The Martial Arts Strategy That Helped The British Kick US Hind End On Bunker Hill!

When it comes to Martial Arts Strategy, the Romans were the true innovators. They figured out how to stand in ranks, interlock their shields from arrows, pike the charging horsies, and move en masse. The result was that they conquered the world.

Fast forward a few Christmas seasons and we come to the British Empire. The Brits had taken the Roman principles of war and adapted them to musket and cannon, repeating fire, and...they conquered the whole durned world all over again. Then they ran into those cowardly colonists on the other side of the Atlantic, who shot from behind bushes and ran away, and didn't even have the courage and discipline to stand in lines and trade volleys.

Eventually the colonists had to take a stand, and they chose to do so from the top of Breed's Hill, which is more commonly known as Bunker Hill. The British soldiers looked up the hill, shook their heads at the daunting charge they had to make, but realized that, at last, the colonists could be taught a lesson. Thus, they readied their ranks, stood in straight lines, and prepared to charge up the hill.

It was a hot day, the sun beat down mercilessly, and the order to ascend the hill was given. Dutifully, the soldiers began the charge that would overwhelm these dratted upstart colonists. For the first half of the charge, things were all right, then the British soldiers started moving a bit slower, the colonists wouldn't stop shooting at them, and the charge sort of reversed itself.

The generals, seeing their troops come straggling down the hill, were very upset. A few of them tossed their crumpets on the ground and spilled their tea. They were that upset.

The British soldiers were properly dressed down, told to line up again, and given the order to charge. They charged, and, for a while, things looked pretty good. Then the weather got to them, the dratted yankees kept shooting them in their bodies, and, once again, the attack dwindled.

Oh, the British generals were disgusted, then one fellow said something smart. "Sirs," he said, "Perhaps we could take off these wooley, winter coats, and perhaps leave our fifty pound field packs behind this time? So they did, and they scampered over that hill like lions smelling blood, and the colonists ran like scared jack rabbits.

The lesson here is plain to see. Train to be lean and mean, leave your baggage at the depot, most of all, be honest in your assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, the environment, your enemy's strengths and weaknesses, and that sort of thing. This martial arts strategy can be applied life, war, love, or just about anything else in this whole durned universe.

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Martial Arts Self Defense Techniques - 3 Striking Self Defense Techniques For Personal Protection

Striking an assailant in a self-defense situation is possibly the best way to defend yourself. Striking is taught in most of the martial arts and is core to personal protection. Correct striking is imperative. Flailing wildly without landing a strike will drain your energy and telegraph that you do not know what you are doing. In this article I will detail 3 striking techniques with different parts of your body.

Self Defense Tactic 1 - Elbow Strikes

Elbow strikes can be a powerful and potentially lethal form of self-defense. Striking with the elbow, whether above or below the point of the elbow or the point itself can be used anywhere on the assailants body. The downsides of elbow strikes are they can only be used in close quarters combat and there is a possibility of injuring the point of the elbow if striking the opponents head.

Elbow strikes can target the head, neck, throat, back of the head, base of the skull, the arms, rib cage, thighs, hands and so on. This self-defense weapon can cause some serious damage and inflict an immense amount of pain. An elbow strike can come from any number of angles. From above or below the tip it can act much like a punch. From the tip it can be driven in or speared into the target.

Use short, quick strikes with maximum force or step into the aggressor for additional power. A women's self-defense technique is a barrage of elbow strikes to the same target. Even though maybe not as much force can be applied all at once, hitting the same vulnerable body part or a nerve or major muscle can accomplish the same outcome with repetition. A standing barrage of strikes into the assailant can drive them backwards into a wall or trip them over something to allow for an escape.

Self Defense Tactic 2 - Closed Hand or Fist Strikes

Strikes with a fist or closed hand can be the most or least effective of all strikes. If the first strike is to a hard object, such as the head, you could break any number of small bones in your hand leaving you vulnerable. If the wrist is not trained or is not strong enough to handle the impact the wrist can be sprained. Boxers tape their hands and wrists for these very reasons.

