Using shadowboxing

I have an admission to make - I’m a big fan of shadowboxing.

I haven’t always been but that was largely due to trying to think about what I was doing and trying to put together moves that looked cool. In recent years I have learnt to play while shadowboxing and have begun to see it in a whole new light - as a tool for my own training and as an invaluable aid to coaching.

Many, many people make shadowboxing an external thing, concentrating on (and feeling self-conscious about) how it looks. This is often exacerbated by people being urged to imagine the person they are fighting, adding another external response.

Just say no kids. Shadowboxing is a tool for internal awareness.

When I’m sparring I try to be as consciously unaware of my opponent to maximise the amount I am unconsciouosly aware of them. The less attention I pay to them the more aware I am of myself. Shadowboxing helps me learn this state.

Go inside, feel your balance, your movement, your breathing, your own rhythm.

Just throw things, never plan. Let the punches come out, let the movement come out. Play your own tune. Shadowboxing is your perfect 10 moment, no pressure to hit hard, no energy from an opponent to absorb.

Just you, the floor and your own skills. It's a thing of beauty.

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Adam Adshead coaching Weds BJJ class

For those of you who haven't had a chance to get down yet I'd pleased to announce that Adam is now coaching the Wednesday BJJ class. Adam's insight into grappling is astounding and he has some plans both for the group and for individuals to really accelerate the development of BJJ at Revolution Martial Arts.

Alongside this he is looking at putting together some conceptual BJJ seminars with a focus on the development from white to blue to really help speed up the progress of the newer guys at our club and the other PCWA groups around the UK.

Adam has been instrumental in getting the BJJ game where it is now. His approach, attitude and commitment to a technical game have set the tone and I can't wait to see how his increased input is going to help us all. I'm training in these sessions for my development because Adam is already pushing me to a new level.

Everyone should do the same.

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