Elements of police self-defense1

Dr. Eloy Izquierdo Rodríguez. 5th dan of Shotokai style karate. National Coach of
Karate for the F.E.K. Accredited by the General Police Directorate as an Instructor of
Self-Defense for Private Security Centers.

Introduction
Under the term 'Self-defense' encompasses a whole set of techniques of
the different martial arts aimed at neutralizing an aggression or threat at a distance
in which physical contact between the aggressor and the victim is possible.
Generally, in the reviewed methods, the aggressor can carry out their attack or
threat without weapons or with various types of weapons. Additionally, situations involving two or
more armed or unarmed aggressors against a single person, for whom a solution is attempted
from the method.
One cannot speak of the existence of a single
technique or form of "self-defense", there are many
"personal defenses" and it could almost be said that one for
instructor or a little less. The fundamental reason for this
variety is that each form of struggle, each sport of
combat or if you will, each martial art, has developed
a system based on its tactics and techniques and incorporating
a certain number of other forms of struggle to resolve
the same situations.
Although the interest in the knowledge of techniques
that would allow them to defend themselves against possible attacks is not
new, it is true that in recent decades there has been growing concern
among the general public for their own safety that has led to the flourishing of gyms and
centros especializados, coincidiendo también con la popularidad de las formas de combate
Eastern arts (judo, karatedo, jujitsu, aikido, taekwondo, etc.) through their variants
sportswear. It is not difficult for a small business owner in the sector to direct their offer towards the
educational aspect for children, towards the sports facet for
young people with a competitive spirit towards healthy physical activity
for sedentary people in need of exercise and for defense
personal for people concerned about their personal safety.
The orientation of combat sports towards defense
personal translates into the application to various situations
supposedly real (which in most cases they are not) of
the techniques specific to the combat system and their practice in some
conditions that make continued practice possible without any
type of risk, conveying to the client the conviction of their
ability to resolve almost any situation. Fortunately
it is difficult for the average citizen to find themselves in situations

1
Module of the course 'Specialization Diploma in University Professional Police Sciences' University of
Valencia. ADEIT. Own title.
1
committed, and if they arise, prudence and the instinct for self-preservation invite to
evitarlas incluso con una discreta retirada en el último momento, ya que la “defensa personal”
It will be of little use to them if they do not have deep experience in hand-to-hand combat.
acquired even if it is through the practice of a combat sport.
We are convinced that the practical utility of any defense system
personal requires thorough training and adequate physical condition, in addition to
A regular practice that maintains the acquired skills, both technical and physical.
Any person who is exposed to risky situations for professional reasons must
to be fully aware of one's own possibilities and to value them in an instant
possibilities in the face of the situation that arises, without forgetting that the number is so large of
unforeseen events that may arise in an apparently controlled situation, that anyone
Caution can quickly become overwhelmed without the possibility of reaction.

1. Foundations of a self-defense program for professionals

The large number of different situations that can arise and the variety of possible
responses make it practically impossible to have training based on practice
exhaustive of all situations until acquiring the sufficient level of mastery in each one
that would allow resolving any situation with sufficient guarantees of success
danger. For this reason, we will avoid this approach and no solutions will be provided here.
concrete situations in an analytical way, that is, studying situation by situation. In
first place because no matter how much we extended ourselves, they could always ask us.
explanations a reader who after having studied
conscientiously our syllabus had been held
to face a situation that had not been presented to him/her
shown. And secondly because, starting from
the basis that the potential aggressor will always act
in the way that I dominate best (and there are real
specialists in the most astonishing techniques,
it is more than likely that in that situation we
can surprise and surpass.
In addition, in the case of an approach towards
professionals who, due to the nature of their work, may find themselves involved in situations
comprometidas, habría que tener en cuenta una serie de posibilidades en cuanto a los propios
defense media (tonfa, defense, etc.) with which, together with the possible elements that
the potential aggressor would multiply the different situations that could arise, with
what their study is clearly unfeasible, at least for the average professional. This without having
consider the multiple tactical approaches that entail variations in the number of
aggressors or companions who support in a specific situation.
In any case, there are a large number of manuals, videos, and published methods in the
que están recogidas muchas técnicas y respuestas y aunque muchos de ellos son de una
questionable quality, others may turn out to be of great utility for the scholar.
Interest in self-defense in our country is not recent, both in the field
particular as in the professional. Without having conducted a thorough search, we found
In the early part of the last century, manuals focused on self-defense techniques based on

2
boxing or stick fencing2(this common tool of use at the time), and in the area
military some texts from 1934, from the Central School of Gymnastics of Toledo belonging to the
Army3and that collects seriously and certainly with a clearly defined approach
aimed at the training of military personnel and security forces the fundamentals and
training techniques for different forms of hand-to-hand combat such as
English boxing, French boxing (savate), jiu-jitsu, and Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling.
dedicating also a chapter to stick and staff fencing and its usefulness for the military and
special attention to little-known struggles such as the one called "Parisian struggle".
the underworld of Paris, warning of its danger and the ways of acting of its practitioners.

