this ppt has good content in it

1. Chapter one
Introduction to self-defense
1

2. 1.1 Definition of Self Defense:
• The act of defending oneself or something that
belongs or relates to oneself.
 The use of reasonable force to protect one self or
members of family from badly harm of the attack of
an aggressor, if the defender has reason to believe
he/she are in danger.
 The force used in self-defense may be sufficient for
protection from apparent harm (not just an empty
verbal threat) or to halt, any danger from attack, but
cannot be an excuse to continue attack or use of
excessive force.
2

3.  “de-escalation” of potential violence.
 Using multiple strategies to keep from physical and
to some degree, emotional and mental harm.
 Self-defense is protecting yourself from physical
harm.
 You can increase your safety by being cautious of
your surroundings and knowing self-defense
techniques. Physical harm can include: Rape ,
Robbery , Sexual assault, etc.
3

4. There might be a time that you might have to attack
in order to stop an attack, but only attack in self
defense of yourself or others
The four A’s of personal safety
• Attitude
• Awareness
• Avoidance
• action
• martial arts:- aikido, karate, kung fu, taekwondo
• Self-defense:- body and verbal defense
4

5. Where did self defense come from?
• Self-defense is derived from Martial Arts.
• Judo-Japanese Martial Art and combat sport that
involves throwing opponent to the ground.
• Karate-Chinese Marital Art that uses striking,
punching and kicking, along with knee and elbow
strikes.
• Jiujutsu- a Japanese Martial Art using unarmed and
armed techniques.
• The purpose of Martial Arts is to defeat other people
and to defend oneself or others from physical threat.
5

6. 1.2. Sport ethics
• Ethics is the set of moral principles that guide a
person’s behavior. These moral codes are
shaped by social norms, cultural practices, and
religious influences. Moreover, ethics reflect
beliefs about what is right, what is wrong, what
is just, what is unjust, what is good, and what is
bad in terms of human behavior
• sport ethics is a positive concept that guides human
action in sports.
• It is defined as the code of conduct for promoting and
ensuring healthy sporting practices.
6

7. Cont…
• Sport ethics signifies not just a certain form of
behavior but also a particular way of thinking.
• It promotes fair play among children and young
persons via educational and preventive measures and
encourages the dissemination of good practices to
promote diversity in sport and combat all forms of
discrimination
• Ethics in sport permeate competitive environment.
• Ethics in sport helps to play fairly and adhere the rule.
• Ethics inform us the mission and action of what we
have do.
• Ethics in sport are essential to good sportsmanship.
7

8. Cont…
The key elements of sport ethics or sportsmanship
include:
 cooperation
 Gratitude
 Honor
 Humility
 fairness
8

9. Cont…
Numerous ethical dilemmas confront sport industry
today. These are:
 Trainer abuse of athlete
 Performance enhancing drugs
 Crime committed by athletes outside and inside sport
world.
 The right of transgender athlete and athletes with
variations in sex characteristics
 Racism
 Exclusionary practice in sport
 Illegal gambling and betting
9

10. Ethics in self-defense
• Humility : This can be a blend of not gloating
approximately one’s exceptionally claim capacities,
whereas at the indistinguishable time not piling
feedback on the capacities, or seen need of it, of others.
• Respect: Regard and acknowledgment of others ought to
amplify well greater than the training lobby. Respect
should be demonstrated insider the family unit, toward
seniors of the society, and within your put of work and
schools.
• Integrity / Honesty : The most essential component of
genuine self-protection, for a learner is to have
intemperate moral character, to be genuine in all their
dealings and be in a position to act in considerate to
what is conventional and right.
10

11. Cont…..
• Courage: Courage is the capacity to procure one’s
dreams not withstanding of fear. Genuine courage ,
from a self-defense point of view, ought to be in
terms of the eagerness to shield equity and truth,
in any case of peril, private
• Self-control: Self -defense as Martial art
expressions abilities, should not be utilized as it
implies to elude ones dissatisfactions or
annoyance, or to raise out ridiculous ambushes on
innocent victims. Students, as a self-defense
learner, you are expected to know and apply all the
above stated ethics of self-defense for better
performance.
11

12. 1.3. The nature of self-defense
• Self-defense based in natural law derives its moral
force from the fact that it is exercised in the face of an:
* immediate threat
* leaving no time for reflection
*forcing the defender into a terrible choice:
either use force in self-defense, or lose one's life.
• This has traditionally been expressed using the
formulation articulated in the "Caroline Doctrine,"
arguing that self-defense is appropriate when faced
with a threat that is "manifest, immediate, and
overwhelming."
12

13. Cont…
• This law is generally translated into Rules of
Engagement that authorize the use of force in self-
defense when faced with a hostile act or hostile intent,
with the latter being defined as the threat of the
"imminent use of force.
• " The concept of "imminence," then, appears
consistent with the traditional natural law requirement
that the threat be "immediate."
13

14. How has self defense evolved?
Self-defense instructors today are taking all kinds of
Marital Art techniques and making them simpler in
order for others to apply them to everyday harmful
situations.
The majority of the time self-defense instructors are
trained in several different types of Martial Arts
which helps them teach their students from different
views
Self-defense can be more effective than Martial Arts
to a person who is primarily concerned with safety.
Marital Arts’ main focus is combat and is labeled as a
sport.
14

15. Why is knowing self defense is important?
Everyday our world is getting more and more
dangerous so everyone needs to know how to
protect themselves.
It is important that we all take precautions that will
keep us safe but also to know what do if one
becomes unfortunate enough and put in a harmful
situation.
Women especially need to know how to protect
themselves in dangerous situations such as being
raped.
15

16. 1.4. The importance of self defense
It builds confidence
Self–defense boosts your self-confidence and self-
esteem.
 It works on your balance
It helps develop self-discipline
-Self–defense requires a great deal of focuses and
discipline.
-You will learn the technique that requires
precision and practice, and you will need to develop
self-control to execute the technique correctly.
16

17. The discipline and self control you learn in self-defense
can be applied in other areas of your life.
Improve physical fitness
• Self defense involve a lot of physical activity including
CV fitness, strength training, flexibility exercise
which helps us to improve our overall physical fitness
It helps improve your physical conditioning
Improve mental health
• Practicing self defense had a positive effect on well-
being and could help to reduce symptoms associated
with mental health issues such as depression,
anxiety, aggression, mood disorder…..
17

18. Teaches setting personal boundaries
Self-defense class teaches you how to recognize
potentially dangerous situation and how to
communicate your boundaries effectively
It improves your street awareness
It teaches you self-respect
It helps to develop a warrior spirit
It helps you develop a fighters reflex
It will help you with goal setting
It has a positive influence on your life
18

19. When is self-defense justified?
For self-defense to be justified, the 4 thing need to be
present
1. Someone attack you without you provoke
2. Their attack threatens to seriously hurt or kill you or
someone else
3. You use reasonable amount of force to stop their
attack
4. Your fear of injury or death is reasonable
19

20. Tips to stay safe
Understand your surroundings
Walk and hang out in areas that are well lit and open
Use the buddy system
Ask yourself if feel safe and if you don’t then think
twice about what you are about to do
Stay awake when riding on public transportation
Carry your body in a way so that you don’t look
vulnerable (walk with confidence)
Don’t be afraid to report accidents to police
20

