School Yard Shove: The anatomy of the most common form of violence.
I apologize for the slow posting about Sundays activities. My wonderful wife and I have been going to birthing classes on Monday nights so this was the quickest I could post. 1000 Pardons to students, teachers and bums of all sorts.
The school yard shove, who doesn't know what one of these feels like? These are without doubt one of the most confusing forms of attacks. Football players shove each other before games to get psyched up, adolescents shove each other on the playground in jest, and violent offenders shove suckers every day in order to set them up for a more brutal assault. So how the hell do you figure out which one just happened to you?
Three words:
Means, Proximity, and Intent.
These words are your best friends when considering if you just became assaulted in any fashion. Think about these things often as you must have a clear understanding of them to use force on anyone.
Proximity is the freebie in this equation. If someone has shoved you, they have to be close enough to do it. Proximity has to do with the distance someone is from you. For example: if someone is standing across the street from you (lets say 50 feet) and is holding up his fists and shouting, "I'm going to kick your ass", you must realize that he is not close enough to do it. You cannot lawfully run over to him and punch him in the face. The proximity for his actions does not exist. Obviously for the shove, you are close enough to be shoved, so lets give you this one for the sake of Sundays lesson.
Means is another freebie in Sundays scenario. Means has to do with "The way" that the attack occurred. If I say that I'm going to shoot you, but you know I do not have a gun, then obviously this one cannot occur. This is one of the most difficult to deal with issues in a court room setting. How do you know the person had a gun or did not have a gun? How did you know the person had a way of beating you up? Etc. Let's go back to our situation from the Proximity issue. If your walking down the street and a guy comes up to you (he's no longer 50 feet away now) and says "I'm going to kick your ass" but this person is a double arm amputee and in a wheel chair, you probably cannot justify the "Means" in which he could harm you.
Intent is the only one with a bit of interpretation for our shove scenario. If someone who you have never seen before comes up to you and says "Hey pal, its me mike" and shoves you, its probably a case of mistaken identity and you cannot lawfully round house kick him (walker Texas ranger style) in the head. Our friend who just shoved you is probably having a case of mistaken identity. I would not be shocked if our pal Mike had a bit of alcohol in his system when he greeted you in a obscure way. If your walking across some train tracks and the MTC light rail train is about to hit you, and some hero type jumps out of no where and shoves you out of the way, I would highly advise against punching him in the balls. This guy obviously had no intent of hurting you. However, if a guy comes up to you and shouts "Mother fucker" and shoves you, intent might be established.
More discussion of this can occur in class if anyone would like it. For anyone who is in martial arts or would consider standing up for his family must learn these things and master them. It only makes sense! Feel free to email me with any questions about this at minnesotawesternmartialarts@gmail.com
Another quick legal issue: If your going to seek out the abilities to use force at all, I find it very important to know when and when you cannot use force. Why would you go get a gun if you don't know when you can shoot someone? Why learn a martial art if you don't know when you can use it? Check out these links for some laws on the issues for the state of Minnesota. https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=609.06 https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=609.065
Every year, the FBI comes out with statistics every year about crimes that are committed. I ask you, what distance do you think most deadly assaults occur? Fact: Most good guys get killed from the range of 0-6 feet. Check out this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aOz0w8xhUM
Some of the close combat tactics we covered in class have to do with a shove. Elbows are your friends. The basic idea is that you stick them in the beak of the attacker to protect your head, and deliver damage to your attacker. After that is dealt with, other tactics can be delivered as needed. The Elbow attack is great for close quarters (like the lady in the link above) or wherever you might be. Protect your head, smash with elbows.
The other main issue we covered is a close quarters knife attack. Mainly against the Sewing Machine attack. Check out the videos on my other postings to see what these look like exactly. Remember, block the weapon, get off line, control the weapon, smash the enemy and attack the "root of the problem". The dog brothers and Gabe Suarez made a pretty good video explaining violent knife attacks and how to avoid them. The video shows some good case studies and history on violent assaults. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0fPL4f3Eqc
Can't wait to see all you ugly mugs again next Sunday!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009 - Class Supplement
Well, despite Phil hiding from us (chicken!) we had a bunch of fun! We transitioned into finishing initial impacts. From the clinch we worked on a few distracting attacks.
