We did some pad work last night from which I really learned a lot. RELAXATION of punching arm, shoulders and torso provide greater power. Don’t drop into low stance – unnecessary. I was taught also that its possible to punch very hard even off one leg – it’s the body movement forwards that generates a large amount of power in this instance. I have a tendency to let the elbow of my punching arm flair out when striking a pad. I'm not sure whether this is a bad habit I've developed due to a lack of practice over the past year or so, or whether its something that comes from never having done any serious pad work, and punching air instead.
The strikes we practised were:
- Chudan tzuki from heiko dachi
- Chudan tzuki with sliding left leg into kihon dachi. Stretch left hand out infront, inflate chest and raise up on left leg. Slide right foot forward and punch mid-step before planting right foot. Ensure that you don’t drop down and ensure that right leg doesn’t step forward too far.
- Mawashi empi with sliding left leg into kihon dachi.