21. Types of self-defense
• There are 2 types of self-defense
• These are: physical and mental self-defense
Physical self-defense
Physical self-defense is the use of physical force to
counter an immediate threat of violence. Such force can
be either armed or unarmed. In either case, the chance
of success depends on a large number of parameters,
related to the severity of the threat on one hand, but also
on the mental and physical preparedness of the
defender.
21

22. 22

23. Cont…
Mental self-defense
Mental self-defense is the ability to get in to the
proper mindset for executing a physical defense
technique. Many martial arts school and self-defense
classes focuses mainly on the physical nature of self-
defense and often neglects the mental aspects.
If you are skilled in physical aspects of defense
technique, but lack of the mental toughness and
tenacity to execute it, you will not able to perform
especially under certain conditions.
23

24. Cont…
24

25. Cont…
25
Mental Preparedness for Self-Defense Situations
• Mental preparedness is one of the most important
aspects of self-defense. It is not enough to simply
have physical training and techniques at your
disposal. Being mentally prepared for a self-defense
situation can be the difference between life and death.
The ways to train the mind to be prepared for self-
defense situations.
1. visualization techniques
• Visualization is a powerful tool for mental
preparedness. It involves imagining different
scenarios and how you would respond to them.

26. Cont…
26
• This technique can help you mentally rehearse
different self-defense techniques and prepare for
different situations. For example, you can visualize an
attacker approaching you and how you would react to
their movements. By doing this, you can train your
mind to respond quickly and effectively in real-life
situations.
2. Mindfulness Meditation
• Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves
focusing your attention on the present moment.
• This technique can help you stay calm and focused in
a self-defense situation.

27. Cont…
27
• By practicing mindfulness meditation regularly, you
can train your mind to stay present and not panic in
stressful situations.
3. mental toughness Training
• Mental toughness training involves pushing yourself
out of your comfort zone and developing resilience.
This can involve physical challenges such as
running a marathon or mental challenges such as
solving complex puzzles. By pushing yourself in this
way, you can develop mental toughness and prepare
yourself for the stress and pressure of a self-defense
situation.

28. Cont…
28
4. Self-Talk
• Self-talk involves the internal dialogue we have with
ourselves. This can be positive or negative. In a self-
defense situation, negative self-talk can be
detrimental to your mental preparedness. By
practicing positive self-talk, you can train your mind
to stay focused and confident in stressful situations.
5. breathing techniques
• Breathing techniques can help you stay calm and
centered in a self-defense situation. By practicing
deep breathing techniques, you can slow your heart
rate and reduce stress.

29. Cont…
29
• This can help you stay focused and react quickly and
effectively in a self-defense situation.
• Mental preparedness is a crucial aspect of self-
defense. By incorporating visualization techniques,
mindfulness meditation, mental toughness training,
self-talk, and breathing techniques into your training,
you can train your mind to stay calm and focused in a
self-defense situation. It is important to remember
that mental preparedness is just as important as
physical training in self-defense.

30. Chapter Two- principles of self defense
30
The principles of self defense are:
• The Principle of Avoidance
• The Principle of Minimize risk of injury
• The Principle of De-escalate
• The Principle of Control
• The Principle of Alertness
• The Principle of Decisiveness
• The Principle of Aggressiveness
• The Principle of Speed
• The Principle of Coolness
• The Principle of Ruthlessness
• Principle of Surprise

31. There's more to self-defense than physical
techniques
• No matter how much training and practice in martial
arts or self-defense techniques you may have you
aren't truly equipped for self-defense if that's all you
have. Practical self-defense isn't about out-battling an
opponent. If you thwart an attacker by not becoming
a victim by avoiding or escaping rather than
engaging, you succeed.
31

32. Principle of Avoidance:
• First, you must learn to recognize and avoid
potentially violent situations before they occur.
• This is where we win with our brains and our
perceptions rather than our fists and feet.
• When it isn't possible to avoid a confrontation you
may still be able to avoid entrapment. This can mean
walking out into the middle of the street instead of
trying to hide in a doorway or alley or it can mean
doing something so totally bizarre and unexpected
that you create an opening for escape where one
didn't previously exist.
32

33. The Principle of Alertness
• Two rules are immediately evident; know what is
behind you, and pay particular attention to anything
out of place.
• It is axiomatic that the most likely direction of attack
is from behind. Be aware of that. Develop “eyes in
the back of your head”
• On the street never let a stranger approach too close
or take your hand. To allow a potential assailant a
firm grip on your right hand is to give him possibly a
fatal advantage.
• Use your eyes.
33

34. Cont…
• Do not go into unfamiliar areas that you cannot observe
first.
• Make it a practice to swing wide around corners, use
window glass for rear visibility and get something solid
behind you when you pause.
• All this may sound excessively furtive and
melodramatic but those who have cultivated what
might be called a tactical approach to life find it neither
troublesome nor conspicuous and like a fastened seat
belt, a life jacket or a fire extinguisher, it is comforting
even when unnecessary.
BE AWARE, BE READY, BE ALERT.
34

35. The Principle of Decisiveness
• It is difficult for a domesticated man to change on the
instant into one who can take quick, decisive action to
meet a violent emergency.
Most of us are unused to violent emergencies especially
those which can only be resolved by the use of force
and violence on our part and these emergencies require
an almost superhuman effort of will to transform
ourselves from docile chickens into ferocious hawk
or the ability to decide something clearly and quickly
• Decisiveness, like alertness, is to some extent a built-
in characteristic, but, also like alertness, it can be
accentuated.
35

36. Cont….
• In cases of personal defense it must be self-generated,
and this is the problem. When “the ball is opened”—
when it becomes evident that you are faced with
violent physical assault your life depends upon your
selecting a correct course of action and carrying it
through without hesitation or deviation.
• There can be no shillyshallying. There is not time. To
ponder is quite possibly to perish, and it is important
to remember that the specific course you decide upon
is, within certain parameters, less important than the
vigor with which you execute it.
36

37. Cont…
• The difficulty is that the proper course of action,
when under attack, is usually to counter-attack. This
runs contrary to our normally civilized behavior, and
such a decision is rather hard for even an ordinarily
decisive person to reach.
• We must be sure that our assailant is actually trying to
kill us and that he is physically capable of doing so,
and that we cannot stop him without downing him.
37

38. Cont…
• So when under attack it is necessary to evaluate the
situation and to decide instantly upon a proper course
of action to be carried out, immediately and with all
the force you can bring to bear. He who hesitates is
indeed lost.
DO NOT SOLILOQUISE, DO NOT DELAY, BE
DECISIVE
38

39. Principle of minimize risk of injury:
• You will be injured if a confrontation escalates to a
physical attack. Therefore your first line of defense
after avoidance is to de-escalate things before they
reach the physical attack stage. This could involve
capitulation (your money, iPod, etc. or your life
should not be a difficult decision) or sometimes
speaking in a calm, firm but non-confrontational
voice to convince the assailant that he or she doesn't
really want things to get out of hand either. But
remember two things: First, attacking another human
being is not necessarily a rational act, so don't be
surprised if attempting to reason with someone
engaged in an irrational act is unsuccessful. 39

