ATTACK / DEFEND ?

[Art Rabesa]

I've always felt that your at your weakest defensively, when you are attacking. When you begin your attack, the last thing you want is to have your momentum interrupted. That is why I've always taught my students to "Attack the attack". They must get tired of me saying it. Through a lot of experience, and years, I have found that you are at your weakest point when backing up. I'm not saying you should not slide slightly left or right. When there is nothing stopping that attack, quess what? He's loading up for more - that's what. I go over this in my web site, and the two books I wrote. It's not being brave to attack that attack, it's being smart. If you are actually using the attack to attack, then where is the defense? Your attack is your defense. When I was competing in the heavyweight division at 170 pounds, I learned quickly about letting my opponents load up. When I was asked what my philosophy is, my answer was ,"It's better to hit then be hit". Timing is essential when attacking the attack. This is something that must be practiced a lot. That is why I train and teach the way I do. "Move fast - Hit hard". Nothing to it. Actually, this is not easy. I've said it before --- "What is"? It's all in how you are being trained. If it is the only way you know, then it is not difficult. ------Happy Trails ------Art

[Van Canna]

Your attack is your defense. When I was competing in the heavyweight division at 170 pounds, I learned quickly about letting my opponents load up.

Excellent point Art. I think the critical component of engagement is precisely to develop an ability to prevent the opponent from 'loading up' over and over in the exchange.

I think the beauty of Uechi blocks, all emanating from the Wauke, is that they can be used as attacks and short stops of an opponent's 'intent to strike' as well as interceptions and deflections.

The way you teach it.

[Art Rabesa]

Let me give this topic a little clearer look. Attacking the attack is not that simple to interpret. Let's see if I can get my point across on this. To be in the direct path of a big bull is not very smart. To wait until that bull picks up momentum before acting is down right crazy. I speak of that window to jump on quite often. Meaning the time to react. In my competitive fighting years, I came up against many large opponents. In college football, I had to tackle many that were like a train. In each instance, I learned the best way to get the job done, and walk away. The way? Hit him before he picks up a head of steam. Because if you don't, you're road kill. Also, taking an angle to hit him. Keeping off center, where his power is. Sometimes it's not much of an angle at all. Cracking that 235 pound full back slightly off center, and low. Sliding off center and firing a series of hands, on that 6'3" 215 pound opponent. I practiced this constantly. Either that or I join the chess team. As he begins, you move. You are not actually attacking his initial attack. Once his momentum has started it becomes almost impossible to change direction. This is the window. Here is the safety zone. I succeeded doing it this way, but it took lots of trial and error. I teach it so my students do not have to go through the error part. Let's make sure this is clear. I am speaking about fighting. The process of defending yourself outside of the fighting arena is totally different. That is another topic and deserves a great deal of vision and discussion. I hope that my explanation of "Attack The Attack" makes sense. It simply comes from lots of experience and lots of --"Okay! Lets Try That Again". There's lots of ways to do the job. This is my way. ------Happy Trails ---Art

[Art Rabesa]

Let's try this. When are you being defensive and when are you going on the offense? If I say that the two can be the same thing, will that be confusing? Tough to teach this technique but I've been doing it for many decades. Lets go back to what I posted above. You're at your weakest defensively when attacking. I've also said that your attack can be your best defense. This depends on your opponent (or mugger). If you have yourself stuck in reverse when his attack begins, then his attack works for him defensively. You're not going to be able to do anything but back peddle as fast as you can. He has no concern about you striking. I call this "you move I move". It is exactly that. Read him carefully to pick up his initial attack. To hit you he must close the distance. There's going to be that initial first forward movement. That is what you're reading. Always carry your hands up in the 10 &2 position for better striking or blocking. I've gone over this position many times. Your punches are short which enables you to drive that punch when you detect his first closing action. That is a technique that works pretty much every time. However, it takes lots of practice to get it down. He is expecting you to back up when he begins to close. When you explode that punch just as he begins to move, is quite a shock. You'll also find that this becomes much safer as well. For you -- not him. There are drills you can use to practice this. Use punching mitts and move quickly closing the distance. Fire your punch at the mitt when you detect it's closing movement. Nothing beats the real thing though. Pretty easy on a non martial artist. Even on the street, they still expect their victim to back up. SURPRISE !! -------Happy Trails ------Art

[Art Rabesa]

Practice your defense in different ways. From varied positions and arm positions. I've said many times that the so called "fighting position" doesn't really exist, unless you're in a competition. When you practice your blocking, do so with your arms at your side. As you move through your kata, you have everything set. Your stance, blocks, strikes, direction. Can't do all that in the real world. Play with this in your training and pay attention to what happens. I feel that reading the situation is key. Reading the person, or persons, that will do the attacking. Of course, there will be those times when you are not expecting the attack. That is why I suggest you practice different positions and situations. Your position will no doubt be your normal relaxed everyday position. React from there. Be able to do that in a snap. Hey guys! Knowing where your power is flowing through is what it's all about. I've written and posted video lessons on this. Around and around we go on this subject. Just be aware of it ----and practice it. -----------Happy Trails ------Art

[Van Canna]

Great post Art...