10 Insane Martial Arts Youve Never

Heard Of
DREW M

JULY 2, 2013

Weve all seen the Hollywood wire-fu and the Chuck Norris white-boy karate. Everybody knows about the Segal arm
snap and the Van Damme ballerina kick. Even the popular modern mixed martial arts combat sports are dominated by a
fairly rigid set of styles that often result in grueling grappling matches, methodically paced Brazilian jiujitsu, and run-ofthe-mill hybrid kickboxing.
But there are many other fighting styles. What about the moves too brutal for the ring and too ugly for the screen? What
about the age-old deadly arts that have stood the test of time without being bastardized, glamorized, and regurgitated
by seekers of profit and fame? Here are several examples of hardcore martial arts that you wont see taught in strip
malls to anyone who has a few extra bucks a month.

10Bokator

Bokator is a Cambodian martial art that dates back to the armies of Angkor, who dominated the battlefields of Indochina
over 1700 years ago. Bokator translates as pounding a lion, referring to an ancient legend telling of a Bokator
practitioner who found himself toe-to-toe with a man-eating lion. As the story goes, the warrior killed the bloodthirsty
beast with a single, perfectly placed knee strike.
Like many other Asian martial art styles, Bokator is based on the movements and mannerisms of various animals, such
as eagles, cranes, horses, snakes, and, of course, lions. What sets it apart from the others is its brutality and battlefield
practicality. Boasting a catalogue of over 10,000 techniques such as elbow and knee strikes, joint locks, throws, and
submissions, Bokator is a deep and very complex art form, giving fighters endless options for engagement.

9Rough and Tumble

This one is a lot more intense than it sounds. In fact, they should have called it maim and kill, since that was the main
goal in mind when this system of fighting was developed during the 18th and 19th centuries in the southern United
States. The term gouging was also used to describe this fighting style due to the fact that one of its most prolific
techniques was eye gouging, and not the classic Three Stooges finger poke either.
Rough and Tumble fighters emphasized maximum disfigurement and a no-holds-barred ferocity that can be challenged
by very few others. Some were even said to have filed their teeth into razor-sharp weapons, which they would then use
to bite off the ears, noses, lips, and fingers of their opponents. And since the genitals were fair game, many fighters
literally lost their manhood in these cold-blooded confrontations. This heartless brutality is the main reason why Rough
and Tumble isnt often talked about or practiced in these civilized modern times.
And since most of the techniques were never officially codified and cannot even be practiced without the extreme
danger of life-altering injury, they have been largely ignored by the majority of the modern martial arts community. It
seems nowadays that most people, even those who love to fight, are just not quite hardcore enough for the eyegouging, neck-biting, genital-ripping fun that is Rough and Tumble.

8Bakom

A product of the poverty-stricken shantytowns of Lima, Peru, Bakom is a dangerously ruthless martial art that teaches
not only to quickly disable and/or kill your opponent, but also to use deception and other so-called less than honorable
tactics, such as the use of hidden weapons.
Founded in the 1980s by a former Marine and ex-convict, Roberto Puch Bezada, Bakom is officially classified as a
modern hybrid martial art, incorporating various elements of jujutsu with Vale Tudo-style street fighting. Common
techniques include bone-snapping arm locks, merciless chokeholds, and precision strikes at the vital organs, all at a
breakneck pace designed to overwhelm opponents before they have time to realize how much trouble theyre in. The
result is a blitzkrieg of beat-down that nobody wants to see heading their way.

7Lerdrit

Lerdrit is a modern derivation of the traditional Thai fighting techniques currently practiced by the elite commandos of
the Thai Royal Army. The basic principles of Lerdrit are similar to those of its predecessors (Muay Thai, Muay Boran).
However, there are a few key differences that kick it up by a whole new factor of awesomeness.
Fighters are taught to attack without warning, immediately take their opponents to the ground, and finish the fight quickly
with one of the many devastating kill strikes, such as a boot to the throat or elbows to the temple, all while minimizing
risk of injury by using the hard parts of the body, such as knees, palms, shins, and (the aforementioned classic) the
elbow. As with all military fighting systems, Lerdrits goal is radical and specifically designed for life or death situations.
Its not just about kicking ass; its about taking lives.

