatedly enough to naturalize correct timing. I find it helpful to consider "perception" in the allegorical context of Wing Chun as a "woman's art."

Emphasis on the obvious (e.g., speed and power), at the expense of the subtle, can mislead or even bring one to a dead-end. I love that Wing Chun is filled with paradox. The greatest gains are often made by giving up something (e.g., greediness, haste, power, fear, ego). It is difficult for us humans to give up enough, especially those things that are strongly linked to our animal instincts such as to be big, powerful, strong, and fast.

Regards,
- Kathy Jo

[Spectre]

Great post KJ!

And I actually agree with Whippinghand on this one too!
(We can't start making a habit out of this WH!)



Kevin

[fgxpanzerz]

"Sprinters are the fastest human beings on the planet."

Fastest what? runners,maybe. But does that necessarily mean they can hit fast? NO. If I can run really fast, does that mean I can also pitch a baseball 90 miles per hour? Doubtful. The same with the reverse of the pitcher. Speed is important but placement is even more important. You could have a lot of speed but then throw punches really fast nowwhere and get beat up. I dont really see any benefit that sparring could have other than upping stamina and maybe timing. I believe drills are better to be done than sparring. When ever I see wing chun people spar, I never see any wing chun! THey revert to boxing. THis might and might not be their faults. It's hard to trap with gloves on. Sparring also lies to u about yor ability. If yor really good at sparring with equipment, but then I come along and punch u in the nose. Now yor on the ground bleeding and crying. What about all the wonderful sparring?

BAck to reaction time! Eversince I started chi saoing, my reaction time has gone up. All the stuff about reaction time that came from, "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do" could be true. I believe the only way to get perceptive speed is to practice drills.

[mun hung]

quote:
Take sprinters' concepts (working on running technique, moving against resistance, overspeed) and look at how you can adapt them to your punches, kick and other techs. Think fast, think loose and snappy.

I don't see how this applies to our discussion of reaction against action, unless your running (reaction) is from someone trying to kick your @ss (action). Sprinting away from an attack, maybe?

It is also in my opinion that training to be faster than your opponent is'nt practical. You may find that no matter how fast you are, you still might have to "react" to an attack by someone who is even faster than you. What then?

approach:

What I was suggesting by the use of "coverage" is an "approach" to fighting. An approach to covering an entire area that is open to an attack defensively while still attacking the opponent. Which cuts down alot of valuable "reaction" time. Know the area being attacked, time it - wait for it, and then just cover the entire area defensively while concentrating on your own attack instead of his. Now you can still be much slower than your opponent while still having plenty of time to intercept a much faster punch or kick. No sweat.

IMHO - approach is more important than speed in Wing Chun.

Wish I could explain more.

[vingtsunstudent]

fgxpanzerz & mun hung
let me tell you little story about some sprinters.
one was an olymic sprinter(paul henderson), the other his coach (bruce gulliver) & now a proffessional rugby league conditioner & sprint coach, they also had a few of their other sprint team train with us as well.
all of these guys possesed amazing speed & reflexs which they all put down to their trainig, it is amazing what these guys could make up for in lack of technique with pure speed.
my god some of you people are just so ignorant sometimes & really must just open your mouths without even a single thought.
vts
ps another prime example of what i just said,
'It is also in my opinion that training to be faster than your opponent is'nt practical'
where do you guys get this dribble.

[S.Teebas]

Now you can still be much slower than your opponent while still having plenty of time to intercept a much faster punch or kick. No sweat.

I have to agree with VTS on this one. (although my comments may not be as direct as his :D )

If you that the above quote/ situation; would it not be better to take the quicker route AND be faster as well?

[anerlich]

I don't see how this applies to our discussion of reaction against action, unless your running (reaction) is from someone trying to kick your @ss (action). Sprinting away from an attack, maybe?

If you reread my post, you will see I was discussing movement speed, not perception speed, when I mentioned this. Both are required to respond quickly. If I see his punch while it's still a foot away from me (perception speed), but I don't block, cover, redirect, or evade until it's a half inch from my space, I'm still hit.
Perception speed is important, but so is movement speed in responding effectively to an attack.

