Hi all
I see from the other topic that trapping seems to be a favorite. So let's discuss this. What is the single most important quality, attribute or whatever that is required for effective trapping. I know there are many but try to prioritize and discuss what you believe is the most important.
I look foward to the discussion
Kimsut

Hello Kimsut!

Very good question my friend! Although there are several things that must come together in order to have good trapping skills, I would have to say that energy/sensitivity drill training is the most important area of training for development of strong trapping skills! It is the development of contact reflex, which comes from energy/sensitivity training, that lets you know when and if trapping is necessary, and which trap or traps to use if so! In other words, the "when" of trapping.

Reference point trapping drills teach you the mechanics of both simple and compound traps. Mook Jong training economizes your structure and strengthens your trapping movements. Springarm training develops your ability to "stick" to an opponent and follow sudden, radical movement changes. BUT, without energy/sensitivity training, you just cannot reach the height of trapping skill, which is to trap at exactly the right moment, using exactly the right movement! That's my two cents worth on the topic!

Who's next!

Keep Blasting!
Sifu Lamar M. Davis II
Senior Instructor
Hardcore Jeet Kune Do
Sifu@HardcoreJKD.com
JKD@windstream.net
http://www.HardcoreJKD.com
http://www.DragonBlastMA.com
Phone (205) 296-7070 (Incoming Only)

"Hit Hard, Hit Fast, Hit First - ALWAYS!"

"The REAL future of Jeet Kune Do belongs to US, the few, the proud, the HARDCORE! Now, what are we going to do with it?" _ Sifu Lamar M. Davis II

I completely agree Sifu.
Next in importance I have found elbow position vital. Much of the trapping that I do is a natural outcome of straight punching ( chung choi). If the elbows are in, heavy (sunken) and forward they tend to pin anything that gets in the way as the punch travels to the target. I like to imagine driving the punch in with the elbow as if it has a weight hanging from it. In this way the elbows do not come up too much and the punch tends to travel slightly upward and the forearms pin anything that gets in the way. The lower elbows also make it more difficult for a grappler to shoot in under them for a take down. The mook jong is an excellent toll to work elbow position.
The mechanics of most trapping is also found in the simplicity of chain punching. The same motion found in the punch can be found in the pak sao, simply open the hand. If the returning hand is opened at the right time it become a jerking hand (jut sao), pinning hand (gum sao) or pulling hand (lop sao). It just depends on the relationship to the opponents hand and sensitivity. The timeing can be practiced by working with a partner. As you each chain punch simultaniously, your wrists or forearms contact each other back of arm to back of arm. Right to right and left to left. Keep it relaxed and medium speed to begin with. Keep the correct elbow position then break the rythum with a trap, pin, lop or cutting punch. Use your imagination.
Just my thoughts
Kimsut.

Kimsut!

Sometimes I think we are twins separated at birth! LOL Once again, I agree with you 100%! I teach my students the exact things that you just mentioned, especially relating the rotation chung chuie to similar movements! Before I say more, I am interested to see what others may add to our observations!

Keep Blasting!
Sifu Lamar M. Davis II
Senior Instructor
Hardcore Jeet Kune Do
Sifu@HardcoreJKD.com
JKD@windstream.net
http://www.HardcoreJKD.com
http://www.DragonBlastMA.com
Phone (205) 296-7070 (Incoming Only)

"Hit Hard, Hit Fast, Hit First - ALWAYS!"

"The REAL future of Jeet Kune Do belongs to US, the few, the proud, the HARDCORE! Now, what are we going to do with it?" _ Sifu Lamar M. Davis II

I would say know when to trap and when not to trap. Also what type of trap to use. Some traps can not be used on some people due to their size. Most people will say that trapping is useless and all you need to do is learn to hit; why trap when you can hit. Well if you have a shorter reach than I do I have the advantage right? As long as you don't know how to trap I do. As with anyone that says trapping does not work or is useless it is because they are too lazy to train it ir just to stupid to understand trapping. It is not plucking punches out of the air; although it can be done. Trapping is used off the contact made with a blocked/parried punch. Trapping is removing the obstruction so that your initial attack my proceed. It also can be used to immobilize a person. Many ways to trap and many types of traps. Train, train and then train some more.

the best part of trapping for me is seeing the look of the guy I have just trapped and the sudden realization that he is about to be; well you get the picture and can fill in the rest.

kent

I wouldn't say it's the most important but good conditioning plays a big role. I remember when first learning how to trap and how much the pain of being slapped sent shock through my body. I would be stunned thinking about the pain and anyone could land an attack on me. After practice it becomes normal but for an untrained person just the pain of being slapped could lead to checkmate!

Positive Energy Activates Constant Elevation
P.E.A.C.E.