40. Cont…
• . Secondly, someone who does attack is probably not
the most trustworthy individual, so don't be surprised
if they don't hold up their end of the bargain..
• If things do escalate, the key to survival is to use
dodges, redirection and misdirection and, if
necessary, releases, escapes, blocks, holds and throws
to minimize exposure and injury. You should counter
attack only when it does not increase your risk. If a
counter attack doesn't create an opportunity for
escape or isn't definitive enough to at least
temporarily disable your attacker, it will only escalate
the situation and therefore make your situation worse.
40

41. Principle of De-escalate:
• Any and every blow that is struck increases the level
of intensity, therefore decreasing the chances of
extracting yourself from the situation.
• The first and simplest means of de-escalating a
conflict is separation. When the distance between
potential combatants increases the intensity of the
conflict tends to decrease. The second is control. First
get control of yourself – don't let your actions be
determined by an attacker. Then, if the other party to
the conflict is not inclined or able to control him or
herself, you may have to.
41

42. Principle of Control:
• This may mean physical restraint, employing control
techniques such as holds and joint locks, but you may
also control an attacker with positioning or engaging
a third party intervener, but in any case the objective
is to prevent further escalation and injury.
42

43. Principle escape
Create the opportunity for escape:
• On the street we fight to survive, not to win. The sole
purpose of counter attacking should be to create the
opportunity for escape – sometimes that means
neutralizing (by means of inflicting serious pain or
injury) one or more attackers. If, however, you can
escape without counter attacking, do it. Creating the
opportunity for escape may be as simple as attracting
attention by making noise, exaggerated gestures or
other behavior to attract attention (and potential
witnesses) to your situation.
43

44. The Principle of Aggressiveness
 In defense we do not initiate violence. We must grant
our attacker the vast advantage of striking the first
blow, or at least attempting to do so. But thereafter
we may return the attention with what should
optimally be overwhelming violence. “The best
defense is a good offence.
If it is ever your misfortune to be attacked, alertness
will have given you a little warning, decisiveness will
have given you a proper course to pursue and the
third course—counter attack carried out with
everything you have.
BE INDIGNANT, BE ANGRY, BE AGGRESSIVE
44

45. The Principle of Speed
• Speed is the absolute essence of any form of combat.
The stake in personal defense is your life. You cannot
afford to play by sporting rules. Be fast not fair.
Remember there is no referee to stop the play in the
street. The perfect fight is one that is over before the
loser really understands what is going on. The perfect
defense is a counter-attack that succeeds before the
assailant discovers that he has bitten off more than he
can chew. Therefore, if you are attacked, retaliate
instantly.
BE SUDDEN, BE QUICK, SPEED IS YOUR
SALVATION.
45

46. The Principle of Coolness
• You must keep your head. If you “lose your cool”
under deadly attack you will probably not survive to
make excuses, so don’t bother to improvise any, just
keep your head.
• Anger, as long as it is controlled anger, is no obstacle
to efficiency. Self-control is one thing the anti-social
malefactor does not usually possess. Use yours to his
un doing.
BE CONTROLLED, STAY COOL AND GO TO
WORK
46

47. The Principle of Ruthlessness
• Ruthlessness is the quality of having no mercy or pity
for other people.
• Anyone who willfully and maliciously attacks
another without sufficient cause deserves no
consideration. Just who he is, why he has chosen to
be a criminal, his social background, his ideological
or psychological motivations, all these may be
considered at a future date. NOW, your first concern
is your safety, let your attacker worry about his. Don’t
hold back.
• Strike no more after he is incapable of further action,
but see that he is stopped. The law forbids you to take
revenge, but it permits you to prevent.
47

48. Cont…
• If you must use your hands or feet use them with all
the strength you possess.
• Tapping your assailant half-heartedly for fear of
hurting him will indeed make him mad and since he
has already shown that he is willing to kill you he
may try the harder now that you have struck him a
painful through indecisive blow. Remember that at
the time of attack you are your own salvation, you
cannot depend on others. By the time help arrives you
could be maimed or dead. If you choose to strike by
all means strike hard. If you find yourself under lethal
attack don’t be kind.
BE HARSH, BE TOUGH, BE RUTHLESS
48

49. The Principle of Surprise
• This is put last on purpose, for surprise is the first
principle of offensive combat. However, the privilege
of striking the first blow is a luxury we must usually
grant to our attacker, so in a sense there can be
nonstrategic surprise in defense. That does not mean
that the defender cannot achieve tactical surprise. By
doing what our assailant least expects us to do, we
may throw him completely off. As we have seen,
what he usually least expects is instant, violent,
counter-attack, so the principle of aggressiveness is
closely tied to that of surprise. The criminal does not
expect his prey to fight back. May he never choose
you, but if he does, surprise him.
49

50. Cont….
• Awareness.-Be aware of your surroundings, and pay
attention to threats.
• De-escalate-Try and avoid the fight as much as
possible.
• Defense-Be prepared to defend yourself.
• Attack-Attack the weak points.
• Disengage-Attack as hard as you can, so you can
create
• space from the threat.
• Depart-Get away as quickly as possible.
50

51. Principle of fight back
If you must fight back:
• Remember that, not only does any counter attack that
fails to create an opportunity for escape represent a
waste of energy and an ill-advised exposure, it also
escalates the conflict. So if you must fight back you
must be able to do so effectively
• If you can't create an opportunity for escape without
counter attacking, don't count on overpowering an
adversary. There are very few people, including
experienced martial artists, who can deliver the
theoretical one-punch knockout on demand. In real life
situations the most effective counter attacks are usually
sweeps, strikes to sensitive areas and, to a lesser extent,
techniques which inflict pain. 51

52. Use common sense to avoid attacks
• Park in lighted area
• Walk in groups
• Walk with keys in hand
• Check vehicle before entering
• Get an escort
• Buy a good flashlight
• Lock car when inside
• Do not walk while texting, listening to music, or
talking on the phone
• Don’t go to ATMs at night
• Your “routine” should not be predictable
52

53. Cont…
Limit what you (and family) post on social media
• Do not carry a purse or conspicuous valuables
Harden your home
– Timers for internal/external lights
– Pick up mail
– Landscaping gravel under windows
– Trim shrubs
– Dead bolt locks
– Get a police assessment or go to web for evaluation
sheet
• Do not put decals on your car windows that reveal
personal information
– Stick family
– NRA (guns in the house)
53

54. 2.1 Self-defense consideration
Non-physical Considerations
Offense is better than defense. – Speed, shock, violence
of action
• Effective self-defense does not require great physical
strength. – Do not underestimate your own strength.
• Many available targets (eyes, nose, ears, groin and
throat) cannot be toughened up.
• Many available weapons (fingers, fist, knee, foot,
elbow, head)
54

55. Cont…
• Never appear weak (exude confidence) – Head
up, shoulders back, scan, and make eye
contact. – Speak with confidence.
55

56. Available targets
Major targets
• Face (nose, ears, eyes)
• Neck (throat/windpipe)
• Groin
• Knee
• Foot/shin
Lesser targets
– Torso
– Stomach
– Fingers
– Arm
– Hair
56