Striking soft vulnerable body parts is better for closed fist punches. The ribs, kidneys, nose and solar plexus are a few areas. To be the most effective and powerful the hand must be compressed until it becomes a solid object. Aligning the hand, wrist and forearm into a straight line is the best way to avoid injury. Any part of this self-defense weapon that is not tight and aligned is subject to breaks, strains or tears.

A hammerfist is possibly the best self-defense technique for a closed hand strike. There is less potential for injury. Using the side of the hand can create more of a bludgeoning blow. A hammerfist typically comes from above and can be an unsuspected strike to many parts of the assailants body.

Self Defense Tactic 3 - Knee Strikes

Knee strikes, like elbow strikes, can be powerful and potentially deadly ways to defend yourself. Much like striking with the elbow a knee strike can be above, below or the kneecap itself. And again injury to the kneecap can result if striking the head. The legs and hips contain extremely strong muscles. Contact with any number of vulnerable body parts can disable an attacker quickly and allow for an escape.

Knee strikes are a close range defense technique. Do not leave your feet to deliver a knee strike. Strike the attacker on the inside and outside of their thighs, their hips, inside or outside of their knee joints, their tailbone, their stomach or groin if standing. Knee strikes can be a devastating self-defense technique if you find yourself on the ground and on top of them. Driving the knee into almost any area of their body with full force can inflict an immense amount of pain and render them useless and provide for an escape.

Do you want to learn more about protecting yourself in a real-life self defense scenario? Go to http://selfdefense-techniques.com/ and download Pete's free Intelligent Guide For Self Defense.

Most traditional martial arts classes do not train you for real life encounters. Learn to avoid getting yourself into a bad situation. But if you find yourself face to face with serious injury or death, you will have mastered the skills to survive by following these simple systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Kauffer

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The Origins of Israeli Martial Arts

Now if you were to sit down and do a search online about Israeli martial arts you'll probably turn up call kinds of facts about Krav Maga which was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld a European and martial artist. Along with him you'll find many others who have contributed to Israel's martial culture dating back to Biblical times when Moses and Joshua lead the Jewish people against many enemies in the region. Though thousands of years have pasted and Israel is still surrounded by many enemies, and because of these enemies Israel created methods to combat them. Why a martial art is created is as important as how it works, and when you get down to it is all about self defense.

Israel has always been outnumbered with few allies and no clear advantages in the Middle East, and while you can argue politics all you want, but your land belongs to you only if you can keep it. In that sense the Israelis aren't much different than any other group who develops a style of fighting out of the need to survive, and that principal applies whether you're in a street fight or when armies clash. Violence should never be the first option, but when you do appeal to violence you must never lose.

For the Jews who fled Egypt in the Exodus and began wondering through the desert it soon became clear that they could either fight and survive or perish or be enslaved. They chose to fight and over time developed strong and brave warriors to take on the apposing tribes. In the centuries to follow their culture would produce many great warriors, but a lack unity and Roman military might would later destroy all they had built. After that those who resided in Israel would be scattered around the world, but centuries later after another catastrophic event Israel would reborn and its people would fight again.

Though time has passed the nightmare of World War II has still not faded from memory, and it is our duty to never forget the dark days when three evil empires fueled by hate sent their armies forth to conquest for blood and treasure. All who were exposed to the war suffered, but for some the whole world seemed to turn on them. Nazi Germany made it illegal for people to simply live, and police officers and soldiers sworn to protect and serve turned on those who needed their help the most. Millions were dragged off to be murdered to fulfill sick and twisted men's dreams.

There are those who like to argue and debate these events, but there is no denying the horror, and those who did survive learned just how important it is to know how to fight back. Those who escaped the death camps and those who fought in the ghettos of Poland learned that if you fought back you only improved your chances of survival. After the war Israel would become the new home of millions of refugees, but once again it would only be their home if they could keep it, and after the horrors in Europe no one questioned the need to fight. Before even becoming a nation the new settlers would have to fight, and they're still fighting today.

