Make the Situation Go Away
Fig. 3: If the aggressor is irritated by your attitude and hesitates to decide whether he should continue, help him make the decision of stopping. If necessary, offer a consensual solution so that he does not lose face. "I don't want to argue with you. This will lead us nowhere! Let's forget this."

Fig. 5: This variation is softer and less threatening: "Stay where you are, do not get closer to me!"

Make a "theater" with your training partners simulating conflict situations. Which words to choose? Are your gestures used to stopping an aggression? Are you expressive and convincing enough? Prepare yourself through the practical simulation of such situations. Ironically, you will almost never need to use self-defense techniques, but if you have the right skills, your opponent will be able to feel that you have full ability to defend yourself, if necessary.

When performing kicks or other leg techniques it is recommended that peripheral vision be used. By keeping eye contact, we do not telegraph the next technique which will be executed. When we use peripheral vision (also known as blurred vision), the details are not very precise, but we have the advantage of having a more comprehensive perception which gives us strategic gains at the time of conflict. This kind of perception is perfected in the elemental and meditative practice of forms such as the "Siu Nim Tao" (see more at  Form Training - Siu Nim Tao-, Chum Kiu-, Biu Tze and Wooden Dummy Form). Instinctively, a beginner who wants to see the whole environment clearly, in times of threat, can generate serious potential risks for himself. In these scenarios, the proper use of blurred vision is particularly important.

Fig. 3: Sifu kicks the opponent's bladder, since this is more effective than trying to hit the stomach. On the other hand, we want to prevent the opponent from grabbing our leg, which could allow him to pull our body forward, making us lose balance. Sifu's simultaneous punch is able to reach the opponent's head without further effort, since he leans forward. With the upright position and the internal position of the punch and kick, the opponent's punch "slides" out and will be unable to reach Sifu's head due to decreased range.

The Universal Solution - advancing with simultaneuos straight kick and punch - is a simplified action and can be successful in many situations. It is a reaction to the approach of the aggressor. With this technique, we do not react to the opponent's techniques, but to his physical approximation. From the so-called "critical distance", i.e., the distance of a stretched leg, we advance against the aggressor, breaking his timing by taking the initiative, shortening the distance, and not giving him enough time to make decisions. The Universal Solution uses an "offensive-defense" strategy, where we seek to end the combat in the shortest possible time. We surprise the aggressor, by stealing the time and space he needed to effectively perform his actions.

The advance is generally performed in one step, depending on the circumstances. The position and the available space - if necessary or appropriate - can be extended from the kick. In this exercise, first use one punch - if you still have questions about how this strategy works, please go to Exercise 11: Basic Exercises "Chain Punches".

Fig. 7: Sifu Dragos in IRAS:
Even before performing the step, the legs have pressure between each other (tension in the adductors). This allows the next circular movement, performed by the right leg, to be faster. The left leg should be drawn directly to the imaginary black line.

Fig. 8: Sifu shifts his body weight to the left leg. He moves his right leg closer to the left leg.

Fig. 9: While the right leg is sliding forward on the imaginary line, it moves in a semicircle.

Abb. 10: Zum Schluss wird das linke Bein gerade (und im Gegesatz zum vorderen Bein - schleifend!) auf die Linie nachgezogen.

Die Fußhaltungen der Endposition sind parallel und verlaufen zur Linie im 45°-Winkel. Die Hüfte und
der Rumpf sind gerade nach vorn ausgerichtet und das Körpergewicht befindet sich vollständig auf dem hinteren Bein.

Fig. 2 and 3: As soon as the attacker enters the critical distance (distance of a leg length), Sifu moves vigorously forward with a punch and a step forward. The opponent's kick misses its target.

Info

Fig. 3a: The attacker can not "deliver" the force of his kick because Sifu's punch throws him back.

Determination is needed, to move forward vigorously, against a strong attack like a kick. Beginners tend to instinctively retreat to escape the impact of the opponent. But that does not resolve the situation. On the contrary, there is the danger that the attacker will have further opportunities for a second attack. In the case of kicks at close range, the motto is "hit the head of the kicker". You have to go forward from your starting position like a sprinter. That way, we interfere with the attacker's timing and close the distance to him. Thus, the attacker can not develop the maximum force of his kick, because he is thrown back by the head-hit. The same solution can also work with low kicks.

