How do you set up an opponent? There are several methods of setting up your opponent for a finishing shot. In the video below, I demonstrate four ways of setting up your opponent.

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In this video, I demonstrated how footwork can put forward pressure on your opponent or get off the line. You can also use footwork to create space and time that puts you in a superior position. In the brief clip below, I coupled the sweep stroke with the concept of moving forward into Alex’s centerline. As a result, he has to retreat. In addition, my advance could also momentarily displace his spinal alignment, giving me an advantage.

The following way I like to play with an opponent, especially one faster than me, is to grab their cane. Doing so allows me to change the pace on my terms rather than futilely trying to match my opponent’s speed. Once I grab the cane, I can go for the finishing shot. The caveat is that once I grab the cane, I must act immediately, or my opponent will re-counter me. Grabbing the cane is essentially stealing the lead.

A well-placed strike is a nice way to tee up a finishing shot. Hehehehehe. A good example, as shown in the clip below, is a leg shot. Once Alex reacts to the leg shot, I can move upstairs to his head for the finishing shot. One need not be limited to cane strikes to set your opponent up for a kill shot. One can also use the check hand to strike.

“Baiting” is a bit of a misnomer. As I explained in the video, I intend to hit Alex when I’m baiting. In the clip below, I demonstrated a left vs. right same-side bait, intending to hit Alex. But what if he blocks that punch? Aaaah! I’ve set him up! Master Chuck Gauss, my instructor, has always told me, “When in doubt, HIT!“

By the way, the scenery looks beautiful, eh?

This video was published in August 2019, several months before the pandemic. I CAN NOT wait to start training with my students outdoors soon. Fortunately, the decline in COVID-19 cases in Ontario should lead to the first step of re-opening the economy, hopefully by mid-June. We shall see. Per last week’s post, personal training is permitted under Step One. Hence, my excitement at the prospect of live teaching!

One step at a time!

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