If you don't fight you leave yourself at the mercy of others, and you'd better hope and pray that they value life as you do, but what do you do when they see you as nothing more than a problem to be dealt with? When you learn how to fight you can choose your destiny rather than have others choose it for you, and that lesson applies to the individual as well as a nation. Your culture helps you develop your style of martial arts, but it is your ethics that guide you how they're employed. Israel has developed many styles and tactics that should be studied, because no system should be over looked when you're training for self defense.

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Methods to Train for Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts is the method to go if you want far better conditioning and better martial arts expertise. Some will compete in MMA events although other people basically use it as nothing more than a hobby. Regardless of your ambitions the info contained here will give you guidelines for reaching your MMA objectives.

You ought to get the proper clothes and gear if you want to be significant about your mixed martial arts instruction.

This signifies you ought to have gloves, head guards, and comfortable work out clothes. Whilst these items won't make you a far better fighter by themselves, having them will enable you to concentrate and experience more professional. Significant competitors could be identified most frequently by the commitment represented in their specialized clothing and tools. Whenever you aren't at the fitness center, it may be useful to have the best gear at house; things for instance weights, a jump rope, or an exercise machine. Getting the tools as you are able to is beneficial due to the fact having it'll assist you to progress quicker in your MMA coaching. Present day mixed martial arts had its beginnings with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling methods are still a key component of it. Even if you believe of yourself mostly as a striker, the grappling techniques are vital for you to be able to cope with fighters who are skilled in this region. It really is most outstanding to workout having a selection of wrestling and jiu jitsu tactics, so that you experience satisfactory once you go up against folks with numerous martial arts backgrounds. The positive thing about ground techniques is that, even when it is one of your less powerful areas, with some exercising it really is some thing you are able to turn out to be far better at rapidly. Contemplating that striking is contingent upon plenty of important characteristics, for instance rapidness and reflexes, grappling more on specific techniques. This isn't to say that you do not will need to be skilled or that anybody could be an outstanding grappler, even though a majority of folks can at minimum turn out to be aware of the basics actually rapidly, which is actually essential when competing in mixed martial arts.

Improving your mixed martial arts abilities signifies following a normal routine to preserve concentrate. You need to have distinct days whenever you train in cardio, strength coaching, grappling, striking, etc. It might be needed to change up your routines or shuffle them around from time to time just so that you do not lose interest within the too rapidly. It can be a extremely crucial concept to have a program whenever you program to train. Most folks have busy schedules, so you would like to make the most out of your coaching time. You'll be able to boost your time management by knowing precisely what you would like to accomplish whenever you hit the fitness center. Your acceleration rate of abilities will likely be higher having a disciplined regimen. In summary, if you wish to make progress in mixed martial arts, you've got to be ready to devote a whole lot of time and effort to it. Your work outs need to be tough but be careful not to overdo it and injure your self. These MMA coaching ideas will assist you to as you work to enhance your abilities.

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What Equipment Will I Need For My Very First Martial Arts Class?

As a karate instructor, one of many questions I am asked most often is "What equipment do I need in my first martial arts training class?" I'd like to begin by stating that it's generally most effective to discuss this question with the teacher prior to purchasing anything, however we will cover some of the more common beginner supplies.

The primary and quite clear bit of equipment you'll require when becoming a member of a new martial arts class is an outfit. The style, weight, and color of the uniform will differ based around the style you choose to learn. Many dojos have a tendency to make use of the traditional uniform for their art. For instance, if you are becoming a member of a Karate school, you'll more than likely wear a Karate outfit, and if you are joining a Kung Fu class, you will likely need a Kung Fu outfit, but this is not always the situation. I have been to many Tae Kwon Do training centers where their pupils use Karate uniforms and several Jiu Jitsu schools where their students wear a Judo Gi. Another factor you have to be conscious of is the fact that several designs come in various weights. Various methods of Karate might require you to make use of a heavier or lighter weight outfit during training. Also, styles well-known for their powerful grabs and takedowns typically work with a heavier gi than styles recognized for their fast movements and acrobatic kicks. White is the most well-known color used in the majority of training centers, but several schools allow their students to wear different colors when their belt rank gets higher.

