Even though he's a fictional character, Bruce Wayne still had to spend years of his life training and spending a lot of money to perfect his martial arts technique. A whole book would not be enough to list all the abilities that the Dark Knight possesses. In some comics it is even claimed that he has mastered all the fighting styles known on Earth and that he is able to immobilize a thug in 463 different ways, without bloodshed. To begin imitating the batman's fighting style you will need to be proficient in boxing, judo and karate.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Taking on the Dark Knight Mentality
Step 1. Improve your willpower
Through the many challenges he faces in the DC Comics comics, Bruce Wayne displays almost superhuman levels of self-control and mastery of his own body. While training in the Himalayas with a Zen warrior monk, he meditated outdoors in the freezing cold wearing light robes. His body control was such that he was able to melt the ice on which he sat. Here are some exercises you can try to improve your willpower:
- Meditate.
- Amounts and meet deadlines.
- Expose yourself to temptations and don't give in.
- Draw up and complete to-do lists.
Step 2. Develop a strategic mindset
One of Batman's best fighting skills is his ability to outsmart opponents. You can observe this talent in the battle against Dragon, a martial arts master, with skills similar to those of the bat man. In that fight, the Dark Knight gets rid of his opponent without having to lift a finger. To improve your strategic skill, try:
- Play chess.
- Play Go.
- Study the actions of the great generals of history.
- Participate in a team sport.
- Play board games.
- Play real-time strategy video games (RTS, Real Time Strategy).
Step 3. Study combat tactics
Tactics differ from strategy because they are particular countermeasures taken during a fight, while strategy deals with the overall action plan. Throughout his career, Batman showcases excellent use of combat tactics. You can train your skills with the following activities:
- Playing chess.
- Taking a tactical reaction course.
- By participating in a team sport.
- Playing paintball.
Step 4. Learn to anticipate the unexpected
One of the reasons why the Dark Knight's opponents almost never manage to beat him is his careful planning of all possible scenarios. For example, Batman always carries kryptonite with him, to protect humanity from a possible betrayal by Superman.
Develop your planning skills by getting into the habit of thinking about all possible conflict resolutions. Carefully consider the location, the opponent, the tools at your disposal, and environmental factors, such as rain. Then plan how to use this to your advantage, or how to counteract any enemy moves
Step 5. Learn to handle the pain
Thanks to his mastery of body and mind, Batman is able to control pain in an excellent way. Even after Bane broke his back, the Batman overcame the pain, to train with Lady Shiva and regain his physical abilities. To achieve this, try:
- Engaging in activities that strain you, such as exercising, slightly exceeding your limits. Never do anything that could put your health at risk; the goal of this workout is to improve your tolerance through exposure to fatigue.
- Increase the intensity of your workouts over time to overcome the limits of your tolerance.
- See discomfort as a means to achieve your goals and overcome pain with a smile.
Step 6. Be steadfast
Batman has become the best martial arts expert in the DC Comics universe thanks to his absolute determination to achieve his goals. The Batman is willing to do anything (within his honor code) to get what he wants. To fight like him, you too must have the same ambition as him. To do this:
- Think about your goals regularly.
- Develop and follow a training program.
- Test your skills against established and experienced masters.
Step 7. Respect your code of honor
Batman doesn't kill or use firearms because he follows a strict personal code. Only you can establish the principles of your code of ethics. Think about which values are most important to you, where you draw the line between right and wrong, what your moral concerns are, and use these beliefs to create your code.
Part 2 of 4: Learning the Basics of Boxing
Step 1. Train your reflexes
To move with Batman's speed and to react to the violence of your enemies as he does, your reflexes must be excellent. Use a speed bag, a reaction ball and jump rope to reduce your reaction time.
Step 2. Learn to punch
There are four main types of punches in boxing: jabs, forehand, hooks, and uppercuts. You can rest assured that Batman knows them all perfectly. Below, you will find a brief description of each shot:
- Jab: Often performed with the front hand, the weaker one. This punch serves to keep the opponent at a distance. Rotate your arm and wrist with a quick, snappy motion just before hitting your opponent for maximum impact from the impact.
- Direct: it is a strike carried out with the dominant hand and a slight upward movement, which originates on one side of the body and ends on the other.
- Hook: is a blow to the body or head. You must reach the impact with the opponent with a sweeping motion, from the side. This strike is mostly used in combinations, but is vulnerable to counter attacks.
- Upright: is an upward blow directed to the opponent's head. This is a very effective punch at close range.
Step 3. Perfect your footwork
When you are in a physical fight, knowing how to move quickly allows you to avoid the blows and to deliver them in turn, remaining in perfect balance. Losing your balance can force you to let your guard down and make you lose a fight. Batman would never allow this to happen and neither should you. Here are some general tips for improving your footwork:
- Keep moving during a physical fight.
- Never cross your legs.
