Next time you are in a sparring session consider how often you throw the jab in contrast to how often you throw crosses, hooks, uppercuts etc. This will give you some idea how important  a weapon the jab is in your armoury; try to think of it as a spear, thrust like a bayonet at your opponent, never merely a prod or a limp pawing action. The jab gets you into the action, working as a set-up punch for its big ugly brothers the cross, hook and uppercut, but it also gets you out of trouble when the going gets hard.
The best way to develop a devastating jab is to continually work on your technique, trying to improve power and accuracy, I hope the following drills may help you develop a fearsome jab.

1. A few 1-2 minute rounds on the heavy bag using only your jab. Hit the bag as it swings towards you helps to increase power. Aim waist high as well as head high, never underestimate the value of a solid jab to the body.

2. A few rounds of pad-work using only the jab but getting your partner to make you jab going forward and backward, high and low.

3. Imagine you are going to punch not “to” the target, but “through” it, a rehearsal for those times your opponent is unreasonable enough to retract their head from the incoming punch.

4. Get somebody to watch you working the bag and the pads to see if you are using a fully extended jabbing arm; jabbing with a bent arm will serve to diminish your reach, and if your arms are as short as mine, this is unwise.

5. Work a few rounds on the floor-to-ceiling ball as it will help to improve your accuracy, don’t worry about missing it frequently, everybody does initially – you only get better at judging its erratic movement.

6. Reinforce the basic ingredients of the jab, sliding the front foot forward as you drive forcefully off the ball of the rear foot, hitting with a slightly downward action to ensure you make contact with the rear knuckles (the hardest part of the hand).

The main let-downs of jabbing are letting the back foot lift off the floor (looking like Eros at Piccadilly Circus) or over-reaching (letting the shoulders get ahead of the hips). Remember never leave your backside behind and you won’t lose power.

Happy jabbing, Ian

If you want to be tested then the Academy is the place to do it. Last Sunday the 16th we had one of our famous Black Belt tests. There were only three people taking the grading this time. Austin Plunkett, Kim VanDoren and Greg Woods. Unfortunately for them this just made it even harder than normal.

Though there were only three doing it there were over twenty black belt veterans there to test them plus lots of senior students watching. JKD and Thai boxing veteran Gordon McAdam tested them rigorously on the Thai pads and signaled his approval.

Then they had to show techniques from Kali, JKD and MMA.  In addition to the huge technical knowledge that they had to have, there’s always the sparring. As in all black belt gradings the aim is to first check your technical knowledge but also more importantly check your fighting spirit and heart. For that you need to be taken to the edge.

Academy Veteran Tim Harding led the challengers to make sure that they had what was needed. Tim was assisted by Paul Clarke and Julian Gilmour the candidates had to fight these fresh opponents numerous times plus fight between themselves. Then they had to do two against one to exhaustion and then finish with bouts of stickfighting. Kim seemed to dislocate her finger in the stick but had it put back by Osteopath Savash Mustafa (who won bronze at the Kent Open BJJ Tournament) then; back to the fray.

A great day, with all agreeing it was one of the best gradings in a long while and of a consistently high standard. Greg Woods was partnered all the way through by Black Belt veteran Stephanie DeHowes who took every bash and wrench with quiet stoicism and said she really enjoyed the experience! All three passed and we all decamped to Zigfrid’s the local bar where it seemed to be whisky all round.

KENT OPEN. On the weekend lots of the guys went along to compete in the Kent Open BJJ tournament. We had varied success in what was a very crowded tournament with Steve Payne gaining the silver in his white belt category and Savash Mustafa gaining the Bronze. Considering that they both only train the ground game once per week then they did really well. Others in other categories fought but didn’t gain medals. Challenging for all, the thing that inspired me was how many people were there to have a go in what is not our main area of expertise. Stepping on the competition mat is always stressful but great experience. Savash  is also the clubs recommended  osteopath and at 48  giving away a few years to those he was fighting. Excellent coaching by David Onuma as always guaranteed that the guys did their best.

ROME BASH

Good news from Rome where the group taught by Academy trained Adam Bourne roundly bashed all comers in a multi style Stick fighting competition. Well done the Rome group! Adam’s group dominated the competition largely as a result of their rigorous training and excellent coaching. The Academy training ethos and methods are conquering the World slowly-one bash at a time.

Last week was a big week. Bob was awarded a Lifetime achievement award at the recent Bytomic Martial arts summit. It started with a testimonial by Neil Mcleod talking about Bob’s impact on him and on European martial arts, then a short speech by Bytomic Managing Director David Lowe introducing Bob to all there and talking about his status and impact over the last forty years. Bob was quite chuffed but said that he’s only just starting! Bob and Judy continued the day spending lots of time catching up with their long time friend and Bob’s former student Andy Norman of Keysi/Batman fame. The week continued on that hectic vein with the BBC in the club casting for a follow up to Last man standing early in the week then Bob being interviewed for a community television channel. Bob topped off his 59th Birthday on Thursday with a mix of celebratory meals and training. There are lots of students entering the Kent open grappling competition this weekend so more on that soon. phew!!