Theme of the Week: Constantly Seeking Targets

Be the hunter.  If the drill calls for you to be completely still while your partner throws strikes at you, look for targets.  If the drill calls for you to throw a single strike and then simply react to what your partner does, constantly look for targets.  Whatever happens, whatever the drill, keep looking.

Why cultivate this kind of attitude even in drills where you can’t move?  Because sometimes you can’t move!  There are situations in which it’s easy to enter a defensive mindset and even begin to despair because it seems like there are so few options.  If, however, you’ve been cultivating that attitude of being the hunter, of constantly seeking targets – you may find the sliver of daylight that can bring you out of the bad situation.

It is, of course, easier to start cultivating this attitude when you have positional advantage or if things are at least on a level playing field.  Good.  Start there.  Develop the reputation as the student who throws hundreds of strikes in a sparring match.  Be the student who when one submission fails, switches effortlessly to the next.  Like the idea of always moving your feet in a stand up match, always be moving your weapons towards your target.

Check the students’ thoughts here.