| Controlling muscle movements and proper | | | | assailant's free hand. |
| breathing is important in a self-defense situation. | | | | Differences in breathing patterns are also telltale |
| Having the ability to recognize the attacker's | | | | signs of an attacker's next move. If grabbed the |
| muscle movements and differences in breathing | | | | assailant will take a deep breath just prior to a |
| patterns is just as important. Martial arts experts | | | | initiating a strike. This is required by the body to |
| have been trained to recognize subtle differences | | | | replenish the oxygen supply to the muscles. Just |
| in human physiology. In this article we will show | | | | the mere fact of the grab and stress diminishes |
| what to look for during an encounter. | | | | oxygen in the blood flow. This is the best time to |
| Knowing how the body reacts under stress can | | | | launch a martial arts counterattack. The human |
| give a victim the ability to avoid, block or evade | | | | body is most vulnerable during inhalation. |
| an attack. Martial arts teaches a number of | | | | The differences in muscle movement and |
| breathing methods to remain calm, focused and in | | | | breathing patterns are subtle. Martial arts self |
| control of a situation. Basic human physiology | | | | defense training should include recognizing these |
| though can give clues to what an attacker may | | | | reactions. Not only can they relay the intentions |
| do next. If grabbed a defender can sense subtle | | | | of an attacker they can prepare the victim to |
| differences in muscular pressure in the grabbing | | | | launch their own counter attack. |
| hand just prior to an attempted strike with the | | | | |