57. Considerations for Personal Safety
• Today, we have more options to protect ourselves
than ever before. Self-defense choices ranging from
primitive weapons such as sticks and stones to
technologically enhanced weapons and
proven martially scientific training methodologies.
There are many self-defense choices available to
enhance personal safety.
• Listed below are the primary considerations for
choices in self defense that may assist you in finding
a method that will help you take charge of
your personal safety. Also, crime prevention, should
be an important part of personal safety.
57

58. Cont…
1. Assess Your Self-Defense Training Objectives
What Are Your Personal Objectives for Self-Defense
Training?
• Defining your self-defense objective can more
accurately determine better choices of your self-
defense training endeavors. We can chose self-
defense classes for a variety of reasons: fun,
exercise, fitness, sport, artistic movement, hobby,
self-protection, therapeutic healing from sexual
assault or an abusive relationship.
58

59. Cont….
• Many want to learn skills to fight back against
criminals and increase available options against harm
and associated fears of assault.
• Others have the personal self-defense objective to
combine self-protection with a philosophy of living
taught in various styles of martial arts. Martial arts
may include self-defense, but there are different
styles of martial arts. When considering a martial art
for self-defense training, considered how that martial
art might fit your personal preference compared your
self-defense objective
59

60. Cont….
• There are others who may select their personal self-
defense objective based on an effortless quick fix
item from many weapons, gismos, or gadgets to
overcome the anxiety and feelings of vulnerability,
especially the purchasing of pepper spray, firearm, or
other items, such as a kubaton-like key chain. These
require situational factors that give you the time to
reach and apply the items. Many people are attacked
by surprise, especially women, who often know their
assailant. Thereby they will not likely be able to get
to their “crutch”. Now what?
60

61. Cont…
• The fighting effectiveness against violent crime,
especially sexual assault, varies depending upon your
objective, lifestyle, beliefs, likes and dislikes. When
assessing your objectives, consider the following
questions:
• What is your commitment?
• What is your assessment of the harsh realities of
violence?
• What is your willingness to use violence for self-
preservation?
61

62. Cont…
• Defining your self-defense goals and training
objectives will help you select the best personal
protection training options for your situation, travels,
lifestyle, or common potential threats you may face.
Model Mugging offers the most comprehensive and
versatile training options for women with a
curriculum founded on crime research and teaching
methodologies.
62

63. Cont…
2. Time Commitment for Learning Self-Defense
Self-Defense Training Time
• How much time do you wish to devote? A program
with the goal of achieving a black belt requires the
self-disciplined time commitment that takes years of
training 2 to 3 times per week for an hour or two per
lesson with more time spent at home practicing. Most
women do not want to dedicate 2 hours a lesson for a
few years toward achieving a black belt or other
martial art fighting efficiency.
63

64. Cont….
• Other options involve short courses which vary in
length. Many short self-defense classes involve a 1 to
3 hour class that can only preview skills and
awareness rather than build proficiency. Others
require 10 to 30 hours over the course of several
weeks.
64

65. Cont….
3. Defending Your Time and Money
Self Defense Costs or Fee Structures
How Much Does Self Defense Classes Cost?
• Some considerations about the costs of self defense:
How much should self-defense training cost?
• Self-defense training is like insurance.
• Self-defense training and travel time
• Related expenses for offering self-defense training
• Self-defense instructor’s training and experience
• Compare accurately what you want in self-defense
65

66. Cont….
4. Weapons, Gismos & Gadgets
Personal Safety Devices
• Having a weapon or gadget for self-defense does not
lower the chance of attack or improve your personal
safety because an assailant may not know you are
armed, or he plans to neutralize its effectiveness.
Purchasing an item or weapon for personal safety can
be successfully used for self-protection when used
properly and under favorable conditions.
There are advantages and disadvantages of relying on a
man-made device or improvised item for self-protection
and personal safety.
66

67. Cont….
Improvised Weapons
• Other times any number of improvised weapons such
as tools, kitchen utensils, or many other household
items can be effective during the chaos of assault.
Plenty of success stories demonstrate this point, and
there are other stories where the item did not work
well during a criminal assault. Improvised weapons
may be as simple as a rock or stick. Others include
screw drivers, hammers, bug spray, keys, book,
coffee cup, or a pen. almost any item can be used as
an improvised weapon if delivered with force and
especially to a vulnerable area on the assailant’s
body. 67

68. Cont….
personal safety devices
• There are many self-defense and personal safety
items sold on the market.
• Protective items may successfully stop an attack such
as chemical agents, electronic devices, and weapons.
The most common are pepper spray, tasers, and
firearms. Sometimes these are referred to as quick fix
items that can become a “crutch” that creates
dependency, reduce environmental awareness,
downplay intuitive warnings, and weaken response to
threats, both physically and mentally.
68

69. Cont….
• After taking a self-defense course or studying a
martial art, any personal safety weapon can be
applied to your training because you know you are
not relying solely on a mechanical device. If you did
not have the selected device in your hand, you can
still effectively protect yourself. If it did not work
right, or it was taken away, there are other ways to
protect yourself and stop an assailant. You know other
ways to protect yourself to stop an assailant.
69

70. Cont….
5. Physical Fitness, Fighting, Fun, or Fad
Self-Defense and Physical Fitness
• Self-defense and exercise have many corroborative
benefits, but there are differences in purpose.
• Self-defense offers a wide variety of benefits for
healthy living, such as vigorous exercises and social
activities.
• Self-defense techniques can also be applied to
different methods of exercise and conditioning, which
enhance body awareness and coordination. But
exercise routines using fighting techniques are
different from the realities of fighting.
70

71. Cont….
• When exercising, our body naturally seeks to
establish physiological homeostasis in order to
conserve energy and prevent injury.
• Many self-defense and martial arts based exercise
regiments do not carry over to real street fighting that
require follow through of full force and power for
effectiveness and personal protection. In contrast,
exercising using martial techniques applies
repetitively pulled motions that also do not take into
account the need for effective counter responses that
an attacker will use. He is trying to hurt you.
71

72. Cont….
• Integrated fitness programs have become populate
because it simulates many of the many asymmetrical
dynamics involved in battle. Integrated fitness
programs are designed to increase cardiovascular
endurance, resistance, flexibility, balance, core
stabilization, and eventually plyometric, speed, agility
and quickness you will be devoted to making
improvements in your overall abilities. Applying
integrated exercise routines can simulate many of the
psycho-physiological demands of fighting in real
battle that can further enhanced realistic martial or
fighting preparation.
• 72

73. Cont….
6. Combative Sports vs. Real Fights
Fighting Sports
• There is a difference between training for combative
sporting competitions and real fights for survival.
• Conflict and competition is a natural part of our
world. Competing against others involves survival
challenges as well as self-improvement, physical
fitness, and fun. Sporting events have evolved as a
means of reducing the fatal outcome of warfare and
interpersonal violence, especially tribal warfare.
Better to have two individuals, or two teams, engage
73

74. Cont….
in competition than the village and city-state fighting it
out. In civilizing battle, rules, referees, and regulators
(timers and end points) were established to protect the
participants and determine the winner. The competitors
represent their group, tribe, city, or nation seeking
respect, honor, and celebratory accolades.
• Some martial arts are practiced for sport rather than
self-defense. Martial arts competitions may include
boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts bouts. Many call
the competition phase of training “sparring”,
because it is not real fighting, but fluid contests with
agreed rules.
74

