Self Defense: USING YOUR HANDS

In this part of the course you will learn techniques in which you can use your hands, arms, elbows or fingers as weapons with which to disable your attacker. The difference between a punch and a slap is the way in which the arm or hand movement is carried out. When pushing or punching, the arm movement is always
straight ahead, towards the attacker, whereas, when slapping, the arm movement is circular or semi-circular (a swing or a hook).

In self defense it's very important to learn how to use your hands as weapons. A well-targeted punch, using the heel of your hand or elbow, is easily carried out and highly effective if your FULL body weight is behind it.

It is NOT necessary to harden the skin on your hands or elbows on order to  make'em less sensitive to pain; they have been designated by nature to resist knocks and punches.

Making a fist in the correct way is very important to prevent any finger injuries when punching your assailant or using blocking techniques. When your fist is clenched correctly, the thumb should lie in front of your index and middle finger, and NOT be covered by them.

Move 1 : JABBING WITH THE HEEL OF THE HAND

Bend the fingers up, hold your palm upright and bend it back as far back as
you can. Take up the correct stance and push your hand forward with as much
force as possible. The palm will connect with the target area. Remember to
swivel your hips and follow through in the same direction. The best effects
can be achieved if you hit your attacker just under the nose

Move 1 : DEMONSTRATION

1. Your opponent is about to aim a punch at your head.
2. Take evasive action by moving one step diagonally forward from the normal
   position.
3. Block the punch and, at the same time, jab the heel of your hand under your
   attacker's nose.

Move 2 : THE FINGER JAB

This techniques is highly effective but may also cause severe eye injury. For
this reason, the finger jab should only be used in life-threatening attacks.
Bend your index and middle fingers slightly. Stand in the correct basic stance
and move forwards to carry out the finger jab.

Move 2 : DEMONSTRATION

1. Your assailant is trying to strangle you with both hands.
2. Hunch your shoulders and pull your chin in to protect your neck.
3. Now jab your assailant in the eyes with your fingers, taking a step
   backwards at the same time.

Move 3 : ELBOW PUNCH

The most important thing to remember here is to bend your arm very sharply.
You can elbow forwards or backwards. Your assailant is then hit by the hard
little bone of elbow. If you elbow forwards, your arm moves in a semi-circle,
hitting the side of your attacker's face or his chin. If you elbow backwards,
stretch your arm out forwards, with the back of your clenched fist facing
downwards, and then bring your arm backwards sharply and with as much force as
you can muster. In both cases, your fists should stay clenched and you should
follow through with your shoulders.

Move 3 : DEMONSTRATION

1. Your attacker grabs your arm.
2. You step forward, bringing your arm up in a semi-circle.
3. As you set your foot down, elbow your attacker in the face. This way you
   have the FULL force of your body weight behind you.

Down below is a video showing other useful techniques that alternate hand defense and attack

Once you practice and master those , you should try to use your feet . We will explain some kick techniques in the next post. Waiting for your reaction !

G.Alpha.