Fist Fighting defenses were covered in class. Mainly the bob and weave. What could be better than not getting hit? Answer, Nothing. The bob and weave is an old tactic that seems to show up in all kinds of martial arts. Boxing/Fistfighting/pankration seems to have the best one. Heres a video on the basics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXpUCihaCWY This next video is a pretty good demo/traning routine on the Bob and Weave http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqvOD3nxDVE
1. Coup pied bas: this move is great from the clinch and is quick and potentially very damaging if your wearing footwear. From a clinch we throw this kick with the back foot. You strike the opponent in the leg, just below the knee with the instep of your foot. Most of the time, this is shin, but don't be afraid to deal a devastating blow to the calf area too. A good website on this move is http://www.onlineonair.com/savate/page1.html This move comes from Savate.
2. Head Butt: No no no, not the "WWE headbutt" that we have all come to know and love, but the dirty boxing headbutt. This little number can really rip you up! This video has a few of the strikes that we learned about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U9fBBIiRbY
3. Low Knee strike: This could be one of the most common martial arts moves ever. I'm not sure if there's a style out there that has never taught a low knee strike. This is a quick knee strike that usually can happen by accident when you are marching into your opponent. These knees generally hit groins, quads, or head if it is low enough.
Also from the clinch, there are a number of valuable throws and clinches that we covered. Keep in mind that in the techniques we teach, we should try to stay in a standing position even when our opponent is down.
1. Duck Under: We have covered this one before, and although it is not a "throw" really, it sets up for a ton of other moves that come off of the side position. You can check my earlier blog about the duck under.
2. Single Leg Take down: This move like the duck under, has a lot of finishers and techniques for getting to the actual throw. From the side, we slid down the near leg, picked it up, placed it between our knees and pivoted to knock the opponent down. There are many many other ways to do it. Here is one video of a Single Leg. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOKaCtNmrv0
Another part of the class was the knife work we did. If you check my earlier blogs, you can see different videos about the sewing machine tactic and why it is so damn deadly. If fleeing is not an option, block the arm, get off line, destroy the attacker. This method is much to hard to explain without being in person, but that's the basic idea.
Thank you to all who showed up. Special thanks to Tristan for getting me a copy of those PDF files. Very nice stuff!
Fist Fighting defenses were covered in class. Mainly the bob and weave. What could be better than not getting hit? Answer, Nothing. The bob and weave is an old tactic that seems to show up in all kinds of martial arts. Boxing/Fistfighting/pankration seems to have the best one. Heres a video on the basics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXpUCihaCWY This next video is a pretty good demo/traning routine on the Bob and Weave http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqvOD3nxDVE
1. Coup pied bas: this move is great from the clinch and is quick and potentially very damaging if your wearing footwear. From a clinch we throw this kick with the back foot. You strike the opponent in the leg, just below the knee with the instep of your foot. Most of the time, this is shin, but don't be afraid to deal a devastating blow to the calf area too. A good website on this move is http://www.onlineonair.com/savate/page1.html This move comes from Savate.
2. Head Butt: No no no, not the "WWE headbutt" that we have all come to know and love, but the dirty boxing headbutt. This little number can really rip you up! This video has a few of the strikes that we learned about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U9fBBIiRbY
3. Low Knee strike: This could be one of the most common martial arts moves ever. I'm not sure if there's a style out there that has never taught a low knee strike. This is a quick knee strike that usually can happen by accident when you are marching into your opponent. These knees generally hit groins, quads, or head if it is low enough.
Also from the clinch, there are a number of valuable throws and clinches that we covered. Keep in mind that in the techniques we teach, we should try to stay in a standing position even when our opponent is down.
1. Duck Under: We have covered this one before, and although it is not a "throw" really, it sets up for a ton of other moves that come off of the side position. You can check my earlier blog about the duck under.
2. Single Leg Take down: This move like the duck under, has a lot of finishers and techniques for getting to the actual throw. From the side, we slid down the near leg, picked it up, placed it between our knees and pivoted to knock the opponent down. There are many many other ways to do it. Here is one video of a Single Leg. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOKaCtNmrv0
Another part of the class was the knife work we did. If you check my earlier blogs, you can see different videos about the sewing machine tactic and why it is so damn deadly. If fleeing is not an option, block the arm, get off line, destroy the attacker. This method is much to hard to explain without being in person, but that's the basic idea.