6Dambe

Based on the ancient boxing traditions of Egypt, Dambe is a deadly striking art developed by the Hausa people of West
Africa, many of whom traveled the land as butchers, moving from village to village performing combat ceremonies and
taking on any challengers.
The primary weapon in Dambe is the strong-side fist, also known as the spear, which is wrapped in a piece of cloth
covered by tightly knotted cord, while the fighters favored leg is wrapped in a thick chain. Its as if kicking people in the
face just wasnt quite hardcore enough for the butchers of West Africa. They had to start wrapping their legs in jagged
metal to really get their blood going.
Interesting side-note: Many of the modern-day Dambe fighting companies who travel the land performing for villages
engage in the ritualistic smoking of marijuana before bouts.

5Systema

Lets face itjust to survive in Russia, one must be at least a little bit crazy. Its no surprise, then, that Systema (the
official martial art of the infamous Russian Spetsnaz) is such a cold and efficient way of opening a proverbial can on any
capitalist pigs that refuse to get with the program.
Systema focuses on controlling the important parts of the bodythe elbows, neck, knees, waist, ankles, and shoulders,
through pressure points and critical hits. The root philosophies of the system are based on the laws of biomechanics
and anatomy, with much of the training focusing on studying the natural weaknesses of the human form so that one
may manipulate them at will.
Another unique characteristic of Systema is that it doesnt just focus on unarmed, one-on-one combat, as do many other
martial arts. Instead, it teaches the practitioner how to deal with multiple opponents coming from all angles with a variety
of weapons. Because hey, whats more badass than knocking out an overly muscled thug? Well, knocking out five or six
overly muscled thugs.

4Jailhouse Rock

Jailhouse Rock (JHR) is one of only two martial arts that are indigenous to the United States. Created within the
cutthroat world of (you guessed it) Americas prison system, JHR is a prime example of no-frills brawling developed by
men who literally have nothing better to do than work out and fight.
JHRs is notable for its brutal training methods, one of which is known as 52 pick-up. A deck of cards are scattered
about the floor and trainees are made to pick them all up in order while being beaten mercilessly by three or more
others.

3Kalari Payat

Indigenous to the southern Indian state of Kerala, Kalari Payat is commonly recognized as the oldest fighting system in
existence and predecessor to some of the most popular martial arts in the world. Oral tradition claims that it was created
by an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, who is also described as the Preserver of The Universe and who was said
to have a universal form that was beyond the ordinary limits of human perception.
Kalari Payat has many variations and sub-types, each specializing in different facets of both armed and unarmed
combat. One of the most notable is Marma Arti (hitting the vital spots), which, in the hands of a master, can instantly
paralyze or kill with a single, well-placed strike to any one of the 108 nerve points that are considered to be lethally
vulnerable. And, as if theyre so deadly that it makes them feel guilty, the masters of this powerful art also study the
Siddha medical system, which stems from the same ancient teachings.

2Silat

Developed by the ruthless headhunting tribes of Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, Silat is a collective word for
hundreds of different styles of combat, including grappling, striking, joint manipulation, throws, and the use of bladed
weaponry.
The earliest evidence of Silat being taught in its present form is found in Sumatra. There, according to legend, a woman
created the combat system based on observing wild animals, much like many other Asian martial arts. Today, Silat is
employed by several military groups throughout the Malay Archipelago and surrounding lands, and by the notorious
pirate clans of the South China Sea.

1Okichitaw

One of the few remaining examples of Native American martial arts, Okichitaw is based on the fighting techniques of the
Plains Cree First Nations. Founded by George J. Lepine, a student of judo, tae kwan do, and hapkido who also
mastered the gunstock war club and tomahawk-throwing techniques, Okichitaw is a hybrid art that combines the
ravenous fury of the Native American fighting spirit with the tried-and-true methods of popular Asian styles.
The techniques taught in Okichitaw often assume the possession of a weapon. Much like aikido, even if the practitioner
is empty-handed, his/her strikes are performed as if a weapon is being used. For instance, the hands are used like
tomahawks, while kicks jab at a distance like spears. Knife techniques are also very prevalent within the codified
systems of Okichitaw. After all, whats the use of learning a badass Native American combat art if it doesnt teach you
how best to scalp a white man?

Top 10 Martial Arts From Outside

The Orient
LISTVERSE STAFF

DECEMBER 3, 2009

When someone says Martial Arts, it conjures images of ancient Chinese warriors locked in combat or Samurai and
Ninjas fighting it out in a bamboo forest. While its true the most popular martial arts originate from either Japan, China
or elsewhere in Asia there are many forms of martial combat from other parts of the world. Heres a list of ten of the
coolest.

