We have been training for some time now, and the advances that each of the pax has made is impressive. Fighting is not as easy as most believe it is and the consequences of doing it wrong can be catastrophic. So, we practice a variety of situational techniques to give each the tools to survive an ever changing dangerous situation. This morning we focued on two very important tools,, the elbows and knees. Counter to what the movies would have us believe,,, kneeing someone in the groin does not always produce an immediate or debilitating result. There are far more effective targets and techniques that can be applied. One of YHC favorite targets for knees is the legs. There are very good targets that produce immediate results on the leg. The lateral side of the thigh about 4 to 7 inches above the knee crease (GB-31 and GB-32) produce severe pain and physical disfunction to the leg. This will limit the persons ability to move, balance or attack. If done correctly the result is often an incapacitated person lying on the floor in pain. The strike is performed by using the knee (driven by the hips) in a semi circular motion with the lower leg approaching an angel parralel to the ground. Similarly, this strike can be used to the medial side of the thigh. Here the targets are deeper and consist of major nerves, blood vessels as well as the muscle groups. Praticing these techniques is a bit painful and may result in a few bruises. All were careful not to hit too hard after feeling the impact themselves. But even minor impact can produce some pain in these areas. The next use of the Knee strike was to the back of the targeted person. Controlling an arm which allows access to the back of the person will make hitting the kidneys and spine very easy. Using the same semi circular motion, driven by the hips, will produce a very effective strike to these areas.
And since we were practicing more of a close range attack this morning, the elbows were the next tool to be utilized. Elbows are much easier to use since the balance is not affected, and many difference angles of attack can be generated. Now, elbows are great weapons, easily destoying most anything it comes in contact with,, but we need to expand our idea of what a good tartget will be. Of course any area of the head and neck will produce noticable results,, but sometimes (and later much more often) the arms legs and back will be easy targets that will disable an attackers ability to continue. We have been focusing on parts of the arms as targets for some time now. And the elbow strike can be used to attack this area as well. Both a glancing blow from the outside and a more direct blow from the front produce substantial damage which will discourage the attacker from continuing the assault. But if he was not persuaded strongly enough a follow up strike to the head or back will certainly go a long way to remind him of his error in judgement.
The days training was not without some pain and bruises but it hopefull drove home the understanding of the effectiveness of these strikes when directed at the proper targets. During this Christmas (holiday) season I pray that we all remain safe and that our families and loved ones find the peace that we all hope for.
Thank you for allowing me to share this system with you fine men. Trust yourself and have faith that you are acting with a pure heart whenever confronted with a dangerous situation.