R.J., I love Rocket J. Squirrel! That is an adult cartoon gig. Some heavy messages via Rocky and Bullwinkle. Kids don't get it.
Okay, to the Silent Fighter.
No. I have yet to figure out how to tighten up the "leg". However, I've also been blessed to train with Mr. Worden - whose footwork (sweeps, stomps, trapping) is sheer magic (and painful!). Work the SF leg with the thought of powerful sweeps, stops, and grabs. It's there because the foot will MOVE when targeted properly. I pin or stop then hammer from above. Sweep then work the in close stuff. It's just a factor in the equation.
The 1st Generation was darned good but rough. Kelly has improved the SF in both construction and workability. And it's prettier, too. However, the trainer is a trainer. It's what we do with the trainer that makes it valuable.
I like working slow, soft, very connected free flow forms on the Fighter these days. Or, sometimes, I put on the gloves and work boxing thought processes. I like it especially for Head, Knees, Elbow and Knee work. I also pull a shirt over it and work grabs and rips, tugs and chokes, and live blade, too.
My deal is keeping the arms tightened up. I've fixed that (okay, you can pipe wrench it, true) by working a set of hardy bungee cords into the set-up so the arms move and "bounce" upon contact. Good play, there.
I've also dropped a set of surplus army goggles over the Fighter to practice and focus eye jabs, cuts, slashes, and so on. Take the opponent's vision / balance and you've got the fight half way finished.
I like working hard slaps to the Fighter, and in real, real close. Move around it. Push, pull, punch, rip, butt, and kick. Go intense. Hard and fast or hard and slow. Talk to it. Stick, stick, stick. I like in-close work. No, I LOVE it. I want to meld, weld, and jell with the opponent. You have to train the comfort zone. Western fighting is distance-distance-distance. Close the distance (gap) and stay in tight. Tighter than tight. Flow through the opponent.
Worden is the best at this. He touches you and you're connected with him. You can't get away because he's with / on / in you from the moment you connect. Pain just explodes with every brush, punch, slap, twist, torque, pull, push, kick, and so on. The SF gives you the ability to develop this kind of contact, this immersion in "the other".
It is SIBAT...connecting the systems...connecting the combatants...blowing out by blowing through...lining up then lining out...
Man, I trust this motivates you