Almost all martial arts training centers start their trainees using a white belt to represent that they're brand new in the technique. The belt ranking system varies with the martial arts school you join, however white is the universal color for a newbie martial artist. Several uniforms include a white belt, which tends to make the process of selecting the proper belt a little bit simpler.

The next thing you need to consider buying when you start a martial arts school is equipment for protection. In the majority of schools, newbie trainees are mainly granted light physical contact and then aren't granted permission to combat until they have earned a belt rank which is higher. For that reason, you will probably just need a groin cup and mouth guard in the beginning. As you begin fighting, much more elaborate sparring devices will be required. The majority of martial arts schools prefer to use foam padded training tools, but many have adopted the use of vinyl or leather protective gear. In order to assure that you will purchase the correct supplies, always check with your trainer about what protective equipment is required during sparring exercises as well as competitions.

The final product you may require when joining a new dojo is a new pair of martial arts shoes. While it's often typical to discover students in feet that are bare in most dojos, martial art shoes are rapidly growing in popularity. A few martial arts instructors allow their students to don inexpensive cotton or rubber sole Kung Fu shoes, but others expect their students to use a light-weight pair of karate shoes made to offer additional ankle support as well as shock resistance. Martial arts shoes can end up being expensive, so you will really want to see what the other students in class are wearing prior to buying a pair.

As you can see, you won't need much items when first becoming a member of a martial arts course, but when you progress within your chosen style you'll have all sorts of fantastic martial arts supplies to select from.

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Martial Arts Self-Defense Techniques - Escaping Rear Chokes In A Self Defense Situation

Chokes from the rear can leave one defenseless or unconscious in a very short amount of time. Airflow and blood flow to the brain can be cut off fairly easily and quickly with an arm around your neck. Defending a rear choke quickly is essential for survival. In this article I will show numerous martial arts self-defense techniques to defend yourself from a rear choke hold.

If you have ever seen an MMA match one of the best submission holds is a choke. The competitors are typically on the ground when a choke is administered. The referee must be extremely cautious when he sees the technique being attempted. With their training and strength a choke can seriously injure one of the competitors. Fortunately since they do train they know their limits and can tap out before becoming unconscious. And the referee can stop the fight if he feels the need.

A rear choke hold is more dangerous on the street due to the fact you cannot see the attacker. Are they large and powerful or smaller in stature. You cannot see their eyes or demeanor. Are they just after your wallet or purse and then they will release you. Are they some sociopath or drug addict out of their mind that is looking to truly kill you. Or a gang member looking for their initiation kill. The only option you have is to escape the choke as quickly as possible.

Rear Choke Self Defense Technique 1

If the choke is more with the assailants hands on your shoulders or on your neck it is easier to defend than with their arm around your neck. In this situation take a step forward raise the opposite arm and turn into the attacker. This self-defense move will break their grip and move you closer and to their side.

Typically you would want to turn with the less dominant arm. This frees the dominant arm to strike. Use a palm strike to their chin or nose. Gouge their eyes with your fingers or thumbs. Attack their throat with a chop, hammerfist or spearing punch. If they are too close to strike with a hand shorten up and strike with an elbow or knee. Escape the scene as soon as possible. You do not know if they may attack you again.

Rear Choke Self Defense Technique 2

A rear choke with an arm bar is quite possibly the most frightening way of being attacked. We all are aware that without blood and oxygen flowing to the brain we can lose consciousness quickly. Time is of the essence in this self-defense situation. There are mere seconds before you pass out.