10
Highland Wrestling

The Scots have been known as fierce fighters, but few would compare Jackie Chan and William Wallace even though
most scotsmen had a good amount of martial arts training. Highland wrestling is the first kind of fighting taught to young
Scots, often family techniques are handed down from father to son. Its recorded that often English knights would be
caught off guard by the skill of an unarmed Scotsman who could drag fully armored knights off their horses with ease.
Highland wrestling is mainly used today by reenactment societies, and living Historians since many of the actual
techniques are lost to history.

9
Pankration

The ancient Greek Olympics were brutal in general, but the most brutal of the events was the Pankration, which roughly
translates to Anything goes. This fierce combination of boxing and wrestling allowed almost anything, from groin
punches, to eye gouges, even finger breaking. The intention of all the Olympic games was to keep every man in the city
ready to serve in the military, and the art of the Pankration came in mighty handy when fending off the barbarian hordes.
Today, the Greeks still practice Pankration as a sport and the techniques developed thousands of years ago still make it
into Mixed martial arts events.

8
European Fencing

Swordsmanship in western Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries was an important skill for any young man to
have, as most gentlemen of noble upbringing carried their rapiers around at all times and were prone to calling for a
duel at the drop of a hat. European Fencing is a surprisingly sophisticated and complex fighting art, producing literally
thousands of manuals and guides printed all over Europe. Fencers were known for precision strikes, delicate footwork
and full body control on par with any Samurai. Each country and region in Europe had a distinctive style, as well as a
different style for a number of swords.

7
Apache Knife Fighting

The Apaches mastered the use of many weapons for attacks against settlers or other Native American Rivals, and while
many of those weapons were terrible to face, the Apaches were deadliest with little more than a knife. Every Apache
had at least one knife at all times as that they were useful for any number of things in a hunter/gatherer society, but in
battle Apaches would carry as many as a dozen knives on their person. They could throw them with fearsome accuracy,
or cut down men with close, surgical strikes to the chest, throat or Achilles tendons. Currently the US military employs
several trainers of Apache ancestry to teach special forces troops survival and knife fighting. It is no wonder navy
SEALS are considered the best Knife fighters in the world.

6
Sambo

Sambo is a relatively modern martial art, combat sport and self-defense system developed in the Soviet Union and
recognized as an official sport by the USSR All-Union Sports Committee in 1938, presented by Anatoly Kharlampiev.
There are three generally recognized competitive sport variations of Sambo: Sport Sambo, which is stylistically similar
to amateur wrestling or judo; Combat Sambo which was utilized and developed for the military and resembles modern
mixed martial arts, including extensive forms of striking and grappling; and Freestyle Sambo which uses a uniquely
American set of competitive Sambo rules created by the American Sambo Association.

5
Nguni stick fighting

The bedrock of the Zulus legendary fighting skill is the art of stick fighting in which two Zulus armed with fresh cut
saplings attack each other with only a small hide shield to defend themselves. While the sticks dont cause a lot of
damage to the body aside from shallow cuts, being whacked with one is extremely painful and in a fight you are
guaranteed to get whacked a number of times. Combat with the sticks help the Zulus shrug off pain and fear, which is
the reason they could charge straight into British gunfire without flinching. Famous South African leader Nelson
Mandela stated he participated in stick fighting as a child.

4
Krav Maga

This deadly fighting art from Israel had its origins on the streets, developed by Jewish vigilantes who defended their
neighborhoods from anti-Jewish gangs. Krav Maga differs from most martial arts in being focused on ending a fight as
quickly as possible by using Overwhelming Force, making Krav Maga techniques some of the most downright lethal of
any martial art. Today it is considered a martial art reserved for Military and police use, and is utilized by US Special
Forces and the FBI.

3
Jeet-Kune-Do

Many falsely identify Jeet Kune Do as an Eastern Martial art, but in truth it was developed in America, by Bruce Lee (An
American Citizen) because he admired the simplicity of Western fighting styles Like Boxing and wrestling. Tired of the
overly complex methods of Kung fu, Bruce Lee stripped combat down to its most basic elements when he developed
Jeet Kune Do, teaching that the most important move is the one that wins the fight. Many celebrity friends of Lee
practiced the Art, like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, John Saxon, Jim Kelly and Steve McQueen.

