© Copyright 2010 by Bradley J. Steiner ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The Most Effective Blows In Unarmed Combat (A text and reference for students of American American Combato Combato (Jen•Do• (Jen•Do•Tao) Tao) and and for students and teachers of other modern combative disciplines)
by Prof. Bradley J. Steiner
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The Most Effective Blows In Unarmed Combat (As Taught In The American Combato [Jen•Do•Tao]™ All-In Close Combat And Self-Defense System)
INTRODUCTION
Unarmed combat is a method of fighting and personal protection that is called upon when the employment of weapons is either not possible, or when the use of weapons is not advisable. The unique characteristic of unarmed combat is that, unlike the use of weaponry, its effectiveness depends completely upon the motor skills, mindset, and physical capabilities of the individual. It is the user’s body and mind that accounts for the successful or unsuccessful employment of unarmed combat techniques. There is nothing per se formidable about the techniques, themselves, unless backed by a forceful application of speed, strength, accuracy, and will. Thus, whereas a knife, gun, or stick may be depended upon to compensate for the user’s size, strength, personal agility, speed of movement, and other psychophysical factors, unarmed combat skills depend solely upon those factors being present in the user of the techniques, for the techniques’ formidability when used by the combatant.
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The Most Effective Blows In Unarmed Combat (As Taught In The American Combato [Jen•Do•Tao]™ All-In Close Combat And Self-Defense System)
INTRODUCTION
Unarmed combat is a method of fighting and personal protection that is called upon when the employment of weapons is either not possible, or when the use of weapons is not advisable. The unique characteristic of unarmed combat is that, unlike the use of weaponry, its effectiveness depends completely upon the motor skills, mindset, and physical capabilities of the individual. It is the user’s body and mind that accounts for the successful or unsuccessful employment of unarmed combat techniques. There is nothing per se formidable about the techniques, themselves, unless backed by a forceful application of speed, strength, accuracy, and will. Thus, whereas a knife, gun, or stick may be depended upon to compensate for the user’s size, strength, personal agility, speed of movement, and other psychophysical factors, unarmed combat skills depend solely upon those factors being present in the user of the techniques, for the techniques’ formidability when used by the combatant.
-2A physically under par man will certainly be able to use good unarmed combat techniques if he has learned them well, and if he is possessed of the proper mindset, but a physically powerful and well-conditioned man will always be able to employ those same techniques with greater effectiveness. This is not always true when weapons come into play. It matters not whether the trigger of a pistol is pulled by a person who is confined to a wheelchair, or by an Olympic athlete. Providing the bullet finds its mark, the prowess or lack thereof of the one who fired the weapon will be irrelevant to the outcome. We say this to make one point clear at the outset: While this presentation describes what are undoubtedly the most practical and efficient blows of unarmed close combat known to the author after a lifetime of study, training, and research into nearly every form of the world’s martial methods and arts, there is nothing about this material that promises magical or superhuman possibilities. Excellent and war-proven as the blows that we shall herein describe are, they rely upon the user taking the time to learn and to practice them assiduously, if they are to be reliable in a real crisis. And they are, make no mistake about it, bolstered and enhanced by every step forward the individual takes in becoming fitter, stronger, faster, more agile, and more intently possessed of the attack-minded, combative mental state. We hope that the reader takes these words to heart, because the last thing that we wish to do is encourage any false beliefs about what unarmed combat can and cannot do, and what he himself can and cannot do, with the instruction and information in this treatment. Any individual who truly masters at least half a dozen of the sixteen blows enumerated in these pages, and who maintains a reasonable level of fitness and a proper mindset will be formidable, indeed. However, “mastering” is not the same thing as “reading about”, or “remembering”. Mastering implies, implies, as we mean the term, making the technique a reflexive, natural part of one’s personal reactive mechanism. It means developing a motor-memorized body employment procedure that is required in order to employ the technique with all available speed, power, and accuracy — and with the tactical components of surprise, aggression, and ferocious, ruthless brutality — under combat conditions, to DESTROY the the enemy. If what we have said sounds unpleasant, then so be it. We are speaking of combat
-3and we are advocating combat skills for emergency self-defense. Such situations as might arise to necessitate the use of such skills in such context are always most unpleasant. We are not speaking about sport . The blows that we have painstakingly culled over the years years have been selected because they are dangerous. They are effective in enabling their user to speedily deal with a determined adversary in real combat. Sane people do all that it is in their power to do to avoid rather than to participate in such occurrences. The rational person fights when he must , not when he can. can. The blows that you are about to learn are for employment exclusively in situations and circumstances where you have no choice but to take aggressive physical action to save innocent life and limb. They are not to be played with. Nor are they to be brought into play in circumstances where simple disengagement and avoidance is possible. We urge only the lawful and moral use of physical force. Readers who have had experience in any of the karate type karate type Asian martial arts, in the atemiwaza branch atemiwaza branch of ju-jutsu of ju-jutsu,, and in either conventional Western boxing , or in the sport of kickboxing may may have developed some of the attributes required for the employment of the blows that we advocate. There is a similarity between many of the unarmed combat blows, and blows that the reader may have been exposed to during his training and practice of one of the fighting forms mentioned. Readers who have had prior experience in some of the older methods methods of military close combat that that were once taught in the U.S. or British armed forces will have a certain advantage in learning the material in this publication. Sources
The blows described in this monograph are, as we have said, the result of a not inconsiderable amount of researching, studying, training, learning, and experimenting. They owe their origins (but not necessarily the manner in which we now advocate their use) to the following sources: • Taekwon-do • Kenpo-karate • Ju-jutsu
-4• The Fairbairn, Applegate, O’Neill and other “commando” type systems of WWII • Rough-and-tumble “street” and “alley” fighting • Western boxing • Chinese ch’uan fa • A degree of innovation on this writer’s part
There is no “required” prerequisite training or experience for the individual who wishes to learn these blows. He only needs to pay close attention to the description, and then work hard at practicing the techniques .
Why Blows For Close Combat?
We have never met an accomplished catch-as-catch can wrestler, or an experienced competitive judo man who could not defend himself quite well against most unarmed individuals. Providing the attacker comes at the defender without assistance from one or more other punks, does not possess a weapon, and attacks in such a manner that the defender has some moments to see it coming and ready himself, and so long as the terrain in which the onslaught occurs is not unfavorable to grappling, and the attacker is not fast and accurate with the delivery of hand and foot blows, wrestling and judo are very effective in countering the opponent. Those who have trained in ju-jutsu have something of an edge over wrestlers and judo men for personal defense, even though their art teaches a lot of holding and throwing. Ju-jutsu also emphasizes atemiwaza (“body smashing techniques” — or blows), and providing the ju-jutsu user is highly proficient in the application of the strikes and kicks of atemi, he will often fare well in a real world emergency. But the best all round approach to combat preparation is arduous training predominantly in the delivery of BLOWS . And here we must add, “Not necessarily the blows that one emphasizes when training in a classical/traditional
-5karate forms.” The reason why may be seen by visiting most schools where the various arts of karate (ie kenpo-karate, taekwon-do, ch’uan fa, Okinawa-te, Japanese karate, etc.) are actually taught. Their weaknesses (for combat) relate to the following — — Placing way too much emphasis upon the employment of clenched fist punching — Placing too much emphasis upon high and fancy kicking — Literally conditioning the students to “square off and to spar” when using these blows — Suggesting and encouraging the goal of training as being, a “one punch stop” capability, which in the real world of hand-to-hand combat is nearly impossible to achieve — Often focusing upon classical/traditional delivery systems for excellent blows (such as the handaxe chop, the heel-of-the-hand strike, front and side kicks, fingertips thrusts and jabs, and even basic punching , etc.) — Encouraging a ridiculous amount of “awe” in students, regarding the possibilities of the unarmed blows that are taught — suggesting superhuman possibilities for them when employed against adversaries in combat — Failing to adopt better principles of offense-based methodology (such as Jack Dempsey’s “falling step”) for a more combatively adaptable employment of the blows (especially hand, finger, arm, and elbow blows — but to a degree, head butts, knee attacks, and kicks, too) — The infusion of mystical nonsense and pointlessly absurd “exotica” in the training atmosphere, which leaves the gullible with the impression that, somehow, the techniques acquire their effectiveness from the incorporation of this foolishness into their application