From this last text, we gather, out of curiosity, the following quote about the
convenience of unarmed combat practice for the soldier

It goes without saying that despite all modern advancements, real battles always
they end with hand-to-hand combat, that is, the fight between men with knives or by any means necessary,
therefore, one of the aspects of a soldier's education must be the promotion of the spirit of
accommodation, giving confidence in their own strengths, and the certainty of winning even without weapons,
for the knowledge acquired during their time in the ranks.

and also this other one that highlights its interest for the officials,

Combat sports should, therefore, occupy a preferred place in the armed units, not only
not as a sport in itself, but for the great usefulness it can provide us in case of war or aggression
particular, and although it is useful for the lower hierarchies of the military, which are the ones that have to
bearing the weight of the action, it is no less for the superiors, for the officers, because to me
understanding, practicing these sports scientifically grants great warrior prestige, and places them
in a position to easily punish insolence, compel the rebel to obedience and
aun contener una sublevación o indisciplina.”

Also, out of curiosity, we gather some of the illustrations from both books.

2
Barba, A. Boxing and Stick Fencing. Col. "Soler Manuals". Ed. Hispano-Argentina. Barcelona.
(published between 1900 and 1908).
3
Capitán [Link] de [Link] I. Escuela Central de Gimnasia de Toledo. 1934.
3
 Stick fencing

Boxing

Savate (French boxing)

4
 Another aspect to consider regarding the application of a technique is
self-defense is the legal implication of actions and the proportionality of the response
against aggression. In the techniques used as an example, a principle is based on
ensure the effectiveness of the defensive action causing the least harm to the aggressor and in
in any case maintaining an adequate proportion of the response to the attack. Not
however, in the case of professionals, it is the professional themselves who must assess and control,
according to the limitations of your situation and position, the contundency of the response,
agreement with the legal framework in which it operates and each particular situation. Given that
the implications can be very different, we estimate that the consideration of these aspects
It is not the subject of this work.

It should also be considered that when talking about

"self-defense" should not be thought of solely in the
response to an action, to a previous move of the attacker
what conditions our 'defense', this aspect that
they consider most manuals. In many situations
it may be more appropriate to take the initiative, especially in
situations of inferiority, numerical or otherwise, in which the
the surprise factor can be decisive and the attitude of the
sufficient aggressors for the initiation of action. In this sense
broadly speaking, it would be more appropriate to talk about 'self-defense'
"hand-to-hand combat" or "unarmed fighting", however, with the caveat made, it can
to be used without any objection the term 'self-defense', having only in
it is not a single form, but rather subject to different interpretations
depending on the origin of the techniques used.
Our work proposal for the professional who may eventually find themselves
involved in situations that may lead to a hand-to-hand confrontation, is based
in the prior need for the practice of a form of combat, of a fighting sport well
sea judo, karate, boxing, etc., for a period of about three or four years until reaching a
mastery equivalent to that of a black belt, along with maintaining physical fitness
suitable. Based on the technical background that the practice of a combat sport provides (and
one should not fall into the mistake of practicing simultaneously various forms of combat until
one acquires a certain mastery in one of them) aspects of others can be integrated
help to better resolve certain situations. It should be noted that initially
all forms of fighting contemplated all aspects of combat (various distances,
blows, knockdowns of different types, dislocations, etc.) but the specialization determined by the
sport fragmented the techniques and each sport affects more on one aspect of the fight with it
that the other invalid techniques in the competition fall into disuse. This has motivated the
loss of blows or encompasses the teaching of judo or dislocations and strangulations
in karate.
Building on this previous learning, we will highlight the tactical elements of
combat that must be controlled and that are common to all forms of fighting with the
the unique nuances of each of them. The integration of new technical elements is done in
function of individual prior baggage incorporating those solutions coming from others
subjects.

5
2. Basic Tactical Fundamentals
Perhaps the reader expected us to start by explaining the technical foundations,
movements, defenses, attacks, etc., instead of starting to address tactical concepts.
This is how it would be if we were proposing a self-defense method, but nothing could be further from
our intention. In our approach, the importance of the foundations is irrelevant
technicians used proceed from one form of combat or another. Based on our
own practice, we would have to resolve the situations from the technical framework that offers the
karate, but in the same way they could be resolved from judo, from aikido, boxing or the
Canarian wrestling.

3
Figure 2.1. Solution from judo to the action of 'pushing'

3
Ratti O, Westbrook [Link] secretos del [Link] Deporte. Alianza. Barcelona. 1994.
6
2.1. FIRST TACTICAL APPROACH:

To the same problem, defined by the presentation of a situation, the approach

The solution to a basic action differs depending on the combat art in question.

