Everyone has the power of life or death in one’s hands. It is the decision of the individual to slow down when pedestrians are crossing or whether to pull the trigger when going on a duck hunt.
Unfortunately, there are certain elements in society who will cause harm in order to get money instead of working for it. The person can become a victim when walking to the car after doing some shopping or when coming home late from work.
The police may not always be there to assist so it is best to be prepared always. One way to be prepared is learning a martial art. The individual does not have to be as good as Bruce Lee to kick butt but simply learn what it takes to deliver a good punch.
One of the more popular and yet very peaceful is aikido. This is because in combat, the person doesn’t strike the opponent with the intent to injure or kill. The objective is merely to subdue the opponent with minimum force to be able to get to safety.
There are various Dojos all across the country that teach aikido. The person can sign up in one and then move up the ranks.
Beginners will first work use techniques based in the shape of a square. As the skills develop, the person will move up to triangle and then eventually circle. This will take months so the student must be committed throughout the entire process.
The objective of this is for the person to be able to the various techniques with the least amount of effort unlike before. This will give the person enough energy in combat should there be more than one opponent.
The things done in practice such as the holds, grips and falls can never be compared with what happens in the streets. This is because an inexperienced person may try something different so the individual should be prepared for anything.
It is a good thing though that various competitions are held regularly so that one’s combat skills can be tested. The student can sign up especially if the dojo usually participates in such tournaments.
While in practice or during competition, the person should lower the tempo to prevent injuring the partner. After all, the real battle is out there in the streets and should only be used as a last resort.
There may even come a time that the assailant could be someone also skilled in the martial arts. The only way to win will be to use the mind since this will allow the individual to react faster in the middle of a fight.
There are various secrets in aikido. This can be from the hand to eye coordination, the flexibility of the wrist, the breathing and the speed. All of these things will count for something as the person is in combat struggling in a life or death situation.
There is a line that goes, “no pain, no gain.” Unfortunately, this will happen in order to be good at aikido since the one who has the competitive edge will be the victor in any battle. The person can do well in any combat situation as long as one is guided by senior students and the Sensei and believes in his or herself.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A Guide to Aikido Basics
Aikido is a unique form of martial art. Its emphasis lies on the harmonious fusion of mind and body with the natural laws of Nature. Aikido focuses on accepting and respecting the energy of life and nature and channeling this harmony onto techniques that expresses this energy in physical forms.
Aikido is often viewed as more of a defensive martial art since its techniques and teachings are designed for you to avoid or get out of trouble. On the contrary, Aikido's techniques are very powerful and effective.
Basically, there are four levels of technique in Aikido training. These are the katai which refers to the basic training and is intended to build the foundation of body movements and breathing; the yawarakai trains the defendant to deflect attacks and fuse movements to take control of the attacker or situation; the ki-no-nagare which involves training the defendant to defend or counter attack by merging his movement with the attacker even before the latter makes contact; and the ki which is the absolute Aikido technique and involves establishing a link of ki or spirit from the defender to the attacker.
When training for Aikido, you need a sparring partner. The uke and the nage. The Uke is the initiator of the attack and receives the Aikido techniques, while the Nage is the defender and the one that neutralizes the attack.
Aikido basic techniques include ikky which involves control an attacker by placing one hand on the elbow and one on near the wrist giving an opportunity to throw the attacker to the ground; the niky which draws in the uke using a wristlock and twists the arm while applying painful nerve pressure; sanky which is a rotating technique aimed at applying a spiraling tension on the whole arm including the elbow and shoulder; yonky a shoulder control technique with both hands gripping the forearm; goky is another variant of ikky
Wherein the hand gripping the wrist is inverted and is quite useful in weapon take-aways; shihnage or the four-direction throw; kotegaeshi or wrist return which involves a wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum; kokynage also known as breath throws or timing throws; iriminage or entering-body throws which resembles a "clothesline" technique; tenchinage or heaven-and-earth throw; koshinage or the Aikido's version of the hip throw; jinage or the shaped-like-'ten'-throw; and kaitennage or rotation throw wherein the nage sweeps the arm of the uke back until it locks the shoulder joint after which the nage applies forward pressure to throw the attacker.
These are just basic techniques and from the list thousands of possible implementations or combinations can be drawn by the aikidokas. In Aikido, the strikes employed during the implementation of the Aikido technique are called atemi. For beginners, grabs are the first ones to be taught. It is safer and the aikidoka can easily feel the energy flowing from the uke to the nage.
Among the basic grab techniques are the katate-dori or single-hand-grab which involves using one hand to grab one wrist; morote-dori or both-hands-grab which uses both hands to grab one wrist; ryte-dori another both-hands-grab technique wherein both hands are used to grab both wrists; kata-dori or the shoulder-grab technique; and the mune-dori or chest-grab which involves grabbing the clothing of the chest of the attacker.
Mastering each technique involves discipline and dedication. To be a good aikodoka, one must master both the techniques and principle of the marital art.
Aikido is often viewed as more of a defensive martial art since its techniques and teachings are designed for you to avoid or get out of trouble. On the contrary, Aikido's techniques are very powerful and effective.
Basically, there are four levels of technique in Aikido training. These are the katai which refers to the basic training and is intended to build the foundation of body movements and breathing; the yawarakai trains the defendant to deflect attacks and fuse movements to take control of the attacker or situation; the ki-no-nagare which involves training the defendant to defend or counter attack by merging his movement with the attacker even before the latter makes contact; and the ki which is the absolute Aikido technique and involves establishing a link of ki or spirit from the defender to the attacker.
