Video of the Week 28: The Left Hand Block, Check, Counter Drill
Practicing right versus right drills and sequences is easy for me. As you know, I’ve been emphasizing the left hand while my right shoulder recovers from severe biceps tendonitis. Lately, I’ve been teaching left versus left material with my private clients. In particular, I’ve been emphasizing the left-hand block, check, and counter drill.
Let me tell you, the transition isn’t as easy as you might think it is—Hoo boy. It’s certainly not as natural as my right hand. Fortunately, with some practice, it doesn’t take too long to adapt. The weird thing is that my check hand is my right hand. And it’s slower than my left check hand. Go figure!
The benefit of training left vs left is twofold. First, the driver gets to practice feeding with the left hand. Secondly, the defender has the opportunity to practice left-hand stick techniques.
But I need to add an observation here. I’ve been practicing left versus right techniques since 1998. Specifically, I have practiced seven basic left versus right techniques and several variations for each basic technique. I consider myself decently proficient in this area of Modern Arnis.
However, since the onset of my right bicep tendonitis, I have discovered a new weakness to work on. AND I EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE! Practicing left vs. left material has pulled me out of my comfort zone and into the growth zone. It is different from practicing left vs. right.
Take your time when doing the left-hand version of the block, check, counter drill. If need be, do the right-hand version first. Then, execute the left-hand version.
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My private clients love it! That includes Rosh, my demonstration partner in the video above. He has trained in gymnastics since he was 7 years old. Rosh competed internationally for Canada and is still in fantastic shape at 48. He told me that practicing right and left-hand techniques makes sense.
Anyway, to get physically comfortable with the left-hand block check counter, it is imperative to start with the basics, such as the twelve angles of attack, the block, check, counter drill and the slap-off/pull-off drill. Time and repetition will get you where you want to be!
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