Figure 2.2. Solution from aikido to the action of 'pushing'4

4
Ratti O, Westbrook [Link] secretos del [Link] Deporte. Alianza. Barcelona. 1994.

7
 For example, in judo, the response to a pushing action (and this also equates to
to strike) is tactically resolved with the action of attracting, pulling towards oneself, prolonging the
opponent's action to unbalance him, according to the principle of "ju" (flexible) of judo
(via, art of flexibility) (figure 2.1). From the perspective of aikido, this same action
to push is tactically resolved by a turn, preceded or not by an entry, in
function of distance and attack depth (figure 2.2).
From the perspective of karate, this approach would be resolved through a defense.
(with or without evasion) and a counterattack that must neutralize the opponent. This counterattack
it could be of different types, including some kind of sweep, arm strike or blow of
leg.
Within this approach, all situations in which the opponent...
advances toward us with the intention of launching an attack in the same direction and sense of
its displacement. This attack can be with a fist, with a leg, with a knife, with a stick, etc. The
the solutions are very similar from a tactical point of view, we only have to
choose one of them, which will logically be the most suitable, based on the opposite and of
our own skills and knowledge.

2.1. SECOND STATEMENT

Tactical: 'Throw'

We have already seen in the

example anterior how
we resolve the action of
push. In the same way and from
agreement with the same principle,
in judo, when the opponent
draw, the action is resolved
pushing (figure 2.3). In
aikido, the action of throwing is
solve by entering (figure 2.4).

The proposed solutions, both

from the perspective of judo
like that of aikido requires
a prior action by the
attacker or aggressor for him
attacked can organize their
answer. But it could also
having organized the defense
from another approach: A
there is certainty that the
the aggressor is willing to act,
one takes the initiative with a
action characteristic of an attack. In this
case, the defender resolves his
situation becoming
attacker.

Figure 2.3. Solution from judo to the action of 'throwing' (Drawing by Ratti, 1994)

8
Figure 2.4. Solution
from aikido to the
action of 'throwing'
(Drawing by Ratti,
1994)

When the defender becomes the attacker, their possible action is either to push,
good to throw away, using for this the technical elements available according to the
combat style that I have studied.

Well, within these two approaches of 'pushing' and 'pulling', apparently

simple covers most of the attack situations that we may face.
we will present a few examples of those commonly found in manuals
self-defense or any unarmed combat art to help establish these two
first foundations.

9
Example 1

Action: Downward attack entering (with any type of weapon).

Tactical approach: "Push". The action of the attacker can be likened to the action of
to push, that is, to approach and extend an arm in an act of attack.

Solution: Aikido. The basic action of the defender is to enter and turn. At the same time, it is performed
a control and demolition action.

[Link] attacker
begin the attack
advancing.
2. At the moment
from the attack the
defender enters
to the same
time that is
get off the line
of attack.
The defender
hold the arm
armed and pivots
about his foot
law.
4. Next
raise your arm
of the opponent and
it begins the
imbalance in
an action
continue with the
turn.
5. Continue the
imbalance and
begins the
action of
control of
opponent and of
weapon.
[Link],
immobilization
and unarmed.

Figure 2.5. Top-down attack (Aikido photos)5Demonstration by K. Ueshiba

5
Ueshiba [Link] Publishing Co. Tokyo. 1978.

10
Example 2

Action: Direct high-level attack with the fist or with a weapon.

Tactical approach: "Push". Just like in the previous example, the action of the attacker
it can be likened to the action of pushing, that is, to approach and extend an arm in a
attack action.

Solution: Judo, ju-jitsu, karate-do: In response to a high-level punch attack, the basic action of
the defender is to accompany the attacker's action and unbalance them in the same direction of the
attack. Note that the tactical concept is different from the previous one, as in this case there is no
giro. Of the multiple defensive possibilities, we have chosen two demonstrations that
they use this solution.

a)

[Link] attacker carries out their attack at a high level with

The defender pulls the attacker's arm.
the right arm. The defender deflects the punch with in the same direction of the attack, to the
his left arm and holds the attacker by the
doll at the same time that she places her hand same time as with his other arm he
right between the attacker's legs. raise the leg delayed
upsetting him.

Figure 2.6. Direct attack to the face (Photos of Karate-do Kiohan)6)

In the second demonstration, after intercepting the attack, the defender makes a
blow with the purpose of buying time to position oneself to execute the
projection. A common characteristic of most defense methods or systems
consists of executing a strike immediately or simultaneously with the defensive technique,
diversion or blockage to hinder the attacker's movement, preventing them from chaining up
another attack and make it possible to take down or control an action.

In all techniques, it is advisable to assess the possible harm that may be caused to the aggressor.