A short range attack usually occurs when we are surprised or when the situation suddenly escalated. In this scenario, It is difficult to detect if there will be an attack and how will it take place. As the attacker approaches, for safety, we must put one leg forward. A kick to the abdomen at close range can be difficult to intercept - because we have very little time to execute the stop hit. In an emergency, we make use of passive blocks for the kick, using our shin bone. For damage control here, we go by the following motto: it is better to go home with a bruised shin bone, than to take a full power kick to the abdomen. The leg shield techniques of Bong-Gerk (Fig. 6a) or Tan-Gerk (Fig. 6b) are considered passive techniques, but in this scenario they are a by-product of an attempt to perform a stop kick. Nonetheless, if we are faster than the attacker, we will execute the stop kick without major problems. Otherwise the opponent's kick will be intercepted by the Bong or Tan Gerk. In one way or another, our barrier kick will accomplish its goal.

Important: When performing a stop hit - whenever possible - use your stronger leg!

Fig. 1: The attacker shifts his weight to the left leg to execute a spin with a kick.

Tip

Fig. 2+3: Sifu Dragos kicks the attacker with a Tan-Gerk stop hit to the pelvis. The attacker can not execute his attack and is thrown back, losing balance.

Fig. 1: The opponent stands at a distance greater than one leg length, which is why Sifu Dragos assumes a neutral stance. The attacker would have to be closer to be able to reach Sifu.

Fig. 2+3: Sifu makes an intermediate step with his left leg to interfere with the attacker's timing and prevent him from kicking. The actual stop hit is performed with the other leg.

Fig. 4:
The attacker can not deliver his side kick, because Sifu's kick to his hip has already neutralized him in the beginning.

 Tip

Fig. 1: The opponent stands at a distance greater than one leg length, which is why Sifu Dragos assumes a neutral stance. The attacker would have to be closer to be able to reach Sifu.

Fig. 3: Sifu frustrates the kick attempt at the moment of its origin using a "Tan-Gerk" kick to the hip.

 Tip

Fig. 2: The attacker makes an intermediate step and is getting ready to deliver a roundhouse kick.

Fig. 3a: Sifu uses the "Bong Gerk" stop hit to the hip of the opponent when executing his roundhouse kick with the right leg.

Fig. 2-4: Sifu Dragos approaches the attacker before he can execute his blow, initiating a punch with the stronger arm. Here, Sifu's left arm controls and suppresses down, with a "Pak-Sao", the opponent's forearm. Sifu Dragos's right leg controls the aggressor's leg. Alternative: see Fig. 3a

Fig. 9: If your first blow and elbow strike had no effect to cause a knockout, you should control the attacker by kneeling over his neck and hip, while simultaneously pressing his arm. In this position, he will be unable to deliver any kind of punch, kick or other attacks.

Info

Fig. 5-7: After being hit and "irritated" by our first attack, it is important to end the conflict as quickly as possible. We achieve this with the use of "K.O weapons". Use your fastest and most versatile K.O. weapon: perform one or more elbow strikes to the attacker's head.
The opponent's neck should be grabbed for control at a slight angle to our own body and we should use the force of gravity to empower the blow. Ideally, a 180 degree turn should be performed.

Fig. 8: Even after the opponent is on the ground, we can not assume that the confrontation is permanently over. For safety reasons, use lateral knee pressure in the side of his body to prevent him from using his arms. From there, more punches can be delivered (Fig. 9).

Fig. 8a: Instead of just letting the opponent fall down after the elbow strike, you can, as soon as he begins to fall, also perform a knee attack to his face. A (cautiously) performed neck lever forces him to quickly give up. Apply such dangerous techniques only in extreme situations.

If your attacks continue, the proportionality of your actions should be taken into account. The rule is: as gentle as possible, as hard as necessary. This means that you should stop, from a legal point of view, as soon as the opponent falls to the ground, and does not represent a real risk for you anymore. If you are fighting for your life, however, you have to go on until you are "safe" and, if you are in doubt, you might have to continue until the attacker is actually out of action.

Fig. a-d: Make a fist by first rolling in the four fingers of one hand (Fig. a and Fig. b) and finally put your thumb over middle and index fingers (Fig. c). The fist surface of attack is the knuckle of the small, the ring and the middle finger (Fig. d). These 3 knuckles are aligned for anatomical reasons and provide a large and secure area of impact. On soft body surfaces, however, the entire front surface of the fist will deliver the impact.

