Mindfulness Self-defense

Mindfulness breathing while walking is a powerful way to connect with the present moment. With regular practice, you’ll find it easier to maintain awareness and cultivate a non-judgmental attitude. Remember, the goal is not perfection but presence.

Physical techniques do not work without knowing how to stand and move. The stance best for my system is the interview stance; all major movements can be done from this stance. The aim of the Interview Stance is twofold: first, it is non-threatening, and second, it prepares you for a physical confrontation.

Stand in a stable and balanced position with your head and shoulders directly over your hips and your lower back slightly bent. The further your head and shoulders go over your knees, the easier it is to be unbalanced. Moving your head forward or backward from this position increases the risk of being taken to the ground.

Your feet are not more than shoulder-width apart, with your back foot at a heel-to-toe configuration. The toe of the back foot is in line with the heel of the front foot, and your hips are square to the subject.

Your forearms bending at the elbows should protect the space before you, creating a "No Man's Land" that your assailant's strikes would have to cross to reach you. Your hands are with your fingertips or palms touching, but never cross your arms or interlock your fingers. The further your elbows are away from your body, the easier it is for them to be taken to the ground.

Defenses against grabs is an essential aspect of self-defense training. When an attacker tries to grab you, it's crucial to know how to react quickly and effectively to avoid being overpowered or taken away. Defending against grabs requires a combination of physical techniques and mental strategies to help you stay calm and focused while creating an opportunity to escape. Whether you're a martial arts practitioner, a law enforcement officer, or someone looking to increase their safety, learning effective defenses against grabs can be a life-saving skill. In this guide, we'll explore some key principles and techniques that can help you defend against common types of grabs, including wrist, clothing, and bear hugs.

The most effective technique against grabs allows you to seize and control the grab, counter the attack, and take the attacker to the ground.

Wrapping and coiling set the attacker up for a countering technique. The wrap uses your hand and wrist to encircle the attacker's attacking hand or arm.

Coiling allows you to move from one portion of the attacker's arm or joint to the next. Clamping is when the attacker does not pull away fast enough, and you can hold on and press it into your body.

Bear hug escape. Find another solution if you are grabbed from behind and cannot use an elbow to deliver a blow. Shifting your weight toward the front makes it harder for the attacker to lift or move you. It may also cause the attacker to loosen their grip. However, by reaching the hands, a finger lock can be used to escape.

Whenever grabbed, work against the grabber's thumbs and fingers to control their wrist or elbow. Turning your wrist or hand against the attackers' thumbs will cause them to release their hold. Holding on to the back of their hand, working their thumbs, will place them in a wrist hold.

Turning against their fingers will help lock their wrist, and placing your opposite hand on them will place them in a twist hold. It is easier to control a wrist or arm when using two hands to go into a hold, using your opposite hand to clamp onto the controlling hand and turn to release the hold.

Self-defense and violence are more mental than physical and most violent acts are usually about emotions. With self-defense you must be prepared to be injured without anger and emotion. However, many black belts and police officers fail to survive an attack as they let their emotions cause them to close the calm and fight.

A proficient officer operates with confidence as they embrace their fears. They understand that in most threatening encounters, a reasonable amount of fear allows you to “stay in the moment” and alert. Using the single step technique puts you in a confident mindset that you will not be injured.

Training with a degree of fear will prepare you for the unexpected. This training with fear should be done in the same fashion as the officer practice shooting their firearm. Officers are not issued a firearm or placed in dangerous situations until they can show a degree of proficiency. Practicing in a controlled manner will allow the officer to operate in the field without thought.