# The Modern Arnis Six Count Drill

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2010/05/21/blog-the-6-count-drill/
- Published: 2010-05-21T21:18:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

The 6 Count drill is one of the staple Modern Arnis drills. From our perspective,
the most fundamental skill this drill teaches is [check hand](https://brianejohns.com/2021/10/25/blog-two-killer-check-hand-drills/)
usage. It is often taught at [Modern Arnis seminars](https://brianejohns.com/2010/06/14/blog-master-gaby-roloff-seminar/)
worldwide. Before you learn this drill, you must learn the basic [block, check, counter drill](https://brianejohns.com/2024/04/08/video-of-the-week-7-modern-arnis-block-check-counter/)!

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/NvPfdLY18Xc).

Using Professor and Judy Clapp from the above video, the 6 Count drill can be broken
down as follows:

 1.  Ms. Clapp attacks Professor with Angle 1;
 2.  Professor counters with a cut block and counters with Angle 8;
 3.  Note where Professor’s check hand is after the cut block;
 4.  Ms. Clapp responds by stepping back with her right foot (to avoid the strike) 
     and executing a drop block;
 5.  Note that Ms. Clapp checks the Professor’s weapon hand while executing the drop
     block. Another option at this point is to check Professor’s elbow with the fingers
     pointing down;
 6.  Ms. Clapp then steps back in and attacks with a #12;
 7.  Professor [responds with an umbrella block](https://brianejohns.com//2015/08/03/blog-defending-against-angle-12/);
 8.  Again, note the Professor’s check hand as he executes the umbrella block.
 9.  At this point, we are halfway through the drill;
 10. Professor then attacks Judy Clapp with angle 1.
 11. The rest of the 6 Count drill continues with their roles reversed.

![Screenshot of Professor and Judy Clapp during the 6 Count drill](https://i0.wp.
com/brianejohns.com//wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screen-Shot-2020-07-20-at-7.07.55-
PM-1024x632.png?resize=1024%2C632&ssl=1)

Note that the Professor uses his check hand after the umbrella block in the 6 Count
Drill.

This drill teaches footwork, body shifting, blocking, striking, and recognizing 
the angles of your opponent’s attacks in addition to checking.

### But wait! There’s more in the 6 Count drill!

Starting at 1:57 of the video, the Professor starts exploring the empty-hand version
of this drill. Isn’t that cool? You’ll notice that the Professor explores different
options for each section.

For example, he defends against Jim Clapp’s angle 1 attack with a brush, grab, and
strike to the rib area. See the photograph below.

![Screenshot of Professor doing a strike to Jim Clapp's rib area.](https://i0.wp.
com/brianejohns.com//wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screen-Shot-2020-07-20-at-9.14.50-
PM-1024x749.png?resize=1024%2C749&ssl=1)

Professor striking Jim Clapp’s rib.

After the empty hand section, the Professor demonstrated the drill’s stick and empty
hand applications. An example is a stick disarm depicted in the below photograph.

![Screen shot of Professor disarming his partner.](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.
com//wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screen-Shot-2020-07-20-at-9.26.40-PM-1024x725.png?
resize=1024%2C725&ssl=1)

Professor demonstrating a disarm.

What about doing it with a knife? Yes, you can practice this drill with a knife!

## The bottom line is that this drill is deep in applications and can be practiced in many different ways!

## Additional Reading

 * [Two Killer Check Hand Drills](https://brianejohns.com/2021/10/25/blog-two-killer-check-hand-drills/)
 * [Master Gaby Roloff Seminar](https://brianejohns.com/2010/06/14/blog-master-gaby-roloff-seminar/)
 * [The Check Hand](https://brianejohns.com/2011/02/17/blog-the-check-hand/)
 * [Video of the Week 7: Modern Arnis Block, Check, Counter](https://brianejohns.com/2024/04/08/video-of-the-week-7-modern-arnis-block-check-counter/)
 * [Defending Against Angle 12](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/03/blog-defending-against-angle-12/)

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