Offensive Combinations (Phase 1)

The emphasis at this level is on opposite side combinations (strike coming from one side of the body, then the other side) since they are easier to learn, generate the most power and are most useful for self-defense. The goal is to get students smoothly moving from strike to strike in a technically correct manner. Note, that there are a seemingly endless number of striking combinations. The following combos are ones which I think are important but instructors would not be restricted to these. 

Hand Combinations

Jab->Cross

Jab->Cross->Jab->Cross

Jab->Jab->Cross

Jab->Cross->Hook->Cross

Jab->Cross->Uppercut->Cross

Jab->Uppercurt->Hook->Rear Overhand->Lead Uppercut

Cross->Hook->Cross

Hands to Elbows

Jab->Rear Elbow

Jab->Cross->Lead Elbow

Jab->Cross->Hook->Rear Elbow

Variations

Punch combinations are initially taught with your head on center line with the target being the opponents head. Once student is comfortable with this, start integrating the concepts of punchers head moving offline when throwing various strikes as well as targeting the body.  

High to Low and Low to High 

Jab->Body Cross->Hook

Jab->Jab->Body Cross->Hook

Jab->Cross->Body Hook->Overhand

Body Jab->Cross

Head Offline

Jab & Slip Rear Side->Cross->Hook

Jab->Cross & Slip Lead Side->Hook

Hands to Kicks Combinations

Jab->Rear Round Kick

Jab->Cross->Lead Round Kick

Jab->Cross->Hook->Rear Round Kick

Hands to Knees Combinations

Jab->Rear Knee (Free or Cross Frame Knee)

Jab->Cross->Lead Knee

Jab->Cross->Hook->Knee

Kicks to Hands

Lead Front Kick->Cross->Hook->Knee

Rear Front Kick (foot lands forward, switching your stance)->Cross->Hook->Knee

Kicks to Knees

Lead Front Kick->Rear Knee

Rear Front Kick (foot lands forward, switching your stance)->Rear Knee

Kicks to Kicks

Lead Front Kick->Rear Round Kick

Rear Front Kick (foot lands forward, switching your stance)->Rear Round Kick

*Of course the head off line and high to low/low to high concept should be integrated into the kickboxing combinations as well. 

Training Methods

Line Drills

Partner Drills (gloves or pads)

Phase 1 Calendar

January

Week 1

Day 1

I. Stand Up Striking

Basic Fighting Stance

Passive Hands Up Stance/Fence

Footwork

-Step & Slide (Push Step)

  -Forward

  -Backward

  -Left 

  -Right

-Pivot

  -Front Foot

  -Back Foot

*Line Drills using footwork above

Punches

*Windmill Drill - to get students to understand the difference between arm punching and power punching using rotational force.

-Jab

-Cross

-Hooks

*Offensive hand combinations using jab, cross, hook (Line drills and partner drills)

II. Ground

Mount-Bottom

-Trap and Roll Escape Standard Method (Against Two Hand Choke)

III. Concepts & Principles

-Quick overview at the beginning of class about the 3 primary ranges (Standup Striking, Clinch, Ground)

Day 2

I. Stand Up Striking

Quick Review Day 1

Punches

-Uppercuts

-Overhands

II. Clinch

Knees (Cross Tie)

-Rear Straight Knee 

-Lead Straight Knee

Double Neck Tie

-To Rear Knee

*Offensive hand combinations using all punches.(Line drills and partner drills)

*Offensive hand to cross frame knee combinations. (Line drills and partner drills)

*Offensive hand to double neck tie to rear knee combinations. (Line drills and partner drills)

III. Ground

Mount-Bottom

-Review Trap & Roll Standard Method

-Headlock Variation

Week 2

Review 

Week 3

Day 1

I. Stand Up Striking

Footwork

-Circling Right & Left

*Line Drills Week 1 + Circling

Kick

-Front Push Kick 

  -using slide step to bridge the gap for lead leg front push kick

*Week 1 offensive hand combinations.

*Offensive front push kick to hands combos 

*Offensive front push kick to cross tie knees

II. Ground

Mount-Bottom

-Review Trap & Roll Standard and Headlock Variation

-Punch Block Variation

Day 2

I. Stand Up Striking

-Free Knees

*Offensive hand to free knee combinations.

*Mix of all prior offensive combinations.

