Jim here,

I've studied kenpo and judo for several years, and I've done a good bit of fighting and I am used to regular sparring. Practical fighting and self-defense are my main goals, but here's my problem...

Because of my work I've had to move to BFEgypt for at least a couple of years (maybe more) and there is in not a single MA school anywhere near me and I can't find anyone to spar with (I've tried for months to find someone). So my question to Tim and all is:

Though fighting is the best way (only way?) to maintain and improve fightnig skills, what are the main types of solo training methods to focus on to develop and/or maintain fighting skills if you absolutely can't get any regular sparring in?

I have lots of time to train on my hands and I want to keep my skills up and hopefully even improve over the next couple of years.

PS--I've learned alot from your boards, thanks for the info.

Jim,

In addition to general conditioning, I'd do a lot of work on a heavy bag, and positions/striking with the bag on the ground.

I've found movies, videogames and trolling MA forums to be a one-stop shop for real, ultimate power.

if that gets boring, Hit the gym.

the truth is physicality is like 40%, the willingness to hurt others is 40% and technique is 20%. You could fudge any of those numbers +/- 15% or so, but being 150lbs, I can say from experience there's only so much that I can do with an athletic 200lb guy.

If your interested in self defence, then don't be afraid to get bigger. No one messes with the big guy.

Guess I just proved that I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed.

If fighting is the best way to sharpen your fighting skills and you can't fight, do the closest thing you can to fighting and keep yer ass in shape.

BUT WHERE IS THE ANCIENT CHINESE SECRET THAT WILL MAKE ME INVINCIBLE!?!?!?

Not one?

Dammit.

Guess I'll hit the bag and the gym--and run my kenpo forms once in a while just for the hell of it.

Thanks guys.

Buy Tim's book "Xing Yi Nei Gong: Xing Yi Health Maintenance and Internal Strength Development" and add standing practice to your daily routine.

"BUT WHERE IS THE ANCIENT CHINESE SECRET THAT WILL MAKE ME INVINCIBLE!?!?!? "

I have it, and could tell you over the phone. But you can't afford it.

Bob#2

Richard
How would standing improve his fighting skills?
Jake

Well, Rich? Bob asked you a question...

Well, Rich... do you see why Jim never scored well on reading comprehension?

i hate it when you tippie newbies say "well how will standing help him with fighting?" if you think that power training has nothing to do with fighting you are an idiot, and if you dont know what standing is for then you are an uninformed idiot.

Inform my "newbie" ass then Robert.
Jake

Bob #2,

k, sorry, my bad, already admited that I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed--see above.

Robert,

How the heck is standing "power training"?

robert,

You responded to Jake's post by attacking him just like a religious fanatic does when asked "why do you belive in your religion?"

Why do you stand robert? Let me guess, it's because although you really have no idea why, you do it because someone told you it is power training, it is easier than lifting weights so you have faith! And you attack anyone that questions you because you are afraid you have been wasting your time.

2 points,

1) I have done standing for up to 30 min--it was not easier than lifting weights--at least not for me.

2) I did it to work on posture, relaxation and meditation--I still wonder what about it makes it power training.

Standing is good, but I have my doubts as to how much it can help someone "fight"! I too stand, but there are better things to do to hone your fighting skills.
Jake

Guys, this may sound heretical but I don't think standing or any other approach to body development was intended to be divorced from power training.

As athletic skill increases it gets harder to gain an edge. I suspect that the type of standing and other "shen fa" as used in the Internal Arts developed as a way to give already strong and talented fighters an edge. That they became "basic training" in many styles is only testament to the results they bring and a quintessentially Chinese approach to skill acquisition.

In essence there's a high base level of athletic ability required before for these practises to pay a dividend in combative exchanges.

Standing isn't power training but exists in a symbiotic relationship with it.

Just my two cents worth from Down Under

Good way of putting it.
Jake

Yeah, now THAT makes sense--thanks for the answer, Oz.

there are better ways to inquire about things then to argue about their ineffectiveness, but since im a nice guy, try researching... ah, nevermind, noob.

Rob,

Now you're just being a dick.

If you are going to be an /\sshole, at least be an intelligent and amusing one like Bob #2.