Fig. 1:
In the initial position, advance one arm forward, through the middle of your body (Central Punch). The rear fist is close to the inside of the elbow, in front of the solar plexus and slightly lower than the arm that is stretched.

Fig. 2: Now, start the movement with the back fist and punch in a slightly upward movement. Once the fist is advancing to cross the forearm, we pull back the fist which is in front. The next punch crosses taking the place of the fist which was in front. The joints of the wrists thus overlap here for a fraction of a second.

Fig. 3: At the moment of impact, the trunk is frontally positioned (without turning), so that both arms always have the same range. Since the punch also has a protective purpose (guarding the head), the fists should always be placed in front of the center line. The hand joints have their angles adapted to the moments of impact, so that the impact surface is always facing forward.

Fig. 4-5: The sequence described is now repeated on the other side.

Fig. 5a Here an alternative to the Fak-Sao technique is shown. The attack is delivered with the fingernails/ hand in claw. This technique is in no way inferior, in terms of effectiveness, to the Fak-Sao movement shown in Fig. 5. It is merely an alternative, recommended for physically inferior persons.

Info

Initial position
Fig. 1: After Sifu Dragos has managed to get close using Pak-Sao + Punch, the opponent might protect himself lifting his arm and assuming a protective stance before the punch hits him.

 

The "center line" represents an imaginary straight line. It is the line that connects us to the opponent. Or, the line in which we must attack and occupy to be able to reach our target and not be hit at the same time. This can also be called "attack line occupation" e.g., the line of attack in which we must move to protect ourselves and at the same time control the opponent. I like to compare this with the medieval duel of spears: each of the knights tries to overthrow the other one of the horse, so that his spear reaches the opponent and he himself is not hit. In order to achieve such a favorable position, the opponent's arm must be deflected by the so-called "Wedge Principle" (however, this requires a sufficient force level), or by an opening technique with the hands, which paves the way for the attack to be performed (see exercise above, for an example). Another elegant strategy is: during the application of the wedge principle, we change our positions through turns, leg work and use of the elbows, altering the body weight distribution, thus acquiring a favorable lateral position without greater efforts (see also Exercise 25: External punch as a simple defense against a straight punch).

Initial Position
Fig. 1: The attacker assumes a high guard position, with the right leg ahead (southpaw stance), and approaches Sifu Dragos with a hostile intention.

Fig. 2+3: Sifu moves forward and deflects the opponent's attack away from his head with a Pak-Sao. The Pak-Sao's point of contact is just behind the elbow joint. Sifu's punch with the strongest arm (right) freely hits the opponent's head. This is a preventive solution, e.g., it does not allow the attacker to take the initiative. If the opponent is able to attack during our approach, we are still protected.

As a result of the strike to the liver or ribs (Fig. 3a) the attacker will usually bend, which greatly facilitates a subsequent attack on his head (Fig 4.). Even if the first attack is delivered to the head, the continuation is the same..

Fig. 3a: Alternatively, instead of directing the attack to the head, we can attack the ribs. The wrist position here may be vertical or horizontal. Experience shows us that with the horizontal position we are able to develop more strength.

Fig. 5+6: Sifu pushes down the opponent's arm for the last time, with Pak-Sao, and punches the opponent's head.

Fig. 7: Finally, using a weapon with great potential of knockout (elbow), Sifu ends the confrontation.

Fig. 1: Sifu Dragos assumes the Internal Rotation Adduction Stance (IRAS) stance and keeps his arms in a position ready to apply the Chain Punches. In this position, the knees have a slight tension in the adductor muscles (one knee in relation to the other).

Fig. 2+3: Sifu completely changes his weight to the right leg while simultaneously punching with his right arm. The advancing shoulder lengthens the attack. The legs are slightly curved. The left leg presses perpendicularly to the ground and ensures the stability of the movement with a anchor or brake effect. The abdomen muscles are slightly but permanently tensioned to stabilize the trunk. In this exercise, Sifu turns at an angle of 45°. The two foot positions are parallel to each other. The trunk posture is erect, does not lean forward or back.

Fig. 4-9: The whole process now happens to the opposite side. The turn is originated by the tension of the adductor muscles. The body weight should not oscillate backwards or forwards and the trunk's movement occurs because of the hip movement and the leg work, for each side in which the turn is happening.

