When I have been asked what to do when grabbed a certain
way… my first answer most likely is, it depends.
When I have been asked what this technique in a form is
good for… my first answer might be, it depends.
While it may be frustrating that there is not a black or
answer, the reality is there is no black or answer for general
questions like the two above when it comes to a self-defense martial art.
This is because it all depends on the scenario and what
your intent is.
For example, what you may do, may be different in the
following scenarios if approached:
·
You feel you can talk
your way out of an altercation
·
You have an escape
route versus not
·
Are you injured or
have a limb that is not usable (e.g., broken arm)?
·
Does the assailant
have a weapon or not?
·
Does the assailant
seem trained?
·
You are alone versus
with a loved one who is an adult
·
You are alone verses
with a loved one who is a child
·
You are in an open
area with many other people around or it’s a one-on-one or a one-on-several
situation
·
You feel your life is
being threatened
·
You feel your loved one’s
life is being threatened
·
It is day time versus
night time in a dark area
And the above is not an exhausted set of scenarios. And how you react, what technique you use,
what your second techniques you might use is all dependent on the
scenario. There is no one answer. And for each of us, how we respond may be
different even for the same scenario.
For someone who is a fast runner they may feel they escape certain
situations more than a slower runner.
Your intent will also determine how you want to use a
technique:
·
Do you want to escape the
grab?
·
Do you want to trap
the grab?
·
Do you want to
deflect?
·
Do you want to damage?
·
What is your target?
For example, a hook punch can be thrown to escape a same
side grab, punch kidneys or ribs close in, it can be thrown more like a forearm
strike to damage the sternum, with a turn can be used as a takedown.
So, there is no one answer, and it just depends.
And the best way to determine for you what that “it depends”
is, is to role play. You can role play
by:
·
Going through scenarios
and thinking through what you may do
·
While watching fights
from videos. TV shows, movies and thinking through what you may do
·
While practicing with
a partner, from the same grab or attack, go through various scenarios or how
you want to use the technique and practice
I highly encourage if you are not already, add role playing
or more role playing in your practice to be prepared for whatever the situation
may be.
Regards,
Kelly
"To be prepared for war
is the most effective means of maintaining peace." ~ George Washington (1732-1799),
Founding Father and the first president of the United States
