Bull in the Ring

[John Brewer]

So last night at class we did something called the Bull in the Ring. It was my first time but I really enjoyed it. The whole class forms a circle with one person in the middle. The instructor calls out an attack and points at somone who proceeds to attack. The best part is you don't know from where it's coming. My instructor said at the more advanced levels the circle just alternates turns attacking and your given no warning of the type of attack. Anyone done this? Enjoy it?

[Martin Seck]

Aside from it being an old football drill ... yes.


We call it the semi circle of humility and have the instructor stand behind the defender while he / she is surrounded in a semi circle ... the instructor points to an attacker and the person must defend whatever comes their way.

Good drill and can be humbling.

[John Brewer]

Did you get to throw elbows in the football drill?

[Martin Seck]

Did you get to throw elbows in the football drill?

Well considering we were fully padded, lots of stuff went un-noticed.

Its even called bull in in the ring in football too (at least in 1984)

[Rob Broad]

I do a drill like this in classes that I teach. It is a great way to build spontaneous reactions.

[Hunter]

We used to do it in a lot of the Phillipino arts I trained in. It is just as applicable if not even more as a training tool over a technique line.

[amylong]

We call it 'Ninja in the middle'

The kids especially love it, but it's fun for the adults too.

--Amy

[SifuDangeRuss]

We call it "Surviving the Circle" but essentially the same drill. Only variation is we attempt to keep the defender within the circle, so our circle flexes and changes and the order of the attack as well as the nature of the attack is completely spontanious. I like to toss drill in, as it shows how great a role the mind plays in cardio. Everyone finds they tire much more rapidly in this drill, than in doing far more reps in a line or solo. It's the an-tis-i-pa-a-a-a-a-shun....it's makin' ya wait......(Sorry...Ketchup moment there). Seriously though. It's an eye-opener if you haven't done this type of drill.

[Rob Broad]

When I run the circle drill the person in the middle bows to one person and then that person attacks with what ever they want. As soon as the person in the middle is finished dispatching the attacker the next person attacks, this continues all the way around the circle until the last person is dispatched. The person in the middle then steps out of the circle and thenext person steps in.

[Mikael151]

It's a great drill. It helped me realize which techs I'd gravitate towards under that kind of pressure.

[Celtic_Crippler]

There are different variations in how to conduct the drill, but it seems to be a staple in all kenpo schools.

[John Brewer]

Great points and variations. I look forward to the next time.

[SifuDangeRuss]

There are different variations in how to conduct the drill, but it seems to be a staple in all kenpo schools.

One of the many virtues of a site like this, is the more different we think we are, the more similar we find are.

[Arizona Angel]

Great "Bull" comments!

Another great game is running the line. When a kenpo student was "bad" and screwed up in a big way they would have to face the entire class in single step sparring combat one student at a time. I can remember getting my "nut cup" busted in one memorable episode when I disrepected the honor of our club by not showing up for a tournament after giving my word that I would attend.

Lol, that'll teach ya.

[Mikael151]

One of the many virtues of a site like this, is the more different we think we are, the more similar we find are.

So true!