Defending Unarmed Attacks: Introduction - A Word From Eyal

Ready Stances and Movements

1. The meaning of starting positions and the ready stance (AKA "outlet stance")
2. Passive and semi-passive stances
3. The general ready stance
4. Techniques of moving in various directions from the ready stance
5. Finishing modes -- 3 options: move away; scan the area; get equipped

Outside Defenses

1. 360° outside defenses - with simultaneous counter-attack from a passive stance (against slaps and later against defined punches)
2. 360° defenses as above, with finishing mode - multiple counter-attacks; move away; get equipped
3. Defending against knife attacks - underhand hold (upwards / oriental) or overhand hold (downwards / regular / ice-pick) holds; simultaneous defense and counter-attack/s, then fast retreat

Inside Defenses Against Straight Punches from a Semi Passive Stance

1. Inside defense -- with sending (vertical) palm sent diagonally forward
2. Inside defense and counterattack - forcing the opponent's hand down (1.5 rhythm)

Leg Defenses Against Regular Kick

1. Inside defenses (deflection) against a regular kick - using the shin of the front leg

Using Common Objects as Self Defense Weapons

1. Snatching a coin from open palm; touching/hitting games; pushing games; "rooster fighting"; etc.

Training - Watching, Awareness, Prevention

1. Observing attacks being initiated, from a realistic distance
2. Same as above, but also foreseeing and imagining possible reactions

Returning Attacker (defend -- attack -- defend)

1. Following the defender's initial defense (a choke release; 360 defenses) and counter-attack, the opponent is still able to return and attack again, launch a circular attack (360)

Attacks and Defenses

• Starting Position - Attacks are first done from a passive or semi-passive stance, later from a general outlet stance / ready stance; and then attacking to various directions.
  Later, practice to various heights, in retreat or while advancing, as well as from other positions, such as sitting or lying down.
• Outside Defenses -- Against straight punches sent from the front or off-center when defender's hands are "crossed".
• Shadow Sparring -- Footwork and positioning with basic attacks, defenses, counterattacks and combinations.

Inside Defenses with Palm or Forearm Against Straight Punches

1. Inside defense with the palm:
   1. Simultaneous counterattack (with the other hand)
   2. 1.5 rhythm - defend, counterattack forcing the opponent's hand down (as in P-1)
   3. While leaning backward; kick (with the front leg)
2. Forearm defense against attacks to different targets and heights; and counterattack
3. Left against left – palm (or forearm) sweeping defense with a horizontal counter
   Notes: Remember to incorporate head and body defense into these techniques. Defend with the left hand against right hand attacks and vice-versa, unless otherwise stated.

Outside Defenses Against Punches

1. Ready stance and starting position for outside defenses
2. Forearm defense against a hook punch - diagonal outward and back (avoiding the elbow; clenched fist; use fleshy part of the forearm; head tucked between shoulders)
3. Outside defense against straight punches, with simultaneous counterattack (demonstrate one of the learned defenses - nos. 1, 2 or 3)
4. Outside defense, upward and forward (no. 4, forearm at a diagonal)
   Note: In the above outside defenses, only the close (front)
   hand defends against straight strikes.

Body Defense with Hand Strike to Groin

1. Ducking under a strike (straight or circular) – from passive or ready stance; with a counter-attack (to the groin).

Defending Against an Opponent Attacking from Different Angles

1. Inside or outside defenses against punches (circular or straight) coming from various directions. Defender is looking forward, attacker is moving in a half-circle in front of him.
2. Against a strike from behind – move away diagonally forward while turning and reacting.

Leg Defenses Against Kicks [from passive and ready ('outlet') stances]

1. Stop kicks vs. regular kicks: 1.1.
   1. With the heel directed to the outside; use the front leg 1.2.
   2. With the heel directed to the inside; use the back leg
2. Inside / outside defenses
   1. Blocking defense with the shin against a low
      roundhouse kick, coming from the same side
      (possibly using the front leg against either
      kicking leg)
3. Outside defense with the shin and forearm together
   – against a high / low roundhouse kick
4. Inside defense with the shin and forearm together
   – against a high or low regular kick
   (the hand defense is as in Section F, no. 3, above)

Note: Technique no.1 is first applied against regular kicks and later against roundhouse and sidekicks. Techniques 3 and 4 are used against an attack delivered to an unknown height. Use the forearm as previously learned, bony or muscular parts for inside or outside defenses.

