Self defense
strikes
In
a self defense situation one tends to be in close contact with an
attacker so
the main weapons to strike an attacker are fists,
elbows and knees.
Making a closed fist
Many hand techniques require one to make a fist and it is important that it is done correctly.
-
the fingers should be curled tightly into the palm
-
the thumb lays tightly on top of the fingers.
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the fist must be tight, loose fingers can break when hitting an object.
Straight knuckle punch
Try to avoid hitting the face with a straight knuckle punch as shown in the picture alongside:
(a) fingers and knuckles are VERY likely to be damaged
(b) if the wrist is not straight it can twist and even break
click
on pictures to see an enlarged view!
Palm heel strike
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The palm faces the opponent, hand bent back with fingers curled under
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The strike is with the heel of the palm, the arm straight with the weight of the body behind it.
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The strike can either be to the chin or up under the nose.
Some books and videos show palm strikes with fingers straight (i.e. hand is flat) - the danger is that if the person raises their head and the fingers strike the chin they will bend back and break - it is recommended that the fingers are curled over as shown above
The images show how a the face would be hit by the palm heel, the is arm straight and the body in a low stance to ensure maximum force is applied.
The
picture showing a strike to an attackers face is from "Street Self Defense
101"
http://www.street-selfdefense.com/)
- this shows a rear arm palm strike which is generally more effective than a
front arm strike.
Back fist strike
-
the hand is curled into a normal closed fist striking with the first two knuckles of the back of the hand (left hand picture)
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the strike is either:
-
to the front of the nose if one is to the side of the opponent (centre picture)
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to the top of the nose if one is in front of the opponent (right hand picture)
-
-
in classical karate fighting a back first is usually to the side of the head but it is difficult for this to be effective in a self defense situation.
Hammer
fist
The hand is curled into a normal closed fist striking with the bottom of the fist (opposite the thumb).
A very powerful technique usually striking
-
down onto the bridge of the nose
-
up into the groin (used when attacked from behind) - the picture shows a strike to the groin (taken "Street Self Defense 101" http://www.street-selfdefense.com/)
Elbows are very effective either striking under the jaw, across the face, into the back, the solar plexus or into the groin, e.g. if on the floor.
Avoid elbow strikes to the spine or neck; such blows can cause serious injury or even death.
Face strike
Face strikes are especially effective if an assailant has his hands occupied (grabbing or reaching) and face exposed.
The
picture along side (from
http://www.dolfzine.com/page707.htm)
shows an attacker in front
being struk with an elbow strike across the face.
Bend the arm at the elbow pulling the forearm towards the upper arm, rotate the shoulder driving the point of the elbow across the attacker's face.
Repeat the strike with the other elbow until the attacker is stunned (possibly following up with a knee strike to the groin).
if the attacker's hands are up this will block elbow strikes which gives the alternative of knee strikes to the body.
The legs are very heavy and capable of delivering powerful blows to an opponent. In classical karate many powerful kicks are taught but these are often not applicable if one is in close contact with an attacker; in such a case knees can be very effective either striking into the solar plexus, the groin or the face.
