There are many ways to practice your shadow work. When i refer to shadow work i don’t mean just shadow boxing. There are many phases of shadow work that i practice.
These are,
Punching – Where just individual punches are used on there own and in combinations
Defense – Where just blocks, slipping, bobbing and weaving is used.
Boxing – Punching and defense combined.
Kicking – Where just kicks are used, including low kicks to thigh area and sweeps.
Kickboxing – All of the above.
Thai boxing – All of the above plus knees, elbows and stop hits.
Close quarter combat – Staying within one meter of a wall and using whatever strikes are possible without moving away from the wall (mainly just knees and elbows, although hooks, uppercuts and close strikes are possible, depending on distance). Shadow defense must not be forgotten here.
MMA – All of the above, plus sprawls, simulated throws and take downs (also rolls and ground fighting drills can be incorporated here)
Karate – Where street orientated strikes and defense are used. Elbows, knees, low blows, low kicks.
As you can see i practice a wide variety of shadow training, which are specific to martial artists. There are probably more and I welcome your comments. Its best to do about 60-80% of your shadow work at a speed which is not your fastest so as it does not become sloppy. When practising, always keep an eye on your guard, correct body movement (turning hips on punches etc) and pace yourself. It is also recommended that occasionally you work at your highest speed. For a good workout do each type of shadow fighting for 2-3 minutes taking a 30 second break between each one, and try and work each phase at least twice!
Markos
markschat.blogspot.com
FIGHTING AND TRAINING METHODS FOR THE REALISTIC MARTIAL ARTIST