75. Cont….
• Combative sports practiced for sparing and
tournaments do not provide real world answers to
criminal attacks.
7. PTSD and Self-Defense
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Self-Defense
• Working through aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) using self-defense can be helpful to
many survivors of violence find new joy in life.
Consideration of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is
essential during the self-defense training process,
especially when working with survivors of sexual
assault.
75

76. Cont….
• Model Mugging Self-Defense is a supportive
designed program that emphasizes and tailors self-
defense courses to enhance a survivors psychological
healing process. Model Mugging instructors are well
versed in the dynamics of PTSD, sometimes referred
to as the Rape Trauma Syndrome. Working with the
rape trauma syndrome is an important aspect of
training women in self-defense commonly
overlooked in traditional self-defense classes. There
are unique dynamics involved in teaching women
fighting skills revolving around prior sexual
violation.
76

77. Chapter 3: Strategies in Self-defense
• The best self-defense strategies and techniques work
equally well for men and women, but let’s face it:
Women really need them because they’re assaulted
more often than men.
• Statistics indicate that one in three women will be the
victim of some type of violent attack in her lifetime.
Women also endure more incidents of verbal and
sexual harassment.
• Although most women’s self-defense courses focus
on skills for quickly and efficiently destroying an
attacker, self-defense training also should include
methods for preventing a confrontation from turning
77

78. Cont…..
physical in the first place. Learning how to steer away
from a threat may not sound as exciting as ripping out
an attacker’s heart, but as they say in every beginner’s
class, evading an attack is almost always superior to
blocking an attack.
• If you stick with proven strategies and simple gross-
motor-movement techniques your chance of surviving
will increase drastically.
78

79. Cont…..
1. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Too many women enroll in a self-defense class after
they’ve been assaulted. When they recount the
incident, they often say the same thing: “I had this bad
feeling, but I told myself not to be paranoid,” or “I
knew I shouldn’t have gone, but I didn’t want to hurt
his feelings.”
• Many women have been conditioned to ignore the
little voice that tells them trouble is coming. Your
instinct is the best detector of danger.
• The next time you hear that little voice, listen to what
it’s saying
79

80. Cont…..
• If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. If
someone is making you feel uncomfortable or uneasy,
remove yourself from the situation as quickly as
possible. If you're in a public place, seek help from a
security guard or a store employee.
• Self-defense is an important skill for anyone to have,
and it's never too early or too late to start learning. By
being aware of your surroundings, carrying a self-
defense tool, learning basic self-defense techniques,
developing a plan and trusting your instincts, you can
take the necessary steps to protect yourself and stay
safe in any situation.
80

81. Cont…..
• Remember that the most important thing is to stay
calm, stay aware and always be prepared.
2. PRACTICE TARGET DENIAL
 Don’t make yourself an accessible target.
The outcome of a battle is often determined before
the first blow is struck.
When you have the opportunity to escape from a
situation before it turns bad, take it.
 If an approaching person gives you the creeps, walk
to the other side of the street.
81

82. Cont…..
• If an elevator door opens and the guy standing inside
makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up,
wait for the next elevator. Those actions aren’t
cowardly; rather, they’re a smart way to eliminate
danger.
3. PRESENT YOURSELF WITH CONFIDENCE
Be aware of the message your body sends to those
around you.
Like animals, human predators target those they
consider the weakest or most vulnerable.
Attackers search for women who appear frightened,
confused or distracted.
82

83. Cont…..
• They look for women who walk with their head down
and their hands stuffed in their pockets, or perhaps
one who’s overburdened with packages or distracted
by children.
• Remember that attackers do not want to bait a fight;
they want an easy mark.
• By walking with confidence and awareness, looking
around and keeping your head up and shoulders back,
you’ll dramatically reduce the likelihood of becoming
a target in the first place.
83

84. Cont…..
4. SET STRONG VERBAL BOUNDARIES
• Good verbal skills are an effective self-defense tool,
one you’re likely to use more frequently and
successfully than any physical technique.
• When a predator engages you in conversation, he’s
actually “interviewing” you to see if you’ll make a
good victim. An experienced attacker is practiced at
using his words to freeze you with fear, thus reducing
the chance that you’ll try to defend yourself.
• Although an aggressive verbal confrontation can be
terrifying, you have to be strong enough to show the
attacker he’s picked the wrong victim.
84

85. Cont…..
• If you stand tall, remain calm and respond
confidently and assertively, you’ll probably “fail” his
interview.
• The power of your voice alone can cause him to seek
an easier target.
5. MAINTAIN A NON-CONFRONTATIONAL
STANCE
 In a self-defense situation, one of your secret
weapons is the element of surprise.
 Most predators feel confident that you won’t defend
yourself, and you should capitalize on that
misconception.
85

86. Cont…..
 If you assume a martial arts stance, it immediately
tells the attacker that you know how to fight. In
response, he’s likely to be more aggressive. Instead,
use a confident, relaxed stance in which your hips and
shoulders are forward, your arms are bent, and your
hands are up and open.
 This conciliatory posture may mislead the attacker
into thinking you’re willing to comply. If it becomes
necessary for you to strike, he probably won’t be
prepared for it.
86

87. Cont…..
6. KEEPA SAFE DISTANCE
Everyone has a comfort zone or personal space.
When an aggressor enters that zone, you’re
uncomfortable because you know you’d need that
space if you had to fight back.
When you’re in an adrenalized state, you need a
quarter of a second to react to an assault. This
“reactionary gap” should be anticipated when you
think about your comfort zone. You should try to
maintain approximately one to one-and-a-half arm
lengths between yourself and the aggressor.
87

88. Cont…..
• If he starts closing in, you need to use verbal
boundaries. If he still doesn’t back off, it’s time to get
physical.
7. USE THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
Most predators assume you cannot defend yourself.
Therefore, you should take advantage of the element
of surprise.
If you’re engaged in a conversation, you have the
opportunity to use verbal skills and a non-
confrontational stance to entice the aggressor into
dropping his guard. If you’re grabbed from behind,
you must respond immediately.
88

89. Cont…..
• In either case, putting up a fight can surprise him and
increase your chance of landing the first blow.
8. KEEP YOUR TECHNIQUES SIMPLE
One of the main effects of an adrenaline release is the
loss of fine motor skills. That means simple gestures
such as unlacing your fingers or pulling your hands
out of your pockets can become much more
challenging. And the odds of your executing a
beautiful joint lock or high kick rapidly dwindle.
No matter which martial art you practice, learn
techniques that are basic and stick with them in a self-
defense scenario. The following are recommended
89

90. Cont….
Heel-palm strike.
• Hitting with an open hand
reduces the chance that you’ll
injure your hand and enables
you to more easily attack from
a non-confrontational stance in
which you’re holding your
hands up and open while you
set verbal boundaries. Then, if
your attacker steps into your
comfort zone — bang! — he
gets it right in the face.
90

91. Cont….
Eye strike.
 The eye strike can be used in a
standing or prone position.
Often, simply driving your
fingers toward your assailant’s
eyes will cause him to recoil.
Even if you don’t make
contact, it creates space to set
up a more devastating blow.
91

92. Cont….
Knee strike.
This technique is recommended
over any type of standing kick
because it is easy to use and can
be delivered while you stay
centered and close to the ground
which is crucial when you’re
adrenalized. A knee to the groin
can end a fight immediately.
92