Fig. 4: In the end, Sifu will be, when completing the turn, significantly off the starting center line. The position of the trunk is vertical. The front leg (without weight) is slightly curved.

Info

Fig. 1: The falling-step is a variation of the turn, in addition to a previously initiated evasion movement. Sifu Dragos is standing in the IRAS stance. During the execution, the gaze always remains in the same direction of the trunk.

Fig. 2: Sifu performs a falling-step with his right leg at a 45 degree angle.

Fig. 3: Next, he pulls the left leg closer to the right leg, through the tension in the adductor muscles. The approaching back leg assumes a stabilization function, acting similar to an anchor. For this reason, the back leg approach comes with great pressure on the ground.

By aligning the body while the "anchor leg" presses the floor, both feet move simultaneously!

Info

Initial Position
Fig. 1: The attacker approaches with hostile intent and the left arm ahead and in the lower position.

Fig. 2 : Sifu advances and approaches the aggressor with its stronger side at the front (right), sliding along the center line toward his head.

Fig. 3+4 : Next, Sifu's right arm is able to freely reach its target. He controls the left arm of the opponent making a Lap-Sao with his left hand at shoulder height, pulling forward while simultaneously punching with the right hand. In this way, Sifu is able to perform a falling-step of the Chum-Kiu even more quickly. Due to this isolation action, the right arm of the opponent is, at the decisive moment, incapacitated by the force exerted on the other hand. Sifu is behind a "shadow of protection" in relation to the opponent, since the opponent's arm becomes a barrier against himself. For additional protection against kicks to the abdomen, Sifu controls the opponent's front leg using stepping technique called "Gam-Gerk" (Fig 4b).

Fig. 4c: If Sifu had moved forward from a neutral position (IRAS) instead of the forward step posture, then the Gam-Gerk foot control would be the first one and then the step to the side (crossing step).

Fig. 5-7 : Finally, Sifu attacks the attacker's neck and performs an elbow attack on the opponent's head.

As with all primary self-defense techniques, we do not have to wait until the enemy attack reaches us, but we have to face the attacker. In this way, we are not compelled to react and do not fall into the "sacrificial role" psychologically. Due to the simultaneous execution of control and a prior attack, the attacker has no possibility to execute duplicates or other strokes in succession. Already the legendary Bruce Lee recognized: "If I am faster than the attacker, I do not need (passive) defense techniques.

Fig. 1: The attacker, with his left arm in front (in a high position), approaches Sifu Dragos with hostile intent.

Tip

Fig. 2-3: Since the attacker's front hand is not only high, but his guard is also open, Sifu advances by executing a Fak-Sao technique. Sifu's left hand performs at the same time a Pak-Sao technique, which is intended to open and control the opponent's front hand. The right arm elbow (which executes the Fak-Sao) additionally pushes the opponent's arm out to open his guard.

Fig. 4: While performing the Fak-Sao + Pak-Sao techniques, Sifu pushes his head back. By extending the trunk, his head is protected. In addition, Sifu's forward hand movement is empowered, since the spinal erector muscles are used.

Fig. 5+6: Finally, Sifu executes the chain punches. Sifu's right arm recoils while controlling the opponent's forearm. During the second punch, the arm advances and executes the same type of control as it slides.

Your Fak-Sao will be correct if it is capable of being used alone (without the Pak-Sao), i.e., it achieves the same effect of deflecting out the opponent's arm while also reaching his head/throat. The Pak-Sao, in the example above, is used to simplify the technique and to give additional security to the opening process.

Fig. 2: Sifu performs a diagonal falling-step and pulls the front arm of the opponent to the side. Sifu's strongest arm (right), at the same time, performs an attack to the ribs (vertical fist position). Due to the high position of the opponent's arms, Sifu is able to reach this area easily.

Initial Position
Fig. 1: The attacker approaches Sifu Dragos with hostile intent while keeping the front (left) arm relatively high.

Fig. 2a: Alternatively, the vertical fist attack can be performed with a horizontal impact position. The practitioner should experiment to see in which of both positions he/she will be able to generate more force. The decision of which punch to use here is individual and should come from experience and experimentation.

An attack on the exposed ribs usually has a great effect, especially since this area is sensitive and vulnerable. It's also an effective technique which can irritate the opponent through pain, making him open his guard ("Door opening strategy"), allowing the use of a technique with more potential for KO (knee or elbow strikes).