— Failing to stress without reservation the absolutely essential use of effective blows as preemptive weapons, with which the combatant attacks first
-6and keeps on attacking , whenever danger is perceived to be imminent and unavoidable. (Who has not heard: “In karate one never makes the first move” and/or “Karate begins and ends with blocking” ? These admonishments are true enough [and, we’ll even grant, “noble” enough, if you are into art and fantasy more than you are into real world survival]; but this will not do for real close combat when life or death may be the outcome and the result of that which one elects to employ against his foe). So, love whatever style or version of classical/traditional karate you wish; but do not turn to its teachings, per se, for real world close combat and self-defense training! The BLOWS of Unarmed Combat are superior to other forms of combatives because . . . 1. BLOWS ARE THE SPEEDIEST COMBAT TECHNIQUES THAT CAN BE GENERATED BY THE HUMAN BODY. It takes a relatively long time to secure any kind of hold or grip on a person or on the clothing that he is wearing. Even the fastest grab that is executed by an expert in, say, judo or ju-jutsu, takes a fraction of a second longer than a blow requires to execute, since a grip must be a part of the action, or no “hold” occurs. 2. ANY OPPONENT, REGARDLESS OF HOW HE IS DRESSED, AND EVEN IF HE IS NOT WEARING ANY CLOTHING AT ALL, IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BEING HIT AT ALL TIMES. There is absolutely no need to concern yourself with how or even if your adversary is dressed when you rely upon blows to stop him. Just hit! Nor does clothing offer any significant degree of protection against the well-delivered blows of unarmed combat. In certain instances heavy winter wear might provide a modicum of protection against some of the force, when certain blows are generated. However, this would rarely if ever be significant enough to prevent the recipient from be affected seriously by the blow’s impact. 3. BLOWS CAN BE EFFECTIVELY GENERATED FROM SITTING, STANDING, OR EVEN LYING POSITIONS, AND TO ALL DIRECTIONS. THEIR VERSATILITY IN ACTION MAKES THEM INDISPENSABLE FOR SELF-PROTECTION SINCE YOU MIGHT
-7NEED TO DEFEND YOURSELF WHEN IN ANY POSITION. The use of holds and throws almost without exception require that the one employing them assume or maneuver into a very definite position relative to the opponent against whom he is employing the action. Blows of the variety that we describe and teach do not have such limitations. With training and practice they can be snapped, driven, slammed, thrust, or whipped into whatever vulnerable target area one perceives to be open at the moment. 4. BLOWS IMMEDIATELY AFFECT THE RECIPIENT — INTERFERING AS THEY LAND WITH HIS OWN FOCUS ON THAT WHICH HE HIMSELF IS DOING. HOLDS AND GRIPS (LEADING EITHER TO CONTROL/SUBMISSION ACTIONS OR TO THROWS) ACTUALLY ALERT THE OPPONENT WHEN EXECUTED. In a hand-to-hand engagement, unlike a contest in which the “adversary” is obligated to abide by the rules of the game, the likely instant reaction of a determined and dangerous foe will be a fast punch or kick the very second he feels you grab him. If, on the other hand, you hit him, you are not in the same kind of vulnerable position that grabbing him would have left you, and it is highly probable that your blow will disorient him . Followup with more blows becomes easy and a surefire way to end the encounter. 5. EXPLOSIVE STRIKING AND KICKING MAY BE LAUNCHED WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST HINT OF A WARNING FROM THE KIND OF NONCHALANT “RELAXED-READY STANCE” THAT WE ADVOCATE (OR FROM A SIMILAR NON-TELEGRAPHING POSITION, AS TAUGHT PERHAPS IN ANOTHER SYSTEM). Since action is always faster than reaction, a surprise blow will land . Whether or not a hold or throw works is always doubtful . . . especially in real combat. 6. WHILE THERE ARE CERTAINLY SOME HOLDS (NOTABLY STRANGLEHOLDS AND CHOKES) THAT CAN DECISIVELY BRING EVEN A POWERFUL AND DETERMINED ADVERSARY QUICKLY UNDER CONTROL AND RENDER HIM HELPLESS, THESE ACTIONS TAKE SKILL, TIME, AND A LOT OF TECHNICAL MASTERY . THE BLOWS OF UNARMED COMBAT CAN DROP THE STRONGEST MAN OR STUN HIM AT ONCE SO THAT FOLLOWUP BECOMES EASY. AND THEY’RE SIMPLE .
-8In any emergency you want to get your enemy worried about you and about your attack against him as soon as possible. Swiftly driving your fingers into his eyes, stomping his knee, chopping him across the neck, etc. will almost invariably bring his full force onslaught to an abrupt HALT. Closing with him (or attempting to do so) with the aim of grappling with him, only gives your enemy an opportunity to employ blows against YOU. The quicker you simply strike at the aggressor — hit him somewhere and hurt him — the sooner you will have him set up for whatever finishing blows make the most sense at the time. It is almost axiomatic that whenever you are in a position to use a throw or commence a hold, you can much more easily HIT HIM . Blows are the simplest actions you can take. The skills of hitting are easier and more natural to learn and to retain than are the skills of grappling. 7. ELDERLY PERSONS, PHYSICALLY UNDER PAR PERSONS, WOMEN, AND THOSE WITH ONLY MARGINAL INTEREST IN TRAINING CAN BE MORE RELIABLY TAUGHT TO EMPLOY BLOWS IN DEFENSE OF THEMSELVES, THAN THEY CAN BE TRAINED IN ANY KIND OF GRAPPLING. We whose lives revolve around training in and teaching the arts of combat might do well to consider, every now and again, that those who come to us for our services in learning how to protect themselves, normally do not share even a significant degree of our interest in the subject. They want a relatively brief program of training (“How long is the course?” continues to be a popular question that we are asked by most prospective students). During WWII, by a carefully planned system worked out by the celebrated W.E. Fairbairn, complete beginners were trained within a period of HOURS to use primarily a few simple blows of the hands and other natural weapons, and to fight against even trained adversaries — and win! They then put that basic, short-term training into use by giving it the acid test: WAR . Those with more time to learn should certainly avail themselves of more than that which was, of necessity, crammed into brief wartime programs and hurriedly taught. However, the wartime programs stressed BLOWS, and grappling was specifically eschewed for the purpose of hand-to-hand combat. What’s more, those wartime experts who discarded grappling were among the then world’s most highly regarded exponents of grappling arts! Fairbairn, O’Neill, and Biddle were ju-jutsu/judo men. Brown and Begala were wrestlers . . . etc. But they knew — as you ought to! — that when a person needs the real deal in a hurry, he needs
-9techniques of hitting, not of grappling. 8. THE TYPE OF TERRAIN IN WHICH BLOWS MAY BE EMPLOYED IS LIMITLESS. GRAPPLING IN CRAMPED AREAS (IE OFFICES, HALLWAYS, ELEVATORS, RESTAURANTS, PARKING GARAGES, INSIDE APARTMENTS OR HOMES, ETC., AND/OR ON IRREGULAR, DEBRIS-STREWN GROUND, OR STAIRWAYS, ETC.) IS JUST AS DANGEROUS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL WHO USES GRAPPLING AS IT IS FOR ONE AGAINST WHOM IT IS BEING EMPLOYED. Violence can erupt anywhere. Training in skills that demand a safe, cleared area, a mat on the ground, and the absence of nearby impediments such as mailboxes, store windows, parked vehicles, fire hydrants, etc. in order to be fully employed without restraint or reservation are perhaps formidable under ideal conditions. However, combat does not always offer “ideal” conditions. And, for example, if you are attacked while in a public telephone booth you may well find a good deal of the holds, grips, and throws that appear to be so spectacular, uncomfortably useless. 9. WEAPONS ARE INTEGRAL TO HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT. WHEN YOU MUST OPPOSE A MAN WHO IS ARMED, SAY, WITH A KNIFE, YOU WILL NEED BLOWS , PRIMARILY, IN ORDER TO DEFEND YOURSELF. GRAPPLING WITH SUCH AN ATTACKER AS A BASIC STRATEGY WOULD BE SUICIDAL. ALSO, SHOULD YOU YOURSELF BE ARMED, BLOWS PROVIDE THE IDEAL ANCILLARY ACTIONS WITH WHICH TO EMPLOY YOUR HANDHELD WEAPON IN CLOSE COMBAT. Counterweapon skills — the ones that work — often involve some element of seizing and retaining a grip of some kind on the enemy. However , that “holding” is not elaborate “grappling”, nor is it ever the primary action to be undertaken against whatever weapon is being employed. Rather, such grabs or holds as may be appropriately taught when opposing a weapon-bearing adversary are entirely for the purpose of remaining in close, balanced, and able to repeatedly smash the attacker with more and more blows. It is blows — relentless striking to his vital target areas — that enable a man to stop an armed enemy, in those fortunate instances when he is skilled enough to do so (and where his enemy is unskilled enough to permit him the opportunity to do so!). Remember that many of the socalled “disarming” skills that are taught in the classical/traditional systems were