2
Savate

Developed in France during the 19th century, Savate was developed by street fighters who used to put on their old
heavy boots and try to kick each other in the head, in fact the word Savate is an old slang term for an old shoe. Savate
moved from the street into boxing schools and is still a popular form of unarmed competitive fighting in France, known
for brutal kicks to the head and face meant to down a man in one blow. Savate schools have also started teaching
weapon styles. Typical of a martial art that originated in street fighting these weapons include walking canes, short
knives and strangely enough: the wooden chair.

1
Capoeira

A combination of Combat and dance, Capoeira is possibly one of the most beautiful fighting styles to watch. Capoeira
started in Brazil with African and Native American slaves who taught themselves to fight with only their feet while their
hands were shackled. After slavery was abolished, the Emperor of Brazil deemed Capoeira techniques too dangerous
for freed slaves and forbade its practice. The Capoeria community then began to disguise training matches as Games
and set them to music to look like a dance. To this day Capoeira matches are always set to music and look like a highly

acrobatic dance but Capoeira involves many impressive kicks, throws and take downs that can be quite useful in a real
fight.
Honorable Mention: Mau r?kau, Kaparjutsu, Gilma, Dambe, Gouren and Bandou

Pankration
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Pancratium" redirects here. For the plant genus, see Pancratium (plant).
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources.
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2012)

Pankration

Two athletes competing in the pankration. Panathenaic amphora, made in Athens in 332331 BC, during the archonship of

Niketes. From Capua

Focus

Hybrid

Country of origin

Ancient Greece

Olympic sport

Ancient Olympic Games

Pankration (/pn.kreti.n/ or /pkren/)(Greek : ) was a sporting event

introduced into the Greek Olympic Gamesin 648 BC and founded as a blend
of boxing and wrestling but with scarcely any rules. The only things not acceptable were biting
and gouging of the opponent's eyes. The term comes from the Greek [pakrtion],
literally meaning "all of might" from (pan-) "all" and (kratos) "strength, might, power".

[1]

Contents
[hide]

1 History
2 Structure of ancient competition
3 Techniques

o
o

3.1 Fighting stance

3.2 Striking techniques

3.2.1 Punch and other hand strikes

3.2.2 Strikes with the legs

3.3.1 Arm locks

3.3.1.3 Arm bar shoulder lock combination

3.4.1 Tracheal grip choke

3.4.2 Tracheal dig using the thumb
3.4.3 Choke from behind with the forearm

3.5.1 Heave from a reverse waist lock

3.5.2 Heave from a waist lock following a sprawl
3.5.3 Heave from a waist lock from behind

3.6 Strategy and tactics

3.3.1.2 Single arm bar (elbow lock)

3.5 Throws and takedowns

3.3.1.1 Single shoulder lock (overextension)

3.4 Choking techniques

3.2.2.1 Straight kick to the stomach

3.3 Locking techniques

3.6.1 Positioning in the skamma ( "pit")

3.6.2 Remaining standing versus going to the ground
3.6.3 Offensive versus reactive fighting
3.6.4 Identifying and exploiting the weak side of the opponent

4 Aspects of pankration preparation and practice

5 Ancient Olympic Pankration Champions
6 Modern Pankration
7 Notes
8 References
9 External links

History[edit]

Pankratiasts fighting under the eyes of a trainer. Side A of an Atticblack-figure skyphos, c. 500 BC.

In Greek mythology, it was said that the heroes Heracles and Theseus invented pankration as a
result of using both wrestling and boxing in their confrontations with opponents. Theseus was
said to have utilized his extraordinary pankration skills to defeat the dreaded Minotaur in
the Labyrinth. Heracles was said to have subdued the Nemean lion using pankration, and was

often depicted in ancient artwork doing that. In this context, it should be noted that pankration
was also referred to as pammachon or pammachion ( or ), meaning "total
combat", from -, pn-, "all-" or "total", and , mach, "combat". The term pammachon was
older, and would later become used less than the term pankration.
[2]

The mainstream academic view has been that pankration was the product of the development of
archaic Greek society of the seventh century BC, whereby, as the need for expression in violent
sport increased, pankration filled a niche of "total contest" that neither boxing or wrestling
could. However, some evidence suggests that pankration, in both its sporting form and its
combative form, may have been practiced in Greece already from the second millennium BC.
[3]

[4]