Tip

Initial Position
Fig. 1: The attacker approaches Sifu with his left arm (high) at the front. Sifu advances vigorously and applies Fak-Sao (right) and Pak-Sao (left) to open the opponent's guard and reach his head.

Fig. 2: The opponent reacts in time and tries to close the opening by adjusting his guard, lowering his arms.

Fig. 3-5: This counterbalancing movement exposes his head. Sifu seizes the opportunity and punches him in the face.

Fig. 6-8: Sifu can now continue to deliver another punch, while controlling the opponent's front hand with a pull, using Lap-Sao.

Fig. 9+10: Finally, Sifu shortens the distance pulling the opponent's neck, advancing and delivering a final elbow strike.

To avoid the risk of hurting your partner's eyes while training the Fak-Sao technique, you can perform the exercise with your fists closed. In real application, however, the stretched fingers provide a gain in reach that can be decisive for victory or defeat. When practicing the techniques of elbow strikes, extreme care should also be taken. To prevent possible injury, never push your elbows directly to your partner's head, but only touch your forearm on the training partner's neck.

Fig. 1: The attacker approaches Sifu to punch him in the head.

Fig. 3-5: Immediately after, Sifu resumes the initial position of the trunk and attacks with chain punches.
 

Tip

Fig. 2: Sifu deflects by swinging his trunk back and avoids the attacker's blow. In this evasive move, Sifu keeps his distance to the opponent and does not perform backward steps.

Fig. 6: Finally, Sifu attacks the opponent's head with the elbow, ending the confrontation.

In order to be successful in carrying out the evasive movement in potential conflict situations, an initial upright stance is necessary. During the retreat of the trunk, the head should not be thrown back, since eye contact with the opponent should be maintained at all time. In this position, the chin is pulled slightly back. With the contraction of the neck muscles, if our head is reached, there is still stability and extra protection. In order to make the total movement faster and more fluid, the strengthening and stretching of the hip flexors and abdominal muscles, as well as the strengthening of the neck muscles are recommended.

Info

The effect of Cham-Sao ("sinking arm") in this application is similar to the hull of a ship. The punches are deflected low and to the side. In the beginning, the movement of the elbow is the same movement which would occur in a punch, with the difference that we wait a little longer (until the attacker's movement is diverted) to stretch the arm. Notice that the forearms must be in a angle greater than 90 degrees. This angle must not in any way be perpendicular or smaller than 90 degrees, with your fist directed to your own head.

Fig. 1: The attacker tries to perform a swing with his left hand directed at Sifu's head.

Fig. 2: Sifu Dragos performs a frontal punch to the opponent's forearm, which deflects and suddenly slips under Sifu's arm.

The inside punch is not the strongest defense alternative to deflect punches from inside the opponent's arm. The reason for this comes from the fact that this movement is primarily stabilized by the lateral shoulder muscles. The inside punch is more suited against bigger circular movements (e.g., the opponent "swings back" the arm to prepare for the attack) than against more closed hook punches. A good alternative here would be the inside diagonal punch (see Exercise 26: Simple Punch Defense using a Diagonal Inside-Punch).

Fig. 1: The attacker approaches to apply a direct punch to the head.

Fig. 2: Sifu applies a straight punch from the outside, sliding over the opponent's arm and hitting his head. The opponent's arm is deflected downwards, under Sifu's armpit, and is also controlled by his right arm.

Tip

Initial Position
Fig. 1: The attacker approaches Sifu with his left arm in front (high). Sifu approaches vigorously and tries to apply a Fak-Sao (right) and Pak-Sau (left) to open the guard of the attacker and reach his head.

Fig. 2: The attacker reacts in time and tries to close the space, lowering his guard, bringing his arms down.

Fig. 3-5: The attacker's correction movement opens the area of his head. Sifu takes advantage of the open position and punches his head.

Fig. 6-8: Sifu now delivers another punch, while controlling the opponent's front arm pulling with Lap-Sao.

Fig. 9+10: Finally, Sifu pulls the opponent by the neck and delivers a final elbow strike.