Thank you to all who showed up. Special thanks to Tristan for getting me a copy of those PDF files. Very nice stuff!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday, February, 8, 2009 - Class Supplement
Another exciting and fun day at Enso Aikido! Chris and I showed the worlds most classic Knock Out punch. This is a Drop Step shoulder whirl that has historically delivered devastating blows. Part of the other things we went through had much to do with throws and covers. First thing is first!
1. The Drop Step Shoulder Whirl: Depending on who you ask, this punch can also be called a Cross or even a Hook. I feel a Cross is a bit longer of a range and has a bit more to do with the arm. A hook to me is a bit tighter and less of an advancing attack. Just like the "Cover and stomp" or the "Boar" that Chris showed everyone, this footwork is a advancing attack the uses your weight teamed up with the gravity of the Earth. If you want to see what this looks like, check out THIS LINK! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6gqdwVBcCY
Another quick thing on punching. Chris made a lot of outlandish comments about Rocky Marciano fighting dirty and using hammer fists, forearms and elbows in his fighting. Well here's the proof that he was telling the truth! Watch for forearms and hammer fists especially! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQEL5sd2aOo
2. Throws: The throws that Chris and I showed today had one major thing in common... You don't need to go to the ground to finish it. One principal of Street fighting or Western Martial Arts is that you need to stay higher than your opponent. If I take you to the ground and grapple with you, I must assume that you don't have a weapon, and that you don't have friends. These of course are foolish assumptions and could end up getting you hurt or killed. Here are some pictures of the techniques being displayed. http://www.historical-pankration.com/archive_item.html?archiveid=1039 Another: http://www.historical-pankration.com/archive_item.html?archiveid=1115
The Duck Under http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LieteXvyNWc
Foot Sweep: This one is done from a grapple, but passing a punch and getting to a side makes it work just as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buL8s-ktz7k
3. Covers: The covers Chris and I showed are part of a large series of covers that we have seen over the years. Although I don't have historical documentation for all of them, I do have a few for you. http://www.historical-pankration.com/archive_item.html?archiveid=1101
Elbow Block... Not exactly the way we teach, but close enough for demonstration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVVVzz4tGzQ
Side cover. It's more muay thai than western for sure, but still really effective. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58A-JR-MaKw
Contact me with any questions ANY TIME! Hope to see you all next Sunday!
1. The Drop Step Shoulder Whirl: Depending on who you ask, this punch can also be called a Cross or even a Hook. I feel a Cross is a bit longer of a range and has a bit more to do with the arm. A hook to me is a bit tighter and less of an advancing attack. Just like the "Cover and stomp" or the "Boar" that Chris showed everyone, this footwork is a advancing attack the uses your weight teamed up with the gravity of the Earth. If you want to see what this looks like, check out THIS LINK! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6gqdwVBcCY
Another quick thing on punching. Chris made a lot of outlandish comments about Rocky Marciano fighting dirty and using hammer fists, forearms and elbows in his fighting. Well here's the proof that he was telling the truth! Watch for forearms and hammer fists especially! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQEL5sd2aOo
2. Throws: The throws that Chris and I showed today had one major thing in common... You don't need to go to the ground to finish it. One principal of Street fighting or Western Martial Arts is that you need to stay higher than your opponent. If I take you to the ground and grapple with you, I must assume that you don't have a weapon, and that you don't have friends. These of course are foolish assumptions and could end up getting you hurt or killed. Here are some pictures of the techniques being displayed. http://www.historical-pankration.com/archive_item.html?archiveid=1039 Another: http://www.historical-pankration.com/archive_item.html?archiveid=1115
The Duck Under http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LieteXvyNWc
Foot Sweep: This one is done from a grapple, but passing a punch and getting to a side makes it work just as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buL8s-ktz7k
3. Covers: The covers Chris and I showed are part of a large series of covers that we have seen over the years. Although I don't have historical documentation for all of them, I do have a few for you. http://www.historical-pankration.com/archive_item.html?archiveid=1101
Elbow Block... Not exactly the way we teach, but close enough for demonstration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVVVzz4tGzQ
Side cover. It's more muay thai than western for sure, but still really effective. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58A-JR-MaKw
Contact me with any questions ANY TIME! Hope to see you all next Sunday!
