There’s an old saying that “if all things are equal, the fighter with the better eye control will win”. I could probably leave it at that but here’s an exercise that will really help you out a lot in regards to eye-control.
Pick up a peg-board. I use one that is approximately 4 feet by 4 feet….. 4 by 8 is great too! Hang it on the wall so you can look at the entire surface of the board – thousands of holes right in front of you. Grab a partner to help you train. Stand approximately three feet from the board and pick out a “dot” (hole) that you are going to focus on. Point it out to your partner so he/she can keep track of it. Then, without loosing the hole (keeping your eyes on it at all times) kind of jog backward while still looking at the hole. Retreat about six feet and then come back forward. Once you’re back in original position, point out the hole you think it is – the one you were to keep track of. Your partner will confirm it for you (or not).
Next, in more of a crouched fighting stance, move backward (away) from the peg-board while weaving a bit side to side both with your body and your footwork. After retreating six to ten feet, come back in doing the same motions. Once in original position, point out the hole you think you chose in the beginning. Your stationary partner can confirm.
Never loose track of the hole you intend to watch.
Following the last exercise, add a few punches as you retreat and return. See if they interfere with your concentration and ability to keep control of your “stare” (eye control). Soon, add a few kicks and then to combinations. Again, never loose control of which dot you have chosen to keep track of.
Eventually, your ability to focus on one spot and not loose it will be perfect.
Now, look at your dot. Notice that you can see, without moving your eyes at all, everything in your “eyes’ field”. You can see the full board, the wall, your assistant, the floor…… all of it! You can see it all without moving your eyes at all. Your mind can scan the “eyes’ field” without moving the eye at all. This is full vision: this is “mind vision”. This is the ability you must have to be a great fighter/martial artist.
In the end, following hundreds of hours of eye training, you will be able to lock your eyes to the opponent’s sternum and follow all of the opponent’s moves (hands or feet) simply with the mind watching the eyes field (without ever moving the eyes from their “anchor” position). This will end the influence of distraction that causes eye movement and the consequent hit as a result.
Always remember. You can’t follow every move a fighter makes by literally moving the eyes to watch. You cannot watch “this punch” or “that kick” and on and on. It’s impossible. But, if you anchor your eyes, the mind can do it all. It can see everything instantly and follow the opponents moves easily – without moving a thing. The mind is extremely nimble. Put it to work and let the eyes simply gaze.
Welcome to the world of excellent eye control!
We put a few of those peg boards up in the Palmdale school. They are great to “warm up” the eyes with.
Thanks a million