Mr. Bob Thompson, IV Dan from
Sheridan was Black Belt Instructor for March. The class was all about
self-defense...
Basics: Most
people are right-handed, so if you are attacked it will most likely
by your attacker's right hand, and he will grab and pull you in towards
him (to his position of strength), not hold you at arm's length. Note:
in demonstrating Ho Sin Sul at testings, and as we practice in class
we need to work at getting away from that unrealistic arm's length
attack. A bully wants a victim so make it a point NOT to be an obvious
or easy victim; that will make it unlikely you'll be attacked in the
first place. If you ARE attacked, your best chance is an immediate
and vigorous response...your first try will be your best chance at
escape because it will be a surprise. Take care to teach our students
techniques that truly work, and how to execute them successfully.
Imparting a false sense of security does them a disservice, and is
not good Taekwon-Do. If a technique works for a small person against
a large attacker, that's the technique to be teaching.
Cross grab release:
come over his hand, grab your own, use the rub point with your wrist
to release.
Joint locks: stay in close and keep your grip constant,
dont 'wring the dishrag' by releasing and resetting your grip.
Straight grab release: use a softener, take the attacker's
mind off the grip momentarily. Pulling away is not effective - the
attacker will be expecting that. Step on his foot (instep) as you
are pulled in, moving towards and past the attacker. Bump his chest
with your shoulder.
Be aware of the legal consequences
of what you do, but if it comes down to it, it's better to be judged
by 12 than carried by 6!
Understanding of pressure points:
Without counterpressure they don't work; the person will simply move
away from the pressure. Hold the opposite side of the head when using
facial points. When studying pressure points, find out which ones
need directional application, as well as which ones are activated
by a strike, a rub or steady pressure. Use GB 20 at the base of the
skull and S 3 on the cheeks to release tension and energy...these
are especially helpful if students have been practicing and 'lighting
up' points on one another.
Single grab to the lapel:
Cover, rotate the wrist, take the forearm the other direction.
Single hand choke (attack): From the front or the
back, use your other hand for backup. From the back, use your other
hand and/or your body for counterpressure.
Two-handed choke (attack): From the rear, use thumb
ridges at the arteries, clasping hands in front of the neck, knee
to the back for counterpressure and stealing balance. To choke at
arm's length doesn't work.
As one studies Ho Sin Sul, one
learns how not to be locked up by learning what it takes to apply
a lock.
Falling: side:
Use slap arm close to the body, roll some to deflect energy.
throw-fall: Use feet and arms to absorb energy.
Capture a side kick: Start with fists to X-block,
then open to grab. If you start with open hands you're likely to injure
your fingers.
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