Best Self-defence technique

seienchin · 04-22-2008, 02:06 PM

This is a partner thread to the silliest self-defence thread. There have probably been moments when you thought - wow - that is just so good, so true...

One of mine came when I attended a class of another style in London, on referral from a training partner who had changed to Kyokushin when he moved to Australia.

The instructor was teaching a variety of self defence scenarios, and the "mugging" came up. The technique that has stuck in my head for nearly 20 years was Throw everything valuable you have in your posession on the ground a few meters in front of you, as close to the attacker as you can, as far from yourself as possible.

This presents both an escape opportunity (if he/she stoops to retrieve), but most importantly, is a triaging/assessing moment. If his/her eyes don't leave you to inspect what you have thrown down, you can be pretty sure that it is YOU they are after, not your stuff. That means you hit first, hit hard.

Other thoughts/pearls of wisdom to offer?

vapor · 04-22-2008, 06:56 PM

very good point seienchin. very good point.

vapor

Dent · 04-23-2008, 03:06 AM

Osu!

Not a physical response so much, but one that I like very much.

"The best defense in not to offend."

Along those lines, don't be there. Most confrontations occur within a limited scope of locations. By avoiding these, we reduce the chances of facing violence.

Osu!

Nix · 04-23-2008, 08:00 AM

"The best self-defense is to run", as my Sensei use to say.

Other than that, I like techniques that are simple, cut to the bone. For example, one is when an attacker tried to headbutt you, stick out your elbow. You could also lower your head, to he smashes his nose to your scalp, but I like the elbow one better.

homer_simpson · 04-23-2008, 10:20 AM

Many of the self-defense situations typically involve various forms of ambush. You may not be aware that someone is tailing you until you reach a quiet alley where he jumps at you. Or someone may be waiting for you at a spot where you regularly walk by and stabs you from behind. So self-defense is a bit different from a fair fight in a sense that the victim often have no chance to fight back.

Anyhow, when surprised by an ambush, I think the best way is to respond with an attack to the attacker's face and/or groin. Think "face" and "groin". Anything else comes after.

**DKKC** · 04-24-2008, 05:57 PM

My brother tald me this long before I started martial arts. It stuck with me for ever and I have applied it when needed: 'Hit first, ask questions later.'

And yes, the good ol' poke them in the eyes and kick them in the groin - is another golden rule!

kabirlovero · 04-24-2008, 06:48 PM

i think the best tedchnique is different for every fighter and opponent...

**jcbel** · 04-24-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer_simpson

Many of the self-defense situations typically involve various forms of ambush. You may not be aware that someone is tailing you until you reach a quiet alley where he jumps at you. Or someone may be waiting for you at a spot where you regularly walk by and stabs you from behind.

When I'm walking on the street I do not hug walls for this reason - if someone is waiting around the corner I need some distance to react!

Dent · 04-24-2008, 10:45 PM

Osu! JCBel,

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcbel

When I'm walking on the street I do not hug walls for this reason - if someone is waiting around the corner I need some distance to react!

If anyone is going around hugging walls, I'd reckon they're safe from anyone except the men in white coats.

Osu!

**jcbel** · 04-25-2008, 12:17 AM

I didn't mean literally but that's a good point too Dent!

seienchin · 04-25-2008, 03:44 AM

I actually like walls...but I don't hug them. Trees are the only large immovable objects I hug..Oh, and Mr Seienchin, of course.

There was one occasion when a gang of youths (about 8 of them) ran across a deserted street, looking as though they were about to attack me...I was alone and trapped...there was a wall. it felt very comforting, as I turned my back to it, stepped into Kamae, planning to flick the first offender past me, headfirst into the concrete.

When they saw my ever-so-professional fighting stance, they actually ran away!!! Literally....stopped dead, looked at one another, and turned and ran. (thank goodness...I don't really think I could have taken all 8 out..but I must have made it look like I could).

Either that, or they were boy scouts out of uniform, coming to offer to help the old lady cross the road...and I gave them one heck of a fright!

Dent · 04-25-2008, 05:38 AM

Osu!

Quote:

Originally Posted by seienchin

Either that, or they were boy scouts out of uniform, coming to offer to help the old lady cross the road...and I gave them one heck of a fright!

I wonder whether you can get a badge for that?

Osu!

**jcbel** · 04-25-2008, 11:03 PM

You must post a picture of yourself in Kamae, Seienchin...

seienchin · 04-26-2008, 12:33 AM

Would that be with or without the walking frame?

Dent · 04-26-2008, 04:36 AM

Osu!

Depends on how you use it. Are you a Southpaw with handles up, or Orthodox with the rubber stoppers facing forward?

Osu!

Bloke · 04-28-2008, 02:46 PM

Nix beat me to it - run.

Dent · 04-28-2008, 02:50 PM

Osu!

IMO, developing a strong, fit body helps too. Someone who has the confidence (not cockiness) of their training is less likely to be taken as a victim, are therefore attacked.

Osu!

**tmd** · 04-29-2008, 12:40 PM

Old Bruce Leeism - that I drum into my kids - the best deference is don't be there - this can be taken to mean to be aware of ones surroundings and don't go to places known as dangerous, or where you could meet an old enemy - cross the street to avoid confrontation, step back out of range of the attacker so that they have to commit and you can strike first or duck when they take a swing at you, it's all the same thing - awareness.

And to Dents point - walk tall, most muggers are looking for any easy way to get some cash - if you look like you might put up a fight they'll walk on.

**jcc** · 04-29-2008, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmd

Old Bruce Leeism - that I drum into my kids - the best deference is don't be there - this can be taken to mean to be aware of ones surroundings and don't go to places known as dangerous, or where you could meet an old enemy - cross the street to avoid confrontation, step back out of range of the attacker so that they have to commit and you can strike first or duck when they take a swing at you, it's all the same thing - awareness.

And to Dents point - walk tall, most muggers are looking for any easy way to get some cash - if you look like you might put up a fight they'll walk on.

Although I agree with completely with this, sometimes the muggers can take you by surprise. A couple of years ago I was strolling down the Ramblas in Barcelona, when suddenly there was a small commotion about 50 or 60m down the way from me. 2 guys had walked up to an old couple and just started snatching their belongings, even going through the old guys pockets, throwing his papers etc. into the air! The couple just stood dumb-founded, but luckily a couple of other people nearby started shouting and the attackers took off. I´m not sure exactly what they got, but it was an amazing demonstration of pure cheek

GJEChamberlain · 04-29-2008, 02:59 PM

Osu!

There's only really two guiding principles. 'Speed of attack' and 'weight of attack'. If you can read the signs early a fast and sharp pre-emptive strike may be enough, but if you get hit first and find yourself injured or stunned, you really have no option but to hit as hard and as ferociously as possible.

As to using fine motor skills and intricate tricks - forget it - you'll end up maimed.

Just my observations. I know this offends the more cerebral on the board, but my experience is hard won.

Gary

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