To avoid the risk of hurting your partner's eyes while training the Fak-Sao technique, you can perform the exercise with your fists closed. In real application, however, the stretched fingers provide a gain in reach that can be decisive for victory or defeat. When practicing the techniques of elbow strikes, extreme care should also be taken. To prevent possible injury, never push your elbows directly to your partner's head, but only touch your forearm on the training partner's neck.

Fig. 1: The attacker executes a punch with his right arm to Sifu's head.

Fig. 3: Because of Sifu's attack, the arm of the opponent is deflected. Sifu's punch hits the opponent's head.

Fig. 5: The opponent, "irritated" by Sifu's punches, will now be incapacitated by an elbow strike.

Info

Fig. 2: Sifu takes a step forward and performs a diagonal counterattack on the outside.

Fig. 4: Sifu then strikes a counterattack with his left hand.

This procedure can be carried out in an even more elegant and economical way, even before the step forward is made, with our favorite leg (in this case, the right leg), we make a small evasive movement, taking a step to the left. This procedure is also called "zig-zag step". By moving to the left, you shift your position as your punch still moves forward. This means that the opponent's attack goes into the void without great effort.

Alternatively, you could pull yourself to the side with the help of the Lap-Sao technique, colliding with the opponent's arm from the "outside" (see Exercise 16: Outside Lap-Sao + Punch with Foot Control) to reach him with an attack or to continue with an internal punch with the left arm (Exercise 24: Simple Defense Against Punch Using Inside-Punch).

Info

In applying the wedge principle, the attack of the aggressor is diverted, at an angle that does not allow him to hit us, by our technique that goes against his. It is similar to the water that goes against the hull of a ship in the sea. The use of the wedge principle is one of the simplest defense procedures to deal with punching (and also kicking) attacks. Although the principle of economy of movement (simultaneous attack and defense) is not being applied in the variants where the "arms are crossing", the strength of the wedge principle techniques is to be extremely simple and easy to apply in different situations. Finally, chain punches are among the most important, and best executed, techniques by most WT practitioners. Being true to the "less is more" principle, this reaction brings advantages in terms of time for implementing a counterattack.

Info

In this example, the principle of economy of movement is used: simultaneous defense and attack. Through this mode of operation, we achieve a structural advantage over the opponent, since the attack and the defense are executed at the same time. The simultaneous attack and defense has the advantage that the opponent is not able to "use feints" or perform multiple attacks, because our counterattack already reaches him at the moment of our first contact.

The Tan-Sao in the above example can be executed in two ways: 1. Forward - In this case the wedge principle is used: the attack slips by the advancement of the Tan-Sao and loses its effectiveness. 2. Backwards - Here a principle of use of force of WT is used: "Add your strength to the strength of the opponent". In the case where the Tan-Sao is used "retreating" the arm, it redirects the attack out of our body immediately after it contacts the limb. However, exceptional speed, timing and coordination are required for this.

As a general rule, the Tan-Sao, when stretched in front of our body (e.g., from the "Man-Sao" position), deviates as it moves backward. However, if the arm is close to the body (e.g., coming from a Wu-Sao position), the Tan-Sao will be projected forward, in continuous opposition to the attack, in order to divert it.

The Gan-Sao technique has a "cutting" nature. The attacking arm of the opponent is thus "cut" like a guillotine, which is aimed to cause him pain by his own movement. However, the Gan-Sao's main purpose is to redirect the force of the attack down and out of our body. A trunk rotation is always performed when we apply this technique, which produces a "pulling effect" on the opponent, which is drawn toward our attacking hand.

Info

Fig. 1: The attacker approaches to punch, with his right arm, a low attack on Sifu's stomach.

Tip

Fig. 2: Sifu takes a step forward and redirects the attacker's punch down and to the side, using a Gam-Sao movement, easily deflecting the attack out of his body. At the same time, his counter-attack with his right arm hits the attacker's head.

Gam-Sao is an alternative to Gan-Sao (see Exercise 31: Simultaneous Defense with Gan-Sao + Punch) and means something like the "Pressing Hand". Execute the Gam-Sao, in the application, always diverting the attack arm out of your own body. In this way, the collision is avoided and it will be possible, in case you have inferiority of force, to repel the attack easily.

When training this technique with a partner, prefer to apply a closed backhand punch instead of using the edge of your hands or fingertips, to avoid hurting your partner. Alternatively, use a proper headgear to apply this technique with its full potential. In this case, perform the technique as demonstrated above. The Fak-Sao (or backhand) will be correct when it is able to "open" the attacker's arms, even without the Pak-Sao. The Pak-Sao, in this case, will merely facilitate the opening of the opponent's front hand and will provide additional protection.