The first reaction should be to try to get your hand or arm between their arm and your neck. Dropping your chin into their forearm and turning your head to try to face them. Try to get their forearm off your neck. At the very least get your neck into the crook of their elbow. Any of these will give you some breathing room.

Striking with a full barrage of martial arts self-defense techniques is required. Elbows to the rib cage, finger strikes to the eyes or nose, hammerfist to the groin, stomping their feet, biting their forearm, pulling hair, manipulating fingers and destroying joints or breaking bones, or backward kicks to their knees or legs may be needed to get them to release you. This is a life-threatening situation. Full force strikes as quickly as possible through the targets must be applied. Once released flee the scene as quickly as you can.

Do you want to learn more about protecting yourself in a real-life self defense scenario? Go to http://selfdefense-techniques.com/ and download Pete's free Intelligent Guide For Self Defense.

Most traditional martial arts classes do not train you for real life encounters. Learn to avoid getting yourself into a bad situation. But if you find yourself face to face with serious injury or death, you will have mastered the skills to survive by following these simple systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Kauffer

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How to Use Your Feet In All Martial Arts Training, Regardless of Style

It might sound a bit daft but the majority of people in the martial arts fail to use their feet when training. In fact, they probably fail to use them at all, except in circumstances when the feet use themselves!

Using the feet to their potential
Of course, everyone uses their feet in martial arts but the trouble is most fail to optimize the use of their feet. It's rather like training in big platform boots where you can't feel what's going on and as a result movement is compromised. The irony is that even training in bare feet the majority of martial artists fail to use their feet when the opportunity to really feel what is happening is spurned.

The foot/ankle complex is constructed of more than 30 bones comprising 28 joints which allow a huge amount of movement; twisting, bending etc.... Most of this movement potential is circumnavigated by the adoption of rather static 'flat-footed' stances which limit the foot action possible and subsequently movement potential for the whole body.

This has several drawbacks, not least that ground reaction force is compromised and therefore resultant force generated in strikes. Another important failing is the reduced stability as you are not 'in your feet'. This is a term more akin to Chinese Martial Arts but important for all martial artists and refers to being 'grounded' or 'sinking' your weight.

My earlier analogy with the platform boots is relevant here and could be extended. So if you are 'in your feet' you would be IN a pair of slippers rather than ON the platform boots. This may not be obvious and probably sounds like a load of old tosh but can be demonstrated quite easily.

Sanchin: mobility and stability
This much misunderstood stance (and kata, for that matter) provides an excellent vehicle for investigating 'sinking' your weight optimally and feeling what is happening in your feet. It requires you to use your feet properly, or put another way you must be 'in your feet' (slippers rather than platforms) and providing the structure to do so.

First, stand behind a friend, place your arms round their middle and lift them up, note how heavy your friend feels. Then get this person to bend at the ankle (the knee will follow), weight forward (over the ball of the foot) and feet spread the weight can 'sink' into the feet. Now lift your friend in the same manner as before.

Amazingly, your friend will be heavier! This does not mean that they have suddenly put on weight but rather they have allowed their weight to drop lower and to be supported by the feet. So long as the weight is forward and NOT on the heels movement from the feet is easily achieved, this means that Ground Reaction Force can be transferred into a punch as you press into the floor and the twisting bending motions of the feet can be accessed.

So throw out the platforms and put on the slippers to optimize your feet for your martial arts training.

To find out more on how the feet can contribute to the power output of your punch you should click through to Dr. Jon Law's Epic Martial Arts Blog to the article called Driving from the Feet which elaborates on this article.

For more on the importance of the feet in martial arts training you can try the following post http://epicmartialartsblog.com/listening-to-the-feet/, which describes more ways to use your feet to their potential.

Dr. Jon Law is a sports scientist, martial arts instructor and blogger from Birmingham UK with almost 20 years experience. For more information and tips on all kinds of martial arts skills please visit the Epic Martial Arts Blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Law

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Reviewing The Best Ways to Time Your Martial Arts Tabata Method Workouts

Martial Arts Fitness Training
A good level of fitness is essential for all martial artists, regardless of style, that much is obvious. The Tabata method is ideal to use in ANY martial arts class or training session as the full protocol lasts just four minutes. Though very short in duration the gains are extensive.

