DISCUSSIONS

Rock, paper and scissors

In the children’s game of rock, paper, scissors, it’s easy to explain how one hand symbol wins or loses against another. Kids quickly realize that the three symbols form a loop. From an academic standpoint, it might seem like nobody truly wins; however, in reality, there are always winners and losers in any given moment. The key point is that we must make timely decisions—we cannot expect to always make the “right” one. If we make a wrong decision, we must live with it. That’s just a fact of life.

If fighting were like this game, the outcome might seem random. However, in combat, we use strategy. One such strategy is called “tagging.” Tagging involves creating a momentary “freeze” in the opponent’s balance, focus, or commitment. We aim to exploit that freeze—a small window of opportunity—to achieve a desired outcome.

If fighting is like the game, then the outcome may be random. However, in fighting, we have strategy we call “tagging”, we use it create a “freeze” in the other person’s balance, focus, commitment, etc. and we aim to make use of that “freeze” as a window to get our desire outcome.

Use of structural power vs body weight and muscles

Using body weight and/or muscle requires commitment, readiness, and speed. In contrast, structure provides an inherent support system—it’s always there and doesn’t need to be “triggered.” This is especially important for seniors: by understanding how to use structural power, you can take speed and muscle size out of the equation and still be effective.

“I don’t usually think like this..”

Yes, and that’s why one of the most important factors for success is learning not to panic, and to relax. Throughout life, we’re taught to fight and resist. For example, lifting weights involves pushing against something. But as seniors, we are often not the stronger or faster side in confrontational situations. Therefore, we must flip the entire mindset—we can’t behave as we “usually” would. This shift in thinking takes practice. We must retrain ourselves mentally to be ready.

“yes and…” versus “no but…”

How you say something changes how a person feels and reacts. Saying “yes, and…” doesn’t necessarily mean agreement or yielding—it simply acknowledges: “I heard you, and there’s more to explore.” In contrast, “No, but…” tends to imply: “You’re wrong,” and the other person may stop listening altogether. Being aware of the impact of your words and actions can help de-escalate tension and change the tone of an interaction.

SCENARIOS

Reviewing the Basic Wrist Grab Escape

We went back to the first basic move of freeing yourself from opposite arm wrist grab. With a two week break, we noticed the following common mistakes start appears:

• fighting with arm strength – anytime you are attempting to move your opponents arm, it will trigger him to fight your movement. Therefore you must leave the “grip” point as a pivot point and avoid any lifting, sideways or downward action. Unless he knows ahead, he will not respond to a non-action.
• confused about direction – we always attack the opponent’s weak side as first choice and we use our arm like a crowbar for leverage so that our power gets amplification since most likely, the opponent is stronger than us.
• turning ONLY the fingers around opponent’s wrist – without the elbow or the entire arm helping with the “track the wrist” action, there is no leveraging and the technique will fail.
• forgetting to step and turn – remember standing opposite to the aggressor reenforce the confrontation. Stepping to opponent’s direction and side helps remove you as a target and physically express the desire to see it from his side. Even more importantly, you are strategically positioned if things escalate.

Adapting to Space Constraints: When the Elbow Can’t Be Raised

We then explored a situation where space is limited and the elbow cannot be lifted—a key component in the crowbar mechanic. Since this restricts the traditional escape technique, we must adapt. Here’s the modified approach:

• Imagine projecting energy from your belly button, streaming through your shoulders, elbows, and fingers. This projection forms an imaginary steel rod—a unified structure from your center to your fingertips.
• Take a bold, committed step forward and rotate your body around the grip point, which must remain fixed as the pivot. By doing this, you turn your entire body into a lever, applying force from your structure against the opponent’s grip—typically just a few fingers. Stay close, move confidently, and avoid small, hesitant steps.
• Common mistakes in this scenario:
  
  1. Moving the pivot point (i.e., letting the grip shift or pulling away)
  2. Taking hesitant or timid steps
  3. Failing to project structure—if the arm is limp, the “steel bar” breaks at the shoulder, elbow, or wrist, weakening the entire technique
  
  

EXERCISE

Stretching the hip

We need flexibility, mobility, and control in the connection of the hip-to-thigh (i.e. kua 胯) area to generate lower body structural force. One advantage of using structure is that it doesn’t require a fast reaction time—once it’s in place, it remains effective without further exertion. Another benefit is that it helps prevent overcommitting your body weight, reducing the risk of falling if resistance or support suddenly disappears. Finally, structural force involves no perceived “effort,” as bones themselves do not feel and therefore the person doing the delivery feels “effortless”.