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Three Components of Self Defense Techniques
Posted On 12/12/2007 19:10:57 by akstn6
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Three Components of Self Defense Techniques
By Dr. Robert Debelak 6th DanGiven the training rigors of practicing fundamental techniques, one and three steps, kata, and sparring, self defense principles are communicated from instructor to student These basics are designed to provide the martial artist with practical and effective tools for personal protection in the event of attack (whether an attack comes during training events such as sport fighting, or on the streets in more adverse settings and circumstances). By way of survey, three primary components form the foundation of solid self-defense techniques:
1) Move the target
2) Do something about the attack
3) Counterattack
MOVE THE TARGET
Like it or not, in “self” defense, you (the self) are the object of the attack. Irregardless of whether the attack is verbal or physical, hard or soft, with hand or foot, with or without weapon, - you are the target. The attacker’s goal is to render you ineffective to respond.
Simple geometry reminds us that the shortest distance between two points is a line, and when two lines cross, a point of intersection is formed. Consider the attack (a punch or kick) as one of those lines. The point of intersection is your head, body, etc. To render the attack less or ineffective, as much as is possible, don’t be at the intersection of the strike – MOVE!
A moving target is harder to hit than a stationary target. You can test this principle by hanging a ball from a string in a doorway. When motionless, it is a stationary target that is easier to hit. Now swing the ball. As it moves back and forth, try to punch and kick it. The challenge of hitting the target is greatly increased when the target moves. The same idea applies to you, the target: move!
DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE ATTACK
There are at least three things you can attempt in response to a given attack: avoid it, parry (or redirect) it, or block (force on force) it.
First, in tandem with the above principle of moving the target, one response to an attack is to avoid it – don’t tangle up with it in any way; just avoid being hit and avoid any response involving contact. Boxers use a similar idea when bobbing and weaving – just avoid the strikes as you posture for an effective counter attack.
Second, an attack can be intercepted and its force redirected. This response is particularly helpful when an opponent is larger and stronger. Regardless of the size of the challenger, re-direction slides or pushes the attack in another direction. In some techniques of this nature, the parry can be used to redirect the incoming strike and shift the opponent’s weight, causing the challenger to move “off balance.”
Third, is the more forceful and direct response of blocking. While designed to stop an object or projection of attack, the block is an intersection with the attack. A “force on force” response is given – and if used, make the most of it: tactically, every block is a strike and every strike is a block.
COUNTERATTACK
It should be clear that striking any part of the body hurts; some areas just hurt more than others! As such, counterattacks are generally rendered to one of three vertical lines of an opponent. The first line runs directly down the middle of the body (front and back) – often referred to as the “centerline.” You must defend your centerline while counterattacking the aggressor’s centerline. Many of the vital organs of the body are on or closely related to this line, making counter attacks to this first area quite dangerous.
Only a few inches either to the right or left, roughly parallel with the eye, a second line moves vertically down the body to the inner leg. Counterstrikes to this line are effective and painful. Though these areas might seem less deadly than the centerline, caution is advised as severe damage or death is still possible.
The third line is the outer boundary of either the right or left sides of the body. Pain may be caused, but the threat or severity of the counterattack is less than a direct blow to the centerline.
Responses to attacks can be soft, medium, or hard. For example, applying pressure to nerves or joints will likely fall into the first two categories; depending on the level of force returned, punches and kicks fall into any of the categories.*
Once you have defended yourself, there is no need to prove how tough you are. When you have the chance – run, and report the incident. Sticking around might mean the tables could be turned and you end up hurt in the long run. Rather, once you have defended yourself success-fully and have the option, move the target (you) to greater safety – put distance between you and your attacker. **
ConclusionAn effective self-defense tactic strategically integrates three key components: you move, react, and counterattack simultaneously (varied elements of timing are, of course, understood). Practice these principles in technique drills, one and three steps, kata, and sparring. The moment of confrontation can be further complicated by the terrain, time of day (light or night), type of clothing you wear, etc. Generally speaking though, the principles discussed above are a starting point for reflection and practice. Tailor the ideas to specific scenarios – plan ahead, and train them now. Additionally, you can potentially find yourself in different situations at any given time. Take, for example, the number of different sparring partners you work out with. In any given confrontation, you could potentially be a defender configured as: taller or shorter than your opponent, stronger or weaker than your opponent, and/or faster or slower than your opponent. Depending on the battle configuration, there are some general ideas related to defense effectiveness for each of the configurations. This element of the discussion will be a future newsletter topic. This grid of three objectives (move the target, do something about the attack, counter-attack) is not comprehensive – but it should get you thinking! The greatest tool you have available in an altercation is your brain - Use it! Think! Begin now by analyzing your self-defense training and ask: what am I doing, and why am I doing this? Does it work or does it just look pretty? Is it a sound technique or does it just burn calories?
__________________________ * ___________________________*(Disclaimer: this discussion is purely for thoughtful exchange among members of the AKS for training purposes and does not in any way attempt to define or explain legalities germane to each sovereign state or country. A general rule of thumb offered over the years is that the self defense tactics should only employ adequate enough force so as to render an attack useless. To respond beyond that may mean you have become the attacker. Consult your local law officials for details) ** By flight (run): get in your car and lock it; run to a well-lit and highly populated area like a store, etc. [Children especially should understand in their training the need to inform parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, etc. of encounters with aggressors. Proper authorities can take the appropriate legal action, as needed. This may be a step forward for all of us to help partner together in the effort to keep our neighborhoods safe.]
Tags: AKS Punchline Newsletter 03-2004
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