Category: KungFu

  • Fight Game Plan : Part 1: Identify Fighter Type

    Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan ‘till they get punched in the face.” While that is excellent advice for a novice fighter preparing for their first fight, it should also be noted that every one of Tyson’s losses came at the hands of a fighter who entered the ring with an effective fight plan. The fact is, whether you’re competing in boxing, kickboxing, or even point sparring, a carefully thought out game plan executed efficiently will result in success. Fortunately for the Pai Lum Tao practitioner, fighting philosophies and formulas are just as much a part of the training as conditioning. This post will be the first in a series on developing a strategy for either a San Shou or point sparring fight. Today we’ll look at identifying a fighter’s “type.” Future posts will cover exploiting a mismatch while playing to your strengths, fighting a mirror of yourself, and pre-fight mentality and demeanor.

    Fighter Type Grid

    Every fighter has strengths and weaknesses. While Pai Lum Tao is a deep, well-rounded system – and we should all strive to be great in every area – we’re all still training and learning. Thus, there will be elements we pick up quicker than others. Even a well-rounded master will likely have one area they prefer over everything else, and one thing they may do well, but it would not be their first choice in combat. In addition to their strength or preference, every fighter will have a style that they gravitate to. This style is a reflection of their level of aggression in the ring and what kind of pace or tempo they want the fight to go at.

    A fighter’s arsenal can be broken down into 3 categories: punching, kicking, and grappling. Some would argue that this is splitting hairs and that punching and kicking should be lumped as stand-up. Others would take a more liberal approach and say that elbows, knees, and throws should be their own category. However, as you’ll see in a few moments, looking at fighting through these three categories will build a stronger eye for identifying mismatches.

    Fighting style can be broken down into two distinct categories: aggressive and defensive. Neither is correct or incorrect, and as mentioned earlier, an experienced fighter will learn how to use both. However, we’re all going to have a natural tendency to one or the other. An aggressive fighter is an instigator – they’re swinging as soon as the bell rings. The aggressive fighter will apply pressure and stay on the offensive. A defensive fighter is exactly what it sounds like. They let the opponent come to them and react accordingly. To the casual observer, they may look like they’re backpedaling at times, when in reality, they’re luring the opponent in for a devastating counter. While there are many other nuances in each fighter’s style, one of these two characteristics will be most prevalent in them.

    If we were to look at the three primary methods in vertical columns and the two styles as horizontal rows, we end up with a grid that can easily identify what a fighter’s type is. See the chart below:

    Style/Method Puncher Kicker Grappler*
    Aggressive Aggressive Puncher Aggressive Kicker Aggressive Grappler
    Defensive Defensive Puncher Defensive Kicker Devensive Grappler
    *It’s important to note that the definition of “grappling” will change depending on the rules. Some San Shou fights will allow for ground fighting. Other San Shou fights and some point sparring matches may only be limited to takedowns, but that still qualifies as grappling. Even clutching can fall under this category.

    When prepping for a fight, the first key for developing a game plan is identifying where on the above grid both they and their opponent fall. After that, they need to be mindful of where both are most vulnerable. It should be noted that pinpointing a fighter on the grid does not necessarily pigeonhole them in that spot – they could be effective in other areas. Conversely, identifying your weakness does not mean scrapping that element. In future posts, we’ll explore the need to step out of your comfort zone to augment your strength. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at each one of these fighter types:

    1. Aggressive Puncher. This fighter brings to mind the phrase “punches in bunches.” They have fast hands and come with a minimum 3-4 punch combinations. This fighter is effective at using their jab to bridge the gap and set-up follow-up punches. More often than not, they have a heavy rear hand.
    2. Defensive Puncher. This fighter is a great counter puncher. They’ll fluster their opponent with ducks, covers, and intercepting hands. They will use their jab to create space and keep their opponent at a distance.
    3. Aggressive Kicker. With this fighter, it’s almost a given that they’ll lead with a linear kick. Expect a barrage of combination kicks and changing target zones. Their round kicks have knockout power.
    4. Defensive Kicker. Like the aggressive kicker, the defensive kicker will use the lead linear kick, only it will be to hold off an opponent’s advance. The defensive kicker will also use their legs to intercept or stuff incoming kicks, then follow-up with a counter kick.
    5. Aggressive Grappler. The aggressive grappler wants to get inside their opponent’s reach. Their goal is to keep the opponent close enough to grab. They won’t hesitate to go for the takedown when the opportunity is there, and if ground fighting is allowed, they are scrambling for advantageous positioning and the submission.
    6. Defensive Grappler. This fighter is looking for their opponent to leave themselves vulnerable when attacking and go for the takedown. If ground fighting is applicable, they will exercise great patience, allowing their opponent to wear themselves out and capitalize on a mistake.

    If you’ve ever competed in any level of fighting, some of those points may have resonated with you, while others make you cringe. Those are some early tell signs of where you fall on the grid. When studying an opponent (either as a spectator or in the ring – we’ll cover that more in the next post), these are clues you want to key in on when developing your strategy. In order to develop a successful fight plan, it is essential to understand both who you are as a fighter and who your opponent is.

