Looks can be deceiving
"Oh my goodness!"

In the April 2000 issue of KARATE illustrated (page 76) something very unusual yet typical for martial arts magazines caught my eye. First, I noticed a series of photos depicting a self-defense tactic against a stick-wielding opponent. I looked at the photos and after mentally and physically reviewing the defense, tossed it out with the rest of the garbage about real combat.  This isn't what bothered me, since so many articles show unrealistic responses to dangerous situations. What really got me going was that just under the article there was a title and it read:

"Simple Self-Defense Moves That Work"

This made me laugh. First of all, the tactics were not simple and secondly they will not work in a real combat situation. These kinds of claims should not be allowed into the martial art magazines unless they have been reviewed by some kind of educated board on self-defense (real self-defense). Since this will probably never happen, people and students are stuck with getting ridiculous information from the magazines. 

After closer observation I noticed that the title was actually for a different section and not directly related to the stick defense. Still, this only spawned the realization that there should be a focus applied to all the photos in a self-defense magazine with the following concept in mind Simple and effective. 

My goal is not to have you throw out your new issue of "Black Belt" magazine or any other martial related material. My focus with this article is to bring to the publics attention that just because you read it in a popular magazine and just because the title said: Simple and Realistic, does not mean that it is. This is just a lie to help sell the article. Okay, that was a little harsh but still, reality is truth. I love to read martial arts magazines and there are many great articles. So keep reading and enjoying your issues, just make sure you question the concepts.

Although there are hundreds of photos and articles out there depicting totally unrealistic tactics, I am choosing one for the purpose of this article. 

Okay, we had to re-shoot the photos so we could show you what they looked like in the magazine (avoiding copyright laws). However, we are extremely accurate, as silly as the techniques may seem.

NOTE: These tactics are the ones that you should NOT do.

Unrealistic Stick Defense

1. Guy jumps out and attacks with a stick
Okay, so this really isn't that odd looking. The only argument I have here is that the attacker is supposed to be jumping from out of nowhere. The defender probably wouldn't have much time to react. Still, this photo is depicting a "standing off" situation and doesn't really deserve any comment. If it did, I would say this, "The stance is leaning back and the hands are down: bad ninja."

2. Defender blocks the blow
This reminds me of two things: One, is the way people demonstrate the psycho knife attack. Two, is the popular Karate cross block. Both are unrealistic when dealing with weapons. The cross block can be applied if there is a jamming motion and the defender moves his head out of the way. If someone is jumping from out of the shadows swinging a stick B you will be lucky just to protect your head. You probably won=t have much time to develop a defense or respond with a high block. The attacker above looks more like he is attacking with a hammer fist than a stick . We must understand that people do not hit or swing sticks the way most schools teach their students to strike. The photo basically looks like the attacker is swinging his fist or arm at the defender. The only time you will get that swing is when the opponent exaggerates the attack or you get really close, really fast. If you had to hit someone with a stick, how would you do it? Although it happens that people swing like this, the problem is that students limit their defenses to only these kinds of strikes. If this tactic was to work it would require at least two ingredients:

1. That your opponent swing in that high arc.
2. That you move in and JAM the attack.

3. Disarms opponent and delivers a blow to the groin with the stick
This is totally ridiculous and would only work in the training hall with a submissive opponent. This picture dictates that the defender (after only blocking the attack) will be able to now control the motion (and the opponents hand/arm) of the stick.  Not only is this unrealistic, but striking to the groin with your opponent still holding the stick wouldn't do much anyway. Getting control of your opponent would require at least one break up technique.

4. Holds onto opponent's wrist
Okay, let's say that you were able to get into this position, but since the above tactics wouldn't work, you won't get into this position. However, if you did, it wouldn't be that bad. If you have a proper wrist lock and you managed to get the stick in your hand, you would be in a very good position. The opponent is facing away, you have some control with wrist lock and you have a weapon ready to strike. Great, if in fact you could actually get here.

 

5. Sweeps opponent's right leg
Here we go again. We tried this over and over to see where the author was getting this technique from. But in all our test this sweep turned out to be just as we suspected - worthless. First of all you should never, I repeat "never" cross your legs in a combat situation. This isn't Kung-Fu theater and you don't have time to be tying up your legs.  Whenever you sweep, do so without cross stepping.  Next, even if you could sweep, the way the opponent is positioned in the first photo doesn't allow for a realistic follow through. Your opponent would have to literally throw himself to the floor. Try it!