6
Funakoshi G. Karate-do Kiohan. Kodansha. Tokyo. 1973. (Demonstration by T. Oshima).
11
for the responsibilities that may arise from the defensive action. Take into account
It is reported that in most methods, the attacker is neutralized at the end.
the ground, often with a strike to a vital point after the takedown since in the moments
In which these techniques were developed, the damage that could be inflicted on the ...
aggressor, or what is more, it was sought that this be as great as possible.

b)

[Link] attacker carries out an attack on

high level with his right fist. The
defender takes a step back with
on his left leg, defends with
with his left hand the same
time that strikes the solar plexus
of his opponent with the fist
law.
The defender advances towards the
opponent crossing in front of
on his right leg at the same time
time that spins and holds with
both hands his right arm.
[Link] defender make a
projection over his shoulder
taking down the attacker
y
controlling its fall.
[Link] the attacker is on the ground, the
defender maintains control over
the attacker's right arm to
neutralize any possible
action.

Figure 2.7. Direct attack to the face (Photos of Karate-do Kiohan)7)

With the tactical approach presented in response to the action of 'pushing' it

they can resolve a large number of situations, at least those covered by the manuals of
self-defense. Solutions based on karate or jiu-jitsu techniques whose characteristic
common will always be the sequence: Defensive action (blocking, deflection, evasion) - strike (or
punches), followed or not by a takedown action or another form of control, are easy to
frame in one or another of the examples presented according to whether there is an entry action followed by
turn (solution according to the aikido model) or the action consists of absorbing and neutralizing the
strike and make a counter-strike (or more), followed or not by a takedown action or
control of the attacker.

7
Funakoshi Gichin. Karate-do Kiohan. Kodansha. Tokyo. 1973. (Demonstration by T. Oshima).

12
Example 3

Action: Grip of any kind, from the front or from the side or even from behind.

Tactical approach: "Throwing". The action of the attacker can be likened to the action of throwing, it is
to say, to hold in order to then unbalance or project, to control in order to then
to attack or to strangle.

Solution: Aikido. The basic action of the defender is to enter, unbalance, and throw down the opponent.
opposite, subsequently controlling him.

a)

1. The attacker makes a grip

with her hand doll
right over the hand
left. The defender performs
a lateral displacement
to the left for
quickly,
2. move the right leg forward in
a deep displacement
at the same time that it spins the
body to the left and
3. all the weight of the
body towards the leg
advanced knocking downto the
opposite.
4. Once the opponent is in the
the soil can be controlled or
finish with an attack.

Figure 2.8. Front grip (Aikido photos)8)

About these techniques, some variations can occur, for example, in the following case,
although the basic tactical concept is the same (defensive action based on entry when
the grip is produced), there is a prior action based on a backward movement to
to cause a slight imbalance that allows for easy entry.

8
Ueshiba [Link] Publishing Co. Tokyo. 1978.
13
b)

[Link] attacker holds the flap with

the intention to attract towards oneself
to strike with their arm
left. The first action
the defender must hit
on the contrary with his hand
right on the face or neck of
opponent. This action gives him
will allow to do with more
ease of movements
next.
2. Simultaneously with the blow,
the defender holds with his hand
left the right doll
from the opponent and after hitting
hold on with the other one as well
hand, at the same time
a step back with your leg
left.
3. The defender pulls back
to slightly unbalance
the attacker and
4. pass the head under
his arm moving towards the
left.
5. Backward throw.
6. Hand control on the ground.

Figure 2.9. Front grip (Aikido photo)9)

It is evident that in all grips the best solution is not to let them get to
to be consummated, especially in the case of grips from behind. In the case of the other grips, the
The defender's position is less dangerous since it has more resources. It is common in the
most manuals solve, with better or worse luck, a large number of situations
of aggression in which a grip is made from behind. In a real context, these situations
they would occur in the case of an action by several attackers against a single person with the intention
of hitting or assaulting him in another way. In the case of reaching the situation where the assaulted person
the immobilized result would be in a difficult position from which it would undoubtedly emerge
mistreated. I wouldn't have the time or possibility to apply any of the techniques in the manual.

9
Ueshiba [Link] Publishing Co. Tokyo. 1978.

14
Example 4

Action: Grip of any kind, from the front, from the side or even from behind.
Tactical approach: 'Throw'.
Solution: Judo, ju-jitsu. The basic action of the defender is to push the opponent, that is,
to carry it in the same direction and sense in which the force is applied (see fig. 2.3).
The solution we present, typical of any self-defense manual, reflects
this principle of non-opposition and carrying out the defensive action in the same direction and sense
from the act of aggression, in this case, unbalancing the aggressor backwards.

