Teach defensive strategy early

Over the years of instructing students, I have often been asked, Òhow do you know what to do when you are attacked with an (insert technique here).Ó Unfortunately, in my early years my only answer was through continual practice. I found this answer to be lacking as this is a very valid question. Granted, I do not want to script out counters to students because they donÕt work in every situation, but I knew there had to be a way to teach defensive thinking as easily as teaching a front kick.

After some research, and some getting hit, I learned a simple method of strategy which works in 90+% of all situations. In addition, it does not limit the variations to the response to the attack, nor is it difficult to learn.

Most advanced students have learned that if you move to the side or intercept the attack you open new targets that would not be there in a straight block and counter. I submit that by teaching this concept to new students early, rather than have them figure it out for themselves, they will become better defenders and more likely to succeed in a confrontation. Hence the Òplus defensive strategyÓ was born!

The ÒplusÓ here does not imply better, but is a visual image of the mathematical symbol for addition, or Ò+.Ó The concept is that the student may move along any arm of the cross as a response to any attack. The advantage is that movement is not limited by which foot moves (either the front or back foot may move in any direction). This eliminates one variable from the new martial artistsÕ equation. Second, there is only one mistake that can be made under this strategy (more on this in a moment).

Against any linear attack (kicks: front, side, back, axe, etc.; hand techniques: fore fist, spear hand, hammer fist, etc.) the defender can move in any direction at any time. The key is developing timing (not unlike learning to block), understanding ranges, and learning the new targets on the back and side of the body. Against circular attacks (kicks: roundhouse, reverse turning, twisting, etc.; hand techniques: knife hand, back fist, etc.) the defender can move in three of the four directions. Now here is the mistake I mentioned. The student is advised (obviously) not to step into a circular attack! This means that one of the side directions is eliminated. This is a simple but important concept to learn in the Do-Jang and not in the streets.

To teach students this concept I recommend the following during prearranged sparring drills: Have the attacking student repeat the exact same techniques four consecutive times. Each time the defending student is instructed to choose a different direction for the counter attack. This works ideally with 1-step sparring. For 2 and 3-step sparring I have the student pause before the final attack to allow for an extra moment of thought before executing the defense. If the student makes a mistake (steps into the technique), have them repeat that step again with a proper defense.

I have found this a simple and effective defensive strategy to teach to new and intermediate students. The concepts are quickly absorbed, but not readily mastered. The advantage is that the student now can develop individual defensive scenarios which suit their best techniques, and to practice new ones under semi-controlled situations. Good Luck, and Success!