Self defense is a very deep and often complicated subject. Contrary to all of the books, videos, and programs out there that promise to "make you a master in 30 seconds or less," effective and authentic self defense training involves much more than learning a couple of "cool moves." This is not to say that you can not learn some important lessons that will allow you to be successful fairly quickly - it's not going to happen over night. In fact, this article discusses a strategy that you just won't find in the "drive-up window-style" self defense products.
In most self defense and martial arts programs, grab defenses are usually approached from the same perspective. The techniques are generally designed to effect your release from the grab. Regardless of whether you're defending against wrist or clothing grabs, body grabs like "bearhugs," or other restraints, the primary focus is usually on escaping.
This escaping and freeing yourself from the assailant's grip is not a bad idea. In fact, it should be the primary goal for the beginning student who wants to put as much distance between herself and her attacker.
But, as you grow in both ability and comfort level with "being attacked," the advanced training should offer you strategies that allow you more control of the situation, and...
...step outside the attacker's perspective.
One of these strategies is in the way we handle a grabbing attack. Where the beginner and the technique-oriented self defense systems focus on escaping, the advanced student sees that there are several benefits to NOT escaping from your aggressor's hold.
Some of those benefits include:
- 1) The attacker has given up a weapon. When he grabs you, he has tied up one of his weapons and can't use it for anything else without letting go.
2) You know where the grabbing hand is. In a self defense situation, you want to keep track of where his body weapons are at all times. That way, he can't pull a weapon or attack without you knowing it.
3) When you counter attack, he won't let go. This is very difficult to explain in print, or even in a demonstration and should be experienced to be understood. Suffice it to say that, since he "has you," psychologically he is almost conditioned to hold on all the way to the end.
The key to quickly, efficiently, and effectively defending yourself against a street fighter, or any assailant who has experience, is to be able to think outside the box and do things in a way that they have not seen before. This begins with seeing the situation with different eyes than everyone else uses.
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