Figure 2.10. Front hug (figure from Complete Manual of Self-Defense)10 )

1. The attack comes head-on, in an attempt to hug in order to turn and throw down.
2. Before the attacker can link their hands, the defender frees themselves by raising their arms.
3. Penetrate by pushing and unbalancing backwards.
4. The attack on the face limits the possible responses of the aggressor.
5. Knock down backwards.
6. The fall can be controlled or forced to hit the head on the ground.

Note that the difference between 'push' in this solution and 'enter' in the solution of
Aikido is very subtle and its meaning is practically the same: not to oppose action but to
resolve the situation by turning the opponent's action against them.
For a better understanding of the whole, it may be convenient to collect at this point the

10
Rahn, E. Complete manual of self-defense. Ed. de Vecchi. Barcelona. 1995.
15
basic principle of each of the two disciplines:

Judo: Pull when you are pushed, push when you are pulled.
Aikido: Turn when they push you, enter when they throw you.

16
3. Tactical Fundamentals: Distance

So far we have seen the application of two basic principles from two forms of struggle.
without weapons, many situations can be resolved with its application. But with these two
unique tactical approaches are not enough. In all the arts and forms of combat there exists
An element of tactics whose mastery is fundamental: distance. In a broad sense.
it could apply to any sport in which there is confrontation between two opponents (for
example in football, when a forward finds themselves facing a single defender, both
they must perfectly master the distance that separates them to achieve their goal: to prevent
the forward's progression or to outmaneuver the defender.
The concept of distance in combat may seem simple at first glance, but from
a tactical approach is quite complex as it is necessary to consider different
factors. First of all, the distance that separates us from a potential aggressor must be
sufficient to allow a response in the event of a possible attack. This distance will vary
depending on the capabilities of the defender, that is, the technique they master. For example,
a person who does not master striking techniques, whether it be with fists or legs needs
a shorter distance to organize a defensive action.
In the event that the aggressor carries a weapon (knife, stick, etc.), the distance of
security increases, depending on the range of the weapon's action, however, in these cases
a shorter distance can also be safer; for example, an armed aggressor
from a stick, bat, etc., does not enjoy many advantages at a short distance where it can be
hit or grabbed by the defender. It should also be taken into account whether the defender is available
of some type of defensive or protective element (defense or tonfa, helmet, shield, etc.)
As a starting point, we will consider three basic distances, common to all the
martial arts

3.1. SHORT DISTANCE

In the distance, either of the opponents has.

to the other within reach of a simple action, without
displacement, for example to grab or hit. Inside
this short distance would accommodate all the resources
short strike techniques (hook, elbow, knee, etc.)
sweeps, projections, holds, luxations, grips, etc.

Figure 3.1. Short distance (photo of Aikido)11 )

At this distance, it is very difficult to react to an opponent's action, so,

except for taking the initiative, one should never remain at this distance, especially when
there are several possible opposites. In a situation of potential aggression, it should be estimated
as aggression the fact that the potential attacker attempts to approach at a close distance and therefore
So, it is necessary to carry out a defensive action or take the initiative. In the case of letting
on the contrary, when I reached this distance, the situation escapes the control of the attacked and the
consequences are unpredictable, hence all forms of unarmed combat propose
an immediate action, either of attack or defense, as soon as the opponent manages to get there

11
Ueshiba [Link] Publishing Co. Tokyo. 1978.

18
at this distance.
It is essential to have control over this distance and a technical mastery that allows
an immediate response at close range. The technical mastery may be based on
any of the unarmed combat modalities but it is essential and must include
technical aspects such as imbalance, short-distance strike, dislocation, etc.

Figure [Link] distance domain

(drawing of The Secret of the Samurai)12)

3.2. AVERAGE DISTANCE

The average distance is the basic combat distance in all modalities. It can
vary slightly depending on the conditions
in sports, for example, the distance in boxing is
slightly lower than in karate as it is not
the use of the legs is allowed, but in general
it is the minimum distance at which the opponent needs
advance in order to arrive with your technique with
success options. In principle, the need for
carrying out this move allows the defender
organize your response. It could be said that it is a
distance of equal opportunities between the
attack and defense. Simply with the
displacement and a single attack the defender
has sufficient resources to respond
effectively for what the opportunities of
attackers should be of a certain age and must carry out some type of
distraction actions, feints, etc., that allow
acquire some kind of advantage, or have
a highly refined technique that allows for the attack
from this distance.

Figure 3.3. Average distance. The attacker advances half

he stepped sliding his right foot. The defender advances
to position oneself at close range. (Photo of Karate13).

12
Ratti O, Westbrook A. The Secrets of the Samurai. Alianza Deporte. Alianza. Barcelona. 1994.
13
Nishiyama H, Brown RC. Karate. C. Tuttle. Tokyo. 1960.
19
 The displacement required in the mean distance is equivalent to
approximately half a step, which can be done by sliding. It is also the distance in
it is possible to reach the opponent with a kick
executed with the back leg, without advancing.
The defender can also use the
sliding displacement to maintain distance
after the opponent's attack or to make a defense and
a counterattack. The sliding movement is
basic in all eastern martial arts: karate,
aikido, judo, ju-jitsu, kendo, etc.