The intensity has to be high, very high, in fact as high as you can make it. This results in exceptional fitness gains in both aerobic and anaerobic systems and a commensurate level of fat loss, as the metabolic rate is increased for many hours following the workout. The raised metabolism means that fat calories are burned almost exclusively!

An additional benefit of the Tabata method is the on-off nature of this exercise protocol which mimics the requirements of fighting, both tournament and self-defence. The protocol has eight sets of exercise reps (of either the same exercise or different) lasting just 30 seconds each. These 30 second sets comprise of 20 seconds effort and 10 seconds rest. This may very well sound easy enough but to ensure the gains are maximised the effort part has to be flat out, nothing else will do.

The protocol allows you to choose either one exercise to concentrate on or a variety. This can be a mix of conditioning or martial arts skills. Any aspect of your martial art can be included so long as it can be performed energetically, high intensity is absolutely essential.

Timing the Workouts
Given that the key to gaining maximum benefits is working out at as high an intensity as possible the distraction of watching the clock to time the interval sets should be avoided if possible. The obvious way to time the sets is to simply keep an eye on the second hand of a large clock.

While intuitive this will soon become a chore and a distraction from really pushing hard right through a Tabata workout. The alternative is to use some kind of interval timer. There are now plenty of options available some free others paid for.

My personal choice is the Gymboss timer, which has been a good friend to me for the last two or three years. It is possible to set it to beep after each work and rest interval and to countdown all eight intervals, rendering it perfect for Tabata training. It can be programmed to time almost any interval sets you can imagine or can be used as a stopwatch and countdown timer while being small enough to be taken anywhere. I love it and at $19.95 it's great value.

There are watches that can handle similar functions, but these tend to be more expensive. I have found several online FREE options too! Some are just mp3's and offer nothing other than the set Tabata method. However, there are several software options that allow you to program the timer to varying degrees, and some of these can even be used on your mobile phone, adding greater portability to the equation.

If you want to read my review of the alternatives, including the free options, please go to my blog post at http://epicmartialartsblog.com/tabata-clock-review, so you can decide for yourself whether you want to go for something free or plump for the paid option.

Alternatively if you want to find out more about my recommendation the Gymboss timer, which cannot be beaten in my opinion, I have written a hub about how to use this amazing little devise which you can read by clicking through to my Gymboss Timer review.

Dr. Jon Law is a sports scientist, martial arts instructor and blogger from Birmingham UK with almost 20 years experience. For more information and tips on all kinds of martial arts skills please visit the Epic Martial Arts Blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Law

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Martial Arts Self-Defense Techniques - Take A Stance Against A Threat In A Self-Defense Situation

In a life-threatening situation your initial reaction may be the most important self-defense technique you can employ. A few simple moves may be all it takes to defend yourself. Weather you are approached on the street by a mugger or in a bar and someone gets in your face your initial reaction must be a defense technique. In this article I will explain what is a proper stance and what can be done using this fight defense.

If approached by a threatening person your first reaction needs to be to defend yourself. Your initial self-defense technique needs to be a step out of reach of the assailant. The second tactic is to "cover up" some of the vulnerable parts of the body. This subtle move is neither threatening nor appearing that you are completely giving in by throwing yourself at their feet with your arms over your head.

A proper stance to employ involves using your dominant arm to cover your neck. Turn sideways to them with the dominant leg back and place the dominant hand on your chin as if you are contemplating what the aggressor is saying. At the same time place the less dominant arm across the abdomen.

This self-defense technique accomplishes three things. First it allows blocking a strike to your neck or chin or to your stomach or diaphragm. Second it places your dominant hand in a position for a quick strike to the assailant if they come at you. Third it does not allow an attack from the rear by an additional assailant that you have not seen to apply a choke hold.

