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= PART I : THE BASICS =
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INTRODUCTION :
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This file has been written for those of us who do not want to take up the
martial arts as a sport, but who would like to be able to defend ourselves in
a potentially dangerous situation.
This course is intended to teach you to cope with practical situations, i.e.
circumstances in which you may actually find yourself. You may not aspire to
a black belt, but you will learn how to defend yourself effectively in a
emergency. You don't have to be particularly fit or well coordinated to use
these techniques, which have also been designated for the not-so-strong.
They are simple and easy to learn. They are also highly effective.
PRACTICE :
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"Practice makes perfect" they say, and this is true. Practice what you would
do in a serious situation, so that you are sure of your moves. Try to do
this with a partner, to help you practice the timing of these moves. Try to
choose moves which you find easier and which come more naturally to you.
It is advisable to practice in your everyday clothes, as these are what you
are most likely to be wearing in the event of an attack.
Practice punching, kicking and jabbing as described in the PART II firstly and
very slowly. When you have mastered the moves slowly, build up your speed and
power, but without a partner. Finally, practice your self defense techniques
with a partner, so that you can put what you have learned into practice and
get used to body contact.
SOME GENERAL GROUND RULES :
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There are some important rules on how to react if attacked. If you bear
these in mind, you already have the advantage over your attacker.
If at all possible, avoid a confrontation. Try to engage your assailant in
a conversation. This way you gain time to calm yourself down and work out
an effective strategy to fight off your attacker.
If you cannot avoid a fight :
1. Breathe slowly and deeply to calm your nerves.
2. ALWAYS look your attacker in the eyes.
3. Turn sideways to make it harder for your attacker to grab you.
4. Only use techniques you have really mastered. DON'T hesitate.
5. Be careful not to let yourself be cornered, and don't allow yourself to be
backed up into a doorway or against a wall.
THE LAW AND SELF DEFENSE :
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Section 3(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1967 states :
" .... a person may use reasonable force in the prevention of crime ...."
Obviously " prevention of crime " covers a wide range, but this may include
1. Defense of yourself
2. Defense of another
3. Defense of property
What is considered reasonable depends on the circumstances and is, ultimately,
a matter for a jury to decide. That is, if you have been slapped, it would be
unreasonable to defend yourself with a knife. If you use more force than is
reasonable in the circumstances, you could be prosecuted.
SHOCK TACTICS. THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE :
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Surprise is an important factor in self defense. If used properly it throws
your assailant off balance and may give you valuable time. There are many
types of shock tactics but I shall restrict myself to a few simple ones which
will distract or confuse your attacker.
1. Sudden, loud screaming
2. Spitting in the attacker's face
3. Smiling while looking behind of the attacker
THE MOST VULNERABLE AREAS OF THE HUMAN BODY :
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The eyes and groin are your MAIN TARGETS. A hard kick or punch in the groin
will quickly put men out of action, and can even render them unconscious.
This is a very sensitive part of the body and very vulnerable to injury, no
matter how big and strong a man can be. You can achieve similar results by
jabbing your assailant in the eyes with your fingers, which is one of the
best methods of self defense. Your attacker will be helpless if he cannot see.
Of course, the human body can be attacked in other areas like nose, chin,
knee, shin and bridge of the foot. These are your SECONDARY TARGETS.
DIRECT YOUR PUNCHES AND KICKS, AS DESCRIBED, ONLY AT THE MARKED POINTS OF THE
BODY, AS OTHERWISE THEY MAY NOT AFFECT YOUR ATTACKER.
THE RIGHT STANCE :
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Correct stance is essential as a basis for all defense movements. In order to
achieve maximum mobility, balance your weight equally on both legs, keeping
your knees slightly bent. Do not tense up; relax and be prepared to react
quickly on all sides. Your shoulders should be diagonal to your assailant, so
that you present the least surface area for your attacker to grab. Protect
your chest and your chin by keeping your arms up at an angle. Clench your
fists to minimize any damage to your fingers when defending or blocking. This
is NOT a static position, quite the opposite, and you should be constantly
moving, like a boxer in the ring. Do not keep your arms still, but remember to
keep up your guard. This behavior will confuse your attacker, leaving him no
time to recognize the defensive action you may be taking. Try to stay out of
reach of your attacker, but remember to maintain eye contact.