Figure 3.4. Half-step displacement by sliding. A) Towards

A) Forward. B) Backward.

3.3. LONG DISTANCE

The long distance is a distance of observation, of preparation of actions.

posteriors, of study of the contrary and of psychological combat, but there is no possibility of
fight until it goes to mid range.
The necessary movement to reach the opponent's body from a distance
length is equivalent to a full step.
The long distance is also the training distance for defensive techniques.
since it allows the execution of the technique by the defender.

Figure 3.5. Long-distance training for defensive techniques (photo from The heart of Karate-do14)

14
Egami [Link] heart of [Link]. Tokyo. 1980.

20
4. Tactical fundamentals: Time
Closely related to distance is time, the moment when things take place.
the actions. The control of time is even more important than the control of the
distance although both must be mastered as they are intimately linked.
The response time to an attack determines three possible situations, as we will see.
next, and the answer must fit the time for which it is established, in case
otherwise it will not fulfill its function and will quickly fall into a disadvantageous situation;
for example, if we think about responding to an attack with a defense or block and a
counterattack, a delay in the latter may mean that the opponent strings together a second
attack technique that in this case we cannot defend. It is possible that the distance and the
technique were appropriate, even the timing of the defense, but the failure in the
the moment of the counterattack represents a shift to a situation of weakness.
The situations that arise from an attack due to the influence of time, common to
all forms of struggle are as follows:

Defense and counterattack.

2. Técnica simultánea.
3. Anticipation.

In these three sections, all possible answers can be encompassed.

training should reproduce situations that allow mastering the three forms. It would be
recommended that when studying a defense method, especially if you are going to instruct others
people, an attempt will be made to classify the solutions to the situations that arise accordingly
with the mentioned sections, in order to structure the training in a way
in which the practice of one situation serves to better learn another similar one.

4.1. DEFENSE AND COUNTERATTACK

Within the section on defense and counterattack are all those situations in
that the defensive action or set of actions begins at the final part of the action of
attack, once the attacker has completed or is about to complete their movement
offensive.

The response can be organized in the following ways:

• Blocking, counterattack and neutralization, generally with backward movement.

Figure 4.1 shows an example of a structured situation.

temporarily according to the described characteristics:

The attacker advances to carry out a top-down knife attack, the

defender blocks his attack with a stop with the left arm at level
high (fig. 1-3).
The defender delivers a counterattack strike with the elbow to the ribs.
floating of the aggressor (fig. 4).
Next, slide your left arm up to perform a
he grips the attacker's arm and knocks him down (fig. 5-8).

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 Figure 4.1. Blocking, counterattack, and neutralization (Photo of Scientific Karate-do)15)

With the opponent on the ground, the defender neutralizes him with an elbow strike (fig. 10).

15
Hisataka MK. Scientific Karate-do. C.E. Tuttle. Tokyo. 1995.

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 • Dodge, counterattack and neutralization, with lateral movement, back or
forward, carrying the body out of the line of attack, usually with reinforcement
or support from a defensive or blocking technique. Figure 4.2 presents an example
of this type, in response to a surprise attack from behind.

Figure 4.2. Dodge, counterattack, and neutralization (Photo ofBruce Lee’s fighting
) method16

16
Lee B, Uyehara [Link] Lee’s fighting [Link] 1. Ohara Publications Inc. Burbank. 1976.
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4.2. SIMULTANEOUS TECHNIQUE

Within the simultaneous technique section, all those situations are located where
the execution of the defensive action takes place simultaneously with the attack, with a
movement towards the aggressor while simultaneously performing a blocking action
and a neutralization action, usually through a blow. The displacement of
entry towards the aggressor can be direct, in line with the attack or evasive, outside of the
line of attack.

Figure 4.3. Simultaneous defense and counterattack technique. The defensive movement can continue with a
17
projection action of the attacker (Karate photo )

4.3. ANTICIPATION

The anticipation takes place when the defender becomes an attacker right at the
moment of the onset of the attack by the aggressor, anticipating with their action
from attack to the action of the aggressor. The search for anticipation constitutes the ultimate goal of the
close combat, whether with weapons or unarmed methods, of
sporting or self-defense competition.
The possibility of neutralizing the aggressor before they can initiate their offensive action.
it assumes a sense of superiority and control over the attacker and neutralizes them in a way that
immediate. Its mastery requires many years of practice.
In Eastern martial arts, there is a tactical principle that is expressed with
much clarity in the phrase 'move with the opponent' which also closely fits
relationship with the philosophical foundations of martial arts in the sense of 'moving in
"harmony with the opponent" in a quest to enter into harmony with the universe. This
The principle can apply not only to evasion but also to anticipation, to movement.
in harmony with the opponent, anticipating any of their actions. This aspect, taken to its
maximum expression implies the absence of struggle, of confrontation, because the opponent perceives
the impossibility of carrying out an effective attack if the anticipation is timely enough.
This is the ultimate goal of the practice of many Eastern martial arts: the pursuit of
the "non-confrontation".

