31.10.18
Today’s class at Kingham Hill School continued my self-protection programme. We revised the fence, brought in incidental combinations, went through the cover response, did some anti-grappling and addressed some self-defence myths.
Everyone warmed up on the focus mitts. We began with basic backwards forwards striking on the move. This is done at low intensity and designed to promote awareness of changing ranges as well as keeping things on the move. We then moved straight onto using the fence and referencing the target. This was done with greater intensity, building to full impact. We also covered lining up more than one person and revised the legalities of pre-emptive striking.
Next we moved onto incidental combinations. For those new to this phrase, I am referring to a continuous flow of strikes that change as the target alters. This is different from a pre-selected combination. A typical combination will come off the same hand – straight rear hand strike/overhand strike/hammer-fist – and be followed with a knee strike before reverting back to the straight rear hand. The strike is used in relation to the way the target changes after being struck.
The cover looks at regaining the initiative. I written plenty on this tactic and I even have a chapter dedicated to its use in my first book, “Mordred’s Victory and Other Martial Mutterings”. In essence, this is when things go wrong and the fighter is fortunate enough to still be active after being struck. The purpose covering is to provide a temporary method to protect, potentially damage incoming striking limbs and get onto the front foot of the fight as quickly as possible.
Next we covered anti-grappling. We looked the importance of retaining a strong base, so as not be taken down, dominating the inside and the application of eye gouges to access other strikes such as head-butts, elbows and straight strikes. Here we discussed the use of “foul” techniques that are often thought of as magic bullets. The strike to the groin, for example, is often thought as sure way to deal with an attacker. The move is over-rated. It can certainly be effective and should be in any self-defence repertoire of strikes. However, hitting the groin isn’t always easy and it doesn’t always drop an enemy. Likewise, eye gouges are a useful method for gaining purchase on the head in order to facilitate strikes but should not be considered a guaranteed fight-finisher.