Process for developing a practice method

  It's an established fact, that the majority of (though certainly not all) opening/first strikes, in a “face to face” confrontation, are made with the intent of that strike impacting the face/head/mouth of their victim. This is commonly assumed to be for the intent of effecting a “knock-out” (of the struck individual). This rarely occurs, but it still remains an Icon of one supposedly being a superior fighter (and of course demonstrating one's skill/ability level in the art of fisticuffs). It's a very “macho” (type of) thing...

  Regardless of the reasons it is (the most common initial action), knowing this allows a student to pre-plan their own defense against it. One (obviously) can't know what way that an aggressor will attempt to hit them, but it can be known how it is possible for them to do so.

  If one first eliminates all the slow, awkward and (honestly) impractical ways that someone could strike you in the head using their hands (which are used more often than anything else), your left with only 4 possibilities being available (used by either arm of an aggressor, this creates the possibility for 8 ways that one could be struck).

  Listing them in the order of their “popularity” (of use), the most popular is the “Hay-Maker” (punch). It goes by a variety of names, but for now, we'll use the most popular name for it here (in the mid-west). This punch is really an (often overly) exaggerated “Hook-Punch”. Used by both amateurs and professional's alike, this strike is popular because of it's simplicity, as well as the amount of momentum (force) that can be delivered, with only minimal experience in it's use.

  The aggressor's arm is (commonly) pulled-back, often behind the user (in order to create as much travel-time for the momentum of the arm to build-up before impact). As the aggressor's fist is propelled forward, it is commonly delivered in a Hooking motion, that will impact the intended targets jaw/face from the side. This strike can be delivered using only the momentum of the arm, or the user can incorporate their entire body-weight into the strike. Though comparatively slower than the other options, this strike has the highest potential impact force available (which probably accounts for the popularity and frequency of it's use).

  The second most popular method, is via the “Upper-cut” punch. This striking method is very popular amongst those who choose to keep their hands at their waist during the initial “verbal-sex” exchange before any exchange of blows. This is a common strike from individuals who have kept their hands down (near their waist level) prior to the “physical” part of the altercation beginning.

  The intent of this strike is to sneak-up/in, and strike their victim under their chin (in what often appears to be an effort to “bounce” the back of their head off of their own spinal column). Though it is possible to wind-up this strike, it's more common for the aggressor to simply buckle their knees (during the initial stages of the strike), then extend them as their fist impacts the bottom of the defender's chin. The strike can be made from either side as well, but is more commonly performed directly up the middle of the intended victims body (making it slightly more difficult to be noticed by the victim before impact).

 The third most popular, is the “Straight punch” (delivered from the waist). This can be a fairly quick punch, but it lacks most of the power that's available to the previously listed punching methods. To amend for it's lack of momentum (power), a user will often exaggerate their own body motion (to increase that momentum potential). This (of course) is dependent upon how much of a “surprise factor” that they want (while delivering this strike). The more “power”(momentum) they want in the strike, the more they will have to exaggerate their own motion to develop it (and there by forewarn their victim of their intentions, also known as “telegraphing” their motions).

  The fourth most popular method used, is the “Shoulder punch” (also referred to as a “piston punch” or “straight-punch”). This strike is utilized when the arm/elbow of a striking fist is pulled-back to the shoulder (as when “cocking” a gun hammer) before motioning directly forward to impact the victim. It is very popular. When using this method of striking, the aggressor will commonly deliver multiple strikes (This striking method is very popular amongst individual's who “pump-iron” (lift weights). This manner of punch is often preceded by the aggressor grabbing the victims (opposite) arm/shoulder/chest (often via a “jacket/shirt”) in order to “hold” them and prevent their escape while delivering their strikes.

  It should be noted, that any of these striking methods could be used by an aggressor, they are all equally popular in their use. They are listed here only in the most reported order of probable use. Because of this vagueness, ALL must be considered to be equally possible.  Though each are possible, for the purposes of practicing for defending against them, they are listed in the presented order only for those purposes (and are based upon witness reports of those circumstances).

  Even when those accounts are considered, the utilized practice “order” of defensive motions is irrelevant. None the less an order needed to be established (though honestly, any order would be acceptable as long as each are included equally) in the practice routine. For our students, the order of the students exposure to those methods are based upon witness accounts, and our students have expressed comfort with that decision. That level of comfort is a necessary factor when determining how students will devote their level of commitment to the practice.