And I was discussing how sprinters learn to move fast, and adapting it to hitting (fxpanzer) or any other movement. Plyometrics, explosive weight training, applying resistance, overspeed can be adapted to punching and kicking. Boxers do these drills. My sifu wrote a couple of articles for Australasian Blitz called "The split-second advantage", which include specific drills to increase this attribute for KF and combat. I have seen in myself and fellow students the effectiveness of this approach on explosiveness and overall fighting effectiveness.

Concentrate on the moon (increasing movement speed) not the finger (the specific activity of running).


It is also in my opinion that training to be faster than your opponent is'nt practical. You may find that no matter how fast you are, you still might have to "react" to an attack by someone who is even faster than you. What then?

What then? You lose! d'oh!

The same thing applies to strength, sensitivity, timing, endurance, balance .... They're always be someone out there better than you at this specific attribute. No reason for you not to try to improve in all these areas. Like someone said on another thread, "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it".

MA effectiveness IMHO is about removing weaknesses more than capitalising on strengths. If some of the links in your chain of attributes are weak, then no matter how strong the other links are that weakness is where your game breaks down, and where a more well-rounded fighter can exploit you. Work on Your weakness until it gets stronger and something else is your weakness, then work on that, then your entire game improves.

If you feel you are slow, you **** well better try and improve.

More speed also results on more impact power.

<sarcasm>Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee spent LOTS of time working on speed, but of course any internet expert knows better than those two nobodies. </sarcasm>


What I was suggesting by the use of "coverage" is an "approach" to fighting.

Thanks. Sounds pretty much like a Wing Chun or boxing approach to fighting. The jab, for example providing maximum coverage while still hitting. And that offensive move also acting as defense.

IMHO - approach is more important than speed in Wing Chun.

I agree. I also agree that timing is more important for most people.

It doesn't follow from that position that trying to improve speed and minimise reaction time is a waste of time, however. Arguably it's part of the approach and indeed one augments the other. Someone with really good timing and technical approach could become still more effective by getting faster.

Wish I could explain more.

Please, feel free.

vingtsunstudent, I agree totally. My Sifu trained with sprinters and got us out doing track work. Your sparring footwork rocks thereafter. Some might say it won't help, but it certainly didn't hurt.

S. Teebas, I'm with you on this one.

[Roy D. Anthony]

Decreasing the response time, requires a certain type of training which we provide at the Ryerson University club. you are welcome to visit, we are not far from Detroit. 4 hours drive. SMILE

[mun hung]

vts - don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to criticize runners or their methods of training for speed. I understand that runners use different types of training to maximize their results, and that's great. I am also not saying that speed is'nt important. Of course it's important, but not as important as proper approach, timing and execution. Anyway, I just felt it was a poor analogy of the topic at hand. Sorry.

S.Teebas - the same.
How do you train your reaction to strikes? SLT? Is there anything else? How do you train for speed?

anerlich - I understood everything you said the first time. Once again, I will agree that speed itself is very important to develop and to have in just about anything. Strength, focus, timing, stamina, reflexes, and execution are also very important to develop and have. I was just trying to point out how a particular approach (covering) can save time in a reactive sense. That's all.

I feel the need...the need for speed!

:D :D :D

[Wingman]

I'm interested in your "tried and true" training routines that help minimize the time between the opponent's first movement and your interception/redirection/attack

If you and your opponent are in contact with each other, then your sensitivity acquired thru chi sao training will be very useful. However, it would be a different story if your are not in contact with your opponent. You have to rely more on your sense of sight rather than your sense of touch (sensitivity). You also need good timing.

My friend who is a boxer, suggested jumping rope to improve my timing. I thought jumping rope was easy; but it was a lot more difficult than I thought. It also improved my stamina. And it did improve my timing especially against elusive opponents who does not want to "stick" (example: a boxer).

I hope that helps.

[mun hung]

diego - I think you need another drink. Maybe then you'll realize we're actually having a discussion about something.

