Self-evaluation is the key to developing true understanding. Let us be very clear here, if this looks like a lot of work, that's because it is. This stage requires the most work and reflection. There are no short-cuts here as any time skipped will mean more mistakes and rework later. The reward is significant as the deeper your understanding the quicker you will Learn and Master.
The primary tool is to experiment. A deeper, more step by step, explanation of this will be put on this site a later time. In the meantime here is a illustrative example, your results and conclusion should vary:
- Question: Is it better to block a hook punch closer to their fist or their shoulder?
- Idea: Closer to their shoulder would mean less force to absorb.
- Experiment: Have the same partner throw the same punch five times.
On the first punch, block their arm at their wrist
On the second block at the middle of their forearm
The elbow on the third
The bicep next
Just below their shoulder at the end. - Result: The closer to the shoulder the less I got moved, but their punch made contact once I went closer to than their elbow.
- Conclusion: Try again with a different block technique to block at their shoulder without getting hit.
The secondary tool is to prioritize what you experiment. If working on a scenarios that has multiple moves, e.g. side-step, block, punch, step, grab, turn, throw; prioritize in the order of the sequence. First the side-step, then the block, then the punch, and so on. The reason is that through experimenting you will optimize how you do any given step. However you finish the first move is going to dictate how you start the second:
- A close side-step to the opponent will mean a tight trapping block which will shut down your opponent
- A side-step away from the opponent will mean a dissipation block that will shift your opponents balance
Which one will ultimately lead an easier throw is down to you to figure out.
Only a skill that is fully understood is foundational, adaptable and can be mastered
