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Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Leveling Up Training

Since that day, I began training with intensity. For a whole week, I repeated the same exercises.

But things felt different… I could sense something changing inside me, as if I was becoming a little stronger than before.

And in the following week, the real training began.

Ratio System

Combat Drills:

Fast front punch with the lead hand: Jab

Strong rear hand punch with shoulder rotation: Cross

I knew it had finally started—the real training.

I had reached the stage of practicing martial arts.

But what annoyed me was: how was I supposed to execute these techniques?

As if the system was reading my mind, it presented me with the basic concept of martial arts.

Ratio System

Basic concept of each strike:

Lead Punch (Jab):

Lead hand.

Fast and short, used for measuring and testing rather than full power.

Functions: measure distance, control rhythm, disrupt balance, and open a path for the Cross or kicks.

Rear Punch (Cross):

Rear hand, stronger than the Jab.

Generated by pushing the hip + shoulder + rear foot rotation.

Function: a real power strike, usually following the Jab or as a counter when the opponent opens up.

The concepts and explanations were hard to grasp. I muttered sarcastically:

— Does he think giving me concepts makes training easier? What an idiot… Just give me something simpler to apply!

Ratio System

Execution steps – Jab

Stance: left foot forward (Orthodox). Chin tucked, shoulders slightly raised.

Extend the lead hand quickly with a slight elbow bend at impact (don't lock it straight).

Rotate the wrist so the palm faces slightly downward on contact.

Take small steps with the lead foot to generate range without losing balance.

After impact, return the hand quickly to guard (shoulder raised to cover the chin).

Execution steps – Cross

From the same stance, start by rotating the rear hip forward with the shoulder.

Push with the rear foot (pivot) to generate more power.

Extend the rear hand in a straight line through the target—don't over-rotate or you'll lose balance.

Keep your chin tucked behind your shoulder during the punch.

Immediately return the hand to guard after impact.

I didn't fully understand what this was about… it felt like he was teaching me boxing!

But still, I followed the instructions and practiced.

The system even projected a glowing blue hologram performing the movements in front of me.

It was exhausting… but I needed all of this, especially after realizing the system rewarded me with points for improving my skills.

Yet, my power level was still stuck at 30.

No progress.

But… I could feel myself becoming slightly stronger with every new thing I learned.

As I advanced in training, the exhaustion no longer weighed me down.

Soon, I began learning other martial skills.

Ratio System

General basics before learning anything new:

Warm-up: 10–15 minutes (light jogging, jump rope, joint rotations: ankle/knee/hip/shoulder).

Dynamic stretching.

Core and shoulder strength (body holds, hollow holds, push-ups, planks) → necessary for control.

Flexibility: back/hips/shoulders (daily stretches, back arches).

Training area: gym mats, flat surface, wide open space.

Skills

Forward Roll (Front Somersault):

Goal: Learn to control forward rotation and return to standing.

Steps:

Starting stance: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.

Small jump (tuck jump): bend knees, push forward slightly, tuck the body.

Landing on hands/shoulder: place palms on the ground ahead, roll over the shoulder (not the neck).

Roll through the upper back: pull knees to chest.

Exit: push with hips and feet to return to standing or kneeling, then stabilize.

Repeat slowly: 5–10 times focusing on neck safety.

Progression:

Start from kneeling.

Then from squatting.

Then from a light running step.

Finally, roll into standing instead of kneeling.

Everything I learned inside the system kept getting harder…

I started wondering: When will this end?

But I kept progressing, and soon the system introduced new drills.

Ratio System

Side Flip (Cartwheel) and Advanced Side Flip (Aerial Progression):

Cartwheel:

Side stance: lead step forward, opposite hand reaching down.

Shift weight to the lead hand, then the other; lift the back leg into the arc.

Land on the lead foot first, then the other, maintaining control.

Repeat, switching directions.

Aerial (Side Flip without hands – Advanced):

Do not attempt the aerial without first mastering the Cartwheel, kicks, and landings.

Steps:

Perfect the Cartwheel and Cartwheel-to-stand.

Train one-handed Cartwheel, gradually reducing hand support.

Practice strong run-up + powerful step + back leg snap + chest forward → land on one foot to standing.

Use mats for safety.

Backflip / Back Somersault — Safe Progressions

The backflip is more dangerous than the others; progress strictly and carefully.