Pankration, as practiced in historical antiquity, was an athletic event that combined techniques of
both boxing(pygm/pygmachia /) and wrestling (pal ), as well as
additional elements, such as the use of strikes with the legs, to create a broad fighting sport very
similar to today's mixed martial artscompetitions. There is evidence that, although knockouts
were common, most pankration competitions were probably decided on the ground where both
striking and submission techniques would freely come into play. Pankratiasts were highly skilled
grapplers and were extremely effective in applying a variety of takedowns, chokes and joint
locks. In extreme cases a pankration competition could even result in the death of one of the
opponents, which was considered a win.
However, pankration was more than just an event in the athletic competitions of the ancient
Greek world; it was also part of the arsenal of Greek soldiers including the
famousSpartan hoplites and Alexander the Great's Macedonian phalanx. It is said that
the Spartans at their immortal stand at Thermopylae fought with their bare hands and teeth once
their swords and spears broke.
[citation needed]

The feats of the ancient pankratiasts became legendary in the annals of Greek athletics. Stories
abound of past champions who were considered invincible beings.
Arrhichion,Dioxippus, Polydamas of Skotoussa and Theagenes are among the most highly
recognized names. Their accomplishments defying the odds were some of the most inspiring of
ancient Greek athletics and they served as inspiration to the Hellenic world for centuries, as
Pausanias, the ancient traveller and writer indicates when he re-tells these stories in his
narrative of his travels around Greece.
[5]

Dioxippus was an Athenian who had won the Olympic Games in 336 BC, and was serving in
Alexander the Great's army in its expedition into Asia. As an admired champion, he naturally
became part of the circle of Alexander the Great. In that context, he accepted a challenge from
one of Alexander's most skilled soldiers named Coragus to fight in front of Alexander and the
troops in armed combat. While Coragus fought with weapons and full armour, Dioxippus showed
up armed only with a club and defeated Coragus without killing him, making use of his pankration
skills. Later, however, Dioxippus was framed for theft, which led him to commit suicide.
In an odd turn of events, a pankration fighter named Arrhichion () of Phigalia won the
pankration competition at the Olympic Games despite being dead. His opponent had locked him
in a chokehold and Arrhichion, desperate to loosen it, broke his opponent's toe (some records
say his ankle). The opponent nearly passed out from pain and submitted. As the referee raised
Arrhichion's hand, it was discovered that he had died from the chokehold. His body was crowned
with the olive wreath and taken back to Phigaleia as a hero.
By the Imperial Period, the Romans had adopted the Greek combat sport (spelled in Latin
as pancratium) into their Games. In 393 A.D., the pankration, along with gladiatorial combat and
all pagan festivals, was abolished by edict of the Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I.
Pankration itself was an event in the Olympic Games for some 1,000 years. It is a matter of
controversy whether and to what extent pankration persisted in Greek and the broader Byzantine
society after the ancient Games were discontinued.
[6]

Structure of ancient competition[edit]

There were neither weight divisions nor time limits in pankration competitions. However, there
were two or three age groups in the competitions of antiquity. In the Olympic Games specifically

there were only two such age groups: men (andres ) and boys (paides ). The
pankration event for boys was established at the Olympic Games in 200 B.C.. In pankration
competitions, referees were armed with stout rods or switches to enforce the rules. In fact, there
were only two rules regarding combat: no eye gouging or biting. Sparta was the only place eye
gouging and biting was allowed.
The contest itself usually continued uninterrupted until one
of the combatants submitted, which was often signalled by the submitting contestant raising his
index finger. The judges appear, however, to have had the right to stop a contest under certain
conditions and award the victory to one of the two athletes; they could also declare the contest a
tie.
[7]

[citation needed]

[4]

Pankration competitions were held in tournaments, most being outside of the Olympics. Each
tournament began with a ritual which would decide how the tournament would take
place. Grecophone satirist Lucian describes the process in a detailed manner:
[8]

A sacred silver urn is brought, in which they have put bean-size lots. On two lots an alpha is inscribed, on two a beta, and on another two a gamma, and so
on. If there are more athletes, two lots always have the same letter. Each athlete comes forth, prays to Zeus, puts his hand into the urn and draws out a lot.
Following him, the other athletes do the same. Whip bearers are standing next to the athletes, holding their hands and not allowing them to read the letter
they have drawn. When everyone has drawn a lot, the alytarch,[n 1] or one of the Hellanodikai walks around and looks at the lots of the athletes as they stand
in a circle. He then joins the athlete holding the alpha to the other who has drawn the alpha for wrestling or pankration, the one who has the beta to the
other with the beta, and the other matching inscribed lots in the same manner.

