KerwinBenson.com Hidden Gems of Martial Arts

Isn't hitting more efficient?

1. Hitting-- Remember, I'm a hitter. I don't want to limit myself: If you decide never to hit, and your attacker has no such limitation, then you have placed yourself at a disadvantage. I'm not saying it's impossible -- just riskier.

If someone were to grab my arm, I'd hit.

If someone grabbed my wrist, Id hit.

My throat? You guessed it --I'd hit (actually, on a throat grab, I might go for a jab to the eyes).

So, why wrist lock? Because...

I need something to do AFTER I hit. Not every situation demands beating your attacker to a pulp, leaving him or her a bloody mess, and then getting sued after all the witnesses come forward to explain what devastating martial arts moves you used. (By the way, don't count on getting off for "self defense" with all of the minimal force laws in effect -- and the poor recounting ability of the typical witness.)

You need a way to control the situation, after the initial hit. I advise using a good wrist lock or arm bar. The minute you take your opponent beyond the point of no return (see the book) with a good wrist lock, you then have complete control of the situation. And yes, you can still pound on your attacker to your hearts delight, if you're not worried about leagal ramifications.

2. The Non -Violent Approach -- Why would anyone want (or need) to avoid using violence? There are lots of possibilities. Here are a few:

• Your job defines how you react (law enforcement, military, security guard, etc.).

• You are at work, and your company frowns on you beating up fellow employees, even when they grab you.

• You don't react violently because of religious or other moral reasons.

• You feel that a grab to your person doesn't ALWAYS necessitate beating the crap out of someone in response.

• You want to show others the non-violent nature of a true martial artist, while still showing them that you are, in fact, a real martial artist (so, you haven't completely checked your ego at the door).

• You have to control someone that you know--a relative for example. It's much classier not to have to smack someone across the face.

Using Wrist Locks When Your Opponent Hits

Of course you have to be more careful when working from a hit -- and no, don't try to take a hit directly into a lock -- that's foolish... dangerous...and a downright bad risk.

If you need to learn to wrist lock the correct way, performing joint locks that work, then take a look at what you get in:

Wrist Locks: From Protecting Yourself to Becoming an Expert

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