-10worked out by people who never handled firearms, and who likely never had any training in either functional commando-type military knife, stick , tomahawk , or other weaponry arts. We have seen, for instance, demonstrations of ju-jutsu where meticulously orchestrated actions of catching the knife thruster’s wrist as he stabs (!!!) are followed by employing fancy throwing movements, followed up by restraining actions on the ground. COME ON! Anyone who entertains the notion of being able to do this sort of thing against an honest-to-goodness assailant who comes at him with a knife in his hand and murder in his heart has a lot to learn about weapons, and about dangerous men who use them! If you are in possession of a weapon, it is not at all unlikely that you will need to employ some unarmed actions in conjunction with your weapon, during the battle. Blows will be your essential forte in these instances; and we would hope that by now the reason is becoming quite obvious why this is so. 10. THE SIMPLE, DESTRUCTIVE, PRACTICAL BLOWS OF SERIOUS UNARMED COMBAT ARE READILY RETAINABLE, ONCE LEARNED. AND ALTHOUGH BEING IN GOOD PHYSICAL SHAPE GREATLY ENHANCES AND ASSISTS WHEN THESE BLOWS ARE UTILIZED AGAINST AN OPPONENT, PROVIDING ONE HAS LEARNED THESE BLOWS WELL HE OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO EMPLOY MOST IF NOT ALL OF THEM AT ANY TIME — EVEN IF HE HAS BEEN OUT OF TRAINING AND EVEN IF HE IS IN RELATIVELY POOR SHAPE. For every individual who begins training in combat skills (“martial arts”) and who stays with his training for a year, there are thousands of dilettantes who drop out of their training after less than two months. And, of ALL OF THOSE who train in the martial arts at all , the number who continue their training as a part of their lives is so small as to be insignificant. Maybe it’s one in a million. We suspect it’s less than that. A person who has learned how to execute just a few basic blows stands a pretty good chance of being able to do them at any time in the future — even if he no longer practices those blows — in an emergency. Naturally the speed and power of those blows will be somewhat if not greatly diminished. However, the blows of unarmed combat (remember, we are not talking about competition type blows) are very dangerous and damaging . . . and even application of them at reduced efficiency may prove adequate in an emergency. When you allow for the inevitable desperation, adrenaline, increased blood pressure, intensity of mental focus in a crisis, etc., it is not difficult to see that some simple blows learned long
-11ago might well save the life of the man who learned them! We in fact have knowledge of instances where this has occurred. 11. BECOMING EXPERT IN THE BASIC BLOWS ALLOWS A MAN TO DEFEND HIMSELF IF ONE HAND AND ARM OR ONE LEG IS RENDERED USELESS OR ENCUMBERED. YOU CANNOT GRAPPLE AND APPLY HOLDS, THROWS, AND OTHER WRESTLING OR JU-JUTSU TYPE ACTIONS WITHOUT THE USE OF BOTH HANDS AND ARMS! This is a rarely-if-ever considered fact, yet for actual combat — obviously — it is of vital importance.
We have taken this time to enumerate why blows are superior to other methods of hand-to-hand action because we want you to have confidence in that which you are about to begin studying, and because it is necessary to dispel the myths and misconceptions about what does and what doesn’t work in real combat — and why. There are no “secrets” or “mysteries” in the art of close combat and self-defense. Nor are there any supermen or ways of developing supermen. There are no guarantees. There is no art, system, method, or teacher who can provide you or anyone with “unbeatable” or “invincible” capabilities. However, as actual warfare and other venues of close combat have demonstrated time and again, if you will make yourself expert in the simple, basic, intentionally dangerous hand, arm, knee, and foot blows of real world unarmed combat, you will be as likely to prevail in a deadly engagement as anyone can hope to be. And that’s a lot.
The Most Effective Blows In Unarmed
Combat
-121. THE CHINJAB SMASH
This great blow is the brainchild of William Ewart Fairbairn. Long before Fairbairn, the classical/traditional arts of Asia espoused the heel-of-the-hand blow in various forms, to be sure. However, it was Fairbairn, to the best of our knowledge, who pioneered the use of the heel of the hand in the unique manner that it is employed when this blow is executed. That is: the chinjab smash is driven up and deeply underneath the enemy’s chin. The blow is not delivered straight into the target as it is taught in the various karate systems. There are two fundamental methods of execution for the chinjab smash. We advocate that the student employ Jack Dempsey’s falling step whenever possible, whenever this blow — or any other hand or arm blow, for that matter — is employed. We saw Fairbairn in an old wartime training film entitled “Gutterfighting” in which he personally demonstrated chin jabbing, singly and in sequences. We observed that Fairbairn advanced aggressively, but it is our opinion, after studying Jack Dempsey’s method (which we acquired from his book, Championship Fighting , eons ago!) that Dempsey’s method of advancing is superior to Fairbairn’s — and so we incorporate this superb boxing technique with Fairbairn’s commando blow. The two basic methods for chin jab delivery are: The Direct Strike Method Stand slightly off-angled to whomever you are facing. Never stand head on to any stranger or potential troublemaker. Your hands are relaxed, but held roughly around your sternum level. You will deliver the chinjab with your rearmost hand in this relaxed-ready position. Note: Always distance yourself from whomever you face so that you are just outside of arm’s reach. This will oblige the person you are facing to take a step toward you in order to reach you. This will be his giveaway, and the moment you perceive such aggression commencing you will attack . You do not need to worry about being “in close enough” to your enemy. It will be his attacking action combined with your forward attacking action that cause the collision effect, making the counterblow(s) you generate optimally powerful. With no warning (absolutely no “cocking” or “chambering” action!) you turn your body violently toward the enemy, driving all of your weight, and your straightline hitting rearmost arm, directly up so that your open hand connects deeply
-13underneath his jaw. Your hand is flexed back, hard , and your fingers are flexed and spread. Commit bodyweight to this full force forward-striking action. You cannot “fall” or “overcommit” because you will be — literally — crashing into your adversary’s body. All of your forward momentum will be absorbed by him. The trick is to direct your blow so that a fraction of a second prior to your forward body movement being stopped by your advancing forward foot, your chinjab “connects”. This gives the blow the full force of both your bodyweight and the momentum of your bodyweight in motion. The Upward Driving Method Same beginning position. However, in this version a pronounced forward falling step (ie with your left foot, if we assume that you are facing your man with your left side leading) is executed, allowing this foot to step in beside (not in front of) your enemy’s right foot. A fraction of a second before this step is completed your rearmost hand, with forearm parallel to your adversary’s chest , smashes solidly and deeply underneath your enemy’s chin (almost hitting his larynx with the heel of your hand). If your forearm smashes simultaneously into your adversary’s sternum, so much the better! The damage of the blow is enhanced. When employing the upward driving chinjab smash your lead arm can often assist your striking rear arm by: • Whipping around the enemy’s lower back and smashing him with the palm of your hand in his kidney area. (If your left arm is leading, and is the one used around the enemy’s back, then your left open palm smashes into his left kidney while the chinjab smash with your right hand lands ). • Seizing the enemy’s wrist, arm, elbow, sleeve, belt, or ear. ————AN IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING VARIATIONS———— ————— OF THE SIXTEEN BASIC BLOWS—————— THIS WORK DESCRIBES THE SIXTEEN BASIC BLOWS OF UNARMED COMBAT THAT ARE TAUGHT IN AMERICAN COMBATO (JEN•DO•TAO) THE BLOWS, ONCE MASTERED, WILL AUTOMATICALLY ENABLE THE CONSCIENTIOUS STUDENT TO DISCOVER — PERHAPS EVEN TO
-14CREATE — A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF VARIATIONS FOR DIVERSE SITUATIONAL APPLICATIONS, ON HIS OWN. IN FACT WE DO TEACH A RATHER SUBSTANTIAL CURRICULUM OF VARIATIONS, OVER TIME, TO OUR SERIOUS, LONG-TERM PERSONAL STUDENTS. IN THIS PRESENTATION WE ONLY MENTION BRIEFLY SOME OF THE VARIATIONS OF THE KEY BASIC BLOWS. SPACE LIMITATIONS PREVENT OUR DESCRIBING THEM IN DETAIL. ALSO, WE EMPLOY ADDITIONAL BLOWS, AND EVEN SOME VERY BASIC THROWS AND TAKEDOWNS — ALL OF WHICH ARE INCORPORATED INTO OUR CURRICULUM OF “ATTACK COMBINATIONS” AND OF “COUNTERATTACKS” (IE SELF DEFENSE TECHNIQUES).SEPARATE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOW IN PREPARATION IN WHICH OUR ATTACKS AND COUNTERATTACKS ARE DESCRIBED AND EXPLAINED.THE READER MAY REST FULLY ASSURED AND CONFIDENT THAT, SHOULD HIS PERSONAL REPERTOIRE OF “BASIC BLOWS” BE LIMITED TO THE SIXTEEN — OR EVEN TO MERELY EIGHT OF THE SIXTEEN — THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN THIS WORK, HE WILL BE A VERY FORMIDABLE COMBATANT, INDEED. ————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————————————————
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A PAGE FROM THE “MASTER TEXT” — KILL OR GET KILLED, BY ONE OF OUR GREATEST TEACHERS, THE LATE COL. REX APPLEGATE. PHOTO AT LEFT ILLUSTRATES HAND FORMATION FOR THE CHINJAB SMASH, AND PHOTO AT RIGHT SHOWS ITS APPLICATION — EMPLOYED IN COMBINATION WITH A KNEE-TO-THE-TESTICLES THAT BRINGS THE ENEMY FORWARD FOR THE CHINJAB. MANY COMBINATIONS SUCH AS THIS ONE ARE A PART OF OUR EXTENSIVE “ATTACK COMBINATION SYLLABUS. THE BASIC BLOWS ARE FOUNDATIONAL TO GOOD, EFFECTIVE ATTACKS.
