This is a continuation of the tip no. 14 on selecting a self-defense system. Essential information for this issue’s tip was provided by Mr. Jazz Gill, instructor of Southern Praying Mantis Kung-Fu, Slough, Great Britain, and Mr. Ron Beaubien, former editor of “The Martial Arts Consumer Protection Site.” Beware of martial art schools that claim […]
Self-Defense Tip 15 Selecting a Self-Defense System, Part II Read More »
This issue’s tip deals with selecting a self-defense system or instructor. In selecting a self-defense system, the foremost concern is with the validity of skills taught. In this article I use the term skill in the sense of art or trade and so here by a self-defense skill I mean the sum of your a)
Self-Defense Tip 14 Selecting a Self-Defense System, Part I Read More »
Pros and cons of two opposing approaches to teaching and learning defenses against attacks There are two approaches to learning self-defense skills. One approach starts with students practicing predetermined defenses, each against a known attack, for example, a left block against a right punch. With considerable practice, students eventually learn to anticipate the form of
Self-Defense Tip 13 Two Approaches to Learning Self-Defense Skills Read More »
What if an attacker succeeds with a front under-the-arms bear hug? This issue’s tip deals with an attack that can end up the same as the over-the-arms bear hug described in the self-defense tip no. 10. An attacker who grabs you in a front under-the-arms bear hug can bend you backward and push you down,
Self-Defense Tip 12 Front Under-the-Arms Bear Hug Read More »
Real knife attacks vs. martial arts class knife attacks If you think that knife attacks look anything like those typically seen in martial arts classes — you can be dead wrong. Real attacks, by people who are familiar with a knife’s properties and true potential, are a blur of short, noncommitted stabs and cuts that
Self-Defense Tip 11 Knife Attacks Read More »
How badly a front over-the-arms bear hug can hurt you? An attacker who grabs you in a front over-the-arms bear hug can either bend you backward and throw you down or lift you up and throw you down by sweeping your legs aside with his foot or by throwing you back overhead (judo uranage, wrestling
Self-Defense Tip 10 Front Over-the-Arms Bear Hug Read More »
Low fighting stances for real fighting? Really? This tip will deal with low fighting stances — often a neglected and poorly practiced element of fighting and self-defense. Low stances, most often seen in traditional karate and in northern styles of Chinese boxing, are very helpful in self-defense but only if understood and practiced well. Many
Self-Defense Tip 9 Low Fighting Stances Read More »
The attacker grabs your clothes or your hair from behind and pulls you back and down into his or her strike or knee kick. What should your first reaction be when you feel a grab from behind? Why squat down when grabbed from behind? No matter if you are grabbed by the hair or by
Self-Defense Tip 8 Hair Grab or Clothes Grab from Behind Read More »
What should your first reaction be when someone grabs you by the sleeve? Should you first attempt to shake off the grip or to twist the attacker’s arm? Or perhaps you should first protect yourself from the attacker’s free hand? The best first reaction to a grab by the sleeve Let’s say that the attacker
Self-Defense Tip 7 Sleeve Grab Read More »
What should your first reaction be when someone grabs you by the throat? The only good first reaction to being grabbed by your throat First, protect your throat! Bring your chin to your chest to prevent the attacker’s fingers or thumbs closing on your throat. If the attacker already has his or her fingers or
Self-Defense Tip 6 Throat Grab Read More »
