Training by Numbers

[john888]

What are your thoughts of training and fighting by numbers? For Example, Number 1 is fake high right low, fake low right high, 1 2 left hook right cross

[Khun Kao]

I already answered this on MAP. But to summarize, train in whatever way works best for you.

[Gunjin]

Training, no. Fighting???

I wouldn't agree with training by the numbers. For me personally I think I might get too preoccupied with what techniques went with what number. And fighting by the numbers? What do you mean by this? Is it like controlled sparring where a corner man calls out a number they want you to do?? I don't see fighting by the numbers to work at all. Any type of fighting/sparring needs to be all free flowing! Can you elaborate on fighting by the numbers?

Now teaching by the numbers on the other hand I agree with. IMO it's benificial only during the very VERY first time a new technique is taught. At bootcamp and in the Fleet every new H2H technique I have ever been taught was by the numbers. Then as I (and the class) became more proficient with the technique the instructor would let us practise at our own pace. Doing so by the numbers in the beginging is important to get all the hand/foot placements down. Once the fundamentals are understood and proper execution of the techinque can be done with out any questions, then practising by the numbers is no longer needed.

For example, learning all bayonet techniques with our rifles were by the numbers. Here's a three 'count' technique:

1. step forward and buttstroke
2. step forward and smash
3. step forward and slash

This was done by the numbers many times until we were proficient. Then once everyone was comfortable with the techniques we got to practise on our own. After practising this and the other techniques it came time to suit up for Pugil Stick fighting.

Wearing football helmets, mouth pieces, and holding pugil sticks we were paired up and sparred. During the sparring there was never any one yelling "ONE! STEP FORWARD AND...TWO!..." The sparring was all free flowing. Whoever executed a proper technique (killing blow) was awarded the point. And the match continued for best 2 out of 3.

Anyways, this might be a bit of an extreme example, but the principiles can be applied here I believe. New students can benefit from learning a technique by the numbers. Whether it's a simple combo or a complex combo, learning it first by the numbers may help the student. Then when it comes to fighting however, the student should be beyond the level of 'numbers training' and needs to practise the combos naturally. They will know quick enough if they are doing the technique correctly.