switching sides

Subject: switching sides Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:18 pm

Hello Dave,

I've always trained and fought right handed,but i'm having to switch to left handed due to my right hand being good for palm strikes and sod all else.

I'm not so much having trouble with striking with the left hand itself,the problems are training my body to move the "opposite way" to that which it is used to.

Other than LOADS of practice,can you suggest any ways to help?After nigh on 30 years of doing it one way,i'm struggling to re-educate myself the opposite way round.

cheers mate,

Ade
_________________
www.sdfcornwall.co.uk

Subject: Re: switching sides Tue Aug 21, 2007 11:11 pm

First see just how essential it is to HAVE to move your body a lot more differently.. always start with a non stance so that neither of your feet are prominant or dominant..we tend to get 'programmed' to having to start from certain postures, so training your postures will automatically train your hands.

second use the bag or focus mitts more... stand with your eyes closed in front of the partner or bag and VISUALISE the move you are doing two or three times before you actually do it...see yourself hitting with the left hand and visualise great impact.

third.. our minds KNOW when we cant use a limb and dont try, for instance if you had a broken arm in a pot/sling, you would automatically use the good arm, even it is was the 'wrong' arm .. you dont try to pick a cup up with the pot arm.. your mind just tells you to use the other first ... so TIE YOUR RIGHT ARM UO.. wrap a couple of Gi belts around your body pinning your right arm and work on the bag ... your mind will soon catch on that your right is unfunctional and you will find your feet working to bring in the left hand..

it works.

Subject: Re: switching sides Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:56 am

Thanks Dave,sound advice as usual.

That's given me something to work with.

cheers mate!

Ade
_________________
www.sdfcornwall.co.uk