drop step punch mechanics

[jeff]

I am a bit confused here: does the drop step land exactly when the wrist abducts into the punch, or must the punch penetrate into the target before the foot actually lands? There seems to be some conflicting info. out there. Also, is it possible to do a surge-punch or poled-punch without a drop-step?

[brentlance]

I understand your confusion as I thought about the same thing many times. I think that the key part is understanding that you are moving forward. If weight goes too much onto the lead foot before your punch lands, then your momentum begins to change direction from forward to downward. And if you're punch is too late, or too early, there will be nothing on it. There's a "zone" as I teach it, where your okay a little before the punch hits or a little after initial contact. In terms of time it is a very small interval, but in the duration of one strike it is plenty of time.


There's no definite answer as to exactly when. I probably do it slightly different each time, but I've found that it's still more powerful as long as my timing is correct, in the zone. It's one of the things I work on the most with my students.

I think that it's worth practicing til your body finds a proper place for it.

Good Luck.

[brentlance]

The problem I see most people have is lack of application (in sparring for example). They can do it on the mitts or the bag, but fail to account for the reality of a breathing, moving, alive opponent. Finding the zone is easier on the pads.

I see a great weakness in fighting ability, even among "JKD practitioners" many times as they can do as long as they don't get hit or the range doesn't change.

In order to understand any movements, (falling step mechanics, hook mechanics, timing on either) you have to go live as soon as possible. And don't be afraid of mistakes, because that's how we know if we're making progress or not. You can't learn to use it for real if you don't at least simulate reality. Fencing is good. Boxing is good. I prefer boxing for the contact. But, both build spirit.

So, I'd recommend getting some great sparring partners. Go to a boxing gym or something. Try it out. Find the strengths and weaknesses in this and other tools. Try to hit a good fighter and not to get hit by a good fighter and deal with it when you do. Have fun with it.

"Play...but play seriously" - Bruce Lee

Good Luck.

[jeff]

Thank you for the replies. One interesting idea I came across is to deliver the dropstep lead body punch with a fairly loose fist. The arm is like a hose letting the qi (water?) con thru. Power comes from the ground, the mass, and the legs- arm and shoulder are used merely to be the conduit of a far greater force than tricep and eltoid muscles could deliver on their own....
just a thought.
thanx again, and best wishes

[jeff]

Some instructors emphasize using the hip-bow effect in conjunction with breathing and the drop step.

[BartBot]

A great refference on the subject of drop steps is in the book "championship fighting" of Jack Dempsey (World champion boxing 1920). Also in the book "Secrets" of Effective Offense by Marc Mcyoung the drop step mechanics are explained.

Here's an online version of Dempsey's book (http://www.scribd.com/doc/247258/Championship-Fighting-by-Jack-Dempsey-1950)

[jmpainter]

Just because your Foot has touched the ground before your hand doesn't mean that the energy has all been transferred,
I think that is what Brent is talking about in "the zone".

The SIMPLE concept is that you want the energy to hit the other guy before it "leaks" into the floor.

We practice the Drop Step mechanics for Takedowns and "pushes".

Have some one hold a kicking shield on their chest and put both of your palms on it elbows slightly bent.
Now Drop step and snap your hands without retracting them.
Gives a nice SHOCK and you land in a nice low posture with your hands up.

For the takedown version you would have already entered into Close range.
Drop Step and drive your shoulder in while at the same time pulling up a Single Leg or double leg...or your Forearm drives into him while pulling a leg up with your other hand.

We also use it for elbow strikes and sort of on a Round Kick.