Striking for Self Defense is an important part of your overall Personal Defense system. Although I would never suggest going toe to toe with someone in a punching match (which would actually be a fight – not self defense), there are times when effective strikes can be key to victory over an assailant. I have my opinions on which strikes work best in a close quarters situation, based on my over three decades of experience in Jujitsu, Self Defense, and H2H training. My approach is not focused on sport or what works in the ring against a trained fighter, but what is simple and effective in a real self defense situation. Let’s explore the techniques.
Striking an Opponent In Front of You
Jab – The jab should be used as a distraction. It is executed from the forward hand and gets its power from the hips and tricep. Target should be the nose, which will cause the opponent’s head to snap back and his eyes to close, giving you the opportunity to strike again or to clinch. You can use a standard position with the fist (straight punch) or an up and down position (like you are holding a coffee cup). The second position is actually stronger.
Cross – The cross is one of the strongest strikes. It is executed from the rear hand and gets its power from the hips, shoulder, and pectoral muscle. Target should be the bend in the jaw. This can be a knock out blow when the strike hits “on the button”. The strike should not be executed in a wide arc like the hook. It has a tighter circumference and is kept closer to the body. Make sure to hit with the first two knuckles and not hit with the fingers.
Hook – The hook is a controlled “haymaker” punch. It has a lot of power because it travels on a wide arc and gathers momentum. However you need the space and the time to be able to execute it, as it can be easy to block. This is why I suggest using this strike as the second or third in a series of strikes. It is best the opponent is distracted when this bomb lands. Target is the bend in the jaw.
Upper Cut – The upper cut is a short, strong strike that comes from hip and travels upward to catch the opponent under the chin. It can be a knock out blow. It is effective when the opponent is hunched over such as a poor attempt at a tackle, or when grappling and leaving space between yourself and the opponent.
Palm Heel – The palm heel is a strong strike because it essentially uses the end of the radius and ulna bones as the striking surface. When the striking arm is straight, and the bones align, is becomes a pole with a very hard end. Execute this strike using hip power and target the chin or nose. The palm heel is one of the most versatile strikes which also protects the striking hand from damage.
C-Hand – This is a perfect strike to target the throat. Executed with power, it will completely control the head of the opponent and can knock him off his feet. Target the connection between the neck and jaw. Executed with a sharp snapping motion, and you can crush a person’s trachea which can cause death.
Chop – Using the blade side (pinky side) of the hand – specifically the last couple inches nearest the wrist will make a powerful blow. This strike uses the power of the hips, shoulder, and pectoral muscle. Target the jaw, side of the neck, or collar bone and this can be a knock out blow. Your palm faces upward. You need a little room to get the most from this strike however.
Elbow – Elbow strikes are probably the most versatile strikes in self defense. Because of the physiology of the shoulder, this strike can be executed from the most angles. Also because the elbow is extremely hard, it can deliver the make power as being hit by a club. When using the opposite leg for support, the front elbow strike to the face is devastating, and can easily knock the person to the ground with a single blow. It is also one of the best close quarters strikes you will have.
Cross Chop – With the same effectiveness as the Chop, the cross chop comes across your body. As an example, a cross chop executed with the right hand starts by the left ear and arcs across the body to the target. The distance it travels gives it momentum, and allows full use of the hips, shoulder, and latissimus muscle. Targeting the neck or jaw can knock an attacker out! It can also be used in fairly close quarters.
Knee – Using the knee to strike should be your go-to striking technique in self defense. You can use the knee to strike the head, groin, abdomen, inner thigh, and outer thigh without much work on your side. Strike with the area and inch or two above the knee cap for maximum power.
Downward Elbow – A power elbow strike executed against the back of an opponent’s head. Once you have your opponent controlled in a way that his is bent over (because of a knee or control move), you can drop a powerful elbow to the back of the head which will often knock the opponent out cold.
Striking an Opponent Behind You
High Elbow – When grabbed from behind you can execute this strike if one or both of your arms are free, or if you can free an arm from a rear bear hug. Targeting the jaw, use the shoulder, trapezius, and latissimus muscles to swing the elbow upward. I like to use the other hand to hold the opponent’s arm so he cannot block this.
Low Elbow – A great response from a rear strangle when the opponent has his arm wrapped around your neck. Target the upper abdomen (solar plexus) to take the wind out of your attacker. Try to execute this strike with your palm facing upward to ensure the arc of the strike is correct.
Hammer Fist – Just a big bludgeon attached to the end of your arm. This strike should target the groin, and will cause the opponent to release his grip and bend over (for those of you who have never been struck in the groin). This strike can also be part of your arsenal for striking an opponent in front of you as a jaw strike.
Low Chop – Executed in the same manner as the hammer fist, this strike swings downward, gathers momentum, and strikes the groin. It is very difficult to block.
Double Elbow – If grabbed around the waist, and both your arms are free, quickly drop your weight and swing both elbows to strike the head. As the opponent will pull his head back in order to control you when you suddenly drop, it leaves an opening to strike. Do a double elbow – one after the other, to ensure you hit the target. Even if the attacker moves his head to avoid the first elbow, the elbow coming from the other side will hit the target.
Kicks – I want to take a second to address kicks. Over the years I have learned many types of kicks. The side kick, low and high roundhouse kicks, groin kick, front kick, hook kick, rear kick. Over the years I have also learned that most of them do not work unless you are in a sparring match against another person who is going to punch and kick. In the real world where you had no idea an attack was coming, and suddenly you and the opponent are in a grapple, kicks become somewhat useless. That being said, there are a few to have in your bag of tricks that will come in handy more often than not.
Groin Kick – This is your go to kick if you have a little more room than would make a knee strike effective. Kicking with the upper part of your foot or lower shin to the balls will get the desired reaction from your attacker. It works on women too.
Front Kick – This is a pushing type kick that will create distance between you and an attacker. As soon as the opponent moves toward you, do a hard pushing kick just above the groin. This will create the greatest force and move the opponent to a safer distance to either continue striking, or clinch, or to do a takedown such as double leg.
Low Roundhouse Kick – Targeting the outside of the attacker’s knee with a kick using your lower shin can potentially incapacitate or destabilize him. If there is enough room to pull off this kick to the abdomen or soft ribs it can also be very damaging. You do need the room and the time to execute this however.
Other Kicks – Like any other technique you may learn, there might be a slight chance that an opportunity may arise for you to use it. I am not saying any specific technique doesn’t work, but I am saying that the likelihood that you will ever have the chance to use it is slim. You may run into that one in a thousand opportunities to use a side kick or hook kick effectively. That’s great if it happens, however, let’s think about what really happens most often, and your training will remain focused on the primary self defense techniques.
Striking for Self Defense is important to your survival. Practice your movements. Practice against shields and bags. Practice in Self Defense Scenario training. Practice in unrehearsed self defense. Train to be able to execute a strike when being overwhelmed in close quarters by a stronger opponent.
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