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FIGHTING WITHIN YOUR PARAMETERS
By Master Geoff Bennett & Alvin Kan
The term ‘sparring’ conjures
up many different images for different martial artists. These
however are generally limited to one view
per practitioner. Within the Progressive Protection Systems as taught
by Master Geoff Bennett many variations are utilized each with defined
parameters.
Master Bennett explains, ‘we utilise parameter to express
ourselves in different ways. Each sparring variation invites the
partitioner to highlight particular attributes. Exposure to all
these methods predisposes our students to a higher level of preparedness
to wider range of environments and situations than would otherwise
be the case’.
Some of the parameters varied during sparring sessions include,
speed of movement, level of contact, dimensions of the combat environment
and the availability of tools for combat. Some of these methods
and the attributes they highlight will be explained in this article.
Availability of Tools
Master Bennett feels this is one of the most beneficial parameters
in sparring to vary and a method often endorsed by other famous
martial artists including Bruce Lee and Joe Lewis, the American
Karate Legend. Some of the permutations that can be devised include:
• Hand against Hand
• Hand Against Feet
• Feet against Feet
• Striker against Grappler
• Armed against unarmed
Hand against Hand obviously refines the use of the upper body as
attack and defence tools. With hand against hand sparring far from
being simply a boxing match, tools that are often used include palms,
elbows, forearms, shoulders, head and of course fists. This is a
natural extension of Chi Sao and hub bud and other sensitivity drills
with high speed reflex responses being required (Pic 1,2). This
would be an excellent parameter for those coming from a kick dominated
background such as the Korean Arts and Northern Shaolin.
Feet against Feet highlight the use of the leg as both an attacking
and defensive tools. Emphasis is placed on multi-functioning, hip
exchange and coiling functions to ensure leg techniques are both
smooth and economical (pic3,4). Feet are not normally fully retracted
but simply hip and feet adjustments made to ensure economy and fluidity
of motion This is a natural progression from the Chi Gerk sensitivity
exercises. This is an excellent parameter for those with limited
kicking experience such as grappler and boxers.
Hand against Feet highlights the attributes of range/distance perception
and bridging (Pic5). This type of sparring also forces the practitioner
to function leg attacks from a close environment when the situation
necessitates, a situation that would not normally be encountered.
It also highlights the need to develop multi functioning with leg
techniques to combat the disparity of the opponent being able to
function with two hands at once.
Striker against grappler here the grappler practices his shoot
utilizing his strikes to set up and off balance his opponent(Pic
6, 7, 8, 9). The striker aims for to hone is accuracy and timing
against an opponent who he knows will be closing in for the shoot
ultimately. Once committed to the shoot, it is hard for the grappler
to change direction. The striker should use the exercise to improve
lateral footwork and striking whilst moving (pic 10,11). Unlike
MMA events sprawling is a tactic used only as a last resort. In
MMA events the striker sprawls to negate the takedown of a grappler
and waits for the end of the round. In real combat where there are
no rounds. The striker negates his main attacking tools, which are
occupied by sprawling.
Use of Edged and impact weapons Sparring with edged and impact
weapons may occur with identical weapons eg stick against stick/
knife against knife(Pic12), like weapons with size disparity eg
Pole against Stick(Pic13)/ Sword against knife weapons of different
nature e.g. knife against stick (Pic14)and empty hand against weapons
(Pic15). Each of the weapons depending on the circumstance develops
different attributes and highlight different combat strategies.
When faced against a knife for instance extreme reflexes and light
footwork are brought to the fore. However a person with a knife
fights a person with or without a weapon in a completely different
fashion. Impact weapons by their nature have effectiveness in a
very narrow power-hitting zone (Pic16) (although in close quarters
the butt may be employed very effectively (Pic17). So a person facing
an impact weapon’s strategy is navigate their way through
this zone of effectiveness thus nullifying that weapon’s effectiveness
(Pic15).
Further permutation can also arise through limitation of the actual
number of tools not just the actual tool. For example in hand sparring
two hands may oppose one, one leg against two, one leg against two
hands etc. This will refine the efficiency of the weapon limited
to one, such that defence and attack merge seamlessly, to compensate
for the disparity. Not only can you limit combat tools but also
senses such as sight through use of blindfolds(Pic18) to highlight
other desired attributes.