When training for Aikido, you need a sparring partner. The uke and the nage. The Uke is the initiator of the attack and receives the Aikido techniques, while the Nage is the defender and the one that neutralizes the attack.
Aikido basic techniques include ikky which involves control an attacker by placing one hand on the elbow and one on near the wrist giving an opportunity to throw the attacker to the ground; the niky which draws in the uke using a wristlock and twists the arm while applying painful nerve pressure; sanky which is a rotating technique aimed at applying a spiraling tension on the whole arm including the elbow and shoulder; yonky a shoulder control technique with both hands gripping the forearm; goky is another variant of ikky
Wherein the hand gripping the wrist is inverted and is quite useful in weapon take-aways; shihnage or the four-direction throw; kotegaeshi or wrist return which involves a wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum; kokynage also known as breath throws or timing throws; iriminage or entering-body throws which resembles a "clothesline" technique; tenchinage or heaven-and-earth throw; koshinage or the Aikido's version of the hip throw; jinage or the shaped-like-'ten'-throw; and kaitennage or rotation throw wherein the nage sweeps the arm of the uke back until it locks the shoulder joint after which the nage applies forward pressure to throw the attacker.
These are just basic techniques and from the list thousands of possible implementations or combinations can be drawn by the aikidokas. In Aikido, the strikes employed during the implementation of the Aikido technique are called atemi. For beginners, grabs are the first ones to be taught. It is safer and the aikidoka can easily feel the energy flowing from the uke to the nage.
Among the basic grab techniques are the katate-dori or single-hand-grab which involves using one hand to grab one wrist; morote-dori or both-hands-grab which uses both hands to grab one wrist; ryte-dori another both-hands-grab technique wherein both hands are used to grab both wrists; kata-dori or the shoulder-grab technique; and the mune-dori or chest-grab which involves grabbing the clothing of the chest of the attacker.
Mastering each technique involves discipline and dedication. To be a good aikodoka, one must master both the techniques and principle of the marital art.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The World of Aikido Martial Arts
With the visible convergence of East and West cultures, more and more people are discovering and rediscovering new means self-discipline especially in the field of martial arts. One of these means is called "Aikido," a very popular Japanese martial art.
KNOWING AIKIDO
“Do not fight force with force,” this is the most basic principle of Aikido. Considered as one of the non-aggressive styles in martial arts, Aikido has become popular because it doesn’t instigate or provoke any attack. Instead, the force of the attacker is redirected into throws, locks, and several restraining techniques.
Since aikido uses very few punches and kicks, the size, weight, age, and physical strength of the participants or the opponents only partake only a small role. What's important is the skilled Aikido practitioner is skilled enough to redirect his or her attacker's energy while keeping him or her in a constant of unbalance.
The history of Aikido as a martial art can be traced when Morihei Ueshiba discovered and developed its principle of aikido. Known as "O Sensei" or the "Great Teacher," Ueshiba made sure to develop a martial art that is based on a purely physical level using movements like throws, joint locks and techniques derived from another martial arts like "Jujitsu" and "Kenjutsu."
Technically, aikido was stemmed out and developed mainly from "daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu" while incorporating several training movements similar to the "yari" or "spear, "jo" or a short "quarterstaff" and from "juken" or "bayonet". Although these jujitsu movements are prominent while practicing the martial art, many practitioners agree that strongest influences of aikido is that of kenjutsu.
When he finally developed the minor and major principles of Aikido, Ueshiba emphasized that the martial art does not only pertain to self-defense techniques but can also play a major role in the enhancement of the practitioner's moral and spiritual aspects eventually leading them to place greater weight on the development and achievement of peace and harmony. In fact, because of the great emphasis in the development of harmony and peace, seasoned aikido practitioners say that "the way of harmony of the spirit" is one phrase that could describe or translate the term "aikido" in English.
Just like any other martial art, aikido has various techniques that include ikkyo or the "first technique," "nikyo" or the "second technique," "sankyo," or the "third technique," "yonkyo" or the "fourth technique," the "gokyo" or the "fifth technique," the "shihonage" or the "four-direction throw," the "kotegaeshi" or the wrist return, "kokyunage" or the "breath throw," "iriminage" or the entering-body throw, "tenchinage" or the "heaven-and-earth throw," "koshinage," or the "hip throw," "jujinage" or the "shaped-like-'ten'-throw," and the "kaitennage" or the rotation throw."
Although aikido is not about punching or kicking the opponent, it is not considered as a static art. It is still a very effective means of martial arts because it requires the aikido practitioner to use the energy of their opponent so they can gain control over them. When you will look at the martial art closely, you will realize that aikido is not only a means of self-defense technique but can also serve a means of spiritual enlightenment, physical health or exercise or a simple means of attaining peace of mind, concentration, and serenity.
Although different aikido styles gives great emphasis on the spiritual aspects to varying levels—some to greater or lesser degrees—the idea that the martial arts was conceptualized in order to achieve peace and harmony remains the most basic ideology of the martial art.
KNOWING AIKIDO
“Do not fight force with force,” this is the most basic principle of Aikido. Considered as one of the non-aggressive styles in martial arts, Aikido has become popular because it doesn’t instigate or provoke any attack. Instead, the force of the attacker is redirected into throws, locks, and several restraining techniques.