  For our classes, that order is began with the aggressor using a “Hay-Maker” punch, followed by an “Upper-cut”, then a punch delivered from the “Waist”, and finally defending against a “Shoulder-Punch”.

  Though the most probable means of aggression have been demonstrated, whether the aggressor uses their right or left hand/arm to deliver it remains an unknown. For that reason, when any singular defensive motion that is being utilized, it must be able to be used (effectively) in any of the presented instances. This dismisses the Right/Left (only) defensive methods that are commonly being taught (by the majority of systems).

  The defensive motion that will be described here, utilizes both of the defender's arms and one leg (or “foot” depending on one's perspective). This is one of Oyata's trademark principles (and is utilized within this defensive motion practice). The premiss of it's use is that the practiced motions can be utilized regardless of the aggressor's chosen manner of assault.

  The student will first practice the individual defensive arm motions, beginning with the left, then with the right arm. It's understood that the majority of people are right-handed, thus are inclined to utilize that arm more often as the initial striking limb.

Practice is done with the students arms at either side of their body.  Though a student's arms may be raised (already) during a confrontation, practice should be done with the arms at the students sides (to acquire a level of comfort if/when the student should be in a “non-combative” attitude when the confrontation begins).

  The student will work with their left arm initially (being that an aggressor's right-hand is more commonly the initially striking arm).  That practice begins with the student raising their left arm directly upward, pivoting at the elbow until the arm is horizontal to the ground. The hand is then extended forward as the arm is raised (palm-up). When that hand reaches the height of the aggressor's shoulder, it will rotate medially, and towards the uke's center-line. It then rotates again, and motions downwards (following the aggressor's center-line). It will continue until reaching the aggressor's waist height.

  This motion can be “modified” depending on the aggressor's actions. If the aggressor's (right) arm is perceived as having motioned forward, and upward (as if performing an “Upper-Cut”), the defender's arm can motion more forward and medially instead of raising as originally described. By motioning medially the arm can then “block” the aggressor's attempted (Upper-Cut) strike.

  Should the aggressor's arm be retracted (behind and upward, as when performing a “Shoulder Punch” or a “Haymaker”), when the defender's hand reaches the aggressor's shoulder height it will remain on the inner-side of the aggressor's arm (as that arm motions forward), without moving medially. This will allow that arm to divert (parry) the striking arm outward, preventing it from reaching it's intended target (the student's face).

  Should the aggressor of attempted to strike using a punch directly from their waist, the left arm will continue with the original motion to the aggressor's shoulder and then medially (as originally practiced/described) and downward.

  When the arm performs it's complete motion (and the aggressor's Left arm is used to strike with), it can also be used to strike the aggressor's abdominal region (approximately in the area of the solar-plexus). This is commonly only applicable if/when the aggressor uses their left arm (for their initial strike). When the aggressor's left hand is used (for an initial strike), the general motion being practiced will remain the same in any of the described situations. The defender is allowed various “options” that can be utilized in those instances.  They have the option of striking the (right) side of the aggressor's neck, or the described abdominal strike. These “options” are practiced individually (for the student's familiarity with them).

  In any of these situations the aggressor's (attempted) striking arm is parried (commonly into an arm-bar). This will be the common situation regardless of which arm the aggressor uses to strike with. We teach our students to utilize a 3-point arm-bar which is instructed separately.

  Practice of the defender's right hand motions is began with the arm first crossing (in front of) the defender's groin. It then raises, pivoting at the elbow and raising close to the defender's chest until vertical.  

 The arm then motions forward (extending the elbow towards the aggressor). Depending upon the aggressor's actions, that arm will motion medially (if the aggressor is attempting an Upper-Cut, or a strike thrown from the waist). Either of these actions will generally place the defender's right arm on top of the aggressor's left arm.   

 Should the aggressor's arm be “cocked” (as when performing “Straight punch”) or when retracted/swung outward (as with a “Roundhouse” punch), the defender's right forearm will (either) perform a (hand) strike against the inner-side of the aggressor's bicep or will land on-top of the striking arm (upon instructed locations) using the fore-arm to impact it with. Either situation (on top, or on the inner side of the aggressor's arm) can allow for a circular parry being performed upon that arm.

  Once the basic motion is understood, the possible variables are shown and practiced. These include using the right arm to strike the left side of the aggressor's neck (when applicable). There are numerous options available to the defender (depending upon the particular circumstances) with either arm. These are all demonstrated once the basic motions are learned.