This process was apparently repeated every round until the finals.
If there was an odd number of competitors, there would be a bye ( ephedros
"reserve") in every round until the last one. The same athlete could be an ephedros more than
once, and this could of course be of great advantage to him as the ephedros would be spared
the wear and tear of the rounds imposed on his opponent(s). To win a tournament without being
an ephedros in any of the rounds ( anephedros "non-reserve") was thus an
honorable distinction.
There is evidence that the major Games in Greek antiquity easily had four tournament rounds,
that is, a field of sixteen athletes. Xanthos mentions the largest numbernine tournament
rounds. If these tournament rounds were held in one competition, up to 512 contestants would
participate in the tournament, which is difficult to believe for a single contest. Therefore one can
hypothesize that the nine rounds included those in which the athlete participated during regional
qualification competitions that were held before the major games. Such preliminary contests
were held prior to the major games to determine who would participate in the main event. This
makes sense, as the 1520 athletes competing in the major games could not have been the only
available contestants. There is clear evidence of this in Plato, who refers to competitors in
the Panhellenic Games, with opponents numbering in the thousands. Moreover, in the first
century A.D., the Greco-Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria who was himself probably a
practitioner of pankration makes a statement that could be an allusion to preliminary contests
in which an athlete would participate and then collect his strength before coming forward fresh in
the major competition.
[4]

Techniques[edit]
This article relies on references to primary sources. Please add references to secondary or tertiary sources. (August 2012)

Pankratiasts fighting under the eyes of a judge. Side B of a Panathenaic prize amphora, c. 500 BC.

Pankration scene: the pankriatiast on the right tries to gouge his opponent's eye; the umpire is about to strike him for this foul. Detail from an Ancient GreekAttic red-figure kylix, 490480
BC, from Vulci. British Museum, London.

The athletes engaged in a pankration competition i.e., the pankratiasts ()

employed a variety of techniques in order to strike their opponent as well as take him to the
ground in order to use a submission technique. When the pankratiasts fought standing, the
combat was called an pankration ( "upper pankration"); and when they took
the fight to the ground, that stage of pankration competition was called kat pankration (
"lower pankration"). Some of the techniques that would be applied in an pankration
and kat pankration, respectively, are known to us through depictions on ancient pottery and
sculptures, as well as in descriptions in ancient literature. There were also strategies
documented in ancient literature that were meant to be used to obtain an advantage over the
competitor. For illustration purposes, below are examples of striking and grappling techniques
(including examples of counters), as well as strategies and tactics, that have been identified from
the ancient sources (visual arts or literature).
[n 2]

Fighting stance[edit]
The pankratiast faces his opponent with a nearly frontal stanceonly slightly turned sideways.
This is an intermediate directional positioning, between the wrestler's more frontal positioning
and the boxer's more sideways stance and is consistent with the need to preserve both the
option of using striking and protecting the center line of the body and the option of applying
grappling techniques. Thus, the left side of the body is slightly forward of the right side of the

body and the left hand is more forward than the right one. Both hands are held high so that the
tips of the fingers are at the level of the hairline or just below the top of the head. The hands are
partially open, the fingers are relaxed, and the palms are facing naturally forward, down, and
slightly towards each other. The front arm is nearly fully extended but not entirely so; the rear
arm is more cambered than the front arm, but more extended than a modern-day boxer's rear
arm. The back of the athlete is somewhat rounded, but not as much as a wrestler's would be.
The body is only slightly leaning forward.
The weight is virtually all on the back (right) foot with the front (left) foot touching the ground with
the ball of the foot. It is a stance in which the athlete is ready at the same time to give a kick with
the front leg as well as defend against the opponent's low level kicks by lifting the front knee and
blocking. The back leg is bent for stability and power and is facing slightly to the side, to go with
the slightly sideways body position. The head and torso are behind the protecting two upper
limbs and front leg. In Sparta, biting and eye gouging are allowed, but in national Events
(Olympics) it is strictly forbidden.
[4]

Striking techniques[edit]
Punch and other hand strikes

[edit]

Pankration uses boxing punches and other ancient boxing hand strikes.
Strikes with the legs

[9]

[edit]