93. Cont…..
9. DON’T PANIC IF YOU’RE KNOCKED DOWN
More often than not, women end up on the ground
when they’re assaulted.
The good news is that most assailants are not skilled
ground fighters; they’re bullies who are used to
knocking women down and forcing them to comply.
Remember that the heel-palm strike and eye strike
work well on the ground. It’s a good idea to have a
few kicks that work there, as well.
93

94. Cont…
• In particular, the side thrust kick
functions in a variety of scenarios. If
you’re on the ground and your assailant
is standing, it gives you an advantage
because your legs are longer than his
arms. That means he’ll have to expose
his body to your kick if he wants to
reach you. Knee strikes also function
effectively on the ground. While you
struggle with your attacker, he probably
won’t protect his groin. Once you see
an opening, get close enough to strike
upward into his crotch.
94

95. Cont…..
10. FOLLOW THROUGH
The fight isn’t over until the threat no longer
exists. Therefore, you must be 110-percent
committed to the battle.
 If you fight back and then pause, you give up the
initial advantage you gained from using the
element of surprise.
Once your opponent knows you can fight, it
becomes more difficult for you to prevail. To
survive, you must continue your barrage until it’s
safe to stop striking and escape.
95

96. Chapter four – Self-defense techniques
4.1 Basic techniques of self-defense
4.1.1. The ready stance
96

97. Cont…..
Is there a best defensive stance?
• This is a fundamental question, but an important one.
• Continue reading to learn the three stances that will
help you defend and attack effectively.
A. Passive Ready Stance
• The passive ready stance is similar to the on-guard
position .
• It is basically your natural stance after taking a
natural step..
97

98. Cont…..
• So if someone approaches in an aggressive
manner, simply step back and put your hands
up ready to deflect any strikes that may come
in.
• Ensure your hands are open and facing your
opponent. This is to indicate to him/her a non-
confrontational attitude.
• If you can, step back with your ‘weak’ leg so
that your strongest side will be your lead (the
side closest to your opponent).
98

99. Cont…..
99

100. Cont….
B. Aggressive Ready Stance
• If you believe an attack is
imminent, you should take an
aggressive ready stance.
• This is the same as the
passive stance, except your
shoulder is facing forward a
little more and you’re ready
to attack.
100

101. Cont…..
c. Alternate Passive Ready Stance
• The last stance is known as the alternate passive-
ready stance. This is used when you see a potential
threat and you want to be ready for anything
unpredictable without showing it.
• Your legs are in a passive-ready stance and your
hands are up but they are disguised by you rubbing
your chin or something similar. This way your hands
are up but you don’t look like you are preparing to
fight.
101

102. Cont…..
4.1.3. Movement and Evasion
Body movement - refers to techniques of evasion or
apporachment in self-defense.
Evasion- Evasion simply means getting out of the way
of the impending attack. I.E. bobbing and weaving
under a hook punch.
an act or instance of escaping, avoiding, or shirking
something: evasion of one's duty. the avoiding of an
argument, accusation, question, or the like.
 Evasion is the 2nd most efficient form of the defense.
102

103. Cont…..
• The body is not receiving impact but I have not
stopped my opponent from throwing further strikes.
Movement and evasion techniques can be understood on
several parameters:
• The way the legs move (stepping, jumping, dragging,
etc. ).
• Plane of movement (sideways, forward, up, etc.)
• Timing the movement in relation to the opponent's
technique.
• Ballistics (jump, dive, roll, etc. )
103

104. Cont…..
A. Movement and evasion techniques by direction
and plane of movement
1. Front movement
Movement and evasion techniques to the front can be
used in various ways. Either on the horizontal plane or
on the vertical axis by utilizing downward moguri or a
jump.
• front turn movement control in which the contestant
steps forward with one foot and spins around in front
of the opponent with back to the opponent
104

105. Cont…..
1.1 . Full step forward
A full step to the front while changing the front facing
leg.
The movement of the full step to cover the distance
between the initial stance and the opponent. This
stepping movement can be used to deliver an empty
hand punch, a weapon technique or to get near the
opponent and hinder his punching effectively.
105

106. Cont…..
• The specific way the hand is formed to hit the
opponent with the second knuckles and not thew
third.
• The step in which the kick is used is called an
"arrow" step - this step has a very long reach and
gives the strike a lot of power but is relatively slow,
necessitating correct timing.
• The back leg moves forward towards the opponent
and stops bent while the front foot stays in its place
and the leg straightens.
• The striking hand moves vertically or horizontally
and hits the eye or the face creating an open wound.
106

107. Cont…..
1.2. Sliding step forward
the executor of the technique advances toward
the opponent while maintaining his bearing and not
altering the side that faces forward. The legs advance
with minimal amount of lifting, while maintaining
contact and width of stance. This sliding step is very
common in many martial sports and in martial
arts that prepare solely for fighting on flat, even,
ground.
 the executor of the technique advances forward
while stepping, usually while maintaining a sideways
orientation toward the opponent to minimize target
area. 107

108. Cont…..
1.3. walking step forward
• the executor of the technique advances forward while
stepping, usually while maintaining a sideways
orientation toward the opponent to minimize target
area.
2. side evasion
• The side evasion is a movement done in a straight
angle to the initial the executor of the
technique stance. This movement can be either a
jump, a full step, or a sliding side step.
108

109. Cont…..
• When opponent advances in an energetic attack
then executing the side evasion correctly will leave
the defender behind the opponent.
3. Backwards evasion
• Distancing backwards is called Back movement
control, in which the contestant steps back with one
foot, distancing it from the opponent's foot, with body
at right angles to the opponent.
• Back turn movement control, in which the contestant
pulls the opponent forward while stepping back with
one foot, then spins around in front of the opponent
with back to the opponent.
109

110. Cont…..
• Using this movement defender creates distance from
the opponent while staying on the opponent's line of
advance.
• The actual movement can be a full step, a sliding step
or a jump. A backward evasion in combat is intuitive
and many times achieve only momentary goal since it
leaves the defender on the opponent's line of attack.
4. diagonally back movement
• The backward oblique, or diagonally back direction is
one of the most useful techniques in many combat
scenarios
110

111. Cont…..
and it is the most emphasized the belt exams' syllabus
category lists all the Belt exam techniques and
requirements.
• This direction of movement not only builds distance
between the opponents, but also removes the defender
from the opponent's line of attack.
• The diagonally back evasion can be done in a sliding
step, a walking step, or a jump.
111

112. Cont…..
B. Understanding Movement and evasion by the
patterns of leg movement
1. Movement and evasion in the actual battlefield
• Stepping patterns that were optimized while fighting
on mixed and uneven terrain. These stepping patterns
of Movement and evasion disappeared, from lack of
need, from most martial sports that are practiced in
modified arenas. The stepping system in those arts
that emerged in an outdoor battle arenas use a
sensitive positioning of the legs to prevent a fall or a
loss of balance.
112

