Basic Defensive Hand to Hand Combat Techniques Combat Martial Arts »

These tactics of defence and counter attack combine the essential elements of Jiu Jitsu, Savate, American wrestling and plain rough and tumble fighting. But first, let us examine some of the basic fundamentals.

1-1.  The Basic Body Stance

The basic body stance is one of easy balance, deceptively relaxed but yet actually always ready for quick counter attacks.

Arms are held lightly across the chest or spread with hands on the hips. From either position they are easily shifted to meet the assailants lead.

Feet are slightly spread and firmly balanced. They must never be crossed but always ready to shift or pivot according to the character of the manoeuvre.
 
1-2. Hand Attacks

Blows are delivered with the knife-edge of the hand to the points of greatest vulnerability.

These primary vital points include:

The side of the neck, midway between the chin and the ear, just under the jaw bone.

The larynx or Adams apple.

The bridge of the nose.

The upper lip, just at the upper junction of the nose.

The back of the neck at the junction of the neck and spine.

The kidneys at the lower edge of the ribs.

The solar plexus, which may be attacked with the edge of the hand or the point of the hand in a straight jab.

This straight jab is well adapted applicably to the Adams apple or in a direct attack to the eyes.

One of the most vulnerable points of all is the groin. Here, even a light blow is capable of complete incapacitation.

1-3.  Attack Strategy Utilizing the Feet.

  Stamp on the opponents arch. Deliver a sharp blow to the shin or groin. The knee is also a weapon of counter attack, for striking into the groin, the face of an opponent when they are bent over or into the solar plexus.

1-4. Basic Hand Holds And Leverages

  Basic hand holds and leverages are designed to take greatest advantage of leverage on joints and bones.

a. The Wrist Lock. Holding the opponents wrist in both hands, the thumbs exert pressure on the back of the hands. This forces the wrist joint backward and upward at the same instance.

b. The Reverse Wrist Lock. The opponents hand is twisted inwards. As the elbow rises additional leverage is applied at the elbow. Any resistance on the part of the opponent only increases the pain and the effectiveness of the hold. Twisting the hand inwards imposes terrific leverage on the wrist. Pressure against the wrist also locks the elbow.

c. A Hammer Lock. With additional downward pressure for forcing the wrist joint.

d. The Basic Head lock. In this basic head lock, one arm is placed around the opponents neck and locked onto the other arm. The other hand is used to control the opponents head. Any attempt to escape only tightens the hold.

e. Back Leverage. Using the application of leverage uses this simple strategy to force the back of the opponent. With one hand holding the opponents belt, the other hand applies pressure to the throat. As an alternative, use one arm around the waist and exert leverage at the chin.
 

f. Leg Leverage. Grab the opponent below the knee and lean against their waist line to lever the leg up and throw them on their back.

Posted with permission from: Hand to Hand Combat Notes