Last night, we practiced getting ourselves into a balanced state while defending against and attack.
The two main thoughts or objectives during this exercise were getting and keeping our own balance while the attacker was trying to take ours, and taking their balance while they were trying to keep their own.
This was mostly a feeling exercise. There was less specific technique being practiced and more getting to know body mechanics, movement, and the dynamic nature of a physical confrontation.
Here are some of the things we talked about in the class.
Maintain a solid stance. Even as you move around, you should transition from one solid stance to another, never giving up your balance to try to take theirs.
Pay attention to the other person as you get and then keep their balance. You’ll be able to feel your control over their balance. Stay aware of their subtle movements and react with the smallest corrections so you use as little energy as possible and counter any attempts to take control before they go anywhere.
Two key factors in controlling the balance are low center of gravity (your hips have to be lower than theirs), and getting rid of the space between you (wear them like a coat).
If they ever offer you their back, take it. Offer them a full nelson in return.
In Hapkido, we make use of the energy already in play. If they try to come around the front of us as we’re trying to get in a throwing position, and they succeed in coming around the front of us, keep them moving until we are around the back again and apply a full nelson.
Conserve your energy and make them use energy. Once they are tired, strength and speed are less of a factor and good technique can win the moment.
Become one unit and control the balance of both people.
This was a great class. We had a lot of fun and got some really good experience of learning to feel the other person.
Next week, more awesome training. See you there.