-16Variations: The chinjab smash is an incredibly versatile blow. It may be employed to the solar plexus/sternum area (and if it misses or strikes only lightly, it will continue upward to smash the jaw). It may be employed against the temple, jaw hinge, eyeball, back of the skull, into the liver or spleen. It may also be employed using both hands simultaneously (either to the eyes or to the undersides of the jaw), or in alternating blows (leading with the rearmost hand). In this latter variation, the lead hand can delivers its strike to either the side of the enemy’s face or in a kind of hooking blow, to the temple or jaw hinge — almost certain to cause a knockout. Chinjabbing may also be done to good effect repeatedly, using the same hand to strike three, four, or even more blows in rapid, piston-like succession. This is excellent when an opponent is backed against a wall. Once the chinjab blow connects, a beautifully effective hand claw, gouging the eyes, may be executed simply by raising the elbow of the chinjabbing arm. Leave the hand in contact with the enemy’s face. The fingers will slide naturally forward to effect a powerful claw action against the eyes and face of the adversary. This action will also cause the adversary’s head to snap backward, and a very dangerous throw to the rear can then be employed, driving his skull directly into the ground. This throw is greatly facilitated by whipping the lead arm around the enemy’s back while applying the chinjab . This action has been previously described. If, when the chinjab blow lands, it drives the attacker’s head backward and the hand continues up, past his head, you can followup by continuing a wide overhand and backward circle with the striking arm, culminating with a fingertips jab to the testicles, or with a punch or an elbow smash to the solar plexus with the momentum of the striking arm. Also, if the chinjab smashes upward past the enemy’s head, the heel of the hand may then be brought abruptly downward, striking the enemy’s chin, skull, or collar bone. 2. THE STRAIGHT HEELPALM BLOW
This blow approximates the straight heelpalm blow as developed and taught in the classical/traditional karate arts. About the only real difference here is that we emphasize more of an advancing body action (vis a vis the falling step) and we employ the blow as Fairbairn taught it, against the sternum target, as well as
-17against the facial and head area targets. (This blow, delivered to the sternum, is referred to as the “rock crusher” in Fairbairn’s original outline of his wartime “Silent Killing” Course). You can deliver the straight heelpalm from whatever position you are in at the time you perceive danger and see an opening for the blow. However, always assume the relaxed-ready stance (off-angled to the person you are facing, hands relaxed at sternum level, eyes on the fellow in front of you, distanced outside arm’s reach, feet about shoulder width apart) whenever you are aware of an approach. Use the rearmost hand in the ready stance when you have the option. This provides a greater opportunity to turn the body’s central axis, and to employ a powerful falling step that results in optimum impact. Execute the straight heelpalm by bending the hand as far back as possible and keep the fingers together (unlike when you employ the chinjab smash). Thrust your heelpalm in as precisely a straight line to the target as you can; obviously with no telegraphing. Contact point is the base of your hand’s heel. Never hit with the palm. Targets for this blow include: eyes, nose, jaw, jaw hinge, temple, sternum/solar plexus area. Although this blow offer four inches less reach than the clenched fist, it is under most conditions a far superior weapon. Besides, “reach” is a questionable advantage, since we can assume that the attacker will be attacking — and that most often means moving in toward you. The “collision effect” then, of your blow hitting with your bodyweight “falling into” your opponent, as he moves in against you, can be extremely formidable. Variations: This is one of the simplest blows in unarmed combat. We are completely convinced that regular practice of this particular method of striking a man with the heelpalm is indispensable for combat training. • Although we always prefer to employ this blow (like the chinjab) with the rearmost hand in an off-angled relaxed-ready position, it is quite possible to deliver a snappy, powerful lead hand straight heelpalm. Experiment. • Rapid-fire alternate blows — smashing first with the rearmost and then with the foremost hand — is an excellent way to use the straight heelpalm (as it is with the chinjab).
-183. THE HANDAXE CHOP
During WWII the “edge-of-the-hand blow” was introduced to our G.I.’s by such masters as Fairbairn and Sykes, Applegate, Brown and Begala, Hipkiss, O’Neill, Biddle, etc. It was recognized then, as it should be recognized today — as the premier hand blow in unarmed close combat. Opinions differ regarding the best hand formation for this blow. Fairbairn, Sykes, and Applegate taught the fingers-extended stiffly and thumb upright position. Brown and Begala simply advocated extending the hand and hitting with the little finger edge. So did O’Neill. Although it has been suggested that the stiffened hand position was favored (as opposed to the karate type “clawed” or “flexed” fingers with thumb pressed into the meaty web of the hand position, now commonly taught in the “martial arts”) because a simple open hand with thumb extended is more natural , that is not the reason. We know, because we knew Rex Applegate, frequently discussed all matters pertaining to how and why he and Fairbairn taught as they did, and we learned a great deal about what the wartime teachers didn’t know. Specifically, they “didn’t know” karate. Their backgrounds were in judo/ju-jutsu, wrestling , and Western boxing — primarily. Such exposure as men like Fairbairn (Chinese ch’uan fa) and O’Neill (Japanese Wado-ryu karate, and Chinese cheena adi) etc. had to the striking arts, was superficial. They did possess knowledge of ju-jutsu’s atemiwaza, however; and in the early atemiwaza it was the formation of the hand as was passed on to the G.I.’s in WWII that was utilized . Rex Applegate once told us, after we went into some detail about how and why we teach a more karate like hand formation, that their method was simpler . Quite so. It was. But that is not why they taught it that way! They taught it that way because it was the way that they had been taught to do it, themselves. They really had not been exposed to protracted training in the percussionary Asian systems. Forming the open hand karate style hardly takes any great deal of time and practice to acquire, and it is as natural and fast as the straight fingers, thumb up position. It may be too complex to employ when teaching someone a short-term six to ten hour course. However, anyone enrolled in any formal school for training lasting three or more months can easily accustom himself to the karate
-19hand formation. Always remember: FORM THE HANDAXE (OR ANY OTHER WEAPON) IN FLIGHT. NEVER, EVER PERMIT ANYONE TO SEE YOU ACTUALLY FORM A NATURAL WEAPON BEFORE USING IT! For the information of those who are not our personal students we will point out that we favor a handaxe blow in which the hard bone at the base of the heel is the contact point. In classical/traditional karate there is a blow called the “ox-jaw hand strike” that utilizes this hand formation, and emphasizes a downward blow when the hand is thus formed. We feel that there is merit in each version of hand formation, and we are not doctrinaire regarding the matter. We advocate that the hand be formed in a partially “clawed” finger position, flexing the hand back, and striking with the balpeen hammer like bone at the base of the heel; but we do not insist upon that as being the “only way”.
-20-
THE MOST POPULAR OF THE “WWII” METHODS OF DELIVERY OF WHAT WAS REFERRED TO THEN AS THE “EDGE-OF-THE-HAND BLOW” . HERE IS A PAGE FROM THE 1943 EDITION OF APPLEGATE’S CLASSIC WORK. THIS IS IDENTICAL TO THE STYLE OF DELIVERY TAUGHT BY FAIRBAIRN. WHILE WE HAVE ENHANCED THE DESTRUCTIVENESS OF THIS BLOW SOMEWHAT TODAY, BY INCORPORATING HOW THE KARATE SYSTEMS TEACH IT, AND BY STRESSING A SLIGHTLY MORE PENETRATIVE PORTION OF THE HAND FOR IMPACT, THIS BLOW IS ESSENTIALLY THE SAME ONE THAT IS UNIVERSAL TO ALL PRACTICAL CLOSE COMBAT SYSTEMS. WE ALSO FULLY EXPLOIT THE DELIVERY OF THIS STRIKE WHEN EMPLOYED IN A
-21VERTICAL FASHION, AS WELL AS IN THE LATERAL VERSION THAT WAS STANDARD IN WWII.
