Steve's Real world applications.

[Steve]

Hey everyone!

As a bit of an experiment I'm going to try posting an entry once a week with how I've been able to use what I've learnt in KungFu, on the streets. Everything I post will be legitimate and lawful, but to respect people's privacy I shall withhold all names and identifying personal particulars. Also this is just an ongoing journal so to speak of my personal experiences, not a How-to guide - I'll be trying to give as many examples of when something worked and when something didn't work.

As a basic introduction for those who don't already know me, or even just a basic primer. I started with the Traditional School of Chinese Martial Arts about 3 years ago, and am currently a level 4 student in Shaolin. My main original goals in kungfu were fitness and weight-loss, and due to recent developments (ie waist line) they are STILL my goals. I don't like fighting and believe the best punch is the one not thrown. I'm sure there's alot more I could add but for the purpose of this thread this should suffice.

I hope to get my first post up within a week, so stay tuned. Also be mindful their is more to KungFu than just punches and kicks - we learn a great deal also about personal protection, how to think and cope under pressure, how to remain calm, indeed kungfu can relate to all facets of life, so I intend to keep my posts just as broad as well.
Feel free to reply and to ask questions - I'll do my best to answer and provide clarification where possible. To keep everything easy to read my main posts will be in bold whereas individual replies etc will be as per normal, in case this thread starts to fill up.

[sifujace]

I look forward to it!

[Steve]

Well guys, it's been a week. This time it's control and restraint.

Chickenwing - From Chi-Na sequence, but other versions exist that achieve the same result.
I've used this several times, with good results. It provides me with a superior position from behind the person where they cannot see me, as well as allows me to control their movement. However it requires you first get their arm behind their back, which is very difficult if attempted right off the bat, so a speedy application is required. If you give them even a moment where they can predict what's happening they can resist. It also puts you in a position where if the person struggles and kicks back they can do some damage.
Best way to obtain pain compliance from this position is to attack pressure points around the face, behind the ears, or joint manipulation of the fingers. Notice I say pain COMPLIANCE, as I'm not trying to needlessly hurt someone, simply just to have them stop violently thrashing or resisting.
Everything I do physical has just as much of a mental component as well, where I must consider the other person's mental state. Which is why before I do anything I first establish with myself what it is I want to achieve. If my goal is simply to calm down a situation, then I can do so using words and body language. If I want to stop a person resisting a hold, a pressure point application whilst telling them to stop resisting gives them an out - I let them know that if they stop resisting the pain will go away.

This thread will benefit most from questions and answers so ask away.

[sifujace]

Great start on the subject Steve.

Another suggestion to aid control of someone in a joint lock (as an alternative or addition to the afore mentioned pain compliance) would be keeping the person off balance. It's difficult for them to consider countering while distracted with trying to regain or maintain balance.

Worth mentioning too is that verbal commands need to be given multiple times during pain compliance as a person is often too distracted or distraught to take in immediately what is being said to them. So don't be surprised if they don't respond co-operatively straight away. This is partly why in grappling I suggest tapping out AND saying tap tap. Multiple modes of communication have more chance of getting through.

Lastly, the type and severity of pain compliance should be considered. I know from experience that certain pressure points or holds etc have made me thrash with little or no control. While this is potentially injurious, I have also had the not planned opportunity to use the sudden explosive 'thrash' to get out of a position.

As always, every situation has to be evaluated independently then and there. No good planning a response and then having your opposition do something you hadn't planned on!