Other Combat Topics

Weapons

When confronting a weapon, stay out of its line of fire or its angle of attack. Try to stabilize, control, or disarm the weapon. Then neutralize the opponent.

Trading Punches

If you are in excellent physical condition, sometimes you may be willing to absorb a blow to a non-vital area to give yourself an opportunity to deliver a blow to an opponent's vital area. This is only an option when you know the power of your opponent's blows. If you feel your opponent's blows cannot hurt you, you may be willing to take blows to give yourself an opportunity to finish the opponent.

Points to Remember

• Block with such force that if the block were to strike the trunk of a tree, it would lose all of its leaves. Execute a block so decisively that it not only halts an attack but it demoralizes and defeats the attacker without further action. Use defensive actions as attacks. Aggressors are impressed by only one thing; pain.
• Flow with your attacker's movements, using them against him or her. Use soft blocking to redirect a strong attack with a circular or deflecting parry.
• Keep your spine straight, do not lean over, and use your knees to control your height. This helps you maintain your balance and lets you use the strength of your legs to put spring into your movements.
• Avoid attacks by using body movement, keep moving, and move in all directions to confuse your attacker. Shift or turn quickly away from attacks.
• Respond to attacks with decisive, powerful counter-attacks.