This stance also allows a number of blocking and striking advantages. If attacked with a strike or kick your arms are already in a fighting defense position. The upper arm can block strikes to the head and face. The lower arm can block kicks to the groin or lower abdomen area. The stance also allows preemptive or counter strikes rather easily as the arms and hands are in position to strike and they may not see it coming as you are in a non-threatening position. An aggressive stance such as both hands clenched in fists around your face invites a fight.

An initial preemptive or counter strike needs to be followed up by a barrage of strikes preferably to the face and neck. Standing sideways to the aggressor allows stepping into them with a strike or kick. The step in produces additional power getting the body weight behind the strike or kick As with any self-defense technique strikes need to be delivered with full force through the target to be the most effective.

The dominant hand can be used for a strike to the throat as a punch with a closed hand or as a chop. It can also be used as a palm heel to the chin. The less dominant hand can be used as a follow up to gouge the eyes or nose. The important point to note here is to continue with a barrage or strikes. Once you are into them use elbows, knees, feet, head butts, etc. Be relentless in the attack using any self-defense techniques you can to create a way to escape.

Do you want to learn more about protecting yourself in a real-life self defense scenario?

Go to http://selfdefense-techniques.com/ and download Pete's free Intelligent Guide For Self Defense.

Most traditional martial arts classes do not train you for real life encounters. Learn to avoid getting yourself into a bad situation. But if you find yourself face to face with serious injury or death, you will have mastered the skills to survive by following these simple systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Kauffer

View the original article here

Martial Arts Self Defense Techniques - Escaping Chokes From The Front In A Self Defense Situation

Chokes can be the most serious of all situations to defend yourself. In only a few seconds you could be rendered unconscious. Escaping quickly from a choke is paramount to survival. Typically if you are being choked the assailant is using both arms or hands. This leaves them vulnerable to many personal defense tactics. In this article I will describe a number of martial arts self-defense techniques to escape front chokes.

Chokes from the front can cut off airflow. It is vital that you escape from a choke quickly to avoid unconsciousness and being seriously injured or worse. There are only a few seconds that the brain can function without oxygen. Depending on the amount of pressure being applied this time can vary.

The first reaction must be to relax. Under stress the body secretes adrenaline that makes the heart beat faster and breathing increase. Relaxing also could get the attacker to relax their grip slightly if they feel you are succumbing. Since there is so little time to react your second reaction must be to execute a martial arts self-defense counter attack.

Front Choke Self-Defense Technique 1

If being choked from the front one self-defense move is to drop straight down. This will create a different angle from the attackers hands and release a little pressure. It could also get them to release their grip. While you are down a palm strike to the groin or an elbow strike to the side of the knee may disable them. Standing quickly and driving your head straight into their abdomen can send them to the ground.

Front Choke Self-Defense Technique 2

Another defense technique for a front choke is joint manipulation. Grabbing a thumb or individual finger and bending it backwards or to the side can break bones, tear tendons or muscles or provide a means of controlling the assailant. Joint manipulations are simple to apply and can be used on attackers twice your size. Women's self-defense training must include joint manipulation techniques as women are typically not as strong but can use this martial arts tactic quite effectively.

Front Choke Self-Defense Technique 3

If the attacker is too far away to strike, driving an elbow or forearm into their elbow joint can bring them closer. When they are close enough to reach attacking their eyes with your fingers is the best option. If they cannot see they are apt to release their choke. Palm strikes to their nose can break their nose and make their eyes tear. Strikes to their throat can be effective as it can limit their breathing and create enough pain for them to release their grip. Knee, elbow strikes or kicks to any part of their body may also get them to release. Stepping back may get them to come closer for a knee strike or kick.

