Balance

Balance is all-important factor in a fighter's attitude or stance. Without balance at all times, he can never be effective.

Balance is achieved only through correct body alignment. The feet, the legs, the trunk, the head are all important in creating and maintaining a balanced position. They are the vehicles of body force. Keeping the feet in proper relation to each other, as well as to the body, helps to maintain correct body alignment.

Too wide a stance prevents proper alignment, destroying the purpose of balance but obtaining solidarity and power at the cost of speed and efficient movement. A short stance prevents balance as it does not give a basis from which to work. Speed results but a loss of power and balance.

The fighter's center of gravity changes constantly, varying with his own actions and those of his opponent.

Balance must be under control at all times so that the fight will not lose his control in the middle of an action.

Always stay in balance to throw another kick or punch. Watch out too much commitment.

Feel for the proper relation of the feet to each other and to the body while attacking in combination, retreating, and countering.

Feel yourself in a balanced stance. You should be able to make all your moves at walking pace if necessary. Feel the difference by putting yourself in balanced and unbalanced positions. Move forward, backward and sideways. Coordinate with striking and kicking; make sure you get speed and power and, above all, a balanced position to keep up or to speedily recover.

One of the finest exercises for the development of a sense of balance is undoubtedly not ordinary haphazard skipping, but rather the real thing. First, skip on one foot, holding the other in front of you; them skip on the other. After that, skip on alternate feet with each revolution of the rope and work up to the highest possible speed. Keep the skipping going for three minutes, then rest for a minute and skip for another three minutes. Three rounds of skipping in a variety of ways will form the opening for a good workout.