| What is the reality when confronted with a violent | | | | that leads to trouble. |
| street attack? Learn easy Aikido moves that can | | | | 5 - If you are verbally attacked, then what do |
| save you from trouble in times of need! | | | | they want from you? If you can immediately give |
| Quite often, before a physical attack, comes a | | | | it to them, do so. Be agreeable, and help them |
| verbal attack, which can completely shock you. | | | | get through their wave of anger. |
| When you are verbally attacked, it can be very | | | | 6 - Of course, you can always slowly back away, |
| intimidating, and can completely freeze you in | | | | get some distance, turn and walk or run, as |
| your tracks. | | | | required. |
| Why? | | | | Even if you are careful where you go, and try to |
| Well, it is nothing like the relaxed training you may | | | | avoid upsetting people, something may still go |
| be experiencing in the comfort of a nice cosy | | | | wrong. After all, you can't shut yourself away in |
| training hall. In the dojo you may be practising | | | | fear, you have a happy life to live... right? |
| dozens of complex techniques, that are very | | | | The subject of practical self defense, has been |
| effective in that setting... but they are unlikely to | | | | examined by many martial arts experts. Many |
| work in the street! | | | | have high Dan grades in a variety of arts and |
| Why? | | | | work in security, as bodyguards, club doorwork, |
| Well in the dojo, the fear level is reduced, and you | | | | millitary etc. Most say that martial arts techniques |
| are unlikely to have any adrenaline flowing. But in | | | | are not very effective unless they are adapted |
| the street you will almost certainly experience a | | | | for the situation. |
| surge of adrenaline coursing through your veins. In | | | | Also, many of them recommend that the best |
| this condition you will be unable to think clearly | | | | way to avoid a battle, is to use a pre-emptive |
| enough to perform a series of complex moves. | | | | strike. This has been proven time and again as |
| It is very important to have a few easy Aikido | | | | the best method to minimise possible damage, to |
| techniques that have been adapted and trained | | | | you, and your attacker. |
| for a real scenario. In this way you will be ready | | | | What is a pre-emptive strike, and when and how |
| for the unexpected. A vicious thug needs to be | | | | should it be used? |
| controlled quickly, efficiently and effectively for | | | | Well, the aim is shock the attacker, just as they |
| you to have a reasonable chance of escaping an | | | | are about to attack you. This can be a distracting |
| aggressive encounter. | | | | atemi strike to a nerve centre, as used in Aikido. |
| Of course, if you are one of those Aikidoka that | | | | OR, if absolutely necessary, a full blow to remove |
| can stay calm, blend with the aggression, control | | | | their intention to attack. |
| it, and then go about your day without a worry, | | | | You must use this pre-emptive strike at the right |
| then you have nothing to worry about. But, I | | | | time. If you panic and do it too soon, you may be |
| suspect, many Aikido practitioners may think they | | | | accused of attacking them, and rightly so. If you |
| are in this category, when they are actually not. | | | | wait too long you may be attacked before you |
| It is far better to be realistic than get badly hurt! | | | | can use it. So good timing is essential. |
| So, what are the easy aikido moves that will | | | | Do not use a clenched fist, unless you have been |
| protect you in times of need? Well, obviously | | | | trained properly exactly how to strike this way. It |
| they will not be fancy, flash ones, and you will | | | | often has the effect of breaking the bones in |
| want to focus on the most simple moves | | | | your hands when bone meets bone. So an open |
| possible. | | | | hand is best, using the palm, or the 'karate strike' |
| What are they? First, you need to think about | | | | fleshy part on the side of the hand. Or as in |
| exactly what you want to achieve... what is your | | | | Aikido atemi a back of the hand flick, between |
| aim?Well you don't want to be verbally or | | | | the eyes, only aimed to distract and not badly |
| physically attacked. So... | | | | hurt them. |
| 1 - Don't be there in the first place... this works! | | | | Aikido moves nearly always include these |
| 2 - Avoid going into dangerous areas, particularly if | | | | distracting atemi strikes. This will give you the |
| you are alone... no dark alleys, underpasses, near | | | | time to unbalance an attacker, so you can control |
| pubs or clubs or anywhere else you may be | | | | or throw them and escape quickly. |
| surprised. | | | | There are many principles in the art of Aikido that |
| 3 - Stay focused on the present moment. If you | | | | can be adapted for street effective self defense. |
| are thinking about the past or the future you will | | | | I highly recommend that you check out your local |
| not be aware of your surrounding environment | | | | Aikido instructor to see if they can help you |
| 4 - Treat everyone you meet with respect. This | | | | develop these skills. |
| will reduce the odds of getting into an argument | | | | |