Hidari or Migi Kamae ?  (left lead or right lead posture)

 Here are the main basic points that you should work on if you wish to develop your weaker side. I must state that unless you undertake sufficient training to really develop your weaker side you will struggle and have limited success in applying the things mentioned below.

      You must practise footwork and movement. This takes time and may be the most challenging part of it, but without it you will be a sitting duck. So drill it like we do with many other areas of training.                    Defence – you will find as mentioned above that your opponent will have a stronger line with their best weapons so you must get experience in defending their reverse punch, front kick, round kicks ridge hand etc.                                                                                                                                          Offence – Kicking - This is where you can create another dimension to your fighting. If you’re a true right hander, you now have your strongest leg in front, so kicking off the front leg with front, round, side, hook and crescent kicks becomes a real option and can have great effect.                                                    Left kicks - You must develop your left kicking techniques to a superior level, especially front and round kicks.                                                                                                                                       Offence- Striking- your left reverse punch has to be developed to a high level and you must be able to rely on it at any time. Left ridge hand is a great counter against their lead hand jab. Lead right arm backfist can be used after harassing their front left hand guard. Double reverse punch left/right is effective as it comes in on a slightly different line. Right hand jab works well directed around the opponents lead hand.              Foot sweeping – Your right lead foot and your opponents left lead foot will be very close when sparring. Clipping with the front foot is an effective way to distract or break your opponents balance, but you must remember that they may also use this against you as well. The step through take down sweep is a great attack and if practised to a high level becomes a very effective offensive movement.                                Drawing your opponent in – Your opponent at times may be tempted into attacking with their back leg kicks, as you may look open to them. You must meet them in sen no sen and attack directly using the right lead hand. If timed well your jab will be faster than their kicking attack and you will jam their attack.             Injury – Whether in dojo kumite or competition we often sustain injuries to the toes, feet and shins. If this resticts our ability to move, attack or defend, then our chances of success will be reduced. If you can simply change stance and protect the injury you can continue to move and still perform well.                              The line- You will find that due to the change of position that you will be on a slightly different line to your opponent.Its is suttle but that’s what is good abut it as sometimes your opponent does not recognise it and this will help your offensive techniques chances.