NAP, the publishers of our DVD box set ask me to produce some tips for their monthly newsletter to their subscribers. This time I’ve sent them some descriptions of how students have defended themselves; I’ve used the students’ own words to describe what happened and added a bit at the end re the lessons that I think derive from these experiences. I thought that you might be interested so take a look at these:
A drunken man came into an refuge we were running. He became extremely aggressive, produced a baton and started to threaten people with it.. Two of us tackled him and practically without thinking I took control of his arm and disarmed him…I was amazed at myself being able to do this so quickly; after this we managed to talk him down and he was subsequently arrested.
Jamie, Church of England Minister
Lessons: If the guy has a weapon and you choose to act, do so quickly, without hesitation and focus on neutralising the threat as soon as possible. Against batons move into the attacker quickly as they are long-to-medium range weapons difficult to deploy effectively close-in.
I was on holiday in Spain ..after a few too many beers I walked back to the hotel alone and was set upon by 6 youths…one ended up on top of me raining punches on my face – of all the martial arts I have done before it was the stuff that I learned from a relatively few lessons with you that I actually used. I covered my face so that I also prevented the back of my head hitting the ground, I bridged violently, head-butted him as I went over, got up immediately and ran. The youths were so surprised and shocked at the fate of their friend that they didn’t even pursue me.
Paul de Silva, Civil Servant (extract from a letter to Stewart McGill)
Lessons: If on the ground facing punches from someone in full mount, grab your head strongly and have your forearms cover your face – very importantly this helps stop the back of your head hitting the ground as well as guarding the face. Bridge continually: you may not dislodge your attacker immediately but you will disturb his balance and therefore his ability to punch properly.
I was working late at night when somebody tried to force their way into the office. I confronted him- he shaped up to throw a big right-hander; I stepped into him to take away his range with my left elbow raised high and hit him in the face with the heel of my right hand. He stepped back stumbling badly, I gave him a roundhouse kick hitting the side of his leg with my shin. I must say, even with the adrenaline pumping it amazed me how he went down he went down like a sack of spuds.
Howard, businessman
Lessons: Try to get home earlier. Also, if you’re going to step in to take away an attacker’s range make sure you cover up properly and hit the guy hard and quickly. Often good to follow up a high blow or blows with a lower strike particularly a kick like Howard describes, if you have the range.
4 youths stopped me in the street and wanted my mobile. I moved to the edge of the pavement, took the kid on the outside and pushed the heel of my hand onto the tip of his nose. His head went back arching his back at the same time. I pushed down, stepped into him and the back of his head hit the ground very hard. I ran, his friends chased me for a few seconds but their heart wasn’t in it and I got back home buzzing.
Jasper, student
Lessons: If you elect to fight in this situation, position yourself optimally in the pre-fight stage and take out the first guy very aggressively. Get out as soon as you can.
I was on the way back from training when a guy cranked up on something pushed me backwards and threatened me. I moved back, dropped the bag and –tragically – the kebab that I’d just bought.. I extended my arms into the fence position, my fingers pointing at his eyes. He tried to head-butt me, I simply raked his eyes with my left hand and kicked his groin with my left leg. He went down to his knees and came out with the usual self righteous whining. I left the scene immediately. Apart from the techniques, what helped me were the reality-based Urban Krav Maga techniques. If you’re attacked there’s a good chance that you’re going to be carrying baggage so we actually practice handling surprise attacks when carrying a bag. This really helped in this situation as the bag –and kebab – were only going to get in my way so losing them immediately helped me end up unscathed.
Aasim, Computer programmer and Urban Krav Maga instructor
Lessons: Always have your fingers pointing at the aggressor’s eyes when putting up your fence; if it’s shaping up to be a fight, drop any bags you’re carrying; incorporate drills into your training in which you’re attacked carrying baggage, wearing heavy clothing etc. just as you might be if it kicks off in reality.