Our training
In Autodefence, like other sports skills, the process of developing expertise is simple and patient. It’s to have lots of correct, repetitive practice around a simple loop:
- Develop good basics.
- Integrate the different areas of skill.
- Develop your sensory acuity and strategies.
- Test your integrated skills (safely!) — and learn from the feedback.
Autodefence uses a range of invigorating training exercises in line with this process.
Forms (reference training)
Forms are solo movement sequences which, when learned, give you a personal “carry around” reference to the content of the method. It’s like learning an alphabet of all the basic techniques. In addition, forms training develops the structure and qualities of each movement.
The Foundation Footwork Form introduces basic footwork combined with active defence. The New Thought Form provides a reference to the method’s core hand and arm techniques. The Bridge Search Form contains exemplar methods for crossing distances and taking advantage of limb contacts from various angles. The Pierce Strike Form adds additional flexible striking movements and The Wooden Man Form trains advanced hand & foot combinations with a training apparatus.
Applications
Applications training takes the movements from the forms and puts them into practice with a partner. It expands the functions found in the forms, so you can learn to apply the movements in self defence.
Spar drills
Spar drills integrate skills such as dexterity, fluidity, distancing and timing. This is done by practicing applied techniques in a cycle of continuous hand and foot movement.
Pad work
When training with a partner, it is not safe to deliver the full power of Autodefence’s striking techniques. Pad work allows the delivery of techniques to be developed. Our pad work routines allow you to enjoyably lose yourself in the movement and get a great cardiovascular workout.
Detection arms
Detection arms is the most intriguing part of our training. It develops the tactile reflex, which is required to develop true automatic reaction. Basic detection arms develops the crucial touch-based reflexes while sequence training allows you to explore a wide range of flowing combinations.
Free form training
We learn most when we’re being creative and trying things out. This is a free-flow exercise with a partner, in which you'll to integrate all the elements you've learned. This will give you valuable feedback and experience to facilite genuine skill. It also ensures every class ends actively and enjoyably, because this element is fun.
To see some videos of people practicing, click here and here
Equipment
Like other enjoyable activities, Autodefence has training equipment to help with the learning and promote our members’ comfort and safety. Our hand gloves provide full protection whilst allowing full articulation of the fingers and thumbs; and our elasticated shin, elbow and knee pads protect while fitting firmly.