17
Nishiyama H, Brown RC. Karate. C. Tuttle. Tokyo. 1960.

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5. Technical fundamentals
We have already seen the tactical fundamentals of a self-defense program, these
foundations can be studied from a theoretical aspect, even prior to having
other knowledge of a method of defense or unarmed combat.

It is possible that there is some aspect not contemplated, so from the practice itself
A form of combat must involve an investigation into the possible approaches that
they could present themselves according to the particular situation. Evidently, they are not the same
situations to be resolved by a judo or karate competitor rather than by a professional of the
Police, but it is very likely that the tactical aspects of the situations in which both
they may have more similarities than differences, what can change slightly is the
technique with which the problem is solved since the athlete is subject to a regulation
of competition that places him in a framework with limitations and possibilities and the
the professional is subject to other regulations, which are also changing depending on the
situations that limit and condition their performance.

Once the fundamental tactical aspects outlined above are known, we

presents the need to equip oneself with the appropriate technical means to address each
tactical approach. This choice is above all personal. It must be influenced by
characteristics of each individual, both physical, span, weight, muscle development,
etc., such as psychological. All forms of unarmed combat are perfectly valid,
whether it's judo, aikido, or karate, they provide enough technical background to
resolve any situation. Only an adaptation to the situations may be necessary
real regarding environmental conditions, limitations due to clothing, typical resources
of the possible aggressors, etc., that sometimes require completing the usual techniques of
each form of combat with others less practiced due to not being included in the
sports regulations, but undoubtedly each form of combat has its resources
sufficient technicians to solve all situations.

It should be noted that the development of many forms of unarmed combat

takes place in past times when life itself depended on skill in combat,
both with weapons and hand-to-hand combat without weapons, and that unarmed combat was a preparation
for methods with weapons. The refinement and effectiveness of all forms of combat
was undoubtedly much greater in ancient times than it is today.

The presentation we will make next about the technical foundations is merely
descriptive regarding its general aspects. The method of execution should be studied from
from the practice of a combat method. We will remember here the importance of
The professional must acquire a sufficient technical level that we believe should be, at
less, the Black Belt or equivalent in any martial art, this combined with a
adequate physical condition. It is also necessary to improve (or at least maintain) the level
technical and physical condition through continuous practice and not taking on more risks than
the strictly necessary. It should be noted that during sports practice a mistake is
translate only in one point against, in a real situation it is life itself that is
in play.

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5.1. BASIC MOVEMENTS

The basic displacements can be classified into two types:

a) Attack displacements

The objective of an attack maneuver is to reduce the distance that separates us

separate from the opponent or force them to change position to place ourselves in
a more favorable angle.

b) Defense displacements

The aim of a defensive maneuver is to contribute to the neutralization of

the action of attack, either by increasing the distance from the opponent, or by
changing direction away from the trajectory of the attack. Sometimes the
Displacement alone can completely neutralize the attack.

5.1.1. Online displacements

The movements in line for both attack and defense are very similar.
In all forms of combat, the position of the feet and the width may vary slightly.
step, but they share a great resemblance.

1. Sliding displacement. In the

sliding feet displacement
they move simultaneously to reduce or
increase the distance with the opponent. It is
a very rapid displacement and that
It can surprise the opponent. It's basic.
in any martial art.

In attack: This movement allows to pass

from medium distance to short distance and must go
joined to an attack action.

Figure 5.1. Displacement while sliding

In defense: Neutralize the opponent's advance by maintaining distance.

it is usually accompanied by a defensive action or only by
guard maintenance. After a defensive maneuver of this type, the
following basic possibilities:
a) A counterattack is carried out

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 A step back is taken
A lateral shift or dodge is performed.

2. Half-step displacement. Its amplitude is smaller than that of the displacement.

Full pass but it has the advantage that the guard does not vary so it does not
produces the weak point that a change of guard represents and facilitates an attack as well.
like a quick defense from a favorable position.

In attack: This movement consists of bringing the back foot closer to the front one.
forward and slide this quickly to the front. At the same time, it must be done
an offensive action. It is common that
this displacement follows an attack
made using the displacement
previous in a combined action.

In defense: The displacement is

bring the front foot closer to the
late the which be slide
quickly backward, performing
simultaneously a technique
defensive or keeping the guard up.
In a defensive action this
displacement is very useful
because it does not provoke any opening
in the guard and the amplitude of
the displacement is quite large.
Figure 5.2. Half-step displacement

3. Full step displacement

The full step shift allows moving from long distance to short distance.
short. Regardless of the combat modality, and whether the action is offensive or
defensive, it is important that the center of
gravity does not rise during the
displacement, contrary to what
it happens during the march or the race, because
what is a technique that should be
studied with attention.

