TRAPPING
I was asked by a dedicated student recently about trapping. He wanted to know where to find a good DVD on the subject. We have, in our library, a some works that touch on trapping, and wooden dummy practice. We also include trapping in our classes as I have JKD in my background, however this student would like to do more, as well as do some research on his own. I recommended that he look for works by 3 or 4 people who I know are very good.
I have found that "trapping" is not all that different than "baiting" in modern arnis. In both there needs to be a close in terms of distance, intent, proper body position/footwork, flow, and a knowledge of body mechanics. In fact, is this really very different in any style that includes closing the gap? Well, of course there is the element of trapping in and of itself, whereas in some styles the close is simply to strike ballistically, and not necessarily to trap per say.
Having said the above, it should be apparent that there is an overlap, or connection in most styles. Most styles have their forte or area of specialization, but there will be an overlap/connection with many other styles.
I was once asked to teach a group of aikido students some of the knife work that we train in Filipino styles. They were shocked at the speed and movement of the practice. After the class, I put the knife down and asked them to disregard the outfit I was wearing and look at just the empty hand movement. I could see the light go on for them. They saw that the movements knife vs knife were the same empty handed. We then talked about the fact that it is all the same. Sometimes the only thing that changes is the intent.
Back to trapping; in boxing there is something called the fend, or parry. If we change the intent from simply slipping the punch or causing the other person to miss, to actually attempting to immobilize the attacking arm with forward pressure toward their center, we have trapping.
My intention here is not to discuss the different ways to set up or find a trap, it is simply to address the fact that trapping occurs, or can occur regardless of style. It is a very useful tool that will enhance ones ability exponentially.
Train well.
I was asked by a dedicated student recently about trapping. He wanted to know where to find a good DVD on the subject. We have, in our library, a some works that touch on trapping, and wooden dummy practice. We also include trapping in our classes as I have JKD in my background, however this student would like to do more, as well as do some research on his own. I recommended that he look for works by 3 or 4 people who I know are very good.
I have found that "trapping" is not all that different than "baiting" in modern arnis. In both there needs to be a close in terms of distance, intent, proper body position/footwork, flow, and a knowledge of body mechanics. In fact, is this really very different in any style that includes closing the gap? Well, of course there is the element of trapping in and of itself, whereas in some styles the close is simply to strike ballistically, and not necessarily to trap per say.
Having said the above, it should be apparent that there is an overlap, or connection in most styles. Most styles have their forte or area of specialization, but there will be an overlap/connection with many other styles.
I was once asked to teach a group of aikido students some of the knife work that we train in Filipino styles. They were shocked at the speed and movement of the practice. After the class, I put the knife down and asked them to disregard the outfit I was wearing and look at just the empty hand movement. I could see the light go on for them. They saw that the movements knife vs knife were the same empty handed. We then talked about the fact that it is all the same. Sometimes the only thing that changes is the intent.
Back to trapping; in boxing there is something called the fend, or parry. If we change the intent from simply slipping the punch or causing the other person to miss, to actually attempting to immobilize the attacking arm with forward pressure toward their center, we have trapping.
My intention here is not to discuss the different ways to set up or find a trap, it is simply to address the fact that trapping occurs, or can occur regardless of style. It is a very useful tool that will enhance ones ability exponentially.
Train well.