Safe progression from beginner to advanced:

Backward Roll (shoulder roll) — Master this first.

Bridge Kick-over — Learn the transition from your back into a stable standing on the feet.

Back Tuck Progressions:

Practice jumping backward into an air pit or onto a thick mat.

Use a rope/harness for safety.

Gradually reduce assistance until you can perform the back tuck alone.

Technical points:

Pull your knees tightly to your chest during the tuck to rotate faster.

Focus your gaze on a high point when jumping backward (not the ground).

Push strongly from the toes and open the hips.

Control your landing: soft knees to absorb impact.

8-Week Basic Training Plan (Example)

Weekly: 3 technical sessions, 2 strength/flexibility sessions.

Session A (Flips & Skill): Warm-up 10′ → forward rolls 15′ → cartwheels 15′ → aerial drill progressions 10′ → cool-down.

Session B (Bridge / Back & Shoulders Strength): Core exercises (hollow holds, superman), shoulder work (handstand holds against wall), bridges, leg power (squats, box jumps).

Session C (Backflip Progressions): backward rolls 10′ → bridge kickovers 10′ → back handspring progressions 20′ on mats / under supervision.

Integrating Flips with Sword Arts and Combat Training

Objective: use flips as part of fighting movement — to evade, change direction, alter striking angle, or surprise the opponent.

General rules:

Master the technique first — do not integrate into live combat until it's reliable.

Weapon safety: use a training sword (bokken or unsharpened) or foam sword during drills.

Body control: keep the sword hand controlled; do not lose grip mid-air.

Defense before offense: flips are used for evasion/repositioning and then immediate counterattack.

Training progressions:

Footwork first — footwork drills: practice quick lateral/circular steps (step-step, shuffle).

Low knee + duck-under: train duck-under and low-roll with the sword (lower stance for feints).

Shadow sword + cartwheel: perform a simple cartwheel while holding the sword (no partner) to adapt to weapon handling and balance.

Roll-throughs with strikes: forward roll → stand up → quick stab/cut (1–2) on a static target.

Aerial evade combo: cartwheel or aerial to avoid an incoming attack then immediate counter-cut on landing. Start slow, then increase speed.

Partner drills: partner performs a simple attack (pad or foam strike); you evade with a roll/flip then respond with a predefined counter.

Light sparring choreography: integrate one flip as an escape/maneuver in scripted scenarios (e.g., use a forward roll to show the flank and counter).

Weapon notes:

Flips reduce visibility — only perform them when there is safe space.

Learn evasion and improve reaction speed.

Evasion & Reaction Speed — Principles and Drills

Principles:

Evasion = move the body off the attack line (Step, Slip, Duck, Roll).

Quick reactions rely on: mental readiness, observation, varied sensory drills, and explosive speed.

Practical drills:

Slip Line Drill: partner swings pads at an angle; you slip left/right and counter. 3 sets × 1 minute.

Ball Drop Reaction: partner drops a ball without warning; catch it to measure reaction time. 5–10 reps.

Light/Audio Cue Drill: respond to sound/light cues with specific actions (e.g., red → duck, green → step-left). Improves sensorimotor linking.

Mirror/Shadow Sparring: partner moves randomly; practice evasion and quick counters.

Plyometrics: box jumps, lateral bounds, burpees — to boost explosive lateral movement.

Cognitive drills (dual-task): perform a mental task (e.g., count numbers) while moving to improve focus under pressure.

Progression & measurement:

Start slow, then increase randomness of partner cues.

Measure reaction time weekly via ball-drop or electronic metrics if available.

Training 3×/week on reaction + 2×/week strength/endurance gives good results in 4–8 weeks.

Common Mistakes & Final Tips

Never neglect neck and spine safety during flips — technique is more important than repetition.

Training on hard surfaces is very risky — use mats.

Do not use sharp weapons while learning flips — use training swords.

Short, focused repetitions are better than long, sloppy practice.

Monitor sleep, nutrition, and muscle recovery — they affect reaction and strength.

I didn't fully understand everything at first, but I began learning more and more. Each day brought training and new combat drills — I was shocked at how quickly I learned.

Even my body's power and speed changed; I became faster and stronger. I felt happy—I hadn't been this active before.

I think fate has written a new chapter for me in a wonderful way. But with everything, I must prepare my strength. I will crush that monster Valik — revenge for myself in this world.

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