For the reader who is not taking personal instruction from us, or from another competent teacher, the simplest thing is probably to pick up a copy of Get Tough! or Kill or Get Killed , and form the handaxe as described therein. Former or present students of one of the karate type arts can suit himself. Deliver the handaxe chop laterally using the lead hand and arm in an off-angled relaxed-ready stance. The hand is whipped without windup or warning directly forward. The body is turned smartly into the blow or the falling step is executed and the chop lands in a whipping action anywhere on the face, throat, head, or neck — it doesn’t matter . There will be followup blows, and the best effect of all for the first blow is that it lands, hits, disorients and sets up the opponent for followup blows. There are no “one shot stops”.
-22-
A RARE PHOTO TAKEN FROM A.J.D. BIDDLE’S WORK, DO OR DIE , SHOWING HOW BIDDLE TRAINED THE MARINES IN THE USE OF THE EDGE-OF-THEHAND BLOW The handaxe chop is whipped smartly from the elbow, almost like snapping a towel or whip. This is best referred to as the “snapping chop”.
Variations • Often it is possible, after breaking a hold or otherwise maneuvering in after a
-23snapping chop has been executed, to deliver a full-arc chop, swinging the entire arm with arm flexed, never straight) in a circular cutting stroke — almost like swinging a hatchet or a sword in a decapitation stroke — and turning the entire body into the blow. This is an extremely powerful strike, and when directed anywhere at the face/neck/head of an adversary will almost certainly knock him senseless upon impact. • A vertical type chop (ie forearm almost parallel to the adversary’s chest on delivery) is an excellent offensive or defensive blow. Be sure that you do not swing the arm overhead or outward from the side of the body when executing, as this telegraphs the blow significantly. Target the temple, the side of the neck, the jaw hinge, or the collar bone. This blow is delivered with the rearmost hand in an off-angled relaxed-ready stance. Note:— When executed as a second or third blow, following up after another or other initial attacking action(s) a wider arc is permissible. But never permit the adversary to be forewarned by any preparatory or obvious move on your part, when he is in full possession of his faculties. • Hand axe chops can be extremely effective against a downed attacker — or when you are down, and the enemy is on top, in some situations. Rapid-fire delivery is best, smashing without hesitation into the adversary’s facial, neck, and collar bone area. • A double handaxe chop attack can be excellent. Following an eye gouge with the thumbs, or whenever an attacker reaches under your arms or pulls you in very close with both of his hands, slam both handaxes simultaneously into the sides of the adversary’s neck (vertical style chopping). 4. THE KNEE ATTACK
The knee attack is a powerful, reliable blow. There are two basic targets for the knee attack: The testicles and the face. Under certain conditions the sternum may be targeted, or the pubic bones/bladder area — even the kidney or small of the back — but the student and teacher should regard the knee attack as a limited purpose but very valuable and important blow, and almost without exception restrict its use to the two key targets. Certain fundamentals should be adhered to when drilling in the knee blow. First, always remember that body-to-body is kneeing distance. Never knee “out” at a
-24 person. You may be able to reach him with that knee blow — but you won’t hurt him with it. Every man automatically pulls back when his groin area is attacked, and combining that reflex action with a too distant kneeing stroke will add up to only the lightest and most useless degree of impact, or to no impact. Grab the enemy and yank him in close to you when you knee him in the testicles. This is to disorient him, stabilize yourself, and keep him as close in as possible. Grabbing the ears is a favored technique in our System. Flex the knee as sharply as possible. Do not keep the leg at a right angle. Rather drive the point of the knee like a spear, upward , hard. Strive to drive your knee out between the enemy’s shoulder blades. Knee twice when training the basic blow. Always set the foot of the kneeing leg down before executing the second knee attack. If the first knee blow doubles your man over, the second goes to his face. Do not use the knee in a “roundhouse” type blow. This opens up your own groin area and is needlessly time consuming and acrobatic.
Knee fast and HARD! The testicles must be struck powerfully. This is one of the body’s “vital points” that has a lot of natural protection and every man instinctively moves very quickly in response to an attack at this part of his body. Form the habit of kneeing hard and fast whenever any close-in frontal attack occurs — pulling, holding, etc. At the very least your kneeing will protect your own groin area while distracting the enemy and making him aware of your movement against his groin area. Variations The knee attack is one of those techniques that is both excellent and limited in applications. It is an absolutely indispensable basic blow. The following are additional potential uses for the knee . . . but experience and the situation of the moment will determine if and when their use is indicated. • Knee drops. When an adversary has been dropped to the deck dropping onto him with one knee — crushing his ribs, kidney, head, etc. — can be an excellent part
-25of the followup you employ against him. • Assuming the a low tackle attempt has been halted momentarily by either a pivot away from the incoming attacker or a shoulder block, a smashing knee blow to the face can be effective. Caution!: Do not attempt to simply remain in place, confronting an incoming tackle, and drive your knee into the adversary’s face. Even if this worked, it would almost certainly result in you being driven backward to the deck — possibly on your spine or head. 5. THE FRONT KICK
In just about every martial art that includes striking and kicking, the front kick is the first kick taught. It is certainly the simplest kick, and it is closest to that movement made instinctively when a completely unskilled and untrained individual “kicks” anything. Some of the Korean and Northern Shaolin Ch’uan Fa Chinese martial arts teach a literal array of front kick variations. There is the thrust kick, the snap kick, the push kick, etc. And there are variations of the variations! But in the American Combato System we teach one, single, basic front kick. There is an adaptation of this kick which we shall explain, but it is executed simply by positioning the foot differently — not by delivering the body’s power in a manner that differs from the basic, fundamental form. We strive always to keep everything as basic and as simple as possible. Our front kick employs the elements of thrusting with the hip and thigh muscles for power, snapping from the knee down for speed, and kicking no higher than the testicles for destructive force and safety to the kicker in a combat situation. The targets against which kicking is directed are easily conceptualized as a triangle: The knees and the groin/testicles. A powerful kick that impacts accurately with one of the three points on that triangle will almost invariably cause an adversary either to cease offensive action, or to be so disoriented for the necessary second or two, that an effective concluding followup against him can be easily made. Obviously, when boots or shoes are worn the toes can safely be the impact point of the front kick. However, since it is entirely possible that one may be barefoot at the time of kicking (pool side, at the beach, at a picnic, at home, as a prisoner, etc.) it is urged that the ball of the foot be utilized at all times when training and developing the basic front kick. Even if wearing boots and unable to flex the toes
-26 back sufficiently, try to do so whenever you kick . It develops the right habit. Never kick higher than groin level, even if you are unusually flexible and agile. There is a huge difference between kicking in the air and kicking a determined, murderous enemy in hand-to-hand combat. From a natural Relaxed-Ready Stance the front kick is delivered by using the rearmost leg. (There are some advanced attack combinations that utilize the lead foot for a front kick, but in general and always as a “basic blow” the front kick is executed using the rear leg to deliver the kick). The first part of the front kick is similar to a knee attack executed with no grab. The leg is brought up quickly as if “kneeing” to a point approximately at your own waist-high level or slightly lower. Then the action transitions smoothly into a hard hip-and-thigh-thrusting forward drive of the leg, which culminates in a whipping snap from the knee down, delivering the ball of the kicking foot up and between the attacker’s legs, to smash into his testicles. The kicking leg retracts after contact, and the standing position is resumed. Distance for all fully extended kicking actions is ARMS’ LENGTH. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT KICKS NOT BE DELIVERED AT TOO GREAT A DISTANCE!