Strikes delivered with the legs were an integral part of pankration and one of its most
characteristic features. Kicking well was a great advantage to the pankratiast. Epikttos is
making a derogatory reference to a compliment one may give another: " " ("you
kick great"). Moreover, in an accolade to the fighting prowess of the pankratiast Glykon from
Pergamo, the athlete is described as "wide foot". The characterization comes actually before the
reference to his "unbeatable hands", implying at least as crucial a role for strikes with the feet as
with the hands in pankration. That proficiency in kicking could carry the pankratiast to victory is
indicated in a sarcastic passage of Galen, where he awards the winning prize in pankration to a
donkey because of its excellence in kicking.
Straight kick to the stomach

[edit]

The straight kick with the bottom of the foot to the stomach (/
gastrizein or laktisma eis gasteran, "kicking in the stomach") was apparently a common
technique, given the number of depictions of such kicks on vases. This type of kick is mentioned
by Lucian.
Counter: The athlete sidesteps to the outside of the oncoming kick but grasps the inside of the
kicking leg from behind the knee with his front hand (overhand grip) and pulls up, which tends to
unbalance the opponent so that he falls backward as the athlete advances. The back hand can
be used for striking the opponent while he is preoccupied maintaining his balance. This counter
is shown on a Panathenaic amphora now in Leiden. In another counter, the athlete sidesteps the
oncoming kick, but now to the inside of the opponent's leg. He catches and lifts the heel/foot of
the planted leg with his rear hand and with the front arm goes under the knee of the kicking leg,
hooks it with the nook of his elbow, and lifts while advancing to throw the opponent backward.
The athlete executing the counter has to lean forward to avoid hand strikes by the opponent.
[4]

Locking techniques[edit]

A Greek statue pancratium, an event showcased at the RomanColosseum. Even as late as the Early Middle Ages, statues were put up in Rome and other cities to honour remarkable
pankratiasts of Rome.

[edit]

Arm locks

Arm locks can be performed in many different situations using many different techniques.
Single shoulder lock (overextension)

[edit]

The athlete is behind the opponent and has him leaning down, with the right knee of the
opponent on the ground. The athlete has the opponent's right arm straightened out and extended
maximally backward at the shoulder joint. With the opponent's right arm across his own torso, the
athlete uses his left hand to keep the pressure on the opponent's right arm by grabbing and
pressing down on it just above the wrist. The right hand of the athlete is pressing down at the
(side of) the head of the opponent, thus not permitting him to rotate to his right to relieve the
pressure on his shoulder. As the opponent could escape by lowering himself closer to the ground
and rolling, the athlete steps with his left leg over the left leg of the opponent and wraps his foot
around the ankle of the opponent stepping on his instep, while pushing his body weight on the
back of the opponent.
Single arm bar (elbow lock)

[edit]

In this technique, the position of the bodies is very similar to the one described just above. The
athlete executing the technique is standing over his opponent's back, while the latter is down on
his right knee. The left leg of the athlete is straddling the left thigh of the opponentthe left knee
of the opponent is not on the floorand is trapping the left foot of the opponent by stepping on it.
The athlete uses his left hand to push down on the side/back of the head of the opponent while
with his right hand he pulls the opponent's right arm back, against his midsection. This creates
an arm bar on the right arm with the pressure now being mostly on the elbow. The fallen
opponent cannot relieve it, because his head is being shoved the opposite way by the left hand
of the athlete executing the technique.
Arm bar shoulder lock combination

[edit]

In this technique, the athlete is again behind his opponent, has the left arm of his opponent
trapped, and is pulling back on his right arm. The trapped left arm is bent, with the fingers and
palm trapped inside the armpit of the athlete. To trap the left arm, the athlete has pushed (from
outside) his own left arm underneath the left elbow of the opponent. The athlete's left hand ends

up pressing down on the scapula region of his opponent's back. This position does not permit the
opponent to pull out his hand from the athlete's armpit and puts pressure on the left shoulder.
The right arm of the athlete is pulling back at the opponent's right wrist (or forearm). In this way,
the athlete keeps the right arm of his opponent straightened and tightly pulled against his right
hip/lower abdomen area, which results in an arm bar putting pressure on the right elbow. The
athlete is in full contact on top of the opponent, with his right leg in front of the right leg of the
opponent to block him from escaping by rolling forward.
[4]

Choking techniques[edit]
[edit]

Tracheal grip choke

In executing this choking technique ( anchein), the athlete grabs the tracheal area
(windpipe and "Adam's apple") between his thumb and his four fingers and squeezes. This type
of choke can be applied with the athlete being in front or behind his opponent. Regarding the
hand grip to be used with this choke, the web area between the thumb and the index finger is to
be quite high up the neck and the thumb is bent inward and downward, "reaching" behind the
Adam's apple of the opponent. It is unclear if such a grip would have been considered gouging
and thus illegal in the Panhellenic Games.