Using Common Objects – Small Objects to Distract

1. Throwing; using distraction to create an opening or opportunity

Note: This is used primarily in a situation before an actual attack is made, mainly during the threat stage or in the very early stages of an attack.

Fighting Games

1. 4 against 1
   1. Push with 2 hands or grab to choke (1 attack every 2 seconds)
      Note: This can start with the "zombie" game.
   2. Defending 360 – against 2 attacks every 2 seconds
2. Slow fighting – including the process and stages of learning

Returning Attacker (defend -- attack -- defend)

1. Following the defender's initial defense (a choke release; defenses against circular or straight strikes) and counter-attack, the opponent is able to proceed and launch straight strikes or other relevant attacks

Simulation and Tactics

1. Timeline (Aggression) – escalation of attacks: verbal quarrel; and a push; and two strikes; and a kick

Outside "Stabbing" Defenses(from relevant stances, ready or passive)

1. Outside stabbing defenses numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Hand Defenses Against Regular (Front) Kicks

1. Against a kick to the groin:
   1. Inside defense - using the palm heel; from a passive stance; when performing from a ready (outlet) stance, use only the front hand.
   2. Outside scooping defense - from a passive stance (hands in an "x" position); when performing from a general ready stance, use only the back hand.
2. Against a high defensive kick forward or a high regular kick - inside forearm defense

Notes: Advanced training includes defending against a front kick and a follow-on straight strike; Techniques #1.1 and #2 combined together are effectively against a kick of unknown height.

Fighting Games, 4 Against 1

1. Attacking 1 Vs. 4 - as moving targets (opponents holding pads, try to close distance)
2. Using 360° attacks when the group of attackers have 2-3 knives (two attacks every 2 seconds)
3. Same as no. 2, unarmed attackers can strike straight.

Slow Fighting - Emphasis on Continuous Motion and Self-Control

Defenses Against Low Straight Punches

1. Inside defense - with forearm; emphasis on elbow movement
2. Outside scooping defense

Notes: Use either the forward or rear hand and counterattack as soon as possible.

Inside Forearm Defenses Against Punches – Raised Elbow, Low Palm
Attacker approaches diagonally from the side

1. Medium height - defense (from passive stance) against a straight punch to the ribs
2. High - against a straight punch towards the head or chest, elbow circles inward

Notes: The first counterattack is an outward horizontal hammer strike with the defending hand.

Defenses Against Straight Punch Combination - Left/Right

1. Two inside defenses with the palms and counterattack
2. Hand defenses while leaning back, kicking with the front leg (regular or side kick)

http://maxkravmaga.kinsta.cloud/video/defenses-against-straight-punch-combination-leftright-p4-training-syllabus-p4/

Defenses Against Punch Combinations (Outside and Inside Defenses)

1. Defending against any combination of two punches - one straight and one circular
   1. Two defenses with one hand
   2. Two defenses with two hands
2. Defending against any combination of two circular
   punches

Notes: Counterattack as early as possible.

N. Fighting Games - 4 Against 1

1. Against straight punches; Against a regular kick and a straight punch

P. Returning Attacker

1. Following the defender's technique, the attacker returns with a relevant attack, with/out a weapon

Responding to Opponent's Response

• Trainee attacks with front kick to the groin and opponent retreats in various directions. Trainee continues with sliding and/or kicking.
• As in no. 1 above, but the opponent can move diagonally or straight forward. Trainee may use short-range kicks and/or attacks with the hands.

Defenses Against Regular (Front) Kicks

1. Stabbing defense with back forearm
2. Low inside forearm defenses, with high elbow / low palm

Defenses Against a High Roundhouse Kick

1. Outside forearm defense (outside fleshy part), and simultaneous counterattack with kick
2. Outside forearm defense, advancing diagonally forward, kicking with the opposite leg
3. Using both forearms (inside fleshy part) - body turn, advance diagonally forward
   1. Using both hands, outside with forearm, inside
      with palm - body moves similar to number 3

Notes: Techniques to be taught from a general ready (outlet) stance. Later practice from any passive or ready stances; attacker can kick with either leg- Variations on the above

Returning Attacker

1. Following defender's technique, the attacker returns and attacks, with or without a weapon

Defenses Against Medium and High Side Kicks
Note: stop kicks are also effective against sidekicks.

1. Retreat backwards, lift your front leg with low outside defense (using the front hand).
2. Sweeping (low) outside defense (forearm) against sidekicks of medium height.
   1. Using the front hand while advancing diagonally,
      with the back leg.
   2. Using the back hand to sweep the side kick.
3. Sweeping inside defense with the front forearm against
   a high side kick.
4. Defense against a high side kick from the side - outside
   defense upward while lowering and leaning
   the upper body away, countering with a low side kick.