A kick that merely “makes contact” with the adversary will not necessarily be effective. Not in real combat . One of the bad habits that sparring develops, for example,is that of kicking from too great a distance (partly for safety, and partly because the nature of the “encounter” (i.e. it is one in which both opponents are utilizing the same kinds of long distance kicks against each other) In hand-tohand combat things are much closer, and the kick must crush or seriously smash directly into the targeted point on the enemy. No one can pull back from a front kick that travels up between his legs. Nor can one grab or block such a kick. THAT is the kind of front kick you want to develop. When you train, avoid making a sharp and obvious “chambering” movement when you bring up your knee for the kick. There should be a smooth and seamless transition from the knee-coming-up part of the kick to the thrusting-snap that concludes the technique. This is almost like — but not quite identical with — the manner in which the old French la savate experts executed their kicks. We want a bit more of the two-stage momentum generation that the classical/traditional
-27karate type arts taught; yet we wish to take advantage of the speedy and non telegraphed type of sudden whipping or lashing kicks that la savate wisely advocated for real street encounters. Variations Like all of the basic blows in our System, the front kick is adaptable to an almost endless number of situations, and those students who find that this particular blow suits them perfectly, would be well advised to emphasize its use in their training. • If you are shoved back into a wall immediately throw a front kick as your back hits the wall. You will have perfect stability and balance for the kick, and it will catch your attacker powerfully and by surprise as he moves in against you. • Often the simplest way to break any grip on both your wrists from the front is to simply feign fear and weakness, then kick the attacker powerfully in the testicles. • When close in a front kick delivered to the shin or knee can be a beautiful setup for a blow to the head area — or for the followup use of a stick or knife. • The knee attack is delivered body to body; the front kick as a basic blow is delivered at arms’ length. If midway between body-to-body and arms’ length, use a kick in which the CROOK of your foot (the bend where the leg bone meets the foot) smashes your man in the testicles. This “shin bone instep kick” variation of the front kick drives the shin up between the opponent’s legs so that the crook of the foot ( not the instep per se) hits the testicles. Same kicking movement as the basic front kick, but you press the foot down so that it passes easily between the enemy’s legs and to the target. • The front kick is also effective against the downed opponent. Kicks to the head, face, spine, kidney, and sternum should insure that an enemy stays down — once downed. • It is possible to train low front kicks against a heavy bag by removing the bag from its chains and bracing it against a solid wall or tree. Then practice kicking barefoot. This will help to harden the natural weapons, give you confidence that you are kicking hard, and let you feel what impact is like when you execute the kick.
-28• Once you are advanced (say, one year of regular and serious training) see if whipping the lead leg in a front kick is natural and comfortable for you. If so, you might employ this as well as the rearmost foot kicking, which is the basic form for the kick. Unless lead leg kicking with the front kick feels very natural, and you can do it powerfully and fast, don’t do it. 6. THE SIDE KICK
This is the most powerful, important, and effective basic kicking action in unarmed combat. Unless you have some serious physical handicap that prevents you from developing this kick, make it your business to master the basic, low side kick to knee. This kick is directed mainly against the knee of your attacker. It is effective against any portion of the enemy’s lower leg, including his instep and toes, if the kick is directed downward . Train and practice with knee level as your basic practice standard. This kick is delivered using the lead leg in an off-angled, relaxed-ready position.
-29-
ABOVE: A PAGE FROM THE 1943 EDITION OF KILL OR GET KILLED SHOWING THE MOST BASIC APPLICATION OF THE LOW SIDE KICK TO THE KNEE. APPLEGATE CALLED THIS THE “ KNEE KICK ” — BECAUSE THE TARGET FOR THE KICK IS PRIMARILY THE KNEE. NOTICE THE PHOTO ON THE RIGHT ILLUSTRATES THE SCRAPING STOMP DOWN THE SHINBONE, ENDING BY CRUSHING THE INSTEP.
-30The knee of the kicking leg is drawn up and back slightly — toward the rear shoulder, and then the leg is whipped out to the attacker’s knee or shinbone. Think of the delivery of the kick by imagining the foot coming up and shooting toward the knee in an arc, as opposed to being snapped up into a “chamber” and then, in what would be a separate action, thrust outward. The drawing up and lashing out of the leg should be a smooth continuum, with speed (as in the application of all kicks) the crucial attribute emphasized in development. The legs and hips are involved in kicking, and the heavy bones and large muscles that such action inevitably brings into play more than takes care of the “power” part of the equation. It takes but 80 pounds of force to break anyone’s knee; and even a child can generate several hundred pounds of force at the point of impact, after learning how to do this kick correctly. Think of killing a fly on your attacker’s knee, before it gets away, when you train in this kick.
-31-
. THIS PHOTO IS FROM A.J.D. BIDDLE’S CLASSIC, DO OR DIE . LEANING AWAY FROM THE KICK AS IT IS DELIVERED IS IMPORTANT — FOR BALANCE AND FOR PROTECTION. HOWEVER, WE HAVE STUDENTS RAISE THEIR LEAD ARM (THE ONE CLOSEST TO THE ATTACKER) WITH THEIR FIST CLENCHED IN A SHIELDING ACTION. IT SERVES BOTH TO OFFER A SLIGHT MEASURE OF ADDED PROTECTION TO THE FACIAL/NECK AREA, WHILE PERHAPS DISTRACTING THE ENEMY BY MAKING HIM BELIEVE THE HAND IS BEING RAISED TO STRIKE A BLOW. While variations of this kick exist in which the outside edge of the foot or the bottom of the foot are taught as the contact points for the side kick, we teach that the heel of the foot always be regarded as the appropriate point of contact when doing the standard knee breaking side kick. The heel is the hardest part of the foot, and even if you are barefoot it will enable you to kick without the slightest
-32 possibility of injury to your foot. If, as will likely be the case, you are wearing shoes or boots, it will not make any difference what part of your foot hits, so you lose nothing by training to employ the heel, even if at first it is a bit awkward for you. Variations • Fairbairn’s version of the side kick (the “flick kick”) is good. It approximates, roughly, the side snap type kick, as taught in classical/traditional karate. It is always delivered low, however. In this version the edge of the foot is whipped smartly out to the side, connecting with the attacker’s leg, just below his kneecap. Then, when close in, a scrape-stomping action follows through, and the shinbone is damaged, and the instep is crushed. The illustration in Applegate’s Kill Or Get Killed shows that both men taught this excellent version of the side kick followup. Applegate, like our self, taught leading with the heel in general kicking — and he advocated a powerful lashing thrust, rather than a snap. We agree, and teach this, too. We recommend that students train in both versions, when they become advanced. • With sneakers on, it is helpful to kick trees. Not more than a few repetitions, and maybe twice a week. This really builds power. • This is one of the very best ways to defend against a fist fighter/boxer. Let him move in, look helpless, and when he advances close enough to reach you, bend away and lash out with a side kick. • This kick may be done from a sitting position. Merely lean to one side, withdraw the foot, and lash out. • As with all kicking it is important to remember that kicking distance is arms’ length. In other words you do not kick an enemy “when you can reach him with your foot”; you kick him when he is so close that he cannot possibly pull away, defend, or avoid having the target that is kicked, destroyed. 7. THE HAMMERFIST/FOREARM SMASH
This natural weapon utilizes the hammerfist (edge-of-the-clenched fist) and the little finger side of the forearm as a striking surface. Normally, the blow impacts
-33solely with the little finger padded edge of the fist. However, since the entire bladed side of the forearm is an excellent weapon, we sometimes utilize that, too. For instance, against the nape of the neck of an enemy who comes in low, tackling. Delivery of this blow is identical to that of the fast, direct handaxe chop to the front, and to the downward handaxe chop, or to the vertical handaxe chop. This blow may be employed interchangeably with the backfist-forearm smash (which will be described later), and has the advantage of being a much more focused, damaging blow than the backfist/forearm smash. The hammerfist/forearm smash is especially effective close-in against various facial/head targets (i.e. temple, skull, bridge of nose, jaw hinge or jawline , ear , nape of neck, or point of chin ). In the Relaxed-Ready Stance this blow is normally delivered with the lead hand in a direct, lateral, snapping blow (similar to the handaxe chop), and with the rear hand, utilizing a vertical striking action, which takes full advantage of the body turn, fall forward, and momentum. Variations • This blow can be effective close-in against an opponent who is moving in aggressively by slamming the hammerfist/forearm weapon up smartly under his jaw and into his throat area (a movement somewhat reminiscent of the classical/traditional “rising block” action that is taught in karate) • Very rapid, alternating downward smashes of the hammerfists can be effective against an adversary who is bent over — perhaps in a tackle attempt, etc. • A simultaneous application of both hammerfists can be effective against the temples when close in (underarm bearhug, being pulled forward by a double lapel grab, or to the kidney and groin — either against a side headlock attempt, or perhaps when standing at the side of a molester [in the case of females] who places an arm around the shoulders 8. BASIC STRAIGHT PUNCH
-34Clenched fist punching should never be utilized against the bony facial structure. Open hand blows, elbow smashes, fingertips thrusts and jabs, biting, spitting, and head butting is what is called for. However, the clenched fist is a valuable, if limited purpose, natural weapon. It may be employed to good effect against the sternum, solar plexus, bladder/hypogastrium , testicles, and sometimes, the kidneys. There is also a possible use for it in jabbing quickly into the nose as a diversion for a powerful followup attack; something we use in American Combato with one of our attack combinations. But never should full force clenched fist punches be executed to the bony facial/head area, save in sporting/sparring type contexts, and of course in boxing matches. In a Relaxed-Ready Stance the straight punch is delivered with the rearmost hand. The fist is clenched in flight so as not to telegraph to the recipient that one is on the attack. It may be delivered with or without the falling step, depending upon distance and opportunity. As a basic blow the straight punch is drilled as a punch that is directed to the sternum. Obviously, this requires that the sternum be exposed at the time of delivery, so you never use this punch against an off-angled individual, or against anyone who assumes a “fighting stance”. As the blow is delivered the arm shoots straight to the target, fist held palm-in (i.e. referred to as the “vertical fist” in classical/traditional karate). This is the strongest position for wrist support upon impact. It also avoids any winging out of the arm as the blow goes to the target. The arm does not lock out fully, but rather shoots straight through the intended target, recoiling back after going just short of full extension. This is an extremely dangerous punch, as severe blows to the sternum (and solar plexus/cardiac plexus areas) can be fatal. Point of impact of the clenched fist is either the middle knuckle or the first two knuckles. NEVER train with gloves! Always train with your natural weapons as you would use them. If they require protection in order to avoid being injured, then you should be aware that they may not be such great “weapons”, after all.
