“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
The square within the circle. Box step. Hit without getting hit. Shut down the front, attack from the side, capture the rear. ⬛ 🔵 👊