Es Jayen
Building Strength on the Open Side
by
on 12-17-2010 at 12:02 AM (6624 Views)
Recently I have noticed that I am extremely weak on my open side when performing one handed cuts on my open side. This is a major problem when performing double cuts from the draw. Often times I will execute the first cut from the draw and leave the mat static, but when I follow up with the second cut I do not cut the severed piece. Instead I bat the piece away, sometimes not even cutting the piece. I can feel a lag from my kissaki to my elbow. I believe that one of the problems is my body mechanics. My hips are engaging too late in the swing. My hips should either turn simultaneously with my arm, or even slightly before. With my hips engaging at the correct time I will have the necessary back up mass to help not only my speed but the strength of the cut.
However, I do not believe this will be enough to get consistent results. I need to be stronger overall with this type of motion. Of course practicing the motion will help, but I have been considering what other exercises might also help. Twisting sit ups are a good start. Since the abs are the core of the body all work on the abs help cutting, but in this case I want to focus specifically on the obliques. I have also considered side sit ups, but from there I am running low on ideas for strengthening my obliques.
In addition to the obliques and the abs I also need to strengthen my pecks and deltoids. Flies with high reps and low weights should help the pecks. The military press with high reps and low weights should help with the deltoids. Hopefully this combination will help to strengthen my one hand open side cuts.
Not being able to perform open handed one sided cuts has seriously limited my cutting from the draw. Since you are cutting closed from the draw the quickest way to double is going open side suhei.
I will try this new routine for two weeks and then see if my results have improved.