Page 81 - Beyond Basics_Neat

BEYOND BASICS

While it works well to defend against Roundhouse and Hook Kicks,
it also became a trained reaction for takedowns against those same
kicks. Visualization and the Mind-Body Connection were key for
developing this trained reaction.

I do have the ability to connect a
“visualization” to a physical movement.

From the Side-Block position imagine a Roundhouse Kick hitting
anywhere above the elbow. That became the stimuli for the
reaction. As soon as the kick hit above the elbow the trained
reaction is to automatically bring the hand up into an inside to
outside “V” type position to capture the leg. Simultaneously the
other hand shoots out to grab the opponent’s opposite shoulder
while the rear foot would shuffle forward to allow the lead leg to
be positioned behind the opponent's supporting leg. The capture,
grab and shuffle step all occur simultaneously the instant a kick
makes contact above the elbow.

This reaction is applicable regardless of whether the kick is lead
side or rear side, left or right.

Because a majority of my training was solo (instructor-less)
approximately 90%, visualization became a primary tool for my
development and influenced techniques for sparring, forms, and
self-defense. The amazing thing is I don’t really “see” pictures in
my head, it's more imagining things from memory. Visualizers say
they see pictures or something like a movie playing inside their
heads. I don't! I also don't see colors. I have to physically see color.
This was always a major consternation to my wife who when I went
shopping with her, would ask if the color of “this” would match

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