Cheers!

[kj]

While reviewing an exploratory essay written by my teacher's classmate, it occurred to me you might enjoy it. The essay is "Reflections on Popular Notions of Wing Chun Kuen" by Dr. Jack Ling. It touches on elements relevant to several currently active threads, including this one.

Stanford Articles (http://www.stanford.edu/group/wingchun/articles.html)

Regards,
- Kathy Jo

[Spectre]

That was great reading! I always enjoy reading things that make me stop and think - even analyze what I do or how I think about things.

Thank you again for sharing the information with me.



Kevin

[S.Teebas]

How do you train your reaction to strikes? SLT? Is there anything else? How do you train for speed?

I mentioned earlier that BG will teach how to generate acceleration/power.

But yes, SLT is also very essential. It frees up joints. Once you understand how the joints move, all you have to do is make them move quicker...ie think quicker. respond quicker...be alert. Remember the mind controls the body, but to what degree is what you decide in how much time you decide to put into understanding the connection between the two (SLT is a good way to explore this - im sure other martail arts have their way too).

[fgxpanzerz]

That's true Diego. Doing cartwheels wont make u punch hard. Jump roping isnt good for yor joints. Sure it supposedly makes you have better timing and builds yor stimina, but if fuks yor knees big time! Keep up the hard work.

[anerlich]

Mun Hung,

you're cool. Your approach is good.

Diego,

I'm not sure quite what you're on about (is anybody?), but no one mentioned fast twitch fibers. And if you're talking about lower body explosiveness when pivoting, then it most certainly WILL help you punch harder if you step or shift your hips when punching. Punch comes from the ground through the legs and on up, does it not?

LOL at fxpanzer - cartwheels/carl lewis.

I've been jumping rope for 17 years and there's nothing wrong with my knees. Maybe if you jump high all the time, but no decent boxer or skipper does that.

Roy D - for those of us who live thousands of miles from your school, don't suppose you'd care to elaborate? Unless of course you're just advertising ...

[diego]

I Deleted the post, Completely misread my topics of disrespect intentions.
Peace.1:)

[mun hung]

anerlich - I'm glad we have a better understanding. I apologize for not stating things more clearly the first time around.

diego - cool.

S. Teebas - so just by practicing SNT and BG, this trains you to react to attacks without any sort of contact drilling? Let's not include any drills where contact is already made. (SNT, lop sau, etc.)

Since this topic started with reaction to a strike in mind, how about reactive drills against any sort of really hard attack?

Reaction is always slower than action, therefore trying to match speed against a very fast opponent leaves you at an immediate disadvantage.

There are also people who can never aquire speed no matter how hard they train with whatever methods they try, how do they deal with a fast opponent?

If I were bigger, stronger and faster than everyone, I would'nt need Wing Chun.....but I'm not.

There has to be something else.

[S.Teebas]

...so just by practicing SNT and BG, this trains you to react to attacks without any sort of contact drilling?..

Not exclusivily. I agree that a lot can be learned from chi-sau, chi sau sparring and sparring too. But what i was trying to get across is that many valuable lessons can be learned from the forms when you study them (which i see alot of people miss). And not just copying the movements, but really trying to understand whats inside the form... what lesson is in it?

By practicing the 3 forms your ability to react will dramitically increase. I believe the forms train the mind to control the body to a very high level. And the mind is a very powerful thing (it controls your ability to react) .


Since this topic started with reaction to a strike in mind, how about reactive drills against any sort of really hard attack?

Chi sau, chi sau sparing and sparing all help.

There are also people who can never aquire speed no matter how hard they train with whatever methods they try, how do they deal with a fast opponent?

Yeah, agreed! But if the correct methods are employed it will work! I think the question is; can you empoly the correct methods. How hard are you willing to train, how much attention are you willing to pay to the details (which make the big difference)


If I were bigger, stronger and faster than everyone, I would'nt need Wing Chun.....but I'm not.
There has to be something else.


Well all i know is wing chun has proven its self to me. It does work, if you think its too hard do somthing else!

