| Traditional martial arts emphasize self | | | | Flashy or complex techniques are not part of the |
| preservation and teaches one to use the entire | | | | self-defense expert's repertoire. High kicks or |
| body as a formidable weapon. Each part of the | | | | flying techniques are not practical for an |
| human anatomy has uses and advantages in a | | | | encounter on the street. Although they look good |
| self-defense situation. The head, arms, hands, legs | | | | on television or in movies these martial arts |
| and feet can all be used as a weapon against an | | | | techniques can leave the defender off balance |
| attacker. With practice, learning to use parts of | | | | and vulnerable. Kicks to the head should only be |
| the body can become effective counter | | | | attempted after the assailants head is at or below |
| techniques. In this article we will start a series in | | | | the waistline. |
| using these weapons. | | | | There are many factors that need to be |
| Martial arts experts have learned how to use the | | | | considered in a self-defense encounter on the |
| various body parts as weapons against an attack | | | | street. One is everyday clothing. In many martial |
| in a self-defense situation. Their techniques are | | | | arts training classes a uniform is worn when |
| basic and well focused. Practice gives them the | | | | practicing. Techniques need to be effective with |
| ability to react instinctively without having to think | | | | normal street clothes. Most street clothes are far |
| about the next move. Effective counter | | | | more restrictive than training outfits. Using the |
| techniques are accomplished with any part of the | | | | body's arsenal effectively in these situations is |
| body. | | | | important to keep from being seriously injured. |