Saturday, February, 7, 2009 Class Supplement
On Saturday we drilled the basics with many very accomplished fighters. These were people that held higher belts in martial arts and are no strangers to a fight. However, when weapons, multiple attackers, noise, stress, and god knows what else are introduced, things change drastically. In class Chris and I showed many basic moves and covers. Check out these videos and see if they remind you of anything from class. Keep in mind that you should be watching footwork, good habits, and bad habits. At what point are you aloud to hit your attacker?
Boogaard: Left hand control/strike, right hand strike. I made reference to the hockey fighting and how it applies to real life and difficult terrain. Silly, but effective. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR1EGzp9DLY
Bas Rutten: How to Win bar fights instructional video series. Some good stuff in here regarding objects around the bar and how they can be used to hurt you. I also saw something similar to what Chris teaches at the 1:22ish mark. He doesn't use the same cover, but the arm block elbow with the elbow to the face is very similar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fWfxrPQG5U
Sucker Punch Video: Watch the encroachment on the victim. How close would you let them get? The aggressor has obviously been in a fight before. The way he checks around him before he moves in for the sucker punch is the sign of an experienced sucker puncher. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2VabDnu_YA
Watch the "Sewing Machine" Tactic used on the guy in doing the Dips at the beginning. Also, watch it in play at about 2:15 at the picnic tables. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeWP2swZy4U
Good example of fighting behavior. I'm not sure who the original aggressor is in this video. However, at some point the "skater" (guy with the shaved head) goes on the offensive. He uses palm strikes to push people away, then attacks his opponents while pushing and delivering rapid blows. Did the "skater" give any ground at any point in the video? How far away were the first blow and the final blow in distance? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LVOKAl9a7k
Example of a horrible "self defense system". A lot of patty cake style of tactics that would never work against forward aggression. Why would you let someone grab you if you can help it? If someone is going to shove you, you better be ready to fight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sgpDJqj7Jc
What I like about this video is that you can see that the "Boyfriend" takes control of the fight and holds it the whole time. I'm not certain that he was justified in the force, but his forward progress is impressive. His fighting isn't all that fancy but for fighting on wood chips, he got it done. The other thing I like is that you can see the "other dudes" post their hands in the "oh shit I'm about to get hit" position several times http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9jiiPZ40Pg
Great example of how a "1v1" street fight never occurs in real life. This fight looks planned but it quickly turns into a beat down. This guy is lucky that he was a quick mover. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0wZwJpID80
Boogaard: Left hand control/strike, right hand strike. I made reference to the hockey fighting and how it applies to real life and difficult terrain. Silly, but effective. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR1EGzp9DLY
Bas Rutten: How to Win bar fights instructional video series. Some good stuff in here regarding objects around the bar and how they can be used to hurt you. I also saw something similar to what Chris teaches at the 1:22ish mark. He doesn't use the same cover, but the arm block elbow with the elbow to the face is very similar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fWfxrPQG5U
Sucker Punch Video: Watch the encroachment on the victim. How close would you let them get? The aggressor has obviously been in a fight before. The way he checks around him before he moves in for the sucker punch is the sign of an experienced sucker puncher. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2VabDnu_YA
Watch the "Sewing Machine" Tactic used on the guy in doing the Dips at the beginning. Also, watch it in play at about 2:15 at the picnic tables. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeWP2swZy4U
Good example of fighting behavior. I'm not sure who the original aggressor is in this video. However, at some point the "skater" (guy with the shaved head) goes on the offensive. He uses palm strikes to push people away, then attacks his opponents while pushing and delivering rapid blows. Did the "skater" give any ground at any point in the video? How far away were the first blow and the final blow in distance? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LVOKAl9a7k
Example of a horrible "self defense system". A lot of patty cake style of tactics that would never work against forward aggression. Why would you let someone grab you if you can help it? If someone is going to shove you, you better be ready to fight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sgpDJqj7Jc
What I like about this video is that you can see that the "Boyfriend" takes control of the fight and holds it the whole time. I'm not certain that he was justified in the force, but his forward progress is impressive. His fighting isn't all that fancy but for fighting on wood chips, he got it done. The other thing I like is that you can see the "other dudes" post their hands in the "oh shit I'm about to get hit" position several times http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9jiiPZ40Pg
Great example of how a "1v1" street fight never occurs in real life. This fight looks planned but it quickly turns into a beat down. This guy is lucky that he was a quick mover. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0wZwJpID80
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