[Roy D. Anthony]

Anerlich, nice try. SMILE.....however my response was directed to Convergence, who lives in Detroit. I am willing to travel, so if you are suggesting a seminar, I would be more than happy to go to Australia. SMILE.

[anerlich]

No sale, bud.

I'm one of those annoying people who like to see what's on offer before I think about spending.

More than enough instructional talent this side of the Pacific, too.

[Roy D. Anthony]

Anerlich, Who said anything about talent on your side of the world? Not I.SMILE. As you are trying to save time by getting the answers online, I value my time too, SMILE.

[anerlich]

Who said anything about talent on your side of the world?

Me. As in not needing to import it from Canada or anywhere else.

As you are trying to save time by getting the answers online

I'm trying to see whether you actually have anything new to offer on the subject other than your own assurances that you do. The forum's supposed to be about sharing information, after all.


SMILE

Give me a reason to.

[Roy D. Anthony]

Anerlich,Then Share!

[Roy D. Anthony]

Diego, did you ever live in Toronto?

[anerlich]

Anerlich,Then Share!

I put a lot of my opinions up on the thread already, sport.

I think the ball's in YOUR court.

[whippinghand]

Originally posted by anerlich
More than enough instructional talent this side of the Pacific, too. Intructional talent is one thing, proficiency is another.

[anerlich]

Wow, that's deep. :rolleyes:

Plenty of both in Australia, my man.

Do you and Roy know each other? It's just that your terse, detail-free posting styles occasionally seem fairly similar.

Perhaps that says something about instructional proficiency in your shared neck of the woods?

[Roy D. Anthony]

Anerlich, it is so sad that you must hurl inuendos. Is that what your Sifu taught you? I sure hope not. What began as an answer to someone elses question was made your territory. Not Good!!
I came here in good faith............YOU?

[anerlich]

I thought whippinghand cast the first stone when it came to innuendo. Maybe his Sifu taught him that.

Is he your evil twin?

Good faith would be nice ... substance better.

I'm sure there is proficiency there, just little evidence of it in any posts on this topic by you or your compatriot.

Time to move on. Best of luck with your seminars.

[Sihing73]

Hello,

Some are back to the same old methods of posting vague references and taking cheap shots at others and their teaching. Once again, this serves no purpose and really adds nothing to the discussion. I will ask that everyone refrain from taking shots at one another and discuss the art rather then the personalities. I would prefer that everyone act as adults rather than children which need to be looked after :rolleyes:

Peace,

Dave

[anerlich]

S73

You are right and I apologise for my part, though I cannot accept full responsibility.

[Roy D. Anthony]

Again, Convergence, if you are willing to travel to Toronto, I am willing to disclose my methods to you. I can be located at the Ryerson University Wing Chun club.

[Crow1981]

Hey!

Interesting thread. I think the ROSS system might have something about reducing reaction time. My only experiences with ROSS resources are limited to the IOUF and recently GTB(1st volume) videos so far, as well as Mr Sonnon's many inspiring posts at the Underground and AmerROSS. And the tapes are not even mine, but my friend's who I borrowed them from because I couldn't afford them myself. And to be honest, I've only seen them once because of limited time. But they're GREAT.

Perhaps some forum members more experienced with ROSS than me, can respond to this thread. I'm sure it'll be educational for us.

Me and three of my friends have decided to split the costs 4 ways to purchase SHOCK-Ability and Fisticuffs, hopefully having enough by the end of this month . I think these might have methods dealing with reducing reaction time. I'm pretty sure I won't be disappointed with these though.

anerlich, I've read somewhere that you've got SHOCK-Ability as well as having attended a ROSS seminar. Can you tell me about your experience with this. I've read that it shows how to diminish what Mr Sonnon calss 'fear reactivity' (OVER-reacting to a perceived threat) and so diminishing this would allow someone to respond naturally.