Since aikido uses very few punches and kicks, the size, weight, age, and physical strength of the participants or the opponents only partake only a small role. What's important is the skilled Aikido practitioner is skilled enough to redirect his or her attacker's energy while keeping him or her in a constant of unbalance.
The history of Aikido as a martial art can be traced when Morihei Ueshiba discovered and developed its principle of aikido. Known as "O Sensei" or the "Great Teacher," Ueshiba made sure to develop a martial art that is based on a purely physical level using movements like throws, joint locks and techniques derived from another martial arts like "Jujitsu" and "Kenjutsu."
Technically, aikido was stemmed out and developed mainly from "daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu" while incorporating several training movements similar to the "yari" or "spear, "jo" or a short "quarterstaff" and from "juken" or "bayonet". Although these jujitsu movements are prominent while practicing the martial art, many practitioners agree that strongest influences of aikido is that of kenjutsu.
When he finally developed the minor and major principles of Aikido, Ueshiba emphasized that the martial art does not only pertain to self-defense techniques but can also play a major role in the enhancement of the practitioner's moral and spiritual aspects eventually leading them to place greater weight on the development and achievement of peace and harmony. In fact, because of the great emphasis in the development of harmony and peace, seasoned aikido practitioners say that "the way of harmony of the spirit" is one phrase that could describe or translate the term "aikido" in English.
Just like any other martial art, aikido has various techniques that include ikkyo or the "first technique," "nikyo" or the "second technique," "sankyo," or the "third technique," "yonkyo" or the "fourth technique," the "gokyo" or the "fifth technique," the "shihonage" or the "four-direction throw," the "kotegaeshi" or the wrist return, "kokyunage" or the "breath throw," "iriminage" or the entering-body throw, "tenchinage" or the "heaven-and-earth throw," "koshinage," or the "hip throw," "jujinage" or the "shaped-like-'ten'-throw," and the "kaitennage" or the rotation throw."
Although aikido is not about punching or kicking the opponent, it is not considered as a static art. It is still a very effective means of martial arts because it requires the aikido practitioner to use the energy of their opponent so they can gain control over them. When you will look at the martial art closely, you will realize that aikido is not only a means of self-defense technique but can also serve a means of spiritual enlightenment, physical health or exercise or a simple means of attaining peace of mind, concentration, and serenity.
Although different aikido styles gives great emphasis on the spiritual aspects to varying levels—some to greater or lesser degrees—the idea that the martial arts was conceptualized in order to achieve peace and harmony remains the most basic ideology of the martial art.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Aikido As An Art Form
Martial Arts is one of the contributions of Asia to the world. Who can forget Bruce Lee and the fact that he was first and foremost a martial arts athlete before being a movie star? Even until now martial arts is still a big hit with the increasing popularity of Asian movies like crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and more recently the House of the Flying Daggers.
The Chinese are the first people that come to mind when it comes to these things but the Japanese are just as athletic with a rich heritage of body contact sports that can be found in their history. The modern Japan still gives honor to these things by holding tournaments and promoting such sports abroad,
One of these is Aikido. It is interesting to note that the word comes from three Japanese words from which one can derive the meaning of the one word. Ai means joining, Ki means spirit and Do means way. From this we can understand why Aikido is beyond just the physical skills of it students especially sin its proponent Ueshiba focused more on the spiritual and philosophical development of his students.
In Aikido, one is not taught violence instead one is taught to be in harmony with the opponent to be able to defeat. This might seem odd but it actually works. In approaching an opponent, the aim of the Aikido practitioner is to be one with the opponent to be able to attack him where he is weakest and in doing so diver or immobilize him but never to kill.
This is where Aikido becomes an art. Art is something beautiful to watch and something positive and Aikido is all that. At least one of the people involved in the fighting strives for harmony and harmony can only be achieved if there is grace in the movements. The moves maybe calculated but there is an air of finesse in doing these movements, not a womanly finesse but just a finesse that emanates peace. The art of peace as what they call in Aikido is one of the most positive influences of Aikido to its students and to everyone who choose to know about this Japanese martial art.
Some of the techniques in Aikido include the following. Ikkyo is the first technique. Using this technique you control an opponent by using one hand in holding the elbow and one near the wrist, this action is supposed to make you pin your opponent down in the ground. Nikyo the second technique is when you do an adductive wristlock that enables you to twist the arm of your opponent that will in turn cause enough nerve pressure.
The third technique is Sankyo which is a pronating technique that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder. There are many other techniques but the first three should get you started.
In studying Aikido, it is important to remember that along with building physical strength to be able to defeat your opponent the mental capacity should also be developed. Just like in any art, it takes a lot of practice and discipline to perfect the art of Aikido. The important thing is the one who wants to get into the art should have determination to give honor to the art by performing it in the best way possible.
The Chinese are the first people that come to mind when it comes to these things but the Japanese are just as athletic with a rich heritage of body contact sports that can be found in their history. The modern Japan still gives honor to these things by holding tournaments and promoting such sports abroad,
One of these is Aikido. It is interesting to note that the word comes from three Japanese words from which one can derive the meaning of the one word. Ai means joining, Ki means spirit and Do means way. From this we can understand why Aikido is beyond just the physical skills of it students especially sin its proponent Ueshiba focused more on the spiritual and philosophical development of his students.
