How To Distract An Opponent- 7 Simple Distraction Techniques

How To Distract An Opponent- 7 Simple Distraction Techniques

By:


Manipulate their attention,
making them think confusing thoughts about what you are going to do.

(Miyamoto Musashi)

Distracting an opponent does not always mean hitting them. Sometimes you dont want or need to hit an opponent (at least initially before you follow up with an actual strike).

Sometimes you may need to distract your opponents attention before you can apply a technique or move in for a strike.

Distraction techniques create openings that allow you to fully capitalize on an opponents loss of attention. Distractions can be used in sparring or in street self defense situations (though not all distractions can be used in sparring because of how dirty some of them are). There very nature makes them ideal for street self defense however. Lets take a look at some of the more useful ones.

1. Feinting. The time honoured classic distraction and one which is especially common and useful in sparring matches. The feint takes many forms but basically it involves you pretending to move one way to lead your opponent before quickly changing and moving another way. A good example of this would be throwing a kick at your opponents leg, not necessarily hard, just enough to get his attention, then as your opponent reacts to that you very quickly move in and deliver a punch to the face. Usually your opponent wont be ready for this because they are too busy thinking about you kicking them on the leg. That particular distraction is one of my favourites when sparring but there are many other variations on this principle that can be used. Experiment and see which ones work best for you.

In a street self defense situation the same principle can be applied. You can maybe throw a couple of low power strikes at an opponent first of all, just to see how they react, then quickly follow up with some harder blows to take them out. The idea is that the initial flurry gives your opponent something to dwell on for a few seconds, making them unable to react quickly or well enough to the second round of strikes.

Feinting is really about controlling your opponent (the ultimate aim of all combat), physically as well as psychologically. You are effectively making them do things they dont want to do and this gives you a degree of power over them that they will be well aware of in their own minds. You will thus have a mental edge that could well win you the fight.

2. Cover the Eyes. A very simple one this, but the simple ones are always the best. This one can only be employed in a street self defense situation were an attacker has moved in close and perhaps grabbed you in some way by the lapels or throat. All you do is simply place one hand over your attackers eyes, effectively blinding them and giving you vital seconds to get control of the situation in whatever way you please, by either striking them or locking them or just hitting and running. Like I say, this works. It disorientates your opponent for a second or two even after you have removed your hand from their eyes. Just dont waste the time you have gained. React accordingly.

3. Spit in the Face. Disgusting and filthy it may be but then so is street fighting. Do I care about grossing out an attacker? Of course not, and neither should you. Again, use this distraction if you are grabbed and you need vital seconds to buy you some time so you can react in the best way possible. One defense we use this for is against someone who has grabbed you with one hand and is holding a knife to your throat with the other hand. The first thing you do is spit in your attackers face before quickly taking the knife hand and applying a wrist lock. Its a very effective technique. Im sure if you use your imagination you can think of other ways to utilize it.

For more great distraction techniques and practical advice on street self defense click here:
http://urbansamurai.org.uk/training-advice/distract-opponent-7-simple-distraction-techniques/

About the Author:
Neal Martin is a writer and martial artist with extensive experience in both. He specializes in street self defense and writes for many publications and his blog Urban Samurai. Find him here: http://urbansamurai.org.uk



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Martial-Arts Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.