KerwinBenson.com Hidden Gems of Martial Arts

Here's the Real Scenario

In real life, if someone were to catch you off guard -- attack with your hands in your pockets -- you probably wouldn't leave them there -- unless you are Jet Li who has his hand in his pocket during lots of fight scenes.

Face it; the instant you perceive an attack, you'd try to protect yourself. As mentioned in the last article, you'd try to get your hands out and into the fray as soon as possible.

Go back to the first exercise discussed in this issue -- defending yourself with your hands stuck in your pockets the entire time. If you practice that way, you will develop a skill for not relying only on your hands. This doesn't mean you have to eliminate your hands in a fight.

      "Use 'em, if ya' got 'em."

        -- Keith Pascal

So, have your partner attack, and make it your goal to have your hands in the mix right after your first response without the hands. Your opponent strikes. Yu deflect, or dodge, or stop kick. Then before your opponent can try to counter to your response, you have your hands out and participating in the fight.

Conclusion

When you decide to get the hands into play as quickly as possible, you are making the exercise more practical -- more realistic.

Make sure to practice both ways.

Readers who enjoyed the above article also liked the following article:

Tiptoeing to Tranquility: The Parable for Finding Safety and Comfort in Dangerous Times (Soft Cover -- $12.95 + postage)

Lessons in a story. A mother and daughter take lessons from a martial arts master -- not in martial arts, but rather awareness.

They learn to be safe and travel with confidence in their city.

Read more about Tiptoeing to Tranquility ...