II. Ground

Mount-Bottom

-Review Trap and Roll Standard, Headlock, & Punch Block Variations

-Basic Open Guard Pass

Week 4

Review 

Week 5

Review

Week 6

Day 1

I. Stand Up Striking

-Round (Thai) Kick

  -Switch Step For Lead Kick

*Hip Rotation Drill For Round Kick (hold partners leg drill)

*Offensive hand to round kick combinations

*Offensive front kick to round kick combinations

II. Ground

Mount-Top

-Americana Armlock Standard Method

Day 2

I. Stand Up Striking

-Round Kick Review

  -Stepping & Slide Step for Lead Kick

*All prior offensive combinations

II. Ground

Mount-Top

-Americana Armlock Neck Hug Version 

Week 7

Review

Week 8 

Review

Week 9

Day 1

I. Stand Up Striking

-Elbows

*Offensive hand to elbow combinations

*Offensive elbow to elbow combinations 

*Offensive elbow to knee combinations

(as the elbow is sensitive for newer students, might need to limit reps and or emphasize going easy)

II. Ground

Mount-Top

-Positional Control

    -Hips & Hands/Anchor & Base

    -Low Swim

    -High Swim

Day 2

I. Stand Up Striking

-Palm Strikes & Hammer Fist

II. Ground

Mount-Top

-Take the Back

    -Take the Back

    -Remount

Week 10

Review

Week 11

Review

Week 12

Day 1

I. Distance & Range Discussion

II. Stand Up Striking
Full Side Cover (Helmet) & Full Front Cover

*Helmet Striking Sequence Drills

III. Ground

Back-Offensive

-Rear Naked Choke

    -Basic Application

    -Strong Side Variation

    -Weak Side Variation

Day 2

I. Clinch

-Snap Down from Double Neck Tie

*Snap Down Sequence Drill

II. Ground

-Punch Block Series 1-4

Week 13

Review

Week 14

Review

Week 15

Day 1

I. Clinch

-Review Snap Down

-Head Twist Takedown

*Head Twist Sequence Drill

II. Ground

Mount-Top

-Straight Armlock-Standard Method

Day 2

I. Stand Up Striking

-Offensive Combinations (Mix)

II. Clinch

-Defense Against Front Body Lock & Bear Hug

III. Ground

Mount-Top

-Straight Armlock-Side Variation (Modified Mount)

Week 16

Review 

Week 17

Review

Week 18

Day 1

I. Clinch

-Front Double Under Body Lock & T Position

    -Outside Leg Hook Takedown

*Sequence Drill

*Offensive Striking to Double Under Body Lock

II. Ground

Guard-Bottom

-Triangle Choke-Stage 1.5 (Clamp Guard)

Day 2

I. Clinch

-Defense Against Standing Side Headlock

    -Maintain Posture (Early Defense)

    -Free Your Head (Opp. Punching)

II. Ground

Guard-Bottom

-Elevator Sweep

    -Standard Variation

    -Headlock Variation

    

Week 19

Review

Week 20

Review

Week 21 

Day 1

I. Clinch

Defense Against Standing Side Headlock

-Back Trip Takedown

-Step In Front Takedown

II. Ground

Mount-Bottom

-Elbow Escape

    -Frame Across Belt Line

    -Hugging Variation (Against Punches)

Week 22

Review

Week 23

Review

Week 24

Day 1

I. Clinch

Front Double Under Body Lock & T-Position

-Body Fold Takedown

II. Ground

Mount-Bottom

-Elbow Escape

    -Hook Removal

    -Fish Hook & Heel Drag

Week 25

Review

Week 26

Review

Week 27

Day 1

I. Clinch

Defense Against Standing Guillotine

-Step to Side & Buckle Opp. Knees

II. Ground

Side Mount-Top

-Positional Control

    -Roll Prevention

    -Guard Prevention (Sitout/Modified Scarf Hold)

    -Mount Transition (Knee Across Beltline)

Day 2

I. Clinch

Front Double Under Body Lock & T-Position

-Shrug/Throw By To Back Position

II. Ground

Mount-Top

-Headlock Counters (Modified Mount)

    -Basic Positioning 

    -Prevent Getup

    -Back Mount Finish

    -Armlock Finish 

Week 28

Review

Week 29

Review

Week 30

Day 1

I. Clinch

Rear Body Lock

-Heal Trip Takedown

-Scissor Takedown

II. Ground

Side Mount-Bottom

-Headlock Escape 1 (

Day 2

I. Clinch

Front Double Under Body Lock/T-Position

-Outside Trip

Back Bearhug Defense

-Step Behind

II. Ground

Guard-Bottom

-

Week 31

Review

Week 32

Review

Week 33

Review

Note: The order the techniques are taught in a day generally doesn't matter. I think it is usually best to end class with the most physical activity as students find this psychologically the most satisfying.