Combat Environment Dimensions
May times you will see martial arts sparring degenerate into what
looks more like a game of tag or a fencing match. Close combat weapons
such as head butts, knees and elbows, whilst taught in training
or part of kihon or basics, are never used. In an effort to get
his students using these types of tools and to stand their ground,
Master Bennett often restricts the dimensions of the sparring environment,
sometimes even to 1m x 1m(Pic19).
Due to proximity of combat, efficiency is of paramount missed opportunities
to hit are quickly taken advantage of. Simultaneous attack and defence
is a must. Even half beat lapses may be punished. Here linear movement
is severely restricted and lateral movement zoning to the side is
highlighted and promoted in this mode of sparring (Pic19, 20, 21).
Stand up grappling (Pic22) and sensitivity are greatly enhanced
and utilised in this mode of sparring. Redirection of force is used
to turn an opponent and break the balance making key target more
vulnerable.
Clothing
Martial Arts garment vary regularly with the gi being favoured
by traditional Japanese and Korean martial art practitioners. PPS
like many other Chinese practitioners prefer long training pants
and t-shirts. A gi sometimes used in ground grappling to practice
techniques and also to slow the ground game to facilitate a better
learning experience, particularly for beginners. Training in a gi
is claimed to be unrealistic. This is however dependant on the apparel
commonly worn and may be dependant on seasonality. For example jacket
chokes learnt with a gi would have little application in Darwin
where it is hot more times of the year, however in Melbourne where
there are bitterly cold period and people where heavy jackets these
type of techniques would be quite applicable (Pic23, 24, 25, 26).
Pant that may hinder one’s kicking ability is also taken
into account in sparring with practice also done in mufti. In these
instance particular importance is placed on low line attacks with
the legs (pic 27).
Degree of Force
In Master Bennett’s classes the students use varying degrees
of force to highlight particular attribute. Light and slow sparring
develops technical competence, setting up an opponent, sensitivity,
and flowing from one function to the next. Students must be careful
however that they are still effective the most efficient ways to
hit the primary target. Quite often this type of sparring without
the supervision of a competent instructor can lead many particularly
Chinese martial arts practitioner to “chase the hands”.
Quite often developing into a game of intricate trapping sequences
that are all but useless in real combat.
Quick/ hard sparring with protective equipment reintroduces the
skill already developed at in slow sparring in a more realistic
environment. Exchanges are normally shorter with the emphasis on
quick finishes. Here the student learns to function under stress.
Under fighting stress the clean clinical techniques are no longer
as prevalent as fine motor skills give way to grosser motor functioning.
Reflex functions burnt into the muscle memory through repetition
and constant drilling is tested. Students get hit and must respond
accordingly. This exposes students to a further skill, that of response,
reaction and recovery after being hit. Here full contact equipment
such as large boxing gloves or helmet (Pic28), groin cup, mouthguard
together with close supervision should be used.
Conclusion
Sparring within different parameters can give the student greater
insight to the nature of combat than simply through one-dimensional
sparring. In imposing variables in the tools, dimensions, apparel
etc. the student must learn to overcome obstacles they would otherwise
not experience. The isolation of tools and the highlighting of particular
attributes will ensure that when these limitations are removed the
cohesiveness and synergies developed from the sum use of all tools
will be so much greater. Through this type of training the student
can simulate many different situations and environments that may
permeate in reality. Attribute that may lie dormant are brought
to the fore, attributes that may mean success or failure in a combat
situation.
About the Authors: Geoff Bennett is World Chief Instructor of Geoff
Bennett Martial Arts International, which teaches Progressive Protection
Systems. Master Bennett has been studying and teaching martial arts
for over 30 years and was one of two closed door disciples of Grandmaster
Ho Soon Cheng of Malaysia who elected Geoff the World Head Instructor.
Geoff continues to teach and develop the system together with dedicated
instructors in throughout Sydney as well as Malaysia and Greece
.
Alvin Kan has been studying Martial Arts for 18 years starting
with Judo, 6 Years with Master Michael Spinks Studying Jin Wu Koon
Double Dragon Shaolin Gung Fu and the past 11 Years with Master
Geoff Bennett studying Progressive Protection Systems, which is
based on the Five Ancestors Gung Fu System. Alvin also has investigated
the arts of Brazillian Ju Jutsu, Kickboxing and Kali and currently
teaches Progressive Protection Systems in the Hills District, North
Western Sydney.
To Contact Alvin Kan : gbmai_hills@hotmail.com
Master Geoff: geoffreybennett@optusnet.com.au
Visit us at : www.martialarts-int.com.au
Or view our details in the classifieds at the rear pages of Fight
Times
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