Expert: Colin Wee - 12/9/2006

Question
I'll probably sound really odd saying this (having never done M.A. in my life, but:

I Would like to know two or three quick take down or immobilization techniques in case I end up surrounded by a group of two or three.  If there are any explanations of punch or kick forms, It would be most gracious if you could explain those as well.

Sincerely,
David

Answer
It is difficult to answer this question responsibly given that you have no training in the MA. Training in MA does give you some insight into the difficulty this kind of scenario poses.

In beginning hard style theory, you have a practitioner doing a 'kata' - or if you like, a visualised response against many surrounding opponents. This kind of theory is perhaps the most unrealistic in a self defence situation, or perhaps a situation that you might find yourself in given the above scenario you have provided me.

When we train multiple opponents, we typically try to run and move our opponents into a line. Meaning we try to even up the odds by facing only one opponent at a time, and using the first as a shield or barrier between ourselves and the rest of the gang. We then move ourselves and this new barrier to a defensible location so that we can mount a tactical retreat or a new offensive.

I have seen a BB test online where the practitioner ended up jogging back and forth, doling out one kick at a time. This is not how I would see the above multiple person drill. All your opponents are going to come at you - either none at a time, one or two 'testing' you out, and then all at once. But they're not going to let you run back and forth.

Let's take a look at some of the techniques available for traditional stylists. Bassai for instance creates a scenario where the practitioner faces off many opponents. Some of Bassai's highlights:
1. Feint a strike to the face, the opponent raises his arms to cover, and you grab one or two of his extended fingers, palm downwards from the top and you do a scooping motion to break or dislocate them.
2. Raise your hands in front of their face and jump forward doing a footstomp on their extended foot.
3. Any grab to your sleeves or jacket is an opportunity for you to break their wrist or elbow by wrapping your arm around and to the outside of their joints and wrenching your body against the natural bend of their joints.
4. Any reach out or strike can be grabbed, in this momentary stasis, you can knee the opponent under his arm or armpit and do a foot stomp on his knee. If you turn the other way, the opponent acts as a shield to your back. The turn could also be a way to throw the opponent into the others by putting your hip into his elbow joint.

These above techniques however may work best if you have the ability and skill to strike with deadly intent. The okinawans who used this particular form could strike so hard they could break bones - with either a mere short range or long range punch. And of course they coupled this ability with a good understanding of locks and throws.

Some of the more 'simple' weapons we feature in self defence classes:
1. Eye strike with extended fingers: block any incoming strike with a circular movement of your front hand. Step forward and strike to the face or eyes with fingertips of your back hand.
2. Side kick to the lead knee. Wait for them to come in range and strike with the outer edge of your foot to the front or side of their knee.
3. Elbows: any strike coming is sandwiched between both hands using your elbow and your palm. The intent is to crush small bones on the back of their hands or break their joints.

The common advice is not to grapple in a real fight - the others can and will jump on you (and kick/stomp) when you're on the ground.

Some believe that the best weapon for a multiple opponent fight is to have a knife. I have seen some eye-opening demonstrations of the speed and efficiency of a knife fighter against multiple opponents. However, carrying a knife may increase your own personal risk - the knife may not the best choice for everyone.

Other weapons that are fairly nondescript are pepper spray or a pen. Both are easily accessible and can be carried on your body with little attention drawn to them.

I will end off talking about a legendary fight between Miyamoto Musashi and the Yoshioka clan. The story goes that Musashi had to face several dozen (up to one hundred) men - and won. One of the key elements is that he took the fight to them, attacked them when they were not ready, was totally ruthless, and left the rule book at home. The takeaway here is that if you have the odds stacked in your favour, you can't afford to be conservative. When there is no way to defend, you must attack!

Perhaps you should re-evaluate your lifestyle? There are so many more worthwhile things to focus on.

Be safe.

Colin