Tactical considerations in combat and Self-defense

“Attack the enemy’s strategy”.

-Sun Tzu 

The Art of War

Notes on tactical considerations in combat and self-defense

When we say that something is “martial” we relate it to combat. That is because the essence of anything defined as “martial” is combat.

In addition, a self-defense system is also one of self-offense.

In both combat and self-defense, the most important concept is that of “tactical considerations”. By this, we refer to the act of considering, or keeping in mind, “tactics”, which are defined as the actual means used to gain an objective.

In Natural Motion Systems (NMS), we say that this objective is:

“To hit and not get hit

To control and not get controlled

To throw and not get thrown

To finish and not get finished”.

-NMS

The methods to reach this objective involve footwork, geometry of combat, a combat formula and the application of the elements of combat.

Methods:

Footwork is the best form of defense and simultaneous offense. It allows to change the range (dimension) and angle (space) that a person has with respect to an opponent. It allows us to have a geometry of combat and a positionally based system.

Geometric Combat formula:

1. Shut down the front (danger zone)

2. Attack from the side (advantageous or disadvantageous zone)

3. Capture the back (safe zone)

4. Finish (non-counter ability)

Footwork is also used as a delivery system for power. The energy is in locomotion.

Furthermore, footwork allows for indirect attacks or counter-offense (attack and defense combined) to be conducted.

Example: Box step (footwork)

A. Forward

Female Triangle: 45 degree (approach) step;

Then,

90 degree lateral (neutral) step;

Step forward;

(Repeat) ……

B. Back

Front leg moves back straight (longitudinal);

Back leg becomes front leg at 45 degrees;

Front leg steps and body turns to transverse/lateral;

Step forward;

(Repeat) ……

Elements of combat:

A. Timing / Rhythm 

B. Position / Space 

(Distance and Angle)

C. Energy 

(Delivery system)

Motion & Movement