solo MBC training

[mr. v]

Mr. Janich--



What would be the most productive use of my time in MBC practice when a training partner isn't available?



Vince

[Michael Janich]

Dear Vince:

The best solo training is to do the same thing you would do with a partner, only WITHOUT a partner. In other words, if you can learn the partner training drills, then visualize your partner's role in the drills as you perform your role solo, you can train very effectively. In fact, most people find that they are able to do the partner drills much better after some diligent solo training because the visualization forces them to really understand the drills.

If you don't know any drills yet, you can do the same type of visualization against isolated attacks. In the MBC system I teach, there are only 12 basic techniques. Once you learn those, you can do some very productive training by visualizing specific attacks and responding with one of the defensive techniques. As you get better, you defend and counter. As you get better still, you start chaining or combining sequences of defenses, simulating misses or non-stopping cuts that allow the fight to continue.

I also do a lot of solo practice on my "Human Response" dummy -- a martial arts training dummy that I designed that provides realistic movement via spring-loaded arms and mount. It's similar to the traditonal wing chun gung fu dummy, but, in my opinion, quite a bit more versatile. I describe the construction of this dummy in detail in my book "The Mook Jong Construction Manual." On average, you can build one in a long afternoon with simple tools and less that $75.00 in materials.

This dummy is a great way to practice with impact, and allows pretty realistic checking and monitoring movements thanks to the spring-loaded arms. Again, visualization is the key to making training with the dummy realistic.

It has often been said that the mind is the ultimate weapon. Used properly, it's also the ultimate training partner.

Stay safe,

mike j

[mr. v]

Thanks, Mr. Janich. . .

For your as-always prompt and thorough reply! I'll check my Paladin catalog for the book you mentioned.

All the best,
Vince