    Over the next month, take some time to reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement and see if you can identify what your fighter type is. Try to watch some fights as well – either on TV, at a local tournament, or even just sparring matches at your school. See if you can recognize what kind of fighter each competitor is. In the next post with this series, we’ll breakdown what happens when each type of fighter squares off.

  • Good Competition Protocol

    It’s important to have good protocol and etiquette on the competition circuit in Martial Arts. It’s a fact that seems to be forgotten a great deal and often over the claim that competitive spirit takes over. But achieving good protocol and etiquette is not only important in your development as a martial artist, it is an easy object to maintain. Below are some simple things that any competitor can do as signs of respect and honor.

    Many of the protocols in good competition form are established to show respect for the art which you participate. In many ways, one can also consider the competition floor the same as a training ground. Thus, respect the floor as you would your school or teacher.

    One must also remember the first term in Martial Arts, the word “martial”. The definition of martial is “of or related to war.” In war, there are rules of engagement that one follows. While over time the rules have changed, the concept of having them has not. Dating as far back as history extends, civilization and respected warriors followed proper codes of that time. From European knights to Japanese Samurai, these codes existed to maintain order and civility despite the brutal nature of conflict and war.

    In this day and age, for a martial artist, one of the “fields of battle” is the competition floor. As such, a warrior should follow the code of conduct on this playing field.

    Before the competition
    Even before you come to the day of the competition, take the time to review the rules and regulations on your own. Each competition has some nuance that makes their rules unique. Understand them and ask questions about them before you enter the day of the competition.

    There is always time before any event where competitors gather and prepare for the event. Do spend this time to get yourself ready. Warm up and focus your thoughts on the task head. Visualize what you plan in executing. Be it sparring or forms there are always things you can picture in your mind that will help when you are ready to perform.

    Make sure you don’t expend energy towards negative things during this time. Don’t talk disrespectfully about other competitors or judges. Don’t run around or leave the area you’ve been designated to. Have everything you need ready and with you before you get to the ringed area.

    Entering the ring
    How you enter the ring depends upon what you’re doing, be it sparring or forms. It is good to make sure before you enter the floor, to show it respect. So just as you might bow (or kowtow) when entering a school or training floor, you should show the same respect before stepping into the ring.

    For forms
    Don’t step into the ring until the judges acknowledge you somehow, normally with a nod or at a minimal eye contact. If you aren’t the first person in the ring, do not step into the ring until the previous competitor has completely left the ring.

    Move quickly. Don’t waste anyone’s time getting into the ring. When you enter, enter at the far end and then approach the judges. Most people often enter along the furthest point from the judges and move linearly to the center before making a 90 degree turn to face the judges and approach their table.

    Once you’ve approached the judge’s table, the proper procedure is to kowtow until acknowledged. Announce your name, style/school, and the form you expect to perform. If your form leaves the boxed in area, make sure to request it prior to starting so the judges know. Finally, ask for permission to begin.

    For sparring
    Enter the ring only when the center judge instructs you. Come to the starting line, normally close to the center. Bow to the judge. Bow to your opponent. It’s polite to actually take a moment to shake your opponent’s hand.

    Only go into set or ready position when the center judge instructs you to. This is normally done with a phrase or the judge lowering his hand between the two opponents. To go into this position before is disrespectful to the judge and your opponent. Plus, it shows poor sportsmanship that you are here just for the kill.

    Finishing
    As you either complete your form or finish your match, it is important to close with the same level of respect and honor as you have shown so far.

    For forms
    Return to the center position where you first announced yourself. Stand in ready position until either the judges call out your score or dismiss you. Kowtow to thank the judges and then walk backwards (not turning your back to the judges) to the edge of the ring. Face the direction which you entered the ring originally and bow to your next opponent, who should be waiting ready to go. Exit the ring quickly.

    When you’re done with the competition overall, it’s good form to both thank the judges for their time and to congratulate all the other opponents, regardless of where anyone placed.

    For sparring
    Listen for the judge’s call and break the fighting when they call it. Do not break combat before that point as you will find yourself in a weaker position. Even if you believe you have won the point, continue until the judges call it. Do not continue to fight after the judge calls break. Continuing to fight shows your lack of discipline and control, which is neither respected nor appreciated in the ring.

    If your opponent is injured during the match, you will be instructed to stay back. Do not stand there and hover around the ring. In fact, the correct protocol is to often turn to face out the ring opposite of your opponent and kneel. Take this time to refocus your thoughts and visual what your next moves will be. Do not return back to the ring until the center judge instructs you to.

    When the match is done, bow once again to your opponent and then to the judges. It is polite and nice to actually shake hands and thank your opponent, regardless of who wins. Some would say it is even better if you can hug your opponent and walk away on friendly term. After all, this may be combat but it doesn’t mean we need to continue the conflict once the battle is done.

    Competitions aren’t for everybody or every style. However, if you do participate in competitions, it is important to follow good protocols and etiquette. It is part of the foundation that has created Martial Arts in the first place. And, in general, the respect you show is good to follow even in life outside of the competition ring.