At Tower Shukokai we are constanly cognisant of the need for our training to be realisstic and effective in the (unlikely) event of finding ourselves in danger of assault. Our training then, often refers to typical acts of violence that we are likely to encounter. It is possible to find effective responses to such attacks in the kata. The study of kata pplications is often referred to as"Bunkai" (breaking down) or "Bunseki" (analysis). The following list (taken from the Shikon website) records the most common acts of person to person violence.
It is useful to note that English law permits "Reasonable Force" in defence of life and property.
1. One person pushes, hands to chest, which is normally followed by the pushee striking first, to the head.
2. A swinging punch to the head.
3. A front clothing grab, one handed, followed by punch to the head.
4. A front clothing grab, two hands, followed by a head butt.
5. A front clothing grab, two hands, followed by a knee to the groin.
6. A bottle, glass, or ashtray to the head.
7. A lashing kick to groin / lower legs.
8. A broken bottle/glass jabbed to face.
9. A slash with knife, most commonly a 3 to 4" lockblade knife or kitchen utility knife. (Apart from muggings, sexual assaults and gang violence, the hunting/combat type knife is seldom used)
10. A grappling style head lock.
An interesting point was highlighted. Most fights, after the initial encounter, quickly degenerated into scrappy scuffling with head and waist grabbing and ended on the floor. Which brings to mind that most Shotokaners lack groundwork skills. Anyone brave enough to redress this imbalance on the list?
Habitual Acts of Violence: Part Two
Offences against the person, male on female
These are listed in frequency order.
This data was gathered from interviews with victims and offenders and from statements. Data only covers robbery/sexual methodology and changes relative to first contact with victim ie., venue/ night/day etc.
Domestic violence is not covered as this is a specific subject of its' own.
1. The victim was approached from the rear/side/front, a threat was made with a weapon, and then the weapon was hidden.
Then the victim's right upper arm was held by the attacker's left hand and the victim was led away.
2. A silent or rushing approach was made from the victim's rear, and then a rear neck/head lock applied and the victim dragged away.
3. The same approach as in #2, with a rear waist grab. The victim was carried/dragged away, normally into bushes/alley etc.
4. The victim was pinned to a wall with a throat grab with the attacker's left hand. A weapon-shown threat was made, and then the weapon hidden, and the victim led away.
5. The victim was approached from rear/ front/side. The attacker grabbed the victim's hair with his left hand, and then she was dragged away.
The Most Common Wrist Grips, Male On Female.
1. The attacker's left hand, thumb uppermost, gripping the victim's raised right wrist. The attacker threatens/ gesticulates with his right hand.
2. With the victim's right arm down, the attacker grips the victim's right upper arm with his left hand and her right wrist with his right hand.
3. The victim raises both arms, with both of her wrists gripped. The attacker's hands are vertical with the attacker's thumbs uppermost.
4. With the victim's arms down, the attacker grabs both upper arms.
5. With the victim's right arm down, the attacker's left hand grabs just below the right elbow, and his right hand grabs her wrist.
A fact worth mentioning at this point is that research shows that women who violently resist ,whether the attack is successful or not, cope with the aftershock and trauma (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) better than those who go quietly and hope they won't be hurt. Very few who do resist get badly battered or cut.
Research/profiling seems to indicate that if an attacker is likely to batter or stab, it will happen whether resistance is given or not
