Below is a drill I did recently that the students really enjoyed. It’s very flexible and requires a defense from odd angles or off balance.
Students: 4+
Setup:
-Defender and instructor stand at one end.
-Potential attackers stand in a single file line at the opposite end.
-Make sure there’s enough room in between the defender/attackers to walk a bit.
Execution:
-On instructor’s command, defender walks away from instructor as attacker line walks toward the instructor.
-Instructor holds up a hand showing a number corresponding to which person in the line will attack. (1 is closest to the instructor)
-The chosen attacker sends the appropriate attack when passing the defender.
Variations:
-Allow the attacker to choose among various attacks, based on what’s in your lesson plan or the defender’s experience.
-Hold up more than one number, creating multiple attackers. (So “1 & 3”...1 attacks first, then 3 sends an additional attack)
-Hold up more than one number out of order. (So “3 & 1”...3 attacks first and 1 returns to send an additional attack)
-Hold up no number. Helps to see an attack versus expect it.
Tips:
-If you have a large group, split into additional defenders/lines to move everyone through quicker.
-As the instructor, make sure mirrors and shadows aren’t revealing the numbers to the defender.
We worked 360 attacks mixing in any L1 attack as secondary attacks, but you could throw in most of the self defenses (strikes, chokes, weapons). The students took to it well. Those in line that weren’t attacking began flinching as they came to the defender, faking an attack or performing some other movement like getting out a wallet or checking the time on their wrist to throw the defender off.
Give it a shot, let me know how it goes and any ideas.
