If we imagine we are the centre of a circle then we see there are 360
different degrees of movement from ourselves. If we draw a line at right angles
from our sides then we have half the possible angles of movement going forward
(aggressive sector) and half going backwards (defensive sector). This becomes an
important consideration in self-defence for it determines whether we are to be
strongly aggressive or not in our counter attack.
Most people will opt to take the defensive sector steps as the natural
reaction of our mind is to withdraw as an attack moves forward. In the early
days of training, we teach students to step to the defensive sector whilst
blocking and then to counter attack and whilst this is certainly better than
standing still, it does not have the same effect as moving forward into the
aggressive sector. The move forward does allow the use of in close techniques
such as elbows and knees which by their nature are devastating weapons.
Consider the disadvantage of the defender in any given situation.
The attacker knows when, where and how they are going to attack. They know your
body position and the likely result of any strike. They know everything and the
defender knows nothing. This is why it is so important to be physically fit,
mentally agile and aware of all around you. Most attackers know that if they
strike or step forward you will step backwards therefore, they are ready with a
second strike and this is where the use of the aggressive sector for defence
comes to the fore. If you move forward as you block you do several things.
Firstly, you are no longer where you were, secondly you are not where the
attacker thought where you were going and thirdly you now have, for an instant,
the advantage of knowing when, where and how.
Consider your body has
three circles around it, the first is the distance of your leg or hand from your
body, the second is the distance of the knees and elbows and the third is very
close, the distance of head butting, grappling or biting etc. Moving into the
aggressive sector allows the use of your short-range weapons that are fast,
extremely powerful and effective.
If you have a friend who is interested in learning with you then get
them to slowly push a punch out to you and practice blocking and moving into the
different sectors. Experience the differing relationships of your two bodies as
you try out the 360 different angles. Some will lead themselves to kicks, some
will benefit from other techniques. As you both become more able with the
technique, increase the speed, change the attack and strike to different
targets. The more you practice, the better you will become at defending
yourself.
Train hard but safely
Harold Baldry
Chief Instructor