113. Cont…..
1.1. Using walking steps for Movement and evasion
The step forward, or backward, is performed while
maintaining a front facing side and presenting a smaller
target. The step conceals the kicking leg and allows for
a rapid distance closing while protecting oneself.
4.1.4 Situational awareness and Tactical Mobility
WHAT IS SITUATIONALAWARENESS
• Situational awareness is the ability to perceive and
understand what is happening in your environment.
• It involves being aware of your surroundings,
understanding potential threats, and being mentally
prepared to take action if necessary.
113

114. Cont…..
• Situational awareness can be applied in any situation,
from walking down a busy street to travelling to a
foreign country.
HOW TO DEVELOP SITUATIONAL
AWARENESS?
• To develop situational awareness, you need to start by
paying attention to your environment. Take note of
the people around you, the sounds you hear, and any
unusual activity. Avoid distractions such as your
phone or headphones and stay alert. It's also
important to trust your instincts. If something doesn't
feel right, it probably isn't.
114

115. Cont…..
Tactical mobility
• Tactical mobility is a fundamental requirement to
successfully operate in any battle space.
• Comprehensive training is paramount to overall
mission success and must be conducted prior to
deploying in hostile environments.
• Our subject matter experts deliver training that range
from basic movement to advanced multi-platform
delivery/recovery techniques.
• We work closely with our clients to determine the
appropriate level of training and tailor the curriculum
to meet each unit’s unique requirements
115

116. Cont…..
4.1.5. Distance and Entries
1. Keeping distance and bridging distance:
Controlling the distance between you and an attacker
or several attackers requires an intentional
management of the space at your disposal.
You can either keep distance, which means that you
decide to stay out of range by help of footwork,
mobility, objects and obstacles. Improvised weapons,
such as a stick, a jacket, stones, a bag, a key-chain, a
belt, a book, a laptop, a chair, etc. can help you to
achieve this goal as well.
116

117. Cont…..
You can also purposefully bridge the distance
between you and your opponent(s). This means that
you close in (trap, tackle, push, lock, control, utilize
knees, elbows, force multipliers).
2. Distance management in hand-to-hand fights:
If your extended arms will meet an attackers extended
arm, you will be in safe distance from both hits and
kicks. By moving inside a few inches you can strike
at the arms and legs. With good timing you can bridge
the danger zone and establish body-on-body contact,
preferably your chest to and opponents side or back
and trap, control or immobilize the opponent from
there. 117

118. Cont…..
3. Ground defense distance management:
If you are on the ground you can use movement to
create distance between you and your attacker(s).
 If your attacker(s) have already tackled you, you can
use your structure (hands and feet, knees and elbows,
arms and legs to create pockets of distance between
you and your attacker(s). From here you can flinch,
trap, control, strike and kick. You can use one
attacker to shield yourself from other attackers. Allow
several partners to approach you, while you are on the
ground and keep them at bay with your legs.
118

119. Cont…..
4. Distance management with an improvised force
multiplier against a blade:
 Against a blade, it is better to be either very close
(dynamic trapping) or out of distance (parrying,
striking the knife hand).
Test out in training, where your stick, chair, piece of
tube, key-chain, belt can reach the attackers hand, but
he or she cannot reach your limbs and body.
119

120. Cont…..
5. Close quarter distance management:
Oftentimes opponents end up very close to us and we
need to train our body and mind to stay calm and
continue moving.
Drill 1: The 1-Step: Your partner can do one slow-
motion movement, after which you can do one slow-
motion movement, not more. Continue until one is in
such a disadvantageous position that she or he cannot
continue. The golden movement is the one which
improves your position and weakens your partner’s
position all at the same time.
120

121. Cont…..
Drill 2: Allow a partner to constantly, but slowly
grapple you from any angle, and your goal is to disrupt
her or his structure with slow, but deep pushes with your
fists towards the center mass or spine. Become
comfortable disrupting the partner’s structure, when you
are under pressure and turn the close quarters into an
optimal distance for you. Work standing, sitting,
kneeing, lying down, walking, running.
121

122. Cont…..
6. Short and long sticks:
Getting hit over the head with a stick is one of the
less comfortable experiences, it can even end deadly.
Training to stay out of range and to work in range of
such force multipliers requires patience and
awareness.
7. Flinch response and distance management:
• When you are surprised there may be a tendency to
stay in place and freeze with tension. You may move
one body part out of the way, but then freeze and be
immobile.
122

123. Cont…..
• In order to develop a more mobile response to sudden
threat and danger do the following drill: Phase 1:
Close your eyes and have a partner pick up a training
knife from the ground and immediately cut you. Once
the partner has picked up the knife, she or her stabs or
cuts while simultaneously saying “go”! Your may
then open your eyes and allow your natural flinch to
adapt in such a way that you immediately move your
whole body out of the way while also protecting your
core, neck, throat and temples with your arms.
123

124. Cont…..
• The attacking partner strikes into one of three flinch
zones: A) head and upper body area B) abdominal
and groin area C) upper thigh and knee area. Play for
15 Minutes and switch roles frequently. Phase 2: Your
partner follows up with multiple stabs and cuts and
you parry them. Phase 3: Your partner follows up
with multiple cuts and stabs and you try to trap the
knife arm as quickly as possible. Be creative: You can
catch with both hands or arms, trap against your own
body, against the attacking partner’s body, against a
wall, or a car or the ground, etc.
124

125. Cont…..
8. Proprietary sense and distance management:
Self defense oftentimes includes situations, in which
a bullying attacker comes close and tests out or
prepares for a sucker attack.
Have a partner bully you close up by threatening you,
cursing at you, showing bad intention, getting close,
touching you in unpleasant ways. Your task is to
remain very calm and raise your hands in a non-
threatening way. Feel the aggressive partners energy,
talk to her or him, allow your proprietary senses,
which orientate your system in time and space to
catch up on any threatening signs.
125

126. Cont…..
From the non-threatening, calm, communicative and
deescalating stance you can always attack
preemptively, or cover-flinch and protect yourself.
The proprietary senses and the startle reflex are much
quicker than your eyes. If you study and get to know
them under psychological pressure, you will be able
to trust them and to work from a peaceful, but ready
stance.
126

127. Cont…..
4.1.6. Covers and Parries versus Blocks
A. Covering
• Covering is the last line of defense to avoid an
incoming strike and consists of putting arms and
forearms up and in front of the area on the body that
is being block
• In terms of “cover,” there are two major types:
concealing cover and protective covered.
• concealing cover is anything that prevents you from
being detected by your antagonist, or at least
decreases the ease at which an attacker can see you.
127

128. Cont…..
• Fact is, if an attacker can’t see you, it’s much more
difficult for him to attack you. In essence, concealing
cover means making yourself invisible or reducing
the size of your target--or what is exposed to danger.
Concealing cover ideally allows you to move from
one location to another undetected. (A long wall is the
best example.)
• Protective cover is anything that can protect you from
being struck by a bullet--or whatever weapon the
threat has in possession. But because protective cover
is not all made the same, and because guns vary
widely in their ability to penetrate objects, defining
what is protective cover is tricky.
128

