Self Defence 7: Isometric Exercise And Brime
The martial arts training session was over, and the students were either heading for the door or basking in a post-session glow. The instructor noted one of them reach for his left shoulder holster, and without thinking he threw a quick punch at it. It was not quite as strong as he would have liked. "Just recollect, if you see something that is not right or it seems out of place..." The instructor's voice came to him in a question of tone, and he was not sure if he heard himself reply: "...try to destroy it!"
This week's topic is self defence. I will try to explain how things such as the elbow strike and wristlock work, but also how some self-defence courses are more harmful than others. I am happy with the results and hope that this blog helps people understand these methods better.
Cheers,
~ Alex K.
Syllabus for Isometric Self Defence Training:
Direct your attacker to a point behind you. The following technique works no matter what the direction of an attack from the front or the side. The easiest way to bring people to a point behind you is with a kick. Use any one of many kick techniques and point behind you from the side with either arm (if you are familiar with it) or both arms at once (if someone is using one arm). Use any body movement to bring your attacker to a point behind you. If you are physically strong, you can simply stand and point behind you. If not, use the momentum of an attack from any direction. This is how it works:
When responding to an attack from the side with both arms pointed behind you, for example elbow strikes, wrists locks and punches techniques etc., be sure that your face is the only thing that´s going towards him (and his head is not in danger). Also, be sure to protect your face with your hands. Use the same technique vice-versa. (of course now you strike with your right arm and left leg etc.)
Everything is applied in a circle so it is easy to remember. If nothing else, remember that "to strike" means "to resolve", and then you will not make mistakes while moving rapidly towards him.
This works because he is behind you, even though you are facing his direction. Ideally, you have made your attacker face the direction opposite to his own. In this way, you are protecting yourself from all angles and channels.
The Mirror Principle:
No matter what the angle of attack, no matter what direction the attacker is facing, he will always be in front of you.
Once the attacker is standing in front of you, the technique will be the same regardless of how you got him there.
Direct your attacker to a point behind you, with any movement.
Bring his face to your face, opening both arms and pointing to behind you.
Protect yourself from all angles and channels. Even when facing an attack directly from the front! This is why this method works no matter what attacks are used against it. By defending yourself from all angles and channels at once, you can never be hurt by it.
Once the attacker is in front of you, use all your strength to strike him as hard as possible with your hands (elbows and legs if the attacker is face to face - right arm vs right arm and left leg vs left leg). You must close any channels through which the attack could come (like windows open during a storm).
By doing this exercise well, you can get results within one session. If not, it takes more practice. Keep at it!
Beginners will fail when encountering an attack from any angle. Beginners will fail because they don´t have the right timing on their hands.
That´s all for today! I hope that you understand it better.
~ Alex K.
Concerning Shung Inkû, the following quote explains this clearly: [Nishio: "I think it's best to refrain from mentioning both these ideas in the same workshop."] [Special thanks to Seitaro Hanayama for translating. Google translation is slightly incorrect here. ]
"Oh, I'm getting so tired....why can't I go to sleep soon? It seems like it's going to be another boring day tomorrow." - Toyotomi Hideyoshi, writing in 1588 about traveling on his way toward Nagasaki for his second campaign there with Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The above quote was included as a preface to the report of the first campaign in 1582 that ended in Kyoto. It was written in the night at a field 30 ri (c. 50 km) away from Kyoto, and the morale of his army was very low.
(I am writing this on August 13th.)
The wind is blowing hard outside and everyone is asleep. What should I do...? I can't sleep either, so I'm writing this as a way of passing time....
Last Monday I drove up to a cliff located just north of Azabu in Tokyo and climbed it somewhat early in the morning with my father.
Conclusion:
"I, who have neither the strength nor the courage to kill anyone, think that I shall die a houseless man." - Nagai Kafû-no-Otoko (1703, poet)
About the topic:
There are many ways to kill, but if you want to avoid it then be sure that you're doing something when you're not around. That's how they say it's best.