Shadow Fighting The Martial Artists Way

There are many ways to practice your shadow work. When i refer to shadow work i don't mean just shadow boxing. There are many phases of shadow work that i practice. These are, Shadow punching - Where just individual punches are used on there own and in combinations. Shadow defence - Where just blocks, slipping, bobbing and weaving is used. Shadow boxing - Shadow punching and shadow defence combined. Shadow kicking - Where just kicks are used, including low kicks to thigh area and sweeps. Shadow kickboxing - All of the above. Shadow Thai boxing - All of the above plus knees, elbows and stop hits. Shadow close quarter combat - Staying within one meter of a wall and using whatever strikes are possible without moving away from the wall (mainly just knees and elbows, although hooks, uppercuts and close strikes are possible, depending on distance). Shadow defence must not be forgotten here Shadow MMA - All of the above, plus sprawls, simulated throws and takedowns (also rolls and ground fighting drills can be incorporated here) Shadow Karate - Where street orientated strikes and defence are used. Elbows, knees, low blows, low kicks. As you can see i practice a wide variety of shadow training, which are specific to martial artists. There are probably more and I welcome your comments. Its best to do about 60-80% of your shadow work at a speed which is not your fastest so as it does not become sloppy. When practising, always keep an eye on your guard, correct body movement (turning hips on punches etc) and pace yourself. It is also recommended that occasionally you work at your highest speed. For a good workout do each type of shadow fighting for 2-3 minutes taking a 30 second break between each one, and try and work each phase at least twice!