In Aikido, one is not taught violence instead one is taught to be in harmony with the opponent to be able to defeat. This might seem odd but it actually works. In approaching an opponent, the aim of the Aikido practitioner is to be one with the opponent to be able to attack him where he is weakest and in doing so diver or immobilize him but never to kill.
This is where Aikido becomes an art. Art is something beautiful to watch and something positive and Aikido is all that. At least one of the people involved in the fighting strives for harmony and harmony can only be achieved if there is grace in the movements. The moves maybe calculated but there is an air of finesse in doing these movements, not a womanly finesse but just a finesse that emanates peace. The art of peace as what they call in Aikido is one of the most positive influences of Aikido to its students and to everyone who choose to know about this Japanese martial art.
Some of the techniques in Aikido include the following. Ikkyo is the first technique. Using this technique you control an opponent by using one hand in holding the elbow and one near the wrist, this action is supposed to make you pin your opponent down in the ground. Nikyo the second technique is when you do an adductive wristlock that enables you to twist the arm of your opponent that will in turn cause enough nerve pressure.
The third technique is Sankyo which is a pronating technique that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder. There are many other techniques but the first three should get you started.
In studying Aikido, it is important to remember that along with building physical strength to be able to defeat your opponent the mental capacity should also be developed. Just like in any art, it takes a lot of practice and discipline to perfect the art of Aikido. The important thing is the one who wants to get into the art should have determination to give honor to the art by performing it in the best way possible.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Basics of Aikido
Aikido is one of the oldest form of martial arts. Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, aikido came about through the studies of many different kinds of traditional martial arts. In fact, is often perceived as a form of exercise or a dance because of some of its forms. It is also viewed by some quarters as some form of martial mesmerism.
Aikido is even confused with Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, it is different in its essence. Still, its founder attributed his creation of aikido to the way, his master Sokaku Takeda, grandmaster of Daito Ryu, opened his eyes to the nature of Budo.
What is aikido?
Despite its many perceived forms, aikido is a Budo or martial arts. It is the refinement of the techniques that are being taught in traditional martial arts and is combined with a philosophy that calls on for the power of the spirit. In its essence, it is a blending of the body and the mind.
Its philosophy is basically derived from the belief that deceptions and trickery or brute force will not make us defeat our opponents. Instead, concentration that involves the spirit will be enough to strengthen us.
Aikido is also used as a way to discover our true paths so that we can develop our individuality. It also teaches its practitioners to unify their body and their mind so that they will become in harmony with the “universe” and with nature. Their power and their strength will come from this balance and harmony.
The word “universe” in aikido is not some obscure concept that one cannot achieve. It is actually quite concrete and is even within the grasp of the person. In aikido, “universe” can be achieved through actual experiences and everyday life.
Aikido’s movements and techniques are circular. When a circle is created in aikido, the person is said to be protected from a collision from an opposing force. A firm center, however, is needed to create this circle. An example of a firm circle is a spinning top that turns at fast speed. Without a firm center, the speed of movement will only create imbalance. The stillness of the spinning top while in speeding motion is what is called sumikiri in Aikido language. This is achieved only by what Aikido founder calls “total clarity of mind and body.” However, this is not so easily achieved. It takes a long time of study and practice in order to find this intense concentration and centeredness.
Training is important in aikido as well as concentration because while it may be easy to create a centered being when inside a martial arts gym, the same cannot be said of situations and circumstances outside. It will not be easy to keep one’s composure when faced with extraordinary circumstances. This is actually one of the goals of Aikido training. It aims to teach its practitioners to maintain their composure and their centeredness even in panic situations such as danger and calamities.
One method taught in aikido is to breathe with what is called the seika tanden point. This is the part of the body that can be found two inches below the navel. Controlled breathing is one key to being one with the universe and to center oneself with nature. When a person learns to do this, he or she will feel extraordinary calmness that they can use in the practice of aikido.
Aikido is even confused with Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, it is different in its essence. Still, its founder attributed his creation of aikido to the way, his master Sokaku Takeda, grandmaster of Daito Ryu, opened his eyes to the nature of Budo.
What is aikido?
Despite its many perceived forms, aikido is a Budo or martial arts. It is the refinement of the techniques that are being taught in traditional martial arts and is combined with a philosophy that calls on for the power of the spirit. In its essence, it is a blending of the body and the mind.
Its philosophy is basically derived from the belief that deceptions and trickery or brute force will not make us defeat our opponents. Instead, concentration that involves the spirit will be enough to strengthen us.
Aikido is also used as a way to discover our true paths so that we can develop our individuality. It also teaches its practitioners to unify their body and their mind so that they will become in harmony with the “universe” and with nature. Their power and their strength will come from this balance and harmony.
The word “universe” in aikido is not some obscure concept that one cannot achieve. It is actually quite concrete and is even within the grasp of the person. In aikido, “universe” can be achieved through actual experiences and everyday life.
Aikido’s movements and techniques are circular. When a circle is created in aikido, the person is said to be protected from a collision from an opposing force. A firm center, however, is needed to create this circle. An example of a firm circle is a spinning top that turns at fast speed. Without a firm center, the speed of movement will only create imbalance. The stillness of the spinning top while in speeding motion is what is called sumikiri in Aikido language. This is achieved only by what Aikido founder calls “total clarity of mind and body.” However, this is not so easily achieved. It takes a long time of study and practice in order to find this intense concentration and centeredness.