- Stay on your toes, ready to move.
Step 4. Learn to block and take punches
Even a wrestling master like Batman takes a few punches (or worse) from time to time. If your opponent proves to be too fast, too skilled or takes you by surprise by punching you, you must:
- Parrying with a limb, for example the hand.
- Respond in turn with a blow, like a quick nudge.
- Contract the muscles before being hit.
- Maintain your position.
- Follow the movement of the fist.
Part 3 of 4: Learning the Fundamentals of Karate
Step 1. Learn the basic postures
Bruce Wayne learned karate from an "ascended" martial art master during a training trip to Korea. His teacher first made sure that he knew the basic positions perfectly. If you want to fight like the Dark Knight, you should too. The two most common positions are:
- Natural position (shizentai-dachi; 自然 体 立 ち): keep the front foot facing forward and the rear foot at 45 °. Keep your legs one step apart.
- Front stance (zenkutsu-dachi; 前屈 立 ち): Keep both feet 45 degrees to your line of approach, approximately one step away.
Step 2. Improve your balance
The precise movements of karate require extreme balance and physical coordination. Batman developed these skills naturally over the course of his training. Spend time on all karate stances. Consider the weaknesses of each position, your center of gravity, and any possible changes you can make to improve your balance.
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with the simpler strokes
Before you can claim to rival Batman's skill in karate, you'll need to reach a level of great mastery. To begin with, though, try these techniques:
- The straight punch: From the starting position, push your back foot towards the opponent, rotating your hips and shoulders as you do so. Visualize and target a spot behind your opponent, punching through the space it occupies, to strike with maximum force.
- The open hand strike: keep your fingers together. You can bend them slightly or keep them straight. Push with your back foot, aim behind your opponent, to strike through the space it occupies and reach the impact with the lower part of the hand.
Step 4. Study the philosophy of karate
In training to perfect the various martial arts he has performed over the years, Batman has learned many philosophies, including Taoism, the manipulation of energies, the use of shadows and stealth. To master karate, the batman also had to learn the philosophical foundations of this discipline. While exercising, pay attention to:
- The harmony and physiological balance expressed in karate. The harmony between the parts of oneself (heart, mind, body) helps to obtain better control of one's movements.
- Spiritual strengthening achieved through physical training. By training your body and mind in pursuit of excellence, you increase your willpower and learn its limits.
- The respect and courtesy required by the martial art. Each match begins and ends with a respectful bow to your opponent. In Japanese it is termed reigi (礼儀) and is believed to promote harmony and humility.
Part 4 of 4: Understanding the Basic Principles of Judo
Step 1. Purchase a workout gi
A gi is a necessary piece of equipment for training in judo. In the Dark Knight origin story, the superhero is often portrayed in this traditional attire. When you have your gi, you will be ready for action.
Step 2. Learn to cushion falls
Judo holds can be brutal if you don't know how to fall correctly. Batman's ability to fight many opponents for long periods of time, even after taking damage, is proof of his mastery in this particular skill. There are many techniques you can use to reduce pain from falls, but in principle:
Do not counter the opponent's strength. Accompany the movement and try to release the force with a movement, such as a somersault. Relax and exhale when you lose your balance and can no longer counter a hold
Step 3. Practice in the ground fight
Many judo matches are decided on the mat, where ground wrestling reigns supreme. In those situations, Batman adopts some of his favorite techniques, such as pinching, choking, and joint grappling. To learn them, take lessons in an authorized dojo (traditional training center), with a professional teacher. By adopting incorrect techniques you will risk injuries, both for you and for your training partner.
Step 4. Practice in projections
Batman, a great expert in judo, has mastered the techniques of this art to perfection. Judo throws can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Practice these techniques in an authorized center, under the supervision of a professional. To perform the One-Arm Shoulder Throw (ippon seoi nage; 一 本 背負 投) follow these steps:
- Wait for an opponent to grab the front of your gi.
- Cover her hand with yours and hold it still.
- Bring your free hand under your opponent's arm and hook him under the armpit.
- Rotate your body in the opposite direction, still keeping your hand on your gi.
- Bend your knees slightly without losing your balance.
- Use your back as a pivot and begin leaning forward, lifting your opponent with your arm under his armpit.
- Take your opponent over your back and throw him over your shoulder.
Advice
- Batman uses a defensive fighting style known as Keysi, parrying with the back of his arms and hitting with elbows, forearms and, if necessary, with the forehead. If you do not have sufficient protection, it is not recommended to adopt this technique.
- According to the comic, Batman has been trained in all martial arts in the world, but he relies heavily on his personal style, the Keysi. It is a discipline that uses everything it has learned and is considered as brutal as MMA or Krav Maga.
- Batman often uses his surroundings as a weapon. By smashing an opponent's head against a surface, you are almost certain that he cannot stand up.