Play down the clenched fist. Open hands are supreme in hand-to-hand combat! Variations
-35• The straight punch to the sternum may be employed following an outward circular block, as a followup — using the rearmost hand • When backed to a wall a straight shot to the sternum is often applicable, since the “tough guy” tends to face you head on. This also applies when anyone confronts you (bully style) and places both hands on your shoulders, “talking down” to you, or attempting to intimidate you, etc. 9. THROAT LOCK
Very technically speaking, this is a simple and immensely effective method of strangulation that may be applied in a wide variety of circumstances and situations; it is not a “blow”, per se. However it is applicable in numerous instances, and in a manner similar to that in which a blow is applied. The caution is: Use only in a life threatening situation, as this action is lethal when carried fully through! You may use your index finger and thumb, your second finger and thumb, your index and second finger and thumb, or your thumb and either other three or all remaining four fingers to effect the “throat locking action” that this basic blow achieves. Facing your enemy, close-in, normally in a Relaxed-Ready Stance, your rearmost hand whips up in an untelegraphed arc; and the fingers — positioned during delivery of the action in a pincher-like position — lock onto the enemy’s windpipe or thyroid cartilage. The higher up under the jaw ad the deeper in, the better. You must go high in order to avoid the neck muscles. Upon impact you strive to bring your fingertips together , behind the vulnerable inner throat area, and then jerk out violently. The initial gripping of the windpipe must be powerful, and the jerk forward quite violent. Death will almost certainly result. Variations • Although this blow is normally most effectively executed with the rearmost hand in Relaxed-Ready (or any off-angled position) it certainly may be applied with the lead hand, if you find it comfortable and practical. • The head of the attacker may be shoved away or possibly struck — perhaps with
-36a heelpalm blow — once the throat lock has been secured, using your opposite hand. This facilitates tremendous damage, and is practical in some instances. Important points • Strong fingers are valuable for this technique. Strengthen them in as many ways as possible. • Never attempt this blow in a two-step action: i.e. by first raising your hand and then driving it to the throat. Always ARC the blow — from low to final position in a single, untelegraphed action. 10. EAR BOX
Another absolutely reliable and excellent technique for use when close in to the enemy, from the front. In its basic two-hand delivery, this blow should never be attempted as an opening strike from in front of an attacker unless his hands are fully occupied (i.e. holding onto your lapels and pulling you forward, seizing you under the arms from the front in an underarm frontal bearhug, etc.) or he is otherwise distracted (reaching for something, etc.). Both hands are cupped strongly in a manner similar to the way in which you would position them if you were about to scoop up handfuls of water. Fingers are pressed tightly together so that no air will escape between them. Both cupped palms are powerfully smashed over the enemy’s ears. This will, if delivered perfectly, burst his eardrums and cause concussion and cerebral hemorrhage. At the very least this attacking action will disconcert the most powerful man if the palms smash over the ears. Variations • Excellent attack from behind, to defend a third person or drop a sentry. • May be applied with one hand, too. In this case the palm is whipped smartly using a turn of the body to increase power. Follow through. As the head turns in reaction to the blow, the striking hand automatically cocks for a return handaxe chop to the neck, throat, temple, or face.
-37• Upon impact — one or two-handed delivery — seizing the ears is an effective action. With a two-handed delivery this may be followed up by wrenching the hands in a movement similar to drawing back a bow, and one or both ears will be ripped from the head. • May be applied against an enemy who has been doubled over (i.e. by a kick to his shin, punch to his solar plexus or sternum, etc.). The blow is executed as though to were striking cymbals in front of you. 11. BACKFIST/FOREARM SMASH
We developed this blow because the classical/traditional “backfist strike” is so potentially dangerous, and may crack the hand bone if any miscalculation occurs on impact with the bony facial area. The entire flat back of the forearm bone is the striking surface for this blow. From a Relaxed-Ready Stance the lead arm is used to deliver a sudden, untelegraphed smashing blow to any part of the opponent’s face Thus a big weapon if used to attack a big target — making execution of this blow simple under high stress conditions. The fist of the striking arm is clenched hard, but only during the course of delivering the strike. Never clench the fist ahead of delivery as this telegraphs. This is almost a foolproof “set up shot”, and can be followed up with nearly any of the many blows and combinations learned. The attacker will either be hit with the blow, or he will block, grab, hold, or move away as it is delivered, thus setting him up perfectly in any case, to effective followup. (It must be noted that if this blow is delivered in close and without telegraphing — as it ought to be delivered — it will “hit home” 99.9% of the time. Variations • Like the hammerfist/forearm smash, this blow may be delivered downward , against a man who attempts to tackle. 12. FINGERTIPS THRUST
-38We adopted this from the O’Neill System of hand-to-hand combat. Using either the rearmost or the foremost hand in a Relaxed-Ready Stance, shoot the hand directly forward — fingers extended but not tensed — and drive finger tips through eyes. The only other viable target for this blow is the throat. Always train to avoid telegraphing. If this blow strikes home, then it is easy to follow up with a knee breaking side kick or any other convenient attacking action. The rearmost hand is employed when the opponent is very close.
COL. BIDDLE DEMONSTRATES HIS VERSION OF THIS BLOW. NOTE HIS FINGERS ARE SPREAD. THIS IS OKAY, BUT WE PREFER TO TEACH A HAND FORMATION IN WHICH THE FINGERS ARE HELD TOGETHER — NOT RIGIDLY, BUT NEVERTHELESS TOGETHER,
-3913. FINGERTIPS JAB
We adopted this from the WWII Fairbairn System of hand-to-hand combat. Using either hand — foremost or rearmost — the weapon is formed by holding the hand exactly as it is held in the formation for the ear box, except that the fingertips will be the contact point upon impact. Most often greater power is achieved by using the rearmost hand to deliver this blow. There are three targets for the fingertips jab: Primarily, the eyes; secondarily, the testicles ; third and lastly (and only if this suits you), the solar plexus. The blow arcs up and over when attacking the eyes, arcs under and up when attacking the solar plexus, and arcs under and up when attacking the testicles. Practice delivering this blow as a basic strike by using the rearmost hand while in an off-angled stance position to arc up suddenly and jab into the eyes and bridge of nose of an enemy in front of you. Variations • As a speedy surprise action when backed to a wall, this is a great technique. After snapping the fingertips jab to the enemy’s eyes, whip a handaxe cop downward into the side of his neck or collarbone, using the same hand. 14. FORWARD ELBOW SMASH
While the elbow is a most versatile weapon and can deliver powerful, reliable, accurate blows to all directions and from many different positions and angles, we utilize one single basic elbow smash in our “basic blows” repertoire. It is the forward elbow smash, directed to the facial/head/neck area target of an enemy who is positioned in front of you. In an off-angled stance you deliver the elbow smash with your lead arm. Making certain that your fist clenches as the blow is begun, you snap your elbow forward and across with or without the falling step to your front. Be careful to utilize the full body turning action — using waist and hips — to augment the power of this strike. If you do use the falling step, step through and between your attacker’s feet, just as though it was your intention (which it is!) to knock your adversary’s head off.