Training is important in aikido as well as concentration because while it may be easy to create a centered being when inside a martial arts gym, the same cannot be said of situations and circumstances outside. It will not be easy to keep one’s composure when faced with extraordinary circumstances. This is actually one of the goals of Aikido training. It aims to teach its practitioners to maintain their composure and their centeredness even in panic situations such as danger and calamities.
One method taught in aikido is to breathe with what is called the seika tanden point. This is the part of the body that can be found two inches below the navel. Controlled breathing is one key to being one with the universe and to center oneself with nature. When a person learns to do this, he or she will feel extraordinary calmness that they can use in the practice of aikido.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Short Punches and Hits
During medium-range combat, punches and strikes are usually short because of the close distance between fighters. Power is generated by using the entire body mass in motion behind all punches and strikes.
a. Hands as Weapons. A knowledge of hand-to-hand combat fighting provides the fighter another means to accomplish his mission. Hands could become deadly weapons when used by a skilled fighter.
(1) Punch to solar plexus. The defender uses this punch for close-in fighting when the opponent rushes or tries to grab him. The defender puts his full weight and force behind the punch and strikes his opponent in the solar plexus, knocking the breath out of his lungs. The defender could then follow-up with a knee to the groin, or he could use other disabling blows to vital areas.
(2) Thumb strike to throat. The defender uses the thumb strike to the throat as an effective technique when an opponent is rushing him or trying to grab him. The defender thrusts his right arm and thumb out and strikes his opponent in the throat-larynx area while holding his left hand high for protection. He could follow up with a disabling blow to his opponent’s vital areas.
(3) Thumb strike to shoulder joint. The opponent rushes the defender and tries to grab him. The defender strikes the opponent’s shoulder joint or upper pectoral muscle with his fist or thumb. This technique is painful and renders the opponent’s arm numb. The defender then follows up with a disabling movement.
(4) Hammer-fit strike to face. The opponent rushes the defender. The defender counters by rotating his body in the direction of his opponent and by striking him in the temple, ear, or face. The defender follows up with kicks to the groin or hand strikes to his opponent’s other vital areas.
(5) Hammer-fist strike to side of neck. The defender catches his opponent off guard, rotates at the waist to generate power, and strikes his opponent on the side of the neck (carotid artery) with his hand clenched into a fist. This strike could cause muscle spasms at the least and may knock his opponent unconscious.
(6) Hammer fist to pectoral muscle. When the opponent tries to grapple with the defender, the defender counters by forcefully striking his opponent in the pectoral muscle. This blow stuns the opponent, and the defender immediately follows up with a disabling blow to a vital area of his opponent’s body.
(7) Hook punch to solar plexus or floating ribs. The opponent tries to wrestle the defender to the ground. The defender counters with a short hook punch to his opponent’s solar plexus or floating ribs. A sharply delivered blow could puncture or collapse a lung. The defender then follows up with a combination of blows to his opponent’s vital areas.
(8) Uppercut to chin. The defender steps between his opponent’s arms and strikes with an uppercut punch to the chin or jaw. The defender then follows up with blows to his opponent’s vital areas.
(9) Knife-hand strike to side of neck. The defender executes a knife-hand strike to the side of his opponent’s neck the same way as the hammer-fist strike (Figure 4-6, page 4-11) except he uses the edge of his striking hand.
(10) Knife-hand strike to radial nerve. The opponent tries to strike the defender with a punch. The defender counters by striking his opponent on the top of the forearm just below the elbow (radial nerve) and uses a follow-up technique to disable his opponent.
(11) Palm-heel strike to chin. The opponent tries to surprise the defender by lunging at him. The defender quickly counters by striking his opponent with a palm-heel strike to the chin, using maximum force.
(12) Palm-heel strike to solar plexus. The defender meets his opponent’s rush by striking him with a palm-heel strike to the solar plexus. The defender then executes a follow-up technique to his opponent’s vital organs.
(13) Palm-heel strike to kidneys. The defender grasps his opponent from behind by the collar and pulls him off balance. He quickly follows up with a hard palm-heel strike to the opponent’s kidney. The defender could then take down his opponent with a follow-up technique to the back of his knee.
b. Elbows as Weapons. The elbows are also formidable weapons; tremendous striking power could be generated from them. The point of the elbow should be the point of impact. The elbows are strongest when kept in front of the body and in alignment with the shoulder joint; that is, never strike with the elbow out to the side of the body.
(1) Elbow strikes. When properly executed, elbow strikes render an opponent ineffective. When using elbow strikes, execute them quickly, powerfully, and repetitively until the opponent is disabled.
(2) Repetitive elbow strikes. The attacker on the right throws a punch.
The defender counters with an elbow strike to the biceps. The attacker follows with a punch from his other arm. The defender again counters with an elbow strike to the shoulder joint. He next strikes with an elbow from the opposite side to the throat.
c. Knees as Weapons. When the knees are used to strike opponents, they are especially potent weapons and are hard to defend or protect against. Great power is generated by thrusting the hips in with a knee strike; however, use the point of the knee as the impact surface. All knee strikes should be executed repetitively until the opponent is disabled. The following techniques are the most effective way to overpower or disable the opponent.