Phase 2 (old)

Standing Striking & Takedowns 

A. Footwork

B. Defense

-Slip 

-Pull Back

-Bob & Duck

-Weave/Roll

-Parry

-Side Cover

-Front Cover

-Elbow Parry Straight Strikes To Belly (Punches, Front & Side Kicks)

-Elbow Block Strikes To Ribs

-Shin Check Round Kicks

-Leg & Forearm Wall Against Round Kicks

C. Counter Punches

D. Moving Into The Clinch

1. Weave to Back Clinch

Clinch 

A. Over Hook & Arm Control (Bicep or Wrist) 

 -Knees

 -Go To Back If Opp. Brings Arm Down

B. Under Hook & Arm Control (Bicep or Wrist)

 -Knees

 -Throw By To Back (Opp. Arm Too High)

 -Move To Single Leg Head Inside

    -Running The Pipe Finish

 -Knee Tap Takedown

C. Over Under

D. Misc.

-Eye Gouging To Escape Clinches

Ground 

A. Guard - Bottom

1. Closed Guard - Wrist and Head Control

 -Cross Armbar 

    -Foot On Hip Variation

    -Arm Between Opp. Legs Variation

2. Closed Guard - Double Wrist Control

 -Guillotine Choke

 -Hip Bump (Sit Up) Sweep

-Breaking Opp. Posture

    -Elbow Cup and Knee Pull

    -Swim Arms In and Knee Pull

3. Clamp (Stage 1.5) Guard

 -Transition From Overhook & Head Control Closed Guard To Clamp 

    -When Opp. Punches

    -Force Transition

 -Triangle From Clamp Guard

-Omoplata From Clamp Guard

4. Knees On Chest (Stage 3) Guard

 -Opp. Frees Arms And Postures While On Knees

5. Feet On Hips (Stage 4) Open Guard

 -From Closed Guard

6. Closed Guard - Opp. Drives Forearm Into Your Throat

-Go To Back

B. Guard - Top

1. Closed Guard - Top 

-Hands On Bicep Position (Elbows In, Caging Hips)

    -Headbutt

-Posture Up On Knees and Strike To Open Legs And Stand Up

-Stand Up and Push Knee To Open Opp. Guard

-Toreando Pass

-Double Under Pass (standing)

-Guillotine Defense

C. Mount - Top

1. Mount - Top

-Cross Armbar (Speed Based)

2. Modified Mount - Top

-Cross Armbar

D. Mount - Bottom

E. Side Control - Top

1. Reverse Scarf Hold

-Two Arm Positions

-Step Over To Mount

2. Knee On Belly

-Punching From Position

-Near Side Armbar

-Transition to Mount

F. Side Control - Bottom

1. Side Headlock Defense

-Hook Opp. Leg To Back

2. Side Mount Defense

-Escape to Knees (Against Side Mount #3)

   

Submission Transitions

Concepts & Principles 

5 

Footwork Drills (Phase 1)

Line (Solo) Drills

Basic

-Step & Slide Forward. Step & Slide Backward (To End Of Room Then Back)

-Step & Slide Right. Step & Slide Left (To End Of Room Then Back)

-Pivoting In Place (Front Foot Pivot Left & Right. Back Foot Pivot Left & Right)

-Circling Around A Point (Circling Left. Circling Right)

Footwork Combinations

-Step & Slide - Forward, Backward, Side *example

-Step & Slide And Pivot - Cross Pattern *example

Partner Drill

-Mirror Drill

Phase 1 (old)

I. Standing Striking, Takedown Shots & Moving To Clinch

A. Stance

Passive Hands Up Stance (Fence)
Fighting Stance

B. Footwork

1. Step & Slide, Push Step

  -Forward, Backward

  -Right, Left

  -Circling Right, Circling Left

2. Slide Step

3. Pivot

  -Front Foot, Back Foot

4. Switch Step

*Foot Work Drills

C. Strikes

1. Hand Strikes

a) Jab
b) Cross
c) Hooks
d) Uppercuts
e) Overhands
f) Palm Strikes
g) Hammer Fist

2. Elbows

a) Front Elbows

b) Back Elbows

3. Knees

a) Straight Knee

-Free Knee

-Cross Tie Knee

4.Kicks

a) Front Push/Stomp Kick 

b) Round (Thai) Kick

*Offensive Combinations 

Teach students how to properly combine individual striking tools into strike combinations. Phase 1 combinations should emphasis opposite side striking (if first strike is from your left, the second is from your right. If first is from your right, the second is from your left) versus same side striking.  