[anerlich]

Crow,

I attended Scott Sonnon's first (and so far only) Australian seminar in late 2000, after learning of his material via his forum on mixedmartialarts.com. It was definitely one of the most interesting and thought-provoking seminars I have attended. The cream of Aussie Machado BJJ (a brown, three purples and several blues) also attended, and judging from their reviews they were similarly impressed. At $70 AUS for a 6 hour seminar, it was cheap as well. Nice guy too - someone on rec.m-a is flaming him bigtime but anyone who has spent any time with Scott will know that idiot's rants to be bogus.

I do have the ShockAbility tape series. It doesn't address reaction time per se, but rather improving your reactions ot incoming force qualititatively (and as such, will improve your reaction speed indirectly). The base level is learning to absorb impact force via breathing, relaxation and body movement, which Scott demonstrated to good effect absorbing a number of full power shots to the jaw and body from UFC and NHB competitor Elvis Sinosic (who, while primarily a BJJ stylist, has won several matches by KO). This is a qualitatively different approach from iron shirt qigong and their ilk.

The ability to absorb force allows one to then tailor one's reaction to it so that "fear reactivity" and flinching are taken out of the equation, and also allows trainees to incrementally work up to training with full power accurate blows, this maximising the value of training. It's not supposed to make you invulnerable, rather to remove the fear aspects that make you react inappropriately, so that all your attention can be focused on dealing with the threat in the optimum fashion.

The other tapes in the series make excursions into Shock Inoculation, dealing with blows so as to divert ant impact without giving the opponent neuromuscular feedback, and Shock Engineering, which entails taking the opp's force and sending it back into him.

A lot of that has close parallels with WC, but presents the information from a perspective that is unique. Never have I seen presented as well as this reasons for HOW and WHY things should be done a certain way.

I have Fisticuffs on order, unfortunately the Australian Postal Service, Customs and the US Postal Service have conspired to lose the piece of registered mail that carries them and Amerross customer service and I have both submitted official complaints to try and find out where the he11 it is.:mad:

The ROSS system doesn't try to replace the techs of your style with different ones, but gives you the tools to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of whatever you do - striking, grappling, throwing, ....

I'd buy all the tapes AMERROSS sold except they translate into a large fortune once they hit the USD/AUD exchange rate.

The Grappler's Toolbox series is mindblowing too if you are into any form of groundfighting or grappling. The exercises on those tapes have made BIG improvements to my ground game, as well as the ground to standing to ground transitions.

I could rave about this stuff for hours, but the tapes do it so much better. My Sifu enjoyed the tapes as well, and we include some of the shock absorption and ground exercises in class now and then. I generally do some of the grapplers' toolbox exercises 3 or 4 times a week.

You wolud probably find the breathing tapes (Zdorovye/Dhykanye, and a new set called "BE Breathed" or something similar) to be of interest as well. Like Yoga and qigong, as deep and complex as both but as different from each as they are from each other.

[Roy D. Anthony]

there are also a lot of exercises on the Dummy that do that. as well as a lot of Wing Chun Grappling exercises that accomplish the same thing.:)

[anerlich]

To make that statement with such confidence, you would need to have viewed the tapes, or trained with Scott Sonnon or one of his students - or have done the same with Vladimir Vasiliev, who I understand has his HQ in the same city in which you/whippinghand reside.

Perhaps you have, in which case your assertions are based on experience and I can accept them to some degree.

But - all the attribute development drills on the tape require a live partner throwing punches, kicks or other strikes at you. They would be impossible with a dummy (a robot perhaps, dummy no). Others require you to work with a partner who has movable joints and shares the pecularities of human anatomical structure and function.

The solo and partner grappling and ground engagement drills definitely have nothing to do with WC grappling techniques in any shape or form, though they will enhance any such prctice greatly.

Crow, I recommend the tapes, my Sifu liked them as well.

[Roy D. Anthony]

These exercises on the Dummy are formidable exercises giving you the right feeling of Sensitivity and spring action.
The Wing Chun grappling techniques are amazing learning tools for sensitivity and flow and aways done with a partner.
Unfortunately Vasiliev falls short, in grappling techniques and especially like in knife and gun defenses.
Have had students switch to Wing Chun here in Toronto, that would never go back.