In attack: It consists of advancing the

delayed foot overtaking the one ahead
taking a complete step. To this
displacement usually precedes you
one of the described displacements
previously, so it is often used
as a second technique.

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Figure 5.3. Full step displacement

Being a long displacement, it becomes somewhat slow and there is a danger of being
swept by the opponent or surprised by an action against it, hence its usefulness.
basic training is practically reduced to training. In most manuals, it is used
to expose the techniques, even though later in reality it is difficult to use them, at
less for a person with basic combat knowledge. It must be taken into account
that techniques trained in this way are ineffective in practice if not performed
a training in situations closer to reality.

In defense: The advanced foot approaches the lagging one and surpasses it by making a step.
full back. It is a dangerous technique for the performer due to the change of guard that
it implies and the forced position, since the inertia of the backward movement prevents a
quick and effective counterattack action. It would be wise to practice movement towards
back followed immediately by a lateral move to get out of the line of
opponent's attack. Just like in the attack movement, it is a movement
typical of training, but in practice not very effective, which is why defensive techniques
They must train with movements and more realistic situations. The purpose of their use
is at the early stages of learning.

5.1.2. Evasive Movements

The evasive movements can be of various types, but they all have in
common the need for a perfect adjustment of the evasive action with the attacking action, with
the purpose of preventing the attacker from changing the trajectory of their attack, which happens
if the defensive action through evasion is rushed, preceding the moment of the attack
in which it is no longer possible to stop it or change its trajectory.

Below we present some basic evasive movements:

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 Figure 5.4. Basic forms of evasion.

5.2. BASIC TECHNICAL ACTIONS

Below we will present a classification of technical actions.

fundamentals, but without going into details since, as we stated at the beginning, each
discipline has its own and results can be achieved from all of them
similar.

5.2.1. Defensive

Objectives:

1st. Avoid aggression

2nd. Neutralize the attacker
• Strike, sweep, projection
• Control (strike, immobilization, dislocation, strangulation, etc.)

Defensive actions are typically complex actions made up of several

techniques aimed at achieving the two objectives of defense, preventing the attack by
a stop, block, or evade action and the neutralization of the opponent to prevent
may continue with another attack action.
29
 In manuals, it is common to describe defenses as isolated techniques, for example
a defense deflecting a high attack, but we find it more appropriate to talk about 'technique'.
"defensive" or "defensive action" refers to the set of techniques aimed at preventing the attack and
neutralize the opponent, since they are closely related and must be executed in one
continuous form and
fluid. However,
the principle del
learning it is
appropriate to study them
separately, but
subsequently they must
integrate defense,
counterattack y
neutralization as
a single action.

The actions
techniques that self
use in the
set of the action
defensive must
to regulate oneself regarding
the bluntness of
the same.

Figure 5.5. The defensive action is a set of techniques aimed at neutralizing.

the aggressor (Photo of Karate do Kiohan)18 )

The expert must be prepared to take decisive actions.

how to control aggression without causing any harm. The situation, the danger
the potential of the aggressor, etc., will determine the severity of the actions.

5.2.2. Offensives

Offensive actions are the set of techniques used to take the

initiative in a close combat confrontation. They usually consist of a
movement towards the opponent and one or more techniques (two or three at most). The
The objective is to neutralize the potential aggressor before they can carry out an attack.

Sometimes, once the intention of the aggressor to carry out an attack is established, it can
it is appropriate for the defender to take the initiative, to avoid finding themselves in a
possible situation of inferiority if the initiative is left to the opponent. Take this into account.

18
Funakoshi G. Karate-do Kiohan. Kodansha. Tokyo. 1973.

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The approach takes on special interest in the case of a confrontation under conditions of
numerical inferiority against several assailants.

The offensive action should not be confused with the action of anticipation. The action
The offensive does not require the start of an attack by the aggressor to carry it out as happens.
With anticipation, the initiative is taken once the attacker's intention is established.

Offensive techniques are characteristic of every form of combat, but

basically, they could be classified into direct or circular fist or hand techniques, in attacks
of the leg and in sweeps, projections, dislocations, and strangulations. We will not go into its
description since they must be sufficiently known by the practitioner of any
combat method and are sufficiently described in the manuals of each method.

The technical baggage of the professional should consist of a small number of

techniques of each type, selected from those that make up the method set
chosen and taking into account the characteristics to choose those that fit
better to the individual conditions. The professional should strive to use the techniques that
master through constant training to solve the greatest number possible of
Situations. The knowledge of many techniques can detract from effectiveness.

***

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