When we are faced with a self defense situation, often times we want to stick our hands up. The movies and TV have ingrained that immediate response into us. But, we have another option! We can react effectively with our hands by quickly reaching out, not up.
We have discussed using everyday tools as weapons, the one set of tools we did not discuss is, our hands. The tools we use most, and are required for almost all other tools, cannot be left out.
Our hands are one three most valuable assets when it comes to self defense. The others being your mind, and your words. Without our hands, we cannot handle a firearm, intermediate weapons, or even a door knob.
Now, let me insert a brief disclaimer here. There are a great deal of effective techniques and processes that can be done without using your hands. Feet, elbows, knees, head, along with other body parts can be used with profound impact when employed properly. But, this week is all about the hands.
Turning our hands into weapons is simple and instinctive. To turn them into effective weapons takes some work, and to become proficient take a great deal of time and effort. We believe that anyone can become effective with a little bit of time and effort, then, like anything else we must train to keep up with our effectiveness.
There are a great deal of programs and techniques that offer basic defense education. I recommend plugging into a good one. You will know pretty quickly if the education is good. Hand to hand defense is instinctive and a good program will feel natural in many ways.
A good program will teach basic, specific techniques for common strikes. For example, being pushed, a hay-maker, straight punch, being grabbed from behind, head locks, so on and so on have specifics techniques that can be taught and learned easily. Hours of repetition will burn it into your head so that when the moment comes, there is no thinking, just reacting.
Beyond basic techniques you can learn from the internet, you will learn principles and concepts. These will cover a great deal of possibilities. There is no way you could train for every kind of attack specifically. However, it is entirely reasonable to learn a handful of specific common defenses, and cover the rest with theory.
This entails vital points, critical points, counter-attacks, use of force, etc. Knowing there is a pressure point in a given area and connecting with a palm or fist could mean lights out, regardless of technique. Knowing areas that can shut the body down temporarily and permanently is important for use of force application. Applying too much can get you in trouble, applying too little can get you killed.
Our hands are great tools and they should not go to waste. We train to use our hands to employ other tools, but can get so caught up in that process that we forget (or ignore) the invaluable resource that lies at the end of our arms. Learn to use your hands in their full capacity, don’t allow them to go to waste or under utilized…
What we can learn:
Our hands can be very effective weapons when properly employed
To use them is instinct; to use them effectively takes some training; to use them proficiently takes a great deal of time and effort.
There are innumerable training programs that teach hand to hand techniques and application. When you are considering a program, do a little research and ensure it is a good one with a good track record.
Use of force applies to our hands too. Apply the proper amount of force for the situation.
Don’t let one of your only non-removable tools/weapons go to waste.
Stay sharp,
Adam