Training in snow

[Martin Lysen]

Hi all!

Up here in Sweden we have had a lot of snow recently, so I took the opportunity to go outside and train some. I did some basic strikes in deep snow, and found that I was considerably slowed down. Either I had to "hop" as I struck to get my feet above the snow, or I had to take shorter steps as plunging through it was too slow. My balance was shot too, although I didn't fall over at least... :wink: All this I assume can be compensated for, and additional training will surely help.

Thinking about I believe that the implications have tactical ramifications as well. Adjusting technique is one thing, but the limited mobility means you must think about engagements differently. Going fast you either risk slipping, or run the risk of exhausting yourself much more quickly. This means it is harder to quickly break off from an engagement, or to close with a reluctant opponent. I hope to do some sparring in this kind of weather this winter, and will post my findings.

All in all, it was an interesting experience, and one I recommend anyone to try out, if you can find snow where you train...

[Vincent Le Chevalier]

Yes, I find training on difficult terrain is often very informative. Even training on an uneven slope of long grass with some pine cones and rocks lying around has been relatively challenging (and I was just doing paired katas). I did some training alone in snow once, but there wasn't much, probably a lot less than you have in Sweden

Generally I feel difficult terrain demands a more grounded, cautious footwork, and the less the feet have to move during the technique the better. There are plenty of small adjustements that are not really practical in these situations, even when they give an advantage on even salle or dojo ground. As you say the very large, quick and athletic motions become quite risky as well. Falling back to more natural steps gives better results in my opinion. Keeping it simple and safe Moving only one foot at a time can also solve some of the problems.

In my opinion this explain some of the difference in footwork between traditional martial arts and combat sports, where the field conditions are strictly controlled. There are things you don't want to learn as it could backfire outside training...

[Shane Smith]

I've always prefered to train outside. I agree that the sense of awareness one gets training on uneven grass is superior to that one gets training on a wooden or carpeted floor. I have found my footwork looked more simple and less "flashy" than some of my colleagues who train on level floors alot.
You have to be more prudent with foot placement out of doors in my experience.

[Corey Roberts]

During the winter months here in Montana, I often end up training in snow, ice or whatever, as I've only room to train outside. Being that it also gets dark around 4:30 or 5 ish when it starts to really get into winter, I also often end up training to back porch light-partial darkness in snow. Ice can definitely foul up your footing at times, although I find snow to not be as much of a problem. Definitely a quality footwork improver, and for those ARMAteers who are gifted by more moderate weather I highly recommend training in snow sometime. It can quickly reveal flawed distribution of weight, as you go sliding off into the bushes (been there)

Free play in snow is also an eye opener at times.

[Scott A. Richardson]

I've always been of the opinion that training outside in different weather conditions makes the most sense. After all, these warriors of old didn't typically have the luxury of choosing where they would fight, so training that way just seems to make sense.

[Dylan Asbury]

Having done free play in snow (a rather thin layer of snow underscored by ice, actually) I can say that it was a hairy experience. The snow was so shallow I didn't necessarily have to worry about exhausting my legs but as a rapierist, it made my lunges prone to slipping. After a few near misses that were too close for comfort, I compensated by shortening my step and instead forcing my opponent to shoulder most of the movement. I avoided most engagements, endeavoring to keep my sword free and feinted often, striking when he was most open. I actually had a great deal of success with these adjustments. Hope this helps.

[Brandon Paul Heslop]

Living in Utah, I have trained in both extremes...the cold, cold snow and burning, sweltering heat. Very rarely do we get a nice medium. I agree that training in snow (particularlly deep snow), can be very illuminating. I enjoy it immensely, but my favorites are still cool autumn days. I hate training in summer. Heat, heat, heat. Just walking makes you sweat. But, of course, it's a valueable experience to train in all kinds of environments.

Nice thread.

-B.

[Martin Lysen]

So, having deliberately worked out on slick and snowy surfaces for last month, I feel I've learned a lot. The most poignant thing that comes to mind is hip alignment, or angle. By keeping my lower abdominals contracted and my hips tilted "upwards", I gain a lot of upper body control and balance. This in turn makes it easier to start moving, which has made my steps and attacks faster. Going back to non-icy surfaces, I find that my overall balance, speed and control has increased by a substantial increment.

[Nathan Dexter]

Boy, it's been a long time since I've been around the forums, but anyway, living in the northern parts has definitely had its effect on my training. But training in snow has a lot of value considering that combat was frequently done in the wintertime. Not as often as in the summer, but I still find it really valuable.