DISCUSSION

Number of “hands”

Human only have two hands and that is assumed to be a fact. We often wish we have an extra pair of hands. We say pick pockets have a 3rd hand. For us, as trained martial artist, we learn and train to have more than two hands: two elbows, two shoulders, two armpit, one chest, etc. With the extra hands, you gain your ability to control your opponent and can use the extras to hit from unexpected angles.

Staying-in close

When we face an aggressor, it is most important not to allow him to be up close because it will not allow for us to respond fast enough to any sudden attacks.

When we really have to fight after all defusing methods failed, we have to be either “out or in”. We cannot stay at a range where the aggressor have all his tools assessable (i.e. punches, kicks or whatever). Once we are in, we cannot afford to stay waiting for the attacks, we have to take the initiative and overwhelm him. You need to be determined and decisive. Do not hesitate or stay static.

Integrated Body Movement & Leverage

This core principle emphasizes using the entire body—unifying the core, hips, and limbs—for every action, rather than relying on isolated muscle strength. This generates superior force, maximizes leverage, and provides a significant advantage over an untrained aggressor. Actions should be fluid, linked, and powered by body rotation and weight transfer.

Blocking and countering

The following key points must be remembered:

• Our blocking technique is inherently offensive. Always block towards your opponent and NOT to the side
• Using the hand that is already out help shorten the distance to the target
• All defensive motion must AFFECT your opponent. At a minimum, get them to reset their distance or target.

SCENARIOS

Follow up from counter grips

This week, instead of simply staying in strategic positions after getting out of a wrist grab, we learn how to follow up using the attacks that we have learnt.

The technique we experimented with seems very complicated when you are first introduced to it. There are lots of moving parts that has to be happening simultaneously. Once we get an idea of the desired movement pattern, you need to practice repeatedly just “a single beat” (meaning identify all the things that has to move within the same timeframe) and practice until you can repeat without even thinking must about it. Then you move onto all the required movement within “the second beat” (everything that has to move simultaneously within the same frame of time). Segmenting a move into timeframes or beats help drill the idea of “all together” into your movement pattern.

For every move, you have to understand what are the key components to generate power, which part of the body is generating the power,

Some of the key points to remember:

• An overhand grip is when the opponent’s hand is over yours, making it hard to reach over them.
• The escape involves pressing into the opponent’s thumb and rounding your arm out.
• Immediately after escaping, transition into one arm slide up while the other hand retain and control.
• If further escalation is required, turn your body and do a cross into the face and nose follow up by another 90 degree turn and strike.
• Use your whole body to turn and generate power for the punch, which provides longer reach.

EXERCISES

Try to recall the skills learnt and attempt to reproduce it smoothly by visualizing the movements required to make it work. Remember that

Improve physical attributes like endurance, power and speed on techniques that you are confident you are doing correctly. For new techniques, work on accuracy and fluidity first before adding power.

SIDE NOTES