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SPIN DOCTOR
Author: S. D. Seong
Shonie Carter insists that his fame in the martial arts world does not stem from his ability to score with any particular technique, but from his ability to use his unorthodox fighting strategy to triumph over opponents who are considered virtual shoo-ins. Nevertheless, fans of the mixed martial arts remember him best for the spinning techniques he used against Matt Serra in the Ultimate Fighting Championship 31.
“I like to surprise my opponents by doing something I haven’t been working on, something they don’t expect,” Carter says. “When I fought Matt in the UFC, I hadn’t been working on the spinning backfist. The biggest assets I have are versatility and a willingness to execute a technique that most people wouldn’t think of doing.”
For the sake of Black Belt readers who wish to boost their versatility and take their opponent by surprise with a spinning attack, Carter agreed to reveal the secrets of three variations of his most feared technique.
SPINNING FOREARM
Carter’s favorite implementation of the spinning forearm begins with a left jab that is not really supposed to make contact with the opponent’s jaw. Its main function is to elicit a response such as a lead-leg front kick. Once that foot is launched, Carter says, you block it with your lead hand and push it to your left (to the opponent’s inside). At the same time, step to the outside of his lead leg, which prevents him from having a clean shot at your jaw.
“As you torque your hip, you have to protect your chin by burying it into your left shoulder; otherwise, he will be able to hit you with a straight right,” he says.
“Don’t extend your arm until you spin and look over your right shoulder to see where your target is because he may have moved into you. As soon as you see him, you can gauge whether you should throw the forearm or a variation of the spinning technique.”
Distance is the factor that determines whether the spinning forearm, spinning elbow or spinning backfist should be used, Carter says. “When your target is his head, you really want to make full contact with it. You don’t want the impact to be diffused, which happens when you are falling away from him. You want him to be moving into it, and you want to see that he’s dropped his hands enough for you to land your forearm right across his mandible.”
SPINNING BACKFIST
Carter’s spinning backfist begins with you and your opponent standing just outside of punching range. You set him up by launching a left jab and then a right cross. His reaction is minimal because of the limited nature of the threat. You then step to the outside of his lead leg as you execute a left cross that intentionally misses. Having just moved in close, you are in perfect position to begin to spin.
“Once you close the distance by stepping in, you create the torque within your hip to maximize the impact force,” Carter says. “Because an object at the end of a lever moves faster than an object at the center, the energy from your hip is transferred to your backfist, which moves very fast. It hits his jaw and sends it back into his skull, jarring his brain.
If you want to go high, your fist can catch him in the temple region.” It is essential to maintain proper balance during the execution of this technique, Carter says, so you can recover quickly should you miss the target. Staying balanced will also help you if your opponent gets to your back while you are momentarily facing away from him. “If that happens, don’t freak out,” he says.
“Spin like a top to create centrifugal force; and as you twist and he tries to clinch, throw techniques. You’ll be so sweaty that you’ll probably get out of his hold and end up right in front of him.”
SPINNING ELBOW
The third version of Carter’s spinning methodology relies on the elbow for the impact. You and your opponent start just outside of kicking range. Pivot on your lead foot as you deliver a rear- leg roundhouse kick. As your foot passes its target, plant it on the floor to the outside of his lead foot. That movement puts you close enough to initiate your spin.
“As you protect your chin and turn, you must look over your shoulder to track the target,” Carter says. “To avoid his defense, you want to come over the top of his hands and drop your elbow on him at a 45-degree angle right across the temple, the eye, the bridge of the nose and the cheek. Somewhere in there, something will bleed. It might not knock him out, but it will give him a black eye, a broken nose or a cut cheekbone.”
The spinning elbow can also be used for self-defense, Carter says. “When I was a bouncer, I had to use elbows all the time. They’re especially good when you don’t have room to kick. A shortrange elbow hitting a bony surface tends to get someone’s attention fast.”
SPIN TRAINING
Carter advises caution whenever you work on your spinning forearm, spinning backfist or spinning elbow in the dojo. “It’s hard to slow them down, especially if you’re not that experienced,” he says. “Always have your training partner wear a mouth piece and headgear.
But don’t try to hit him in the head with your strike. Have him hold a focus mitt about eight to 10 inches away from his head. Then you’ll be covered if you hit the mitt and drive it into his face or if you accidentally hit him.”
A heavy bag can be used for developing power and speed to amplify the effectiveness of your spinning technique, Carter says. “But to get used to the timing, the slipping and moving, and the changing levels, you have to get in the ring and spar. Just be sure to do it safely.”
After investing many hours in the dojo, you will be able to integrate all three spinning techniques into your fighting style, Carter insists. “Once you know how to execute them, adjust them to match your body. Find out what works for you.” ...