Essential Fighting Skills and How to Teach them

For awhile now I have begun to think of training for fighting as learning specific skills that are essential for this task. I separate skill from technique in that a skill is a broad concept that is essential for the execution of many techniques. The techniques are the actual method of attack and defense.

Off of the top of my head I can think of these skills.

Power
Speed
Timing
Distance
Balance
Vision
Entering
Rooting
Following
Leading

Is there any other skills that anyone would add? How do you train these skills? I will post more on how I train them later.

If you want to be a fighter, you need to train "attributes" WITH technique in integration. It's easy to make lists of attributes a fighter must have, the question is how to develop and train them.

Initially, you have to introduce the basic techniques in isolation, but as soon as you can they will be drilled using live training principles.

Guideline #1: "Structure"
The foundation of the program is learning the proper position and the proper execution of the techniques. Most of the problems students have in applying technique are found in the incorrect execution; the wrong position, the wrong distance, the wrong angle, etc.

Guideline #2: "Movement"
Since an adversary will not stand in one place during a real fight, all the drills must incorporate movement to replicate real conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, footwork, real distance, distance control, level control and head movement.

Guideline #3: "Impact"
While many traditional martial arts place a heavy emphasis on doing techniques without impact, the reality is that hitting an adversary is quite different from hitting the air! Our program includes a significant time devoted to working with various pieces of equipment so the student becomes familiar with the feeling of impact and develops power and focus.

Guideline #4: "Resistance"
Each drill must include or simulate the resistance (or counter attack) of a real opponent.

Guideline #5: "Context"
Each drill must include context; why the technique is being used, when the technique is being used, how the technique is being used, etc. This also includes discussion of our basic theories such as "leaks", "continuousness", "gates", "bridges", etc.

I can provide concrete examples of all of these if people have questions of course

evasion

In the earliest stages of training this we cross hands and while one of us moves the other just keeps the distance. First with eyes open, then closed, then blindfolded. Later on we add specific footwork patterns, turning, different distances etc.
This at first is no real evasion, like dodging, but more or less keeping a moving base. Whenever the other guy steps you just step with him, changing the angles accordingly so that the step has not really led to a different situation. This also trains following not just with the hands. Add falling step training and this becomes a good way to learn to kick in the right moment.


separating hands
Learning to do different things with both hands simultaneously. Usually people forget one of their hands while using the other. This among other things we do in tuishou.

Rooting and Power

These two skills go hand in hand. Rooting is learned by teaching how to sink or drop the weight. Stance training is a part of this but a deep stance does not necessarily mean a well rooted stance. The joints must be open and loose and the muscles must be relaxed. The feeling should be of the bones supporting the body. When you root the thought must be in a downward direction so it is helpful to think of sinking when you move or strike.

Power is very complex. It starts with creating a strong connection to the ground. We begin with teaching strikes with the heels planted in most cases. Beginners tend to raise up on the ball of the foot or lean forward onto the front foot while punching. By focusing on keeping the back heel in contact with the floor this helps create a sense of connection with the ground. Next we focus on aligning the bones during a strike. This includes keeping the shoulders down, the elbows down, aligning the wrist and forearm correctly, etc. The better aligned the bones are during a strike or block the more power is able to be transferred into the target.