WEATHER SPECIFIC TRAINING

The inclement weather of the last couple weeks is a good reminder that you may have to defend yourself in less than preferable conditions. If it's the ice and snow of the East Coast or the unrelenting rain of the West you must compensate for weather and terrain in your training. It is difficult to deliver the same power in a punch or kick when the ability to keep your footing is taken away. Also keep in mind that in a grappling situation that goes to the ground the use of your guard changes as your back and feet are sliding on the ice.

Some of the ways to train for these conditions are:

- Use walls, cars, doors and other objects as a place to post your back while you defend. Also practice pinning the attacker to the same objects.

- With a partner push each other back and forth while maintaining control standing on a rug or towel on a slick surface. This practice helps you keep your footing or gain it back if you lose it.

-Practice pushing and ground grappling in dress shoes while on a slick surface. Wear dress shoes with no tread. This will really help you work on your control of an attacker.

-Train in bulky clothing, wear heavy jackets and boots to change your ability to move. You should practice compensating for the weight and bulk of winter clothing.

It's not realistic to practice these things everyday. However you should once in while experiment with differences in environment and climate. It could bring to light something that you were not aware of in your training.