More circular footwork

**Omar** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 7:43pm

Here's a clip of the footwork I was talking about earlier but in a different context. I don't know how long the clip will be up as it is not mine but it's a very nice clip if you know what to look for.

http://homepage.mac.com/mancheta/LOG...Theater50.html

**Phrost** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:19pm

Compliant partner? Check.
Little to no force/resistance? Check.
Crossing the feet when stepping backwards? Check.
Limp-wristed clinch work? Check.
Slap-happy hand holding? Check.
Partner assisted Martial Masturbation? Check.

Adding to the credibility of the Chinese Martial Arts? Fail.

What were you trying to accomplish here?

This is a method of empty hand technical sparring.

Ba Gua Zhang Rou Shou
This is a long un-edited clip of after class rou shou. We're working on throws, locks and some strikes from close quarters using rou shou as a starting point to apply techniques. It's long but it's worthwhile to watch how I set up some techniques.

There's sparring in that clip? If that's how you define sparring no fucking wonder you can't grasp the concept of aliveness.

**j416to** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:21pm

Omar

Does Rou Shou mean slow sparring? This type of sparring reminds me of the things that they practice in Systema.

**Phrost** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:22pm

It's not sparring if you're doing it that slow.

**AikiZenDragon** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:35pm

slow light resistance sparring and fast high resistance sparring both have application depending on the levels/ relative levels of the people involved... i spar slow and light with beginners so they can learn, and not just be tapped... i spar light and slow with GJJ black belts so i can learn and not just get tapped all the time... fast and hard is good to for the same reasons, and to test what you have learned... both are equally valid training methods...

**j416to** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:35pm

Well, apparently its "empty hand technical sparring." Although I can't imaging trying to sparring that slowly with your hands full, with a 6 lbs sword.

**Phrost** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:39pm

Originally Posted by AikiZenDragon

slow light resistance sparring and fast high resistance sparring both have application depending on the levels/ relative levels of the people involved... i spar slow and light with beginners so they can learn, and not just be tapped... i spar light and slow with GJJ black belts so i can learn and not just get tapped all the time... fast and hard is good to for the same reasons, and to test what you have learned... both are equally valid training methods...

It is NOT sparring unless there is dynamic action and the sincere intent to make contact. From what I watched of that abomination, I didn't see a single actual punch to the head, just a bunch of girl slap fighting in slow motion and a few shoves.

Hell, if you call that sparring then the focus mit work I do 3 days a week must be old school Brazillian Vale Tudo.

**AikiZenDragon** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:43pm

all relative phrost... a matter of degree's... if its not 'hot' enough for you feel free to turn up the heat... but some people prefer a more comfortable climate and an occasional visit to the steam room...

**alex** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:47pm

yeah and some people are fucking pussies who should put away the kimono and pick up some knitting needles

the clip itself is fucking retarded. this reminds me why im glad i do muay thai. we do clinch sparring at the end of every lesson for about 20 minutes which is the same sort of deal- except we actually HIT each other, and throw, and fight back. this is why the people in that video would get a fucking hiding from anyway halfway decently trained person. less rape of CMA please and more decent footage.

**j416to** · Posted On: 1/31/2006 8:50pm

I think the point is that fighting, by definition, isn't "a comfortable climate." Thus sparring should be realistic. Drills can be slow, but you shouldn't delude yourself into thinking that slow drills are the same as sparring.