(1) Front knee strike. When an opponent tries to grapple with thedefender, the defender strikes his opponent in the stomach or solar plexus with his knee. This stuns the opponent and the defender could follow up with another technique.
(2) Knee strike to outside of thigh. The defender delivers a knee strike to the outside of his opponent’s thigh (common peroneal nerve). This strike causes intense pain and renders the opponent’s leg ineffective.
(3) knee strike to inside of thigh. An effective technique for close-in grappling is when the defender delivers a knee strike to the inside of his opponent’s thigh (peroneal nerve). The defender then executes a follow-up technique to a vital point.
(4) Knee strike to groin. The knee strike to the groin is effective during close-in grappling. The defender gains control by grabbing his opponent’s head, hair, ears, or shoulders and strikes him in the groin with his knee
(5) Knee strike to face. The defender controls his opponent by grabbing behind his head with both hands and forcefully pushing his head down. At the same time, the defender brings his knee up and smashes the opponent in the face. When properly executed, the knee strike to the face is a devastating technique that could cause serious injury to the opponent.
a. Hands as Weapons. A knowledge of hand-to-hand combat fighting provides the fighter another means to accomplish his mission. Hands could become deadly weapons when used by a skilled fighter.
(1) Punch to solar plexus. The defender uses this punch for close-in fighting when the opponent rushes or tries to grab him. The defender puts his full weight and force behind the punch and strikes his opponent in the solar plexus, knocking the breath out of his lungs. The defender could then follow-up with a knee to the groin, or he could use other disabling blows to vital areas.
(2) Thumb strike to throat. The defender uses the thumb strike to the throat as an effective technique when an opponent is rushing him or trying to grab him. The defender thrusts his right arm and thumb out and strikes his opponent in the throat-larynx area while holding his left hand high for protection. He could follow up with a disabling blow to his opponent’s vital areas.
(3) Thumb strike to shoulder joint. The opponent rushes the defender and tries to grab him. The defender strikes the opponent’s shoulder joint or upper pectoral muscle with his fist or thumb. This technique is painful and renders the opponent’s arm numb. The defender then follows up with a disabling movement.
(4) Hammer-fit strike to face. The opponent rushes the defender. The defender counters by rotating his body in the direction of his opponent and by striking him in the temple, ear, or face. The defender follows up with kicks to the groin or hand strikes to his opponent’s other vital areas.
(5) Hammer-fist strike to side of neck. The defender catches his opponent off guard, rotates at the waist to generate power, and strikes his opponent on the side of the neck (carotid artery) with his hand clenched into a fist. This strike could cause muscle spasms at the least and may knock his opponent unconscious.
(6) Hammer fist to pectoral muscle. When the opponent tries to grapple with the defender, the defender counters by forcefully striking his opponent in the pectoral muscle. This blow stuns the opponent, and the defender immediately follows up with a disabling blow to a vital area of his opponent’s body.
(7) Hook punch to solar plexus or floating ribs. The opponent tries to wrestle the defender to the ground. The defender counters with a short hook punch to his opponent’s solar plexus or floating ribs. A sharply delivered blow could puncture or collapse a lung. The defender then follows up with a combination of blows to his opponent’s vital areas.
(8) Uppercut to chin. The defender steps between his opponent’s arms and strikes with an uppercut punch to the chin or jaw. The defender then follows up with blows to his opponent’s vital areas.
(9) Knife-hand strike to side of neck. The defender executes a knife-hand strike to the side of his opponent’s neck the same way as the hammer-fist strike (Figure 4-6, page 4-11) except he uses the edge of his striking hand.
(10) Knife-hand strike to radial nerve. The opponent tries to strike the defender with a punch. The defender counters by striking his opponent on the top of the forearm just below the elbow (radial nerve) and uses a follow-up technique to disable his opponent.
(11) Palm-heel strike to chin. The opponent tries to surprise the defender by lunging at him. The defender quickly counters by striking his opponent with a palm-heel strike to the chin, using maximum force.
(12) Palm-heel strike to solar plexus. The defender meets his opponent’s rush by striking him with a palm-heel strike to the solar plexus. The defender then executes a follow-up technique to his opponent’s vital organs.
(13) Palm-heel strike to kidneys. The defender grasps his opponent from behind by the collar and pulls him off balance. He quickly follows up with a hard palm-heel strike to the opponent’s kidney. The defender could then take down his opponent with a follow-up technique to the back of his knee.
b. Elbows as Weapons. The elbows are also formidable weapons; tremendous striking power could be generated from them. The point of the elbow should be the point of impact. The elbows are strongest when kept in front of the body and in alignment with the shoulder joint; that is, never strike with the elbow out to the side of the body.
(1) Elbow strikes. When properly executed, elbow strikes render an opponent ineffective. When using elbow strikes, execute them quickly, powerfully, and repetitively until the opponent is disabled.
(2) Repetitive elbow strikes. The attacker on the right throws a punch.
The defender counters with an elbow strike to the biceps. The attacker follows with a punch from his other arm. The defender again counters with an elbow strike to the shoulder joint. He next strikes with an elbow from the opposite side to the throat.
c. Knees as Weapons. When the knees are used to strike opponents, they are especially potent weapons and are hard to defend or protect against. Great power is generated by thrusting the hips in with a knee strike; however, use the point of the knee as the impact surface. All knee strikes should be executed repetitively until the opponent is disabled. The following techniques are the most effective way to overpower or disable the opponent.
