02.02.21
Tonight my teacher consultancy covered their 14th and final combination to promote rhythm and flow in stand-up striking. We then went through the next two combinations to be covered by their school. Much of the lesson became a focus on better transitioning through economical footwork and using the momentum of previous technique. Combination 14 uses the momentum of the Dutch block to deliver force first into a lead hook and later into a cross. Likewise, combination six carries the forward momentum of its last cross to travel into a southpaw stance and then strike with a left spinning back-fist/hammer-fist. The cross punch in combination five is described as “Step into Southpaw & Jab”, but what this really means is to switch hit with a left cross. Here the momentum of the previous cross sends the rear leg forward into a southpaw stance and the left hand becomes a rear hand punch. John Anderson once taught this to me in a drop step motion, demonstrating his applicability to self-defence. Combination five also includes a shuffle in southpaw into jab/cross/uppercut/rear body kick combination. The shuffle in an unfamiliar position is designed to add extra confusion for the opponent as the three punch combo flows immediately, disguising the power kick at the end.
Credit to Athena School of Karate head teacher and founder, Mary Stevens, for the term “flurry and smash”. It perfectly sums up the rhythm and flow of these combinations and the overall strategy behind them. A flurry of fast techniques are used camouflage a powerful smashing move.
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