D. Defense

Full Side Cover (Helmet)

*Sequence Drills

Full Front Cover (Double Pillars)

E. Moving Into The Clinch 

(To Double Neck Tie, Cross Frame Tie, Front Body Lock)

1. From Your Strikes

2. Full Side Cover (Helmet)

3. Front Cover 

II. Clinch

A. Double Neck Tie
-Straight Knees
-Snap Down Takedown
-Head Twist Takedown
-To Single Neck Tie With Uppercuts

B. Cross Frame Tie

-Straight Knees

C. Front Double Under Body Lock & T-Position

  -Outside Leg Hook Takedown

  -Body Fold Takedown

 -Outside Trip From T-Position

 -Shrug/Throw By To Back Position

D. Rear Body Lock

  -Rear Heal Trip Takedown

  -Scissor Trip Takedown

E. Defense Against Front Body Lock/Bear Hug 

F. Defense Against Standing Side Headlock 

  -Maintain Posture/Hip to Hip (Early Defense)

  -Free Your Head (Opp. Punching)

  -Back Trip

  -Step In Front Takedown

G. Defense Against Standing Guillotine
-Step to Side & Buckle Opp. Knees

H. Back Bearhug Defense 

  -Step Behind 

III. Ground

A. Guard - Bottom

1. On Back, Opp. Standing (Rocking Chair/Stage 4 & 5)
- Foot on Floor or Rocking Chair to move.
-Kicking the Knees, Groin or Head (Head Up Kick -Foot on Floor or Hip Thrust Method)
-Technical Standup (Hip Heist/Standing In Base)
-Blocking With Both Feet On Opp. Hips (Stage 4) Guard. Pulling Them Back To Closed Guard
-Tripod/Hook Sweep

  

2. Closed Guard - Over Hook with Head Control (Stage 1 Guard)

 -Basic Position 

 -Arm Swimming To Maintain Position

 -Elevator Sweep

-Double Ankle Grab Sweep - Knee and Feet Variations
-Kimura - Rider & Forced Variations
-Standing Up: Head Push To Technical Standup

3. Closed Guard - Postured Opponent & Double Wrist Control

-Kimura

  -Standing Up: Cross Frame To Technical Standup

  -Moving to Double Knee Block/Stage 3 Guard

4. Half Guard - Bottom

-Elbow Knee Escape to Closed Guard

B. Mount - Bottom

1. Bridging Escapes

 -Against Two Hand Throat Choke

 -Opp. Arm Under Your Head

-Hugging Variation Against Punches

2. Elbow Knee Escape To Guard

 -Basic Hip Frame 

    -Removing Opp. Hooks

    -Heel Drag & Foot Hook Variations

-Hugging Variation Against Punches

C. Mount - Top

1. Maintaining Low Mount Position

 -Using Hooks, Hips and Hand To Maintain Position When Opp. Pushes To Side With Under Hooks

 -Swivel Arm When Opp. Tries To Over Hook Your Arm

 -Swim Arms In When Opp. Pushes on Your Chest 

2.  Americana Armlock 

 -Basic (Two Hands Force Opp. Arm To Ground)

 -Your Arm Under Opp. Neck

3. Take The Back

-Opp. Brings Arms In And Rolls On There Own - Move To Modified Mount Then To Back

-Sit Up And Strike To Encourage Opp. To Roll To Stomach -Modified Mount To Back

 

D. Back Mount - Top

1. Seatbelt Position

-Basic Position

-Rear Naked Choke

 -When Opp. Tries to Stand From Knees-Move To Double Under Body Lock Stretch 

E. Side Control - Bottom

1. Side Headlock Defense

 -Frame and Leg Hook Opp. Head (Opp. Lets Go)

 -Frame and Leg Hook Opp. Head (Opp. Doesn't Lets Go)

2. Side Mount Defense

 -Extended Arm Frame To Closed Guard

-Shrimp To Closed Guard

    -Hug To Frustrate and Encourage Them To Create Space

F. Side Control - Top

 1. Side Mount - Top

  -Four Arm Configurations of Side Mount

  -Knee Slide Across To Mount

Movements

Side Breakfall
Back Breakfall
Front Breakfall
Forward Roll
Back Roll
Bridging

Bridging To Knees  
Shrimping
Leg Circles

IV. Concepts and Principles

Distance/Range

Timing

V. Personal Defense

General Discussion of the Personal Defense Framework with more detailed discussion on the topics of Avoidance, Deterrence & Awareness. 

Notes:

Striking - Emphasis on offensive (opposite side) striking. 

Clinch - Offense limited to single/double neck tie, double under body lock and rear body lock. Defense against front body lock & bear hug, rear body lock and bear hug, front guillotine, and side headlock.

Ground - First 1/3 of blue belt curriculum