(1) Front knee strike. When an opponent tries to grapple with thedefender, the defender strikes his opponent in the stomach or solar plexus with his knee. This stuns the opponent and the defender could follow up with another technique.
(2) Knee strike to outside of thigh. The defender delivers a knee strike to the outside of his opponent’s thigh (common peroneal nerve). This strike causes intense pain and renders the opponent’s leg ineffective.
(3) knee strike to inside of thigh. An effective technique for close-in grappling is when the defender delivers a knee strike to the inside of his opponent’s thigh (peroneal nerve). The defender then executes a follow-up technique to a vital point.
(4) Knee strike to groin. The knee strike to the groin is effective during close-in grappling. The defender gains control by grabbing his opponent’s head, hair, ears, or shoulders and strikes him in the groin with his knee
(5) Knee strike to face. The defender controls his opponent by grabbing behind his head with both hands and forcefully pushing his head down. At the same time, the defender brings his knee up and smashes the opponent in the face. When properly executed, the knee strike to the face is a devastating technique that could cause serious injury to the opponent.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Effective Striking Principles
Effective striking with the weapons of the body to the opponent’s vital points is essential in a hand-to-hand struggle. A person must be able to employ the principles of effective striking if he is to emerge as the survivor in a fight to the death.
a. Attitude. Proper mental attitude is of primary importance in the your ability to strike an opponent. In hand-to-hand combat, you must have the attitude that you will defeat the enemy no matter what. In a fight to the death, you must have the frame of mind to survive above all else; the prospect of losing should not enter your mind. You must commit yourself to hit the opponent continuously with whatever it takes to drive him to the ground or end his resistance. A memory aid is, “Thump him and dump him!”
b. Fluid Shock Wave. A strike should be delivered so that the target is hit and the weapon remains on the impact site for at least a tenth of a second. This imparts all of the kinetic energy of the strike into the target area, producing a fluid shock wave that travels into the affected tissue and causes maximum damage. It is imperative that all strikes to vital points and nerve motor points are delivered with this principle in mind. The memory aid is, “Hit and stick!”
c. Target Selection. Strikes should be targeted at the opponent’s vital points and nerve motor points. Strikes to nerve motor points cause temporary mental stunning and muscle motor dysfunction to the affected areas of the body. Mental stunning results when the brain is momentarily disoriented by overstimulation from too much input—for example, a strike to a major nerve. The stunning completely disables an opponent for three to seven seconds and allows you to finish off the opponent, gain total control of the situation, or make your escape. Sometimes, such a strike causes unconsciousness. A successful strike to a nerve motor center also renders the affected body part immovable by causing muscle spasms and dysfunction due to nerve overload.
(1) Jugular notch pressure point. Located at the base of the neck just above the breastbone; pressure to this notch could distract and take away his balance. Pressure from fingers jabbed into the notch incurs intense pain that causes an the opponent to withdraw from the pressure involuntarily.
(2) Suprascapular nerve motor point. This nerve is located where the trapezius muscle joins the side of the neck. A strike to this point causes intense pain, temporary dysfunction of the affected arm and hand, and mental stunning for three to seven seconds. The strike should be a downward knife-hand or hammer-fist strike from behind.
(3) Brachial plexus origin. This nerve motor center is on the side of the neck. It is probably the most reliable place to strike someone to stun them. Any part of the hand or arm may be applied—the palm heel, back of the hand, knife hand, ridge hand, hammer fist, thumb tip, or the forearm. A proper strike to the brachial plexus origin causes — Intense pain.
Complete cessation of motor activity. Temporary dysfunction of the affected arm. Mental stunning for three to seven seconds. Possible unconsciousness.
(4) Brachial plexus clavicle notch pressure point. This center is behind the collarbone in a hollow about halfway between the breastbone and the shoulder joint. The strike should be delivered with a small-impact weapon or the tip of the thumb to create high-level mental stunning and dysfunction of the affected arm.
(5) Brachial plexus tie-in motor point. Located on the front of the shoulder joint, a strike to this point could cause the arm to be ineffective. Multiple strikes may be necessary to ensure total dysfunction of the arm and hand.
(6) Stellate ganglion. The ganglion is at the top of the pectoral muscle centered above the nipple. A severe strike to this center could cause high-level stunning, respiratory dysfunction, and possible unconsciousness. A straight punch or hammer fist should be used to cause spasms in the nerves affecting the heart and respiratory systems.
(7) Cervical vertebrae. Located at the base of the skull, a strike to this particular vertebrae could cause unconsciousness or possibly death. The harder the strike, the more likely death will occur.
(8) Radial nerve motor point. This nerve motor point is on top of the forearm just below the elbow. Strikes to this point could create dysfunction of the affected arm and hand. The radial nerve should be struck with the hammer fist or the forearm bones or with an impact weapon, if available.
Striking the radial nerve could be especially useful when disarming an opponent armed with a knife or other weapon.
(9) Median nerve motor point. This nerve motor point is on the inside of the forearm at the base of the wrist, just above the heel of the hand. Striking this center produces similar effects to striking the radial nerve, although it is not as accessible as the radial nerve.
(10) Sciatic nerve. A sciatic nerve is just above each buttock, but below the belt line. A substantial strike to this nerve could disable both legs and possibly cause respiratory failure. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body besides the spinal cord. Striking it could affect the entire body, especially if an impact weapon is used.
