Hand Strength Part IV

Date: Weds, 15 June 2005

Well, I just got back from the Principal’s Office at my son’s elementary school.

Yesterday was “Field Day” and, after an argument, some older kid rushed my son from behind, shoving him to the ground and fracturing his wrist.  So now my son gets to spend six weeks of his summer in a cast.

I went into the office ready to denounce a bully who was coward enough to attack from behind.  I left feeling sorry for a kid from a bad neighborhood who worries about his 3rd grade brother being threatened by gang members.

The cast will come off, but I don’t think the boy who pushed my son is going to have a better life any time soon.  I had wanted to  lecture him.  Now I’d rather just invite him over to shoot hoops.  And I may.

In martial arts, part of what we learn is how to deal with bullies.  What’s harder is dealing with the sad situations that create bullies.

Onward.

Today I’m going to share 3 “old school” grip training methods designed for working with a partner.

1) Do a diagonal wrist grab to your partner (right hand grabs right wrist).  Now your partner reverses the grab by counter grabbing from the outside in or inside out – his option.  Do this using both hands, either one hand on one or two hands on one.  You’ll not only work your grip, you’ll improve your footwork, positioning, and leverage – all things necessary for good Chin Na (Chinese Joint Control).

By the way, check out my Chin Na 2 video set to learn over 40 locks, counters, and escapes for instant joint control.

2) Get 3 long staffs.  Grab one end and have your partner grab the other.  Try to twist them out of your partner’s grip by spinning and ducking under them.  They are very tough to hang onto.

3) If you train in an art that uses a gi, practice taking hold of your partner’s collar, sleeve, or cuff.  Now your partner counters by securing his uniform with one hand near where you grabbed, and prying your hand loose with either a knee or an elbow.

This is a great way to learn how to escape a grab and it works the heck out of your grip as you try to hang on.  Do it back and forth.

My next issue will be my last one on grip training.  In it, I will highlight some of the many contest submissions I’ve received . . . and I’ll announce the winner!

Until then let’s train hard, with energy, and consistency, and with gratitude for what’s right in our lives.

Rob LaPointe