Front Choke Self-Defense Technique 4

Take a step back with one leg. This causes you to turn. With the opposite arm of the step back drive your forearm, elbow joint or elbow into the outside of their wrist, forearm or elbow. Alternatively catch their closest arm in your armpit and drive down with your shoulder. Come back with the same arm with a chop to their neck or hammerfist to the side of their head. Or turn back using the opposite hand to strike with a palm heel to the nose or chin.

Do you want to learn more about protecting yourself in a real-life self defense scenario?
Go to http://selfdefense-techniques.com/ and download Pete's free Intelligent Guide For Self Defense.

Most traditional martial arts classes do not train you for real life encounters. Learn to avoid getting yourself into a bad situation. But if you find yourself face to face with serious injury or death, you will have mastered the skills to survive by following these simple systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Kauffer

View the original article here

Martial Arts Self-Defense Techniques - 4 Self Defense Techniques You May Not Learn In The Dojo

Martial arts self-defense training with a qualified instructor is an excellent way to learn the basics of personal protection. Nevertheless, most instructors have never been in a street fight. And good for them. No one should have to be put in a real life situation to defend yourself. In this article I will detail 4 street defense techniques that may not be taught in the dojo.

Self Defense Tactic 1 - Ripping And Tearing

Ripping and tearing of the flesh, hair, ears, etc. are self-defense techniques that are not normally associated with martial arts training. And for good reason. Ripping the ear off an opponent in a training class or at a tournament would probably bring criminal charges and possibly jail time. But on the streets you need to know how to fight to survive.

Rip by using the hands and tear at any soft part of the body that you can grab. If you have ever seen a boxing or MMA match in which an opponent is injured and bleeding you will notice the other opponent attacks the injury. The same can be applied with a fighting defense. If the assailant has any type of previous injury, attacking the injury with rips and tears will cause it to open up again.

Self Defense Tactic 2 - Pinching

Pinching is a useful women's self-defense technique. Many women have fingernails, either real or applied that can cause pain when pinching. Rips and tears can also be done with strong fingernails on exposed flesh. Pinching is usually effective if your arms are pinned. There are many pressure points, or nerves, that are vulnerable body parts. Attacking the inner part of the thigh and under the armpit are two such areas.

Most times pinching will not disable an attacker. But it may interrupt their thought process and allow you to escape the initial assault. Pinching can also be accomplished by using the second knuckles of the index and middle fingers. Pinch and twist any part of the assailant that you can grab with all your strength and force.

Self Defense Tactic 3 - Biting

We are taught from birth not to bite others. Why? Because the jaw muscles are one of the strongest set of muscles we posses. And the teeth are extremely hard and sharp. Biting is a defense technique that is rarely taught. When there is no other self-defense tactic that can be applied biting is extremely effective and can create immense pain.

Biting should not be taken lightly. If you are able to grab any part of the assailant with your teeth make sure to bite off a chunk. Even through all but the heaviest clothing, the average person with no self-defense or martial arts training can inflict enough pain to escape. It may sound rather disgusting but it could save your life.

Self Defense Tactic 4 - Head Butts

Head butts are another self-defense technique that are rarely taught. Head butts are banned in boxing and MMA matches. The reason again is that a head butt can inflict some serious damage to the opponent. In addition, the one instigating this self-defense technique could be seriously injured if their head hits the opponent's head in the wrong way.

Head butts can be used against any vulnerable body part of the attacker. The top of the forehead at the hairline is the thickest part of the skull. This is the best place to strike with. But in some situations, like being grabbed from behind, the back of the skull can be used to smash into the face of the person grabbing you. The sides of the head can be used to swing at the assailant as well. Much like a punch, a strike from the side of the head to the attackers jaw, throat, nose or face could disable them allowing you to escape.

Do you want to learn more about protecting yourself in a real-life self defense scenario?
Go to http://selfdefense-techniques.com/ and download Pete's free Intelligent Guide For Self Defense.

Most traditional martial arts classes do not train you for real life encounters. Learn to avoid getting yourself into a bad situation. But if you find yourself face to face with serious injury or death, you will have mastered the skills to survive by following these simple systems.

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