(11) Femoral nerve. This nerve is in the center of the inside of the thigh; striking the femoral nerve could cause temporary motor dysfunction of the affected leg, high-intensity pain, and mental stunning for three to seven seconds. The knee is best to use to strike the femoral nerve.
(12) Common peroneal nerve motor point. The peroneal nerve is on the outside of the thigh about four fingers above the knee. A severe strike to this center could cause collapse of the affected leg and high-intensity pain, as well as mental stunning for three to seven seconds. This highly accessible point is an effective way to drop an opponent quickly. This point should be struck with a knee, shin kick, or impact weapon.
a. Attitude. Proper mental attitude is of primary importance in the your ability to strike an opponent. In hand-to-hand combat, you must have the attitude that you will defeat the enemy no matter what. In a fight to the death, you must have the frame of mind to survive above all else; the prospect of losing should not enter your mind. You must commit yourself to hit the opponent continuously with whatever it takes to drive him to the ground or end his resistance. A memory aid is, “Thump him and dump him!”
b. Fluid Shock Wave. A strike should be delivered so that the target is hit and the weapon remains on the impact site for at least a tenth of a second. This imparts all of the kinetic energy of the strike into the target area, producing a fluid shock wave that travels into the affected tissue and causes maximum damage. It is imperative that all strikes to vital points and nerve motor points are delivered with this principle in mind. The memory aid is, “Hit and stick!”
c. Target Selection. Strikes should be targeted at the opponent’s vital points and nerve motor points. Strikes to nerve motor points cause temporary mental stunning and muscle motor dysfunction to the affected areas of the body. Mental stunning results when the brain is momentarily disoriented by overstimulation from too much input—for example, a strike to a major nerve. The stunning completely disables an opponent for three to seven seconds and allows you to finish off the opponent, gain total control of the situation, or make your escape. Sometimes, such a strike causes unconsciousness. A successful strike to a nerve motor center also renders the affected body part immovable by causing muscle spasms and dysfunction due to nerve overload.
(1) Jugular notch pressure point. Located at the base of the neck just above the breastbone; pressure to this notch could distract and take away his balance. Pressure from fingers jabbed into the notch incurs intense pain that causes an the opponent to withdraw from the pressure involuntarily.
(2) Suprascapular nerve motor point. This nerve is located where the trapezius muscle joins the side of the neck. A strike to this point causes intense pain, temporary dysfunction of the affected arm and hand, and mental stunning for three to seven seconds. The strike should be a downward knife-hand or hammer-fist strike from behind.
(3) Brachial plexus origin. This nerve motor center is on the side of the neck. It is probably the most reliable place to strike someone to stun them. Any part of the hand or arm may be applied—the palm heel, back of the hand, knife hand, ridge hand, hammer fist, thumb tip, or the forearm. A proper strike to the brachial plexus origin causes — Intense pain.
Complete cessation of motor activity. Temporary dysfunction of the affected arm. Mental stunning for three to seven seconds. Possible unconsciousness.
(4) Brachial plexus clavicle notch pressure point. This center is behind the collarbone in a hollow about halfway between the breastbone and the shoulder joint. The strike should be delivered with a small-impact weapon or the tip of the thumb to create high-level mental stunning and dysfunction of the affected arm.
(5) Brachial plexus tie-in motor point. Located on the front of the shoulder joint, a strike to this point could cause the arm to be ineffective. Multiple strikes may be necessary to ensure total dysfunction of the arm and hand.
(6) Stellate ganglion. The ganglion is at the top of the pectoral muscle centered above the nipple. A severe strike to this center could cause high-level stunning, respiratory dysfunction, and possible unconsciousness. A straight punch or hammer fist should be used to cause spasms in the nerves affecting the heart and respiratory systems.
(7) Cervical vertebrae. Located at the base of the skull, a strike to this particular vertebrae could cause unconsciousness or possibly death. The harder the strike, the more likely death will occur.
(8) Radial nerve motor point. This nerve motor point is on top of the forearm just below the elbow. Strikes to this point could create dysfunction of the affected arm and hand. The radial nerve should be struck with the hammer fist or the forearm bones or with an impact weapon, if available.
Striking the radial nerve could be especially useful when disarming an opponent armed with a knife or other weapon.
(9) Median nerve motor point. This nerve motor point is on the inside of the forearm at the base of the wrist, just above the heel of the hand. Striking this center produces similar effects to striking the radial nerve, although it is not as accessible as the radial nerve.
(10) Sciatic nerve. A sciatic nerve is just above each buttock, but below the belt line. A substantial strike to this nerve could disable both legs and possibly cause respiratory failure. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body besides the spinal cord. Striking it could affect the entire body, especially if an impact weapon is used.
(11) Femoral nerve. This nerve is in the center of the inside of the thigh; striking the femoral nerve could cause temporary motor dysfunction of the affected leg, high-intensity pain, and mental stunning for three to seven seconds. The knee is best to use to strike the femoral nerve.
(12) Common peroneal nerve motor point. The peroneal nerve is on the outside of the thigh about four fingers above the knee. A severe strike to this center could cause collapse of the affected leg and high-intensity pain, as well as mental stunning for three to seven seconds. This highly accessible point is an effective way to drop an opponent quickly. This point should be struck with a knee, shin kick, or impact weapon.
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