Martial Artists Training Method of the Past

When it comes to sharpness and quickness in punching, there are many drills incorporated by many world class martial artists in today’s day and age. Nearly all use weights to build strength in the muscles which can help punching speed, lots of people also punch with resistance, be it in water, whilst holding weights or with rubber bands pulling the arms backwards as they punch forwards. But how did great martial artists of the past work speed without some of these pieces of equipment.

They used a piece of equipment that is thousands of years old. This piece of equipment is excellent for the simple facts that it is very easy to find, doses not cost much, and unlike bags, weights, etc, can be used almost anywhere where there’s air. It is the candle. Being OUT of punching range of the lit candle, you punch at it, and the aim is to put the flame out. Because you are out of range of the flame, this could only be achieved by punching fast and powerful, and hoping to push a small amount of air to the candles flame. Once successful in putting out the flame continuously, you then step back slightly so you are a further distance from the candle. In order to put the flame out, obviously you’re punch has to be more powerful and faster than previously.

This exercise teaches you that power in the arm alone is not enough. You must use the whole rotation of the hips and body to create extra speed and power in your punch. Also you must punch directly to the flame, and if you don’t, the air will not be pushed towards the flame, hence it won’t go out, an excellent way to practice picking certain points to hit.

This is not a new exercise, and if there are people out there that already do it, then carry on, if there isn’t then trying it wont hurt.

Marks

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