129. Cont…..
B. Parries
• Parries involve redirecting or deflecting an
opponent’s attack away from the intended target.
Unlike blocks, which aim to absorb the force of an
attack, parries focus on using minimal force to
redirect the incoming strike.
• By manipulating the opponent’s energy and
momentum, parries enable the defender to create
openings for counterattacks. This section will explore
parrying techniques such as deflections, slaps, and
circular parries, along with their applications in
different Kung Fu styles.
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C. Block
What are Blocks ?
• Blocks refer to defensive techniques used to stop or
hinder incoming strikes from an opponent.
• A block is typically executed by using various parts of
the body, such as the arms, legs, or torso, to intercept an
attack.
• The primary goal of blocking is to protect oneself from
direct impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
• This section will explore different types of blocks
commonly used in Kung Fu, including low blocks, high
blocks, and centerline blocks. Techniques such as bone
blocks, muscle blocks, and joint locks will also be
discussed.
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Differences Between Blocks and Parries
• In the context of combat or martial arts, both blocks and parries are
defensive techniques used to deflect or neutralize incoming attacks.
While they serve similar purposes, there are some differences
between blocks and parries. Here’s a breakdown of their
characteristics:
Block:
• Definition: A block involves using a part of your body or an object to
intercept or stop an incoming attack.
• Technique: Blocks are typically executed by placing a barrier (such
as a forearm, leg, or shield) between yourself and the incoming
attack.
• Purpose: Blocks are primarily used to absorb or redirect the force of
the incoming attack, preventing it from directly hitting the target.
• Force absorption: Blocks tend to absorb the force of the attack,
dispersing it through the blocking object or body part.
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• Energy expenditure: Blocking often requires a
significant amount of strength and stability to
withstand the impact of the attack.
• Opportunities for counterattacks: Depending on the
style or martial art, blocks may be followed by
immediate counterattacks or used as a setup for
subsequent offensive
Parries
• Definition: A parry involves using a controlled
movement or action to redirect an incoming attack
away from its intended target.
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• Technique: Parries typically involve deflecting the
attacking weapon or limb using precise timing,
positioning, and minimal movements.
• Purpose: Parries aim to redirect the opponent’s attack
to create openings for counterattacks while
minimizing the use of force.
• Force redirection: Parries focus on redirecting the
force of the attack away from the target rather than
absorbing it.
• Energy expenditure: Parries often require less
physical strength than blocks, as they rely more on
timing, agility, and skillful maneuvering.
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• Opportunities for counterattacks: Parries are often
followed by immediate counterattacks, as they create
openings or vulnerabilities in the opponent’s defense.
Techniques for Effective Blocking
• Executing blocks with precision and efficiency
requires proper technique and training. This section
will provide detailed instructions on essential
blocking techniques, including footwork, hand
positioning, and body alignment. It will also discuss
the importance of timing and anticipation in
successful blocking and provide tips to enhance one’s
blocking skills in Kung Fu training.
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Techniques for Skillful Parrying
• Parrying demands agility, sensitivity, and the ability
to read an opponent’s movements. This explore
various parrying techniques, such as sticking hands,
deflection with redirection, and using minimal contact
to redirect an attack. Additionally, it will cover the
importance of maintaining relaxed muscles, balance,
and fluidity while executing parrying techniques.
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Types of block
High Block
• This block is also known as a rising block.
• With a high block, martial arts students bring the
outside of their forearm above their head. This block
is used to protect against high attacks (i.e. axe kick to
the head, a person swinging a club, etc.).
Instructions:
• Traditionally, the high block is over the head and
should just barely be in view when straining the eyes
up at the block.
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• It should never be at the forehead because that leaves
the top of the head open.
• Arm should be turned and oriented so that the palm is
facing up, this allows the user to block with the
brachio-radialis and the flexors as these make up the
meaty part of the bottom of the arm. The ulna is the
main bone that supports this block.
• During this block the ulna and radius should not be
lying horizontally but that the elbow should be lower
than that of the wrist. This way (like the roof of a
house) the force of the blow has some where to be
redirected towards the outside of the body.
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• Some school emphasize angling the wrist so that
metacarpals are pointing upward, this enables the
wrist to be able to act as a hook so that the block can
tactically turn into a grab and counter.
• Tactically, the high block can go straight out more
like a punch with the palm down, striking the
attackers strike and can follow right into a punch.
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Inside Block
• This block is also known as an inwards block or an
outside to inside block. However, be aware that
some martial arts styles (i.e. Shotokan Karate) call
this an outside block (because it is going from out to
in).
• With an inside block, martial arts students bring their
forearm “inside” across their faces or body (from the
outside to inside) in order to block an opponent’s
attack.
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Knife Hand Block
• With a knife hand block, martial arts students use the
outside of an open hand in order to block an
opponent’s attack (versus a closed fist used in many
other blocks).
• This technique allows them to use their open hand to
block and then grasp an opponent or counter attack
with a knife hand strike. The disadvantage of knife
hand techniques is the greater likelihood of damage to
a martial artist’s fingers on the open knife hand
(versus a closed fist with fingers curled & protected).
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Low Block
• This block is also known as a downwards or down
block.
• With a low block, martial arts students bring their arm
down to block an opponent’s kick or to block a hand
grab by an opponent. If swung hard enough, the block
can also act as a strike against the opponent’s
attacking leg or arm.
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Outside Block
• This block is also known as an in-to-out block.
However, be aware that some martial arts styles (i.e.
Shotokan Karate) call this technique an inside block
(because the block starts from the inside before
going outwards).
• With an outside block, martial arts students moves
their arm away (from the inside to outside) from
their head or body in order to block an opponent’s
high kick or punch.
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Palm Block
• With a palm block, martial arts students use the palm
of an open fist in order to block an opponent’s attack.
This technique also allows them to use their open
hand to block and then grasp an opponent.
• This technique is used by many martial arts
styles such as Karate, Taekwondo and Kung Fu.
• The main drawback with this technique (versus a
closed fist block) is that is easy to injure your fingers
if done incorrectly (i.e. your fingers can bend
backwards if the block is positioned poorly against a
strong kick or punch).
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Shin Block leg block
• This blocking technique is most commonly known as
a Muay Thai shin block.
• In this technique, a martial artist will use his/her shin
to block an opponent’s kick (i.e. roundhouse kick).
• The shin block is often combined with a head-level
arm block (so the martial artist’s head, body and legs
are protected at the same time from an opponent’s
kick).
• Many martial artists work on conditioning their shins
because this blocking technique can be painful
(especially for beginners).
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• The shin bone (Tibia) can be more sensitive to
kicks/strikes because there is not much muscle or fat
covering this bone (thus there is less padding to
absorb any blows).
• When practicing Muay Thai shin blocks and shin
kicks, martial artists tend to wear padded shin guards.
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Stop Kick (Foot Block).
• This technique is also called a “Foot Block” by some
martial arts styles.
• This kick is often used to block or impede an
opponent’s kick or knee strike. With this technique, a
martial artist will use the bottom of their foot to
“stop” the opponent by blocking the forward
momentum of the opponent’s foot, knee or thigh.
• This kick is used by many different martial arts
styles. However, it is most associated with Chinese
martial arts such as Wing Chun.
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• Martial arts kicks and all other martial arts techniques
should only be practiced under the supervision of a
trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent
injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized.
In addition, all martial arts techniques and training
should be used safely and responsibly.
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X Block
• This blocking technique is also known sometimes as
a cross block. In this technique, a Karate student will
cross his/her hands to form an “X” in order to block a
high attack (i.e. club attack) or a low attack (i.e. foot
or knee to groin).
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