Shouldn't I learn how to punch?

I received this question recently and here is the reply I gave:

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Thank you for the great question about blocking.

When I went through the martial arts as I grew up, each style had some type of blocking that they used.

I didn't question it at the time, but as time and experience passed I started to realize that blocking a punch wasn't realistic.

When someone punches, you have no idea when it's coming, how fast or where they will hit you. It could be in your stomach or your face or your head and if they were faster than you it would be impossible to block it. For most people, action is faster than reaction.

Also, the whole concept of blocking implies that you must wait for the other guy to punch, instead of proactively moving to get out of there or punching your way out. Stopping to block is a waste of time. Why not punch your way out? Just explosively punch every attacker near you as you keep moving to get out of the situation.

If you hesitate even a fraction of a second on the street, a second and third attacker could tackle you from behind. Then both would try to beat you into the ground.

Forget blocking. Just focus on how fast you can punch them in the face and then get to safety. (Try to avoid their eyes and mouth if you can. You don't want their blood on you. Diseases, etc.)

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

Al Abidin

Parking lot safer: You and your car

Whenever you place valuables in your car, put them all in your trunk and if possible do this as you depart your current location.

If you wait until you arrive at your next destination, criminals may see and break into your trunk while you're away.

By the way, pull that GPS or other electronic unit off your dash and put it out of sight. This will help you avoid being a victim of a smash and grab burglary, where the thief smashes your window and grabs your stuff.

In addition to avoiding burglaries of your car it's important to preserve your life, by carefully choosing where to park in a parking lot.

Select a parking space that can easily be seen from the entrance of the building you are going to.

If there's a chance you'll remain past sundown, select a space that is not only visible from the entrance but also close to a light.

If you will be returning to your car during a desolate time, try to walk with someone else or ask the security guard for an escort.

Develop a survivor's attitude that as you walk, you stand tall, keeping your head up, making eye contact with everyone, and a determination that you will beat any threat to your safety, no matter what.

Develop a habit of walking with your car key tightly in your hand the way you would use it to open your car door.

Keep the key down at your side (for stealth) and if someone attacks you, stomp your foot as you step toward him to poke his face with lightening speed, 2 or 3 times if necessary. Stomp your forward foot each time you poke to make it powerful. (This should only be used if your personal safety is at risk.)

This will buy you time to get away.

As usual, I hope you never need to use that, however personal security isn't developed by accident.

Al Abidin
Director of Training
Cutting Edge Combat
http://www.cutting-edge-combat.com
866-276-3350

Unpredictable world

The shooting at Fort Hood was a sad tragedy and also a reminder of how unpredictable our world can be. You'll never know when someone might point a gun at you.

Last week I gave a link to part of a video technique, however this week I decided to let you WATCH the WHOLE TECHNIQUE. Its almost 10 MINUTES long and it shows you how to MOVE FASTER when violence happens to you.

You can WATCH the whole technique at http://www.hikuta.com/ExtremePreview.html

It's my desire to help you be more prepared and aware of what's around you.

Be strong,

Kubler Al

P.S. When you follow the link above you'll find the video preview, a link to 'Extreme Combat' the DVD which contains the technique and you'll also find information if you'd like to help those affected by the Fort Hood tragedy.

Go to the preview page at http://www.hikuta.com/ExtremePreview.html






Kubler Al
Director of Training,
Cutting Edge Combat
Self Defense for the real world!
Since 1998.
P.O. Box 404
Lakewood, CA. 90714 USA
1-TOO-ARMED-50 (1-866-276-3350)
www.hikuta.com

Wrist grab technique

A van suddenly stops right next to you and two men jump out.

One of them grabs you on the wrist and starts pulling you into the van.

Would you be able to escape?

If you're not absolutely sure, then consider this solution to help you escape.

Immediately step toward the person who is grabbing you.

If your right wrist is being grabbed, step forward with your right foot. (Vice-versa for the left)

As you are stepping towards him, quickly point your elbow at him.

The energy in your step and elbow movement should be forceful, which should cause the person to let go of your wrist.

You should also command with a loud voice, "Leave me alone", which should help any witnesses to recognize you as the victim and not the suspect.

Some people can't seem to tell the difference.

As soon as you break free, move away from them and watch where you are going.

Have a great day!

Al Abidin

http://www.hikuta.com/index.html

17 killed near El Paso

Last week, near El Paso, Texas, gunmen lined people up in a rehab clinic killing 17 of the 20 persons that they shot.

With our world becoming increasingly violent, whenever someone shows up with a gun you must assume they are going to use the gun.

Taking hostages these days often ends with the hostages being killed.

If someone shows up with a gun, try to get away immediately.

Look for all possible escape routes and rapidly increase your distance from the gunmen.

If you are quickly moving away from the gunmen, it will be very difficult for him or her to shoot you.

Now, you might say, well, I don't want to get shot, well, neither do I.

However its better to walk into a hospital emergency room where they can remove a bullet or two and stop the bleeding, than to end up dead in the street with a dozen bullet holes all over your body, because you stayed near the gunmen like a sitting duck.

Do you want him shooting at you from 5 feet away or would you rather be rapidly moving away where he'd have a very difficult time hitting you?

Even if he did shoot you, the technology in hosipital emergency rooms, (at least in the USA) has advanced to the point that people can survive being shot in the head, the eye and even the heart.

However, you choose to respond, you should decide now that you will take action to survive, even if that simply means running away from the gunman.


All the best!

Kubler Al

http://www.hikuta.com/Order.html





Kubler Al
Director of Training,
Cutting Edge Combat
Kuta: Self-defense for the real world!
Since 1998.
P.O. Box 404
Lakewood, CA. 90714 USA
1-TOO-ARMED-50 (866-276-3350)
http://www.hikuta.com