  As the student gains proficiency with these basic motions, they are instructed in rotating the body while performing the instructed motions. In addition to simplifying the performance of these motions, doing so will provide the student with additional retaliatory and controlling options.

  These Defensive Motions are practiced in response to all 8 of the “Most Common” beginning assault “punching” methods. This practice method forces the student to focus on each (individual) defensive portion of the defensive method. By including the individual “pieces” separately (in progressive increments) the student becomes aware of the necessity for the inclusion of each.

Defender's Left arm defensive motion (only) with...

Aggressor Right Arm Attack (Right hand “Roundhouse”)

Aggressor Right Arm Attack (Right hand “Upper-cut”)

Aggressor Right Arm Attack (Right hand “Punch From waist”)

Aggressor Right Arm Attack (Right hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Defender's Right arm defensive motion (only) with...

Aggressor Left Arm Attack (Left hand “Roundhouse”)

Aggressor Left Arm Attack (Left hand “Upper-cut”)

Aggressor Left Arm Attack (Left hand “Punch From waist”)

Aggressor Left Arm Attack (Left hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Combined Defender's arm motions used against...:

Aggressor Right Arm Attack (Right hand “Roundhouse”)

Aggressor Left Arm Attack (Left hand “Roundhouse”)

Aggressor Right Arm Attack (Right hand “Upper-cut”)

Aggressor Left Arm Attack (Left hand “Upper-cut”)

Aggressor Right Arm Attack (Right hand “Punch From waist”)

Aggressor Left Arm Attack (Left hand “Punch From waist”)

Aggressor Right Arm Attack (Right hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Aggressor Left Arm Attack (Left hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Combined arm motions with with a Body Rotation...:

Defender Body Rotation to Left (Aggressor Right hand “Roundhouse”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right (Aggressor Right Hand “Roundhouse”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left (Aggressor Left hand “Roundhouse”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right (Aggressor Left Hand “Roundhouse”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left (Aggressor Right hand “Upper-cut”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right (Aggressor Right Hand “Upper-cut”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left (Aggressor Left hand “Upper-cut”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right (Aggressor Left Hand “Upper-cut”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left (Aggressor Right hand “Punch From waist”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right (Aggressor Right Hand “Punch From waist”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left (Aggressor Left hand “Punch From waist”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right (Aggressor Left Hand “Punch From waist”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left (Aggressor Right hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right (Aggressor Right Hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left (Aggressor Left hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right (Aggressor Left Hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Combined arm motions,Body Rotation and Straight kick...:

Defender Body Rotation to Left W/Kick (Aggressor Right hand “Roundhouse”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right W/Kick (Aggressor Right Hand “Roundhouse”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left W/Kick (Aggressor Left hand “Roundhouse”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right W/Kick (Aggressor Left Hand “Roundhouse”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left W/Kick (Aggressor Right hand “Upper-cut”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right W/Kick (Aggressor Right Hand “Upper-cut”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left W/Kick (Aggressor Left hand “Upper-cut”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right W/Kick (Aggressor Left Hand “Upper-cut”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left W/Kick (Aggressor Right hand “Punch From waist”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right W/Kick (Aggressor Right Hand “Punch From waist”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left W/Kick (Aggressor Left hand “Punch From waist”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right W/Kick (Aggressor Left Hand “Punch From waist”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left W/Kick (Aggressor Right hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right W/Kick (Aggressor Right Hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Defender Body Rotation to Left W/Kick (Aggressor Left hand “Shoulder Punch”)

Defender Body Rotation to Right W/Kick (Aggressor Left hand “Shoulder Punch”)

  Once these motions are understood by the student, additional options are included and practiced. It should be understood that any of the instructed motions are optional defensive considerations. Through the practice of these motions students will determine which work most efficiently for themselves. Oyata taught several (similar) defensive motions, some were more complex and some more simplistic (than the once just described).

  The instructed “follow-up” motions can be modified to what will work best for each individual student. These may very well change as the student advances in their individual abilities.

  Oyata's methodology was a constantly evolving defensive method, often shaped to the individual students abilities, and requirements. What works well for one student, should not be confused as representing what will work for all students, and for every situation.

 Though pictures would obviously make these motions more easily understood, I've chosen to leave those for our next book, which is for our Beginning Defensive Applications (still being assembled).