GJ "One point of variability gives an infinite number of combinations"

Surprisingly large class tonight so we charged into our new semester. First we did the new warm-up just to welcome everyone back in true Goshin Jitsu style. We worked into some of the 2 minute thai drills we have been working on. First the knees,

Deep knee, same head knee

Deep: Stack gloves on belly, force parallel to floor

Head: One glove held out in front, force perpendicular to floor

Curve knee, same/opposite deep knee (plum position)

Curve: Stack gloves on side, thigh swings shut like a gate, hit with medial surface of knee (distal femoral eminence), force parallel to floor

Deep: Stack gloves on belly, force parallel to floor

Inside leg knee, opposite deep knee (plum position)

Inside: Straight knee to medial side of thigh, displace if you can

Deep: Stack gloves on belly, force parallel to floor

Plum clinch knee, same/opposite thai side clinch knee

Plum clinch: Stack gloves on belly, force parallel to floor

Side clinch: Feed one arm, partner overhooks with same side and controls neck with opposite hand, takes a half circle step back, knee to head (catch with glove) or knee to body (cover with glove)

Deep knee, same/opposite calf shot

Deep: Stack gloves on belly, force parallel to floor

Calf shot: Pelvis-to-pelvis, bring foot to outside and slap partner's calf with foot (in application this would be the heel to the calf, but this would get old quick in training)

Then the same with punch combinations

Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross

Corkscrew either way using the hook

Jab-Lead Hook-Cross-Lead Hook

Variation: Lead Hook-Cross-Lead Hook

Corkscrew either way using the first hook hook

Jab-Overhand-Lead Uppercut-Overhand

Variation: Overhand-Lead Uppercut-Overhand.

We cannot treat these combinations as martial arts gospel (e.g. Goshin Jitsu Thai kata #1 is ...) but rather as frameworks or reference points in fighting. The first way to create variability with the same sequence is by adding different levels (Chutes and Ladders) and angles. The next level is to simply changing the last strike in any tried-and-true combination and make a simple predictable sequence into an expansive arsenal. At a higher level, changing strikes within the combination we add even more layers. This is not to say you should not have solid basic combinations, but if they aren't scoring you need to make a small change. The "formula" of starting with levels and angles, progressing to final shot variability, and finally intra-combination variability is a start.
For example, I like JCHC, so let's examine that. In the broadest sense any of these shots can be body shots, but the crosses and hook are the two strongest, especially when I when I draw my opponent's hands up toward his head with shots there. Next, if I corkscrew I add nearly 45^o to the window around my opponent's body that I can land shots. Lastly, the final shot can be switched to an overhand, uppercut, shovel hook, rear hook, or if we want to be creative any elbow. Alternatively I can double up on the lead hand rather than throwing with my rear hand to finish, e.g. body hook (scratch the cross) head hook. If we expand to increase our arsenal, a rear kick or either side tiip or knee would also fit well. Should we expand or combatative lexicon rather than throwing a cross we can clinch or shoot. Essentially we can create and entire fight around a JCHC combination and choosing single points to create infinite options.

The (unoriginal) RATTLE variables are a summary of key pieces of the engagement. As previously mentioned changes in angle and level are easy ways to increase the flexibility of standard combinations. Permutations in target (e.g. solar plexus vs. floating ribs) and timing (e.g. incorporating full vs. half beats or broken rhythm) are also methods of evolving combinations. Note: the hexagon composed of many triangles is stolen from silat and other Filipino martial arts

We then switched to do some grappling and I reviewed some of the material from the Marcelo Garcia seminar. In particular we touched on the sprawl single, leg drag, the Marcelo over-under grip, the Ricco solution, the rear bear hug to rear mount, and two of the three arm drag scenarios. We discussed the reasons for the Marcelo grip, between Jeff and myself we came up with (a) the over-under is tighter this way than with the a thumb-less wrestler's grip and (b) by gripping the overhook hand with the underhook one minimizes the possibility of wrist locking. I reiterated the situational or scenario-based logic of Marcelo's game but neglected to reiterate all the general concepts of his game.
We finished with seven rounds (four running and three push-ups) of the Tabata protocol. Everyone at practice hates me, the plan will be to do it twice a week Sundays and Thursdays (Wednesdays). Fight season has started once more!