| Self defense is a very deep and often | | | | ...step outside the attacker's perspective. |
| complicated subject. Contrary to all of the books, | | | | One of these strategies is in the way we handle a |
| videos, and programs out there that promise to | | | | grabbing attack. Where the beginner and the |
| "make you a master in 30 seconds or less," | | | | technique-oriented self defense systems focus on |
| effective and authentic self defense training | | | | escaping, the advanced student sees that there |
| involves much more than learning a couple of | | | | are several benefits to NOT escaping from your |
| "cool moves." This is not to say that you can not | | | | aggressor's hold. |
| learn some important lessons that will allow you to | | | | Some of those benefits include: |
| be successful fairly quickly - it's not going to | | | | 1) The attacker has given up a weapon. When he |
| happen over night. In fact, this article discusses a | | | | grabs you, he has tied up one of his weapons and |
| strategy that you just won't find in the "drive-up | | | | can't use it for anything else without letting go. |
| window-style" self defense products. | | | | 2) You know where the grabbing hand is. In a self |
| In most self defense and martial arts programs, | | | | defense situation, you want to keep track of |
| grab defenses are usually approached from the | | | | where his body weapons are at all times. That |
| same perspective. The techniques are generally | | | | way, he can't pull a weapon or attack without you |
| designed to effect your release from the grab. | | | | knowing it. |
| Regardless of whether you're defending against | | | | 3) When you counter attack, he won't let go. This |
| wrist or clothing grabs, body grabs like "bearhugs," | | | | is very difficult to explain in print, or even in a |
| or other restraints, the primary focus is usually on | | | | demonstration and should be experienced to be |
| escaping. | | | | understood. Suffice it to say that, since he "has |
| This escaping and freeing yourself from the | | | | you," psychologically he is almost conditioned to |
| assailant's grip is not a bad idea. In fact, it should | | | | hold on all the way to the end. |
| be the primary goal for the beginning student who | | | | The key to quickly, efficiently, and effectively |
| wants to put as much distance between herself | | | | defending yourself against a street fighter, or any |
| and her attacker. | | | | assailant who has experience, is to be able to |
| But, as you grow in both ability and comfort level | | | | think outside the box and do things in a way that |
| with "being attacked," the advanced training should | | | | they have not seen before. This begins with |
| offer you strategies that allow you more control | | | | seeing the situation with different eyes than |
| of the situation, and... | | | | everyone else uses. |