By using Scissors Gan-Sao, we shorten the response time required for defense. For comparison: when we use Tan- or Gan-Sao, there are 4 reaction options (upper: right and left and lower, right and left). So when we fully protect one side using the Scissors Gan, we reduce the number of choices to 2 (left or right). With the simultaneous protection of two levels, however, we give up the possibility of executing a defense and attack at the same time. The Scissors Gan-Sao is a very effective way to deal with inevitable kicks directed to the trunk. Large attack forces can be partially divided between the two arms and, thus, can be administered more easily (see Exercise 37: Defense Against Kicks Using the Arms - Scissors Gan-Sao and Lifting Using Lau-Sao).

Preliminary Exercise

Fig. a+b: Sifu is standing in a frontal position. He performs a slight turn to the left and at the same time performs the technique of Scissors Gan-Sao.

Fig. c+d: From Gwat-Sao, his left hand turns into Lau-Sao ("Scooping Hand"): the arm is lifted at the level of the shoulder as it moves forward. This move is used to "capture / hold" attacks such as kicks, to execute later projection techniques.

Fig. 4: After protecting himself from the attack, Sifu catches the attacker's leg with Lau-Sao and raises his arm. Simultaneously, the Fak-Sao with the right arm hits the neck of the opponent. By having his leg lifted, the opponent loses his balance.

Info

Perform the Lau-Sao technique to "catch" the opponent's leg only when the kick is performed above the height of your elbow. Otherwise, dispense the catching movement and proceed using chain punches to the opponent's head.

Fig. 1: The attacker grabs Sifu Dragos by the neck and pulls him toward himself to perform an elbow.

Fig. 2: Since Sifu's neck is stuck, he can not go back to defend himself. Therefore, he decides to defend going forward. He lifts his elbow and performs an attacking technique with it, the Kap-Jarn ("Overlaping Elbow").

The Kap-Jarn elbow technique is present in the BiuTze form (pronounced "Biudschi"). The form includes not only dangerous finger strike and elbow techniques, but especially emergency solutions that allow us to neutralize an opponent, even when their attack is almost overtaking us. Make use of gravity when executing the Kap-Jarn by slightly bending the knees in the downward motion. Throw your head back and keep your torso upright. The fist is completely relaxed during the execution and the back of the hand is accommodated in the chest, at the height of the solar plexus, to ensure maximum mobility.

Fig. 1: The opponent grabs Sifu Dragos by the head, and tries to apply a knee attack. Sifu immediately presses the attacker's elbows down - thus he is able, despite the limited field of vision, to react to possible punches or elbow attacks.

Fig. 3: Finally, Sifu executes an uppercut through the empty space between the opponent's arms.
 

Info

Fig. 2: The opponent attacks with the knee. At this point, Sifu sinks his elbow against the knee attack. The opponent ultimately injures himself with his own applied force.

Fig. 4: As an alternative to the uppercut, the possibility of a horizontal hook is offered as a possible solution depending on where the opponent's guard is.

Horizontal hooks and uppercuts are "passing" techniques that help us to overcome the opponent's guard.

Fig. 1: The attacker holds both of Sifu Dragos' arms.

Fig. 2: Sifu advances his forearm, so that his elbow lies over the fist of the aggressor. The height of the fist which will be released remains unchanged.

Fig. 3: Next, Sifu performs a downward diagonal elbow (Kwai-Jarn, Fig. a). He uses gravity (his body weight), transmitting the force through the arm, but leaving the trunk posture erect (unchanged). Due to the large lever, the opponent is unable to maintain the grip - Sifu's arm is free. The other arm is still trapped.

Fig. 4: Sifu now uses his free hand to execute a counterattack - he executes a Fak-Sao diagonally to the attacker's neck. The elbow of the arm that executes the Fak-Sao is on the forearm of the aggressor, controlling it.

Tip

Fig. 5: Sifu pulls the opponent down by the neck with the help of his body weight and performs a knee attack to the abdomen.

Fig. 6: Due to the knee attack, the opponent has a protective reflex and projects his head forward (Fig. 5) - precisely at that moment, Sifu strikes him with an upward diagonal elbow attack.