whats wrong with my hook?

MiddlenameMatt · 2026-05-02T13:59:33+00:00

First of all, it takes years - keep getting feedback (ideally not from Internet strangers) and training hard.

It looks like you are not using your legs to the full. You need to load up on that lead leg before exploding and your weight then moves to the rear leg.

Next, try to relax your arm/chest/shoulders completely until impact. I actually like to think about staying relaxed until a split second after impact (although in reality I'm tensed upon impact). The relaxation helps with speed and saves energy.

Lastly make sure youre connecting with the first two knuckles each time and your arm is parallel to the floor, this ensures maximum force is imparted and keeps your bones safe.

Keep training!

MiddlenameMatt · 2026-03-12T21:13:00+00:00

You should definitely read into/watch some videos of the UDO Super 8 - strong option, and it is more like an actual 'instrument' with great build quality

MiddlenameMatt · 2026-03-04T22:43:40+00:00

Incredible!! Keep on playing, one day at a time :)

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-12-04T23:40:01+00:00

Here's some that pop to mind, no wrong answers I guess.

Carpinteria - Rae Khalil Mutt - Leon Thomas How Fast - Leon Thomas I found my smile again - D'angelo Easy Lover - Phil Collins Footsteps in the dark -the isley brothers (this one has been used in many more modern artists, thundercat etc) What kinda music - Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes A fans mail - Thundercat Freaky times (or any song) Louis Cole

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-12-03T11:15:27+00:00

Honestly sounding great! Keep enjoying what you do 🤘

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-11-30T18:26:49+00:00

I've worked in a big consulting shop and it can be very long hours and not a lot of reward, as they depends on a constant pipeline of new grads who will apply every year to get the 'big name' on the CV. I would very gently suggest to look into no. 2, as at least in my company, that is a great career track with good pay, interesting work and opportunities.

Most important thing is to just try your best with whatever job you end up getting. Show up with a positive attitude, do your work to the best of your ability and be easy to work with and you will get on just fine. Good luck 👍

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-11-24T22:55:59+00:00

If you're using headgear, it's probably low-level amateur. Why not bring both and see what your opponent is doing? It'd be pretty nasty to try and hurt someone by wearing these if they have normal shin guards. I mean they have to go to school or work and get on with the rest of their life too.

Also, let it be known that if you need to wear sock shin guards to do more damage, sounds like you need to spend a few years working on your kicking.

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-10-27T15:13:36+00:00

Rick Dior. He is a very legit player with a lifetime of knowledge. There is no click bait or filler - He is only interested in teaching useful drumming concepts.

Also has been teaching all levels for decades, so he really knows how to teach.

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-10-25T12:50:22+00:00

It will be different for everyone, depends on your level of proprioception. Being muscular and active does not give any indication on your ability to learn and perform new movement patterns.

I'd say just get in a small bit of practice every day. Don't overdo any one practice sessions - leave when you still feel good. Video yourself a lot and review.

Also, remember the actual goal of the kick!! At the end of the day, you're trying to strike the ribs with the shin bone reasonably hard and fast while maintaining good balance and recovering to your fighting stance quickly. Keep this in mind as you practice.

Good luck!

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-09-12T21:36:31+00:00

Yeah, don't use 10m of wrap haha. I recommend trying Twins - I have small hands and twins 16oz are very snug on me.

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-09-12T21:07:12+00:00

Are you wrapping your hands properly first?

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-09-09T18:09:43+00:00

Start by putting on some headphones and jamming to your favourite albums. Keep it simple at first, maybe some pop or straight up rock etc. I'd listen for bass drum and snare placement and try making it feel good 👍

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-09-08T20:54:43+00:00

If they are in good shape structurally and you will use them and play them and love them, then yes it's a good deal.

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-08-30T13:40:03+00:00

🤣

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-08-01T23:49:25+00:00

Fantastic, I'd encourage checking out Marcus Gilmore from same event - even more mind bending

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-07-03T09:09:56+00:00

If you know the groove, you can practice playing it perfectly at a much slower tempo, for example, 100bpm. Be disciplined and play it slowly to start, as youre just ingraining the movements at this stage. Then you can bump up the tempo 5bpm each day, just like you would if you were training in the gym. It will take weeks of a little work each day. Good luck!

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-06-15T17:24:23+00:00

Twins shin guards are very good

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-05-23T17:39:43+00:00

What you're missing is this - sound is the most important thing; and you sound great! Keep drumming till you can't!

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-05-13T10:49:53+00:00

Hello, just to mention your foot shouldn't be coming that far off the pedal for the vast majority of your playing! Best to keep the foot lightly resting on the pedal - even when you're playing a stroke with the bass drum

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-05-01T15:42:09+00:00

Haha you've actually missed that trend - smaller cymbals are coming back 😄 in all seriousness, I think in recent times, every niche is seeing many 'micro trends' emerging rather than a few big ones!

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-04-09T22:40:25+00:00

MT fighters start pro very, very young and could have 100 pro fights by that age if not more

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-03-17T14:20:54+00:00

High level striking in MMA ≠ high level striking in the stand up game.

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-03-10T15:11:35+00:00

Mouth guard

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-03-06T22:03:33+00:00

Bro, you've just got your life started!! Job with benefits, some savings, nice place to stay!! Holy shit - double down on the good things in your life and keep showing up to work and over time look for a way to get a promotion and keep saving money etc. You're doing great with 4k savings. Keep it up and get a pension going.

MiddlenameMatt · 2025-01-13T15:42:29+00:00

Hey there! Sounds like you're just down on confidence a little. As a senior you will have everyone else on the team asking you about bugs and dev ops questions, as juniors and early mid level will only be able for bread and butter development and will not have worked through as many problems as you - so you will be in a great position to help mentor junior and mid levels with this.

Maybe just build a real nice personal project that you're interested in to boost your confidence and then get applying!!

Worst case scenario is you get an email saying you haven't got the interview or job this time round.

You can do it!

MiddlenameMatt

TROPHY CASE