The practice of martial arts. How, what, where, when, why.
23
votes
17answers
3k views
Which martial arts focus on self defense?
I'm trying to make sure I ask this question in a manner that doesn't make it subjective or argumentative.
While all martial arts have merit, I believe those merits lie in various areas. Which ...
19
votes
6answers
758 views
Drills for reducing your natural “flinch” reaction
When going into a longsword bind, or getting hit as part of a Kata, I tend to flinch visibly and shut my eyes.
What are some exercises I can do, solo or with a partner, to help me keep my eyes open?
9
votes
2answers
350 views
What can I do to improve my squat for judo throws during randori?
I am 6 foot 2 inches and weigh about 90Kg - I find it very difficult during randori to get a full turn in for (for example) O Goshi.
My instructors are always telling me that I need to get lower and ...
16
votes
10answers
1k views
What martial art should I start with?
Young male, not looking for anything specific, but I am a huge fan of MMA in general. (not just the UFC/SF)
What would be a good beginner martial art for both fitness and relevancy to watching ...
4
votes
4answers
375 views
How to meditate after an adrenaline rush or exertion?
I always find it difficult to concentrate and empty my mind when I have just had argument with someone or have done very tough physical training.
What are good pre-meditation techniques to find the ...
9
votes
5answers
2k views
Lowering heart rate at will
I train archery as part of my martial arts training. What is the best way to lower or control heart rate before taking shot? Assuming I have been doing activity that raised it. I know just waiting for ...
5
votes
5answers
465 views
How does one mentally push past pain in training?
Big part of my training is maintaining control of your body even though I feel physical pain. There are usually two situations, in physical pain while still having energy to fight, and in physical ...
6
votes
3answers
907 views
How useful is a grappling dummy, when you don't have a live training partner available?
There is no substitute for a live training partner, but sometimes a training partner just isn't available and drilling is an important part of training for groundwork grappling.
For those times I ...
7
votes
3answers
167 views
Training while exhausted
In martial art circles, we often hear that training while exhausted (or tiered) will improve your technique. The one I heard was that it will force one to stop all extraneous movement and do the ...
7
votes
6answers
421 views
How does a non-grappler train to be ready to avoid grappling in a real-world situation?
I train in non-grappling arts. I have a reasonable amount of experience with this. However, I'm not sure how I would deal with an untrained opponent coming to grapple with me -- or someone whose ...
11
votes
3answers
309 views
Training Body Reading Without Sparring
When I did rapier, with some emphasis on sparring as well as structured drills, one of the things you got very good at was reading the other person's tells. Some of which were things that could be ...
27
votes
17answers
813 views
Is practising techniques on both the left and right sides beneficial or detrimental to martial development?
Is there any evidence to suggest that practising techniques on the left and right side of the body produces more adept martial artists?
By "adept", I mean the learned ability to proficiently and ...
20
votes
6answers
380 views
What martial notation systems exist for describing techniques in writing?
What are some examples of clear ways to describe martial techniques in writing?
I often take notes during and after classes, and occasionally find that I haven't described a particular technique ...
4
votes
3answers
140 views
What methods are effective for increasing co-ordination on dual handed techniques?
I have recently begun practicing escrima, and I find it difficult to simultaneously wield two sticks while keeping co-ordination and rhythm.
Are there some drills I could do on my own to improve my ...
