Don't Think...

Here's a problem that I'm sure every martial artist has had at some point...we think, more specifically, we tend to over-think. If you don't believe me, tell me if this sounds familiar: you're in class working with a partner doing something like point sparring, bunkai, self-defense applications, etc., and numerous types of techniques/applications are running through your head (example: "I can hit him with a round kick to the chest" or "If she does throws that backfist again, I'm cutting her off with my side kick."). By the time you've thought about it and decided what you're going to do, your partner's already hit you once or twice (or more....).

The three main things I tend to tell people that seasoned martial artists can learn from beginners (yes, we learn as much-if not more-from teaching as well as being taught) are open-mindedness, excitement, and plain common sense. What I mean by that last one is that, for the most part, anyone without any martial arts training would, in a self-defense situation, tend to do what comes natural and do whatever simplistic technique(s) necessary to end the conflict. Granted, there have been many instances in which a novice may freeze up when attacked, but there are just as many instances in which they have been able to defend themselves by simply doing what comes natural. Instead of thinking about which elaborate joint lock/manipulation you can do if someone grabs you, simply stomping on one's foot may be enough to suffice. Of course, common sense would dictate that not allowing yourself to be grabbed in the first place would be best!

*A quick point to point-sparrers* There's a reason that the great fighters in history teach the basic techniques such as the front, side and round kick day in and day out. While there's nothing wrong with experimenting with more elaborate kicks such as crescent and spinning kicks, the basic kicks are not only easier to pull off, but many of the more complex kicks are based on them.

Striking Points

In a continuation of my previous post, I'll discuss some of the areas used to deliver those proper strikes. Instead of particular techniques (jab, reverse punch, side kick, etc.), here I'll discuss particular parts of the body.

Fist
There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to the part of the fist one should strike with. Probably the most popular in the martial arts (karate and taekwondo immediately come to mind) is the first two knuckles. Others emphasize using the last two knuckles (as in some styles of boxing), while some others teach using the flat surface created by the three knuckles running from the middle finger to the pinkie. Whichever you use, the best target areas are the solar plexus and the sides of the body.

Extended knuckle
The extended knuckle works well in both striking motions (like throwing a punch) and also by digging into areas like the throat (as a last resort of course) and the sides of the body right under the ribs.

Hammer fist
Personally this is one of my favorite areas (the palm is the other) and one I tend to teach to novices in self-defense seminars because of the decreased chance of injury to yourself and the strength in the techniques. Because of it's versatility, it can be used to strike virtually any target area. Some of my favorites are the bridge of the nose and the collarbone.

Heel of the palm
I like this one for the same reasons as the hammer fist. Probably the best target area is the chin from below.

Elbow
Elbow strikes are best delivered when thumb is parallel to the target area, for example, when striking on a horizontal plane (like striking the temple) the thumb should be horizontal as well. This places the forearm bones (radius and ulna) in their strongest positions. Another versatile area, the temple, solar plexus, and the throat are viable targets.

Wrist
While not commonly taught outside of various kung fu styles, the bent wrist (also referred to as crane head or chicken wrist in some styles) creates a hard surface that can attack soft areas such as the groin.

Knee
This may be the area that everyone has used at some point in their lives. The groin, the solar plexus, and the thigh (especially the front and inner thigh) are great target areas.

Bottom of the shin (where the shin and foot meet)
Muay thai specialist love this area when performing leg kicks to the inner and outer thighs, which are also the most practical area to strike.

Heel
Along with the elbow, the heel is one of the two strongest bony areas in the body (anyone who's ever had their feet stepped on can second this). The most practical target area is the instep, but it can also be effective at the knee and thigh areas.

Edge of foot
A forgotten area outside of taekwondo styles, two of the best areas to target with this are the knee and shin.

Toes (while wearing shoes of course!)
Think of striking with the toes as being akin to extended knuckle strikes with the hand. The thighs are outstanding target areas for this weapon.

No Conditioning Necessary

In today's times, it is not necessary to practice the antique art of hand and foot conditioning in which you would intentionally try to harden the knuckles, palms, heels and balls of the feet. The reason it has been practiced for years is that in ancient times, it was necessary to desensitize the hands and feet to be able to strike through armor when necessary (think Samurai armor for example).

However, times are now different.

In today's sport competition, strikes are either forbidden (examples include judo and submission wrestling) or pads are worn (sport karate competitions for example). Any time has been spent on hand and/or conditioning would be nullified since those areas would be covered.

In practical self-defense, conditioned hands and feet can give lawyers a field day in the courtroom. It may be pretty hard convincing a judge and jury that you haven't been preparing for fighting instead of defending yourself.

Also, with an understanding of appropriate target areas on the body, you can easily avoid striking bony areas that would normally damage an unconditioned hand, or if you do strike a bony area, you can do so with an appropriate strike that will damage the opponent instead of yourself. As the old maxim goes, strike a soft part of the body with a hard part of your body and vice versa. For example, a fist to the forehead can potentially break your hand, but a hammer fist to the bridge of the nose would work wonders. In my next few posts, I will discuss some of those target areas on the body.

Another potential problem with conditioning is the likelihood of doing permanent damage, especially with the hands. Anyone that uses their hands to perform intricate skills for a living (surgeons, musicians, massage therapists, etc.) would definitely have issues with hand conditioning.