-40Anything that you hit, from the neck up, will result in a probable knockout when this blow is delivered full force and correctly. Variations • A circular (Thai boxer’s) type elbow smash may be preferred, executed with or without the falling step, still using the lead arm. Unlike the Thai boxer, however, always clench your fist when striking. • A most natural followup is a handaxe chop, delivered after the elbow connects and follows through, using the same arm. • An alternate and equally natural followup is a back-elbow smash, using the same arm following the basic elbow smash. This would be done when the attacker’s head was in very close following the initial elbow smash. 15. THE TIGER’S CLAW THRUST
Both Fairbairn and Applegate regarded this particular action as being the single best all round response to any frontal attack. As a brief aside, we have always wondered why neither All-In Fight/Get Tough! nor Kill Or Get Killed described this blow. Either the front or the rear hand may be utilized for delivery of the tiger’s claw, when facing an enemy in an off-angled ready position. The hand — which, as always, does not form the weapon until it is on its way to the target — forms the tiger’s claw by positioning exactly the same as for the chinjab smash. The contact area for the tiger’s claw is, however, the tips of the fingers which meet the facial target when thrust directly forward and straight-in, first. Then the heelpalm “collapses” onto the face in a smacking blow. The only target for this blow is the face. Variations • Some have found that simply “clawing” the face when close in is a good technique. Biddle taught this, and it has merit.
-41• When simply clawing, try to actually take powerful hold of the face . This is completely disorienting and offers the possibility of numerous destructive followup options.
COL. ANTHONY J. D. BIDDLE DEMONSTRATES A SIMPLE FACE CLAW-GRAB TECHNIQUE. NOTE HOW BIDDLE HAS SECURED A GRIP ON HIS ADVERSARY’S BELT TO FACILITATE POWER AND DAMAGE TO THE ENEMY.
-4216. THE SNAP KICK
This kick is delivered with the rearmost foot in an off-angled stance. The foot is snapped smartly forward — inside edge of the shoe or boot making contact — and is cracked into the shinbone, just below the knee. The knee itself is also a good target for this kick. Essentially this is a perfect close-in contact kick , because it can hit hard without the necessary “travel distance” required for a standard front kick or shinbone/instep crook-of-the-foot type kick. What is more, it lends itself, when in very close to the enemy, to a powerful, bodyweight-behind-it scrape-stomping action down the shinbone that ends by crushing the instep. It is a good, speedy set up kick, and when impact is made the opponent is usually susceptible to a chinjab or other powerful attack — perhaps using a knife or stick, etc. This kick can be done to good effect when barefoot, and should be practiced barefoot; however, even more so than the front and side kicks, the snap kick is especially enhanced by stout footwear. Variations • Excellent version is when the inside foot edge is thrust straight into the shin or knee. This version of the kick does not suit everyone, however. And if it cannot be done speedily, without telegraphing, and with power, forget it. • Along with the knee attack to the testicles, this kick is excellent when seized and held close in, as for example in a bearhug or close-in pulling two-hand lapel grab.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE BASIC BLOWS
For solid confidence and proficiency to be acquired you must train in actually hitting something. The blows are far too dangerous to be applied to training partners, so striking posts, dummies , heavy bags, and even steel bars (for
-43hardening the edge of the hand and the hammerfist and heel of the hand striking points only), should be employed. Additionally, drill in high repetition practice — over and over — in executing the blows in the air against imaginary opponents must be practiced. The motor memory must be conditioned so that these blows feel and come naturally to you — bypassing any conscious, deliberate decision to use them (which cannot be made fast enough, under combat conditions). When, as part of counterattacking (“self-defense”) techniques, these blows are employed with a training partner, CONTACT MUST NOT BE MADE! Blows must always and invariably be conditioned to attack the vital targets of the human body — again, and again, and again . . . and this can only be done safely when the blows are stopped short of contact. Even light contact can, in some instances, cause serious injuries! Master the blows by repetitious drill. Develop the blows by training on impact aids. Become acclimated to their defensive application by careful use and no contact practice of the blows, with partners. Note: The offensive (preemptive, or — for military persons — the assaultive and aggressively offensive) application of these blows either spontaneously or through the mastery of attack combinations, can be easily acquired, since you will be taking the initiative. This is always the most desirable way of concluding hostilities, when avoidance is impossible. TIPS FOR ATTACKING AND HITTING:
• Always advance into the enemy. In military action an army endeavors to occupy the enemy’s ground. In personal combat, always advance and strive to displace your enemy from where he is standing. “occupy” that spot — and continue to advance and to do this, never allowing the enemy to get set or to recover. • Primary attacks are best directed against the enemy from the base of the neck up, or from the testicle area down. Severe trauma to targeted points in these two areas
-44drastically affect balance, and avoid encountering muscular and heavy bodyweight resistance to impact. There is little or no protection of muscle, weight, strength, or clothing in those two areas, and thus they generally represent the best places to smash into first . • All hand blows teach you how to use improvised hand-held objects as weapons. Simply substitute the object’s point , edge, hard end, or hard surface for the natural weapon impact point of your body. • Yell and GROWL and grimace like an insane, wild animal, whenever you go into action. • Certain other very important and fundamental actions, like BITING , HEAD BUTTING , THUMB GOUGING OF THE EYES or RIPPING OF THE MOUTH , etc. are specifically trained and taught as part of both counterattacks (self-defense techniques) and attacks (combinations of offensive techniques). These actions may be recalled, remembered, and focused upon individually in any case where you find one or more especially to your liking, and particularly compatible with your personal taste and abilities. Never quarrel with that which your personal development, self-knowledge, and experience tells you “suits you best”. • While there are approximately 50 “basic blows” (which include variations of the 16 described in this Manual) QUALITY should always, always, always be emphasized over mere quantity. A dangerous, effective close quarter combat and hand-to-hand expert generally has a few highly polished and perfected techniques upon which he comes to reply and focus upon in his ongoing training. Your job is to discover — through long term exposure to al of those techniques that are good , those techniques that are particularly good for you. • It is the Western boxer much more so than the karate stylist per se, who has truly mastered the proper way to move and to hit. Boxing is not desirable for hand-to-hand combat and self-defense. First, because the art is a sport , and is extremely limited in its scope and in the attitude and tactical orientation that is necessary for combat and real emergencies. Second, because the clenched fists are simply not as effective as the types of blows that we have presented in this Manual. However . . . it must never be forgotten that the right way to move and to hit is that of the boxer . Different natural weapons should be utilized; but they
-45should be utilized as a boxer is trained to use his weapons. Only the kicks of unarmed close combat are better trained according to the doctrine generally extant in the karate type arts. • Never “chamber” a striking hand. Never draw it back or cock it, before striking. Just lash out or strike out without the slightest warning. Since you will never under any conditions anticipate success after delivering a single blow, or making but a single movement, you must followup, anyway. Landing blow number one is crucial! That paves the way for the relentless, ferocious, and merciless barrage that you will generate. Use the most available natural weapon straight into the most readily accessible target, at the outset of any hand-to-hand engagement. • While it is always desirable to be in what we refer to in American Combato as the “Relaxed-Ready Stance”, or some similar alert, ready, balanced, and nontelegraphing position prior to launching any blow, it is nevertheless desirable that you experiment constantly and explore how you might employ any or all of the key 16 basic blows, and variations, from all sorts of “normal”, “natural”, everyday positions that you might normally be in when an attack comes. For example: — Sitting at a counter or at a table — While waiting for a bus or subway train — While at your desk — When on line at a movie theater, or in a grocery market — When in the park, taking a walk, while with your family, etc. — When sitting on a bus or in a subway car — On a commercial aircraft — Etcetera! • Work around any handicaps or physical shortcomings that you may have. This is part of the benefit of being exposed to a complete and comprehensive system in which all of the best techniques are taught. Over time you tailor everything to
-46yourself , you can work around weaknesses and shortcomings, and you can take advantage of your unique strengths and abilities (we all have them).
• Always strive to catch the adversary off guard and crush him before he knows what is happening. • Self-defense and close combat skills are weapons. They are not to be played with or used save in grave and unavoidable situations of personal peril. • Never wait to be defensive. The second that you realize that danger is imminent and that you are indeed facing an attacking adversary, attack him! Allowing someone to proceed from an initial movement that is indicative of his intention to physically attack you, to a full blown attack (so that, presumably, you can “block” or otheriwse avoid that attack) is foolish. Drive in and destroy the enemy, once it is clear to you that you are in fact facing a dangerous enemy . • For those with strong wrestling, judo, or ju-jutsu backgrounds: Make it always a rule to hit before attempting any throw or takedown action. This will provide you the opportunity to disorient and distract your adversary, and thus minimize the chance of him being able to thwart your attempt to throw him by hitting you. Also: It is almost always the case that if or when you are in a position to apply a throwing action, some very effective blow can be utilized — and utilized more speedily and with much less risk of failure — instead. Followup blows can then finish the job. Unless you are committed totally to studying and perfecting a martial art that emphasizes or advocates grappling type skills, we’d strongly suggest placing techniques of that kind on a distant back bruner, and focusing on BLOWS for self-defense and hand-to-hand combat. One final admonition if you do apply a throw in combat: Finish the enemy with repeated kicks, once he is down. Or use downward handaxe chops, heelpalm strikes, or knee drops. Do not go to the ground in order to apply a submission hold!
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