I’ve been thinking alot lately about bridging the gap between drill and free play. Many of my students can do the drills quite well. Very few are actually fighters. Technique goes out the window when under pressure. Things go all tippy-tappy, people try to hit from out of measure, defences and plays go to shite… [...]

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We worked Fiore’s abrazare tonight. We warmed up using breakfalls and rolls before moving on to specifics. Mechanics of the hip throw Hip throw drill, using Fiorean mechanics (stance is wider than judo, for instance) Balance and unbalancing drills – partners face one another, flat footed, and attempt to unbalance one another. First one to [...]

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Frankly, we didn’t do too much. After this last weekend’s tournament, we viewed photos and reviewed video of the fights. Lots of good things going on, just as many things to correct – footwork, attacking out of measure, attacking without regard for closing the line, etc. Still, a good time was had by all, and [...]

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Continuing with sword work from last week, we did some drills – first for sentimento di ferro then for flow and fluidity. Sentimento di ferro drill from posta longa, blades in contact. Companion applies pressure, or takes off. Companion must react accordingly. Progression from above drill – both practitioners from posta di donna. Companion cuts, [...]

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