Don't Give an Attacker a Second Chance

When attacking back, you can not rely on one decisive blow or technique to end the altercation. Often you will need to continuously strike your aggressor until he is no longer a threat. Once he is no longer posing danger to you, you can seek safety and call the authorities.

I am often yelling at the TV screen when a person hits someone, but does not continue, and gives the person a chance to recover and continue or restart the attack. If it comes to the point where you have to physically defend yourself, make sure you make it so the attacker can no longer hurt you. Don’t give him a second chance. IF the person is no longer a threat, stop and seek safety. Just don’t expect one blow or technique to finish a person and then let your guard down enabling your attacker to resume and hurt or kill you.

I mention this lesson with some pictures that were taken during my recent Hapkido Cane video shoot in Colorado on a new page at my website www.burrese.com. Under the Hapkido & Martial Arts section you will see a link to Photos from the Hapkido Cane video shoot.

The key is to remember that once the fight has begun and you must attack back, do so until there is no longer a threat. Neutralize the threat and then seek safety. Obviously, if you can seek safety first, that should be your primary option. Don’t give an attacker a second chance to hurt you!

Stay Safe,

Alain

Unbreakable Umbrella

During the Hapkido Cane DVD shoot with Paladin Press last month, I used an Unbreakable Umbrella to perform some of the techniques. This umbrella is an attractive functional umbrella, but also serves as a formable weapon if needed. I beat on a heavy bag with it, and used it to perform cane techniques that incorporated striking and joint locking.

You can see pictures and learn more at my website www.burrese.com You can find a link to the umbrella page under new stuff from the home page or from the different self-defense and hapkido/martial art pages.

If you host or attend one of my seminars you will be able to check out the umbrella and purchase one at my seminar discount.

Alain

Three Components to Force

When you are performing a technique, especially a joint lock technique, I want you to think of three components to force that are utilized when applying techniques.

1. The amount of force

2. The direction of force

3. The manner you apply the force

Keep these in mind as you analyze techniques. It is understanding the principles behind techniques that allows you to fully understand and be able to apply them. Don't just memorize techniques, study them and really learn them.

Simply Leave

Your best strategy when someone is trying to pick a fight, set you up, or create problems for you is to simply leave. Do not confront someone you don't have to. Only attack back if you have no other alternatives. If you can leave, do so.