The purpose of striking pads is to not only develop speed, timing, accuracy and power, but to precondition the body to the sensation of impact. Always ensure that you are striking correctly and with proper technique to avoid injury and maximize the strength of the movement.
This is an excellent combination that helps remind you that your opponent can counter punch you straight after you have punched. Therefore it is important to bring your hands straight back to your head in preparation to defend if needed.
This combination combines a Hand Slap with clinching to thorw an upward knee. As you need to pull your opponents head down to execute an Upward Knee, rather than just clinch, attack your opponent's ears with a Double Hand Slap, to help weaken and disorientate them first.
This combination sets up the Knee with a Jab, Cross double head punch combination. The Switch makes it much harder to read what is coming, as it help conceal the movement.
This combination is used in Self Defence. The Groin Kick will either bring your opponent's hand down or will bend their body forward due to the impact. This then sets up an Upward Knee really well
As important as it is to hit pads, it is equally important to be able to hold pads. In fact a good pad holder will easily be able to read an opponent in sparring or a match because they will have the "eye" for it. Pad holding is a hard skill to master and often students become proficient at hitting pads well before they become proficient at holding pads.
It is also vital you develop this skill early, as to be a fully functioning member of the team/gym; you must also help your partner hit pads properly when it is your turn to hold the pads.
The Focus Mitts are predominately used for all punching techniques, but they can also be used for elbows and knees. When holding the pads always check to see if your partner is striking correctly and their guard is correct before, during and after a technique is thrown
You will be tested to hold Focus Mitts for the following techniques
Kickshields are predominately used for kicking and kneeing techniques, but they can also be used for punches and elbows. When holding the kickshield always check to see if your partner is striking correctly and their guard is correct before, during and after a technique is thrown
You will be tested to hold a Kickshield for the following techniques
Thai Pads are the most versatile tool for the pad holder and can be used to meet any of the strikes in Muay Thai. When holding the pads always check to see if your partner is striking correctly and their guard is correct before, during and after a technique is thrown
Hold the Thai Pads for all strikes
When held in conjunction with a Belly Pad and Shin Pads, any offensive and defensive technique can be practiced.
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