6. Prepares to run away
This shot helps you to see the stance and understand how unrealistic this shot really is.

 

 

 

 

NOTES:
I was invited to sit on the board of a Karate masters review during the testing of new and advanced black belts one day when I was in Holland. I was amazed at all the unrealistic defenses these students were being tested on. Knife defenses that would get them killed and stick defenses that would crush their bones. It was actually pretty funny, here you would have this student (4^th degree testing for 5^th degree) do a defense against a knife. Then one of the masters (overweight and I was surprised he even left his chair) would come onto the floor to tell the student how poor his form was and what he needed to do. Basically they were just trying to demonstrate power and some kind of political presence. But all in all, the techniques are totally unjustified regardless of your form. Here I was, sitting with about 12 other instructors in a room full of advanced students and not one of them thought this was totally unrealistic. Many of the students failed that day, but I left feeling that their instructors were cheating them.

As instructors we are coaches and there to guide our students. Our job is to find tactics that work and teach them. A gym coach wouldn=t teach a future Olympian techniques that would land them on their heads, so why is it that martial arts is so backwards? I believe much of it has to do with following tradition and not reality. But hey, who am I to stand in front of thousands of years of history and improper techniques, let the knife speak for itself.

Getting back to the stick defense, let's talk about what you COULD do in the same situation. Please note that we have a variety of ways to respond to a stick attack, this particular response is to reflect a more realistic reaction as compared to the above photo series. Also please note that this article is not about stick self defense, it is about unrealistic tactics that end up in popular martial arts magazines. Anyway....

So, what can you do?

Example:

1. Anytime you sense, see or feel a situation - get your hands up!

 

 

 

 

 

2. The defender steps in (jamming) with a right elbow as the left hand and arm clears the swinging arm and stick.

 

 

 

 

3. The first break up is applied with a body shifting forearm strike to the side of the neck.

 

 

 

 

4. The second break up is applied with a rising shin kick to the groin while grabbing the back of the opponents gi, jacket or hair for control.

 

 

 

 

5. A rear sweep is begun while another elbow is applied to the side of the opponents face.

 

 

 

 

The sweep works by applying force high and low.

 

 

 

 

 

Notice the defender ends in a solid stance after the sweep.

 

 

 

 

6. A finish is applied by stomping on the head at which time the stick will be pulled from your opponents hand.

 

 

 

 

Another example:

1. Since your opponent jumped from out of nowhere and your Spidey senses were down - you have no time for a fancy reaction. The only thing you can do is try to protect your head. Remember, you don't know exactly what is happening. All you know is that there is danger and you must react quickly, even if you can't see your opponent or opponents. The hands will help to shock the blow and at least give you room to see. A blow to the head will leave you unconscious and helpless. You will need to rely on your adrenaline to continue since your arms will be in a lot of pain. 

2. After the initial blow, you drop the right hand down over the weapon or weapon hand keeping the other hand up for protection.

 

 

 

 

3. Your next goal is to attack with a break up or distraction tactic as soon as possible.  In this situation the hands are switched and the right hand strikes out to the face and eyes. Note, it isn't important that you get a hold of the hand during the switch - if you lose it - jam and continue the technique. 

 

 

4. After the initial break up, get a grip on the back of your opponents jacket and adjust your weight, even spin your opponents position if needed.

 

 

 

 

5. Apply another set of break up attacks. In this case we are demonstrating a knee to the solar plexus, chest and face.

 

 

 

 

6. Next you are going to lower your center of gravity as you spin and slip the back of your leg over his knee and deep between the legs. This preps you for a powerful throw.

 

 

 

7. As you sweep, lift your leg up. This will bring your opponent into the air and give him another blow as he hits the ground - hard.

 

 

 

 

8. Controlling the weapon hand and arm you are in a position to finish your attack overlooking your fallen opponent.

 

 

 

 

To wrap it all up, simply ask yourself a question when it comes to training techniques: would this really work? It is okay to practice techniques in class for developing body movement and control, just make sure you understand and your instructor explains what is and what is not going to work on the street. Then ask why?