Defenses Against Previously Unknown Attacks from a Variety of Angles

1. Defend against an attack previously unknown to the defender. The trainee is encouraged to use a technique as close as possible to what has been practiced.

Sliding Defense Against a Straight Punch

1. Inside sliding defense while delivering a straight punch with same hand.
2. Outside sliding defense while delivering a straight punch with same hand.

Notes: Both defenses are done with the front hand against the opposite hand (i.e. - left vs. right).

Double Hand Defense Against Kicks of an Unknown Height

1. Back hand executing a low outside defense; front hand is, executing a high inside defense with the palm or forearm.
2. Back hand executing a high inside defense; front hand is, executing a low outside defense with
   the palm or forearm.

Dealing with a Continuing Attacker – Whilst Defending Against Different Kicks

1. Attacker launches a second attack during the counteraction that the defender is doing against the first one.

Fighting Drills

1. 1. Controlled aggression, perseverance and determination drills.
   2. Slow and light fighting.
   3. Four-against-one fighting drills
   4. Simulated “real” fighting with protective gear.

Note: see G-1 for more information about protective and safety gear.

Dealing with a Continuous Attacker – Whilst Defending Against Previously Learnt Punches and/or Strikes

Attacker launches a second attack during counteractions that the defender is doing against the first.

Correct Decision Making

1. Defend against (unknown) attacks, from a variety of angles, distances, directions, etc'
2. Responding to opponents reactions –
   1. Following with kicks (and punches) an opponent that retreats or moves sideways.
   2. Following with kicks and punches, according to changes in distance and ranges against an opponent that moves to any direction.

Overcoming Disorientation Caused by an Attack (groggy)
Problem: Defender suffering pain and/or concussion resulting in inability to breath or function, the defender's tendency is to remain in standup fighting.
Solution: Fall sideways, softly to the ground, with legs toward the opponent, counterattack.
Advantage: Taking the initiative recuperates; improving position.
Disadvantage: against more than one attacker; problematic terrain

Defenses Against Elbow Strikes (using previous principles and techniques)

1. Against an horizontal elbow strike - with forearm and palm./li>
2. Against a vertical elbow strike – inside defense with forearm, elbow forward.

Rhythm and Pacing - as an Attacker, as a Defender - Including Fighting Drills

1. Rhythm with two or more attacks/moves - no connection, natural, broken, shattered and simultaneous. Practice in place and while advancing.
2. Practice defenses against combinations of attacks executed at different paces and rhythms.
3. Practice fighting games and light fighting.

Additional Defenses Against Kicks

1. Bursting forward with a high knee, shin at a diagonal, landing a knee strike on attacker's thigh.
2. Against regular Kicks:
   1. Switching heels and attack with regular kick to the groin
   2. Side step with straight punch, follow with regular kick with rear leg

Attack, Defend, Attack (Part 1)
Person A -- attacks;
Person B -- defends, moves to dead side and counters.
Person A reacts with defenses and counters as needed;

Note: Person A should not use his first attack as a fake.

Attack, Defend, Attack (Part 2) - Opponent reaches Dead Side:

Person A -- attacks;
Person B -- defends; moves to dead side and counterattacks.
Person A reacts as follows:

1. Continues with hammer fist or a kick backwards - the head kept low.
2. Spins and attacks with a hammer strike or a back kick.

Note: Kick backwards can be regular or defensive, with or without a spin. Objective is to keep the distance from Person B, who is attempting to counterattack.

Attack, Defend, Attack (Part 3)

1. Semi-free practice -- initial attack (strike / kick) is known, but B's reaction is unknown to A.
2. Free practice -- initial attack is unknown to B. B should respond most efficiently.

Note: Person A - initiates an attack (at first a known one and later an unknown one). This training simulates one segment of a fight. Free practice should be permitted only after the student has practiced and obtained proficiency in all of the preceding exercises and principles.

Releasing Caught Kicking Leg

1. Leap forward pulling caught leg, grab opponent, and counter with a strike and/or a knee kick.

Close Range Techniques / In-Fighting

Defender's objective -- deal with an in-fight situation:

1. Retreat diagonally backward, executing counterattacks with punches and kicks
2. Grab or trap attacker to limit his movement and counterattack
3. Throw attacker with previously learned techniques
4. Practice slow fighting while emphasizing in-fight situations