[edit]

Tracheal dig using the thumb

The athlete grabs the throat of the opponent with the four fingers on the outside of the throat and
the tip of the thumb pressing in and down the hollow of the throat, putting pressure on the
trachea.

[edit]

Choke from behind with the forearm

The Rear naked choke (RNC) is a chokehold in martial arts applied from an opponent's back.
Depending on the context, the term may refer to one of two variations of the technique, either
arm can be used to apply the choke in both cases. The term rear naked choke likely originated
from the technique in Jujutsu and Judo known as the "Hadaka Jime", or "Naked Strangle." The
word "naked" in this context suggests that, unlike other strangulation techniques found in
Jujutsu/Judo, this hold does not require the use of a keikogi ("gi") or training uniform.
The choke has two variations:[1] in one version, the attacker's arm encircles the opponent's neck
and then grabs his own biceps on the other arm (see below for details); in the second version,
the attacker clasps his hands together instead after encircling the opponent's neck.
Counter: A counter to the choke from behind involves the twisting of one of the fingers of the
choking arm. This counter is mentioned by Philostratus. In case the choke was set together with
a grapevine body lock, another counter was the one applied against that lock; by causing enough
pain to the ankle of the opponent, the latter could give up his choke.
[4]

Throws and takedowns[edit]

[edit]

Heave from a reverse waist lock

From a reverse waist lock set from the front, and staying with hips close to the opponent, the
athlete lifts and rotates his opponent using the strength of his hips and legs (
anabastasai eis hypsos, "high lifting"). Depending on the torque the athlete imparts, the
opponent becomes more or less vertically inverted, facing the body of the athlete. If however the
reverse waist lock is set from the back of the opponent, then the latter would face away from the
athlete in the inverted position.
To finish the attack, the athlete has the option of either dropping his opponent head-first to the
ground, or driving him into the ground while retaining the hold. To execute the latter option, the
athlete bends one of his legs and goes down on that knee while the other leg remains only
partially bent; this is presumably to allow for greater mobility in case the "pile driver" does not
work. Another approach emphasizes less putting the opponent in an inverted vertical position
and more the throw; it is shown in a sculpture in the metp() of the Hephaisteion in
Athens, where Theseus is depicted heaving Kerkyn.

Heave from a waist lock following a sprawl

[edit]

The opponents are facing in opposite directions with the athlete at a higher level, over the back
of his opponent. The athlete can get in this position after making a shallow sprawl to counter a
tackle attempt. From here the athlete sets a waist lock by encircling, from the back, the torso of
the opponent with his arms and securing a "handshake" grip close to the abdomen of the
opponent. He then heaves the opponent back and up, using the muscles of his legs and his
back, so that the opponent's feet rise in the air and he ends up inverted, perpendicular to the
ground, and facing away from the athlete. The throw finishes with a "pile driver" or, alternatively,
with a simple release of the opponent so that he falls to the ground.

[edit]

Heave from a waist lock from behind

The athlete passes to the back of his opponent, secures a regular waist lock, lifts and throws/
drops the opponent backwards and sideways. As a result of these moves, the opponent would
tend to land on his side or face down. The athlete can follow the opponent to the ground and
place himself on his back, where he could strike him or choke him from behind while holding him
in the "grapevine" body lock (see above), stretching him face down on the ground. This
technique is described by the Roman poet Statius in his account of a match between the hero
Tydeus of Thebes and an opponent in the Thebaid. Tydeus is described to have followed this
takedown with a choke while applying the "grapevine" body lock on the prone opponent.
[4]

Strategy and tactics[edit]

Positioning in the skamma ( "pit")

[edit]

As the pankration competitions were held outside and in the afternoon, appropriately positioning
one's face vis-a-vis the low sun was a major tactical objective. The pankratiast, as well as the
boxer, did not want to have to face the sun, as this would partly blind him to the blows of the
opponent and make accurate delivery of strikes to specific targets difficult. Theocritus, in his
narration of the (boxing) match between Polydeuks and Amykos, noted that the two opponents
struggled a lot, vying to see who would get the sun's rays on his back. In the end, with skill and
cunning, Polydeuks managed so that Amykos' face was struck with sunlight while his own was
in the shade.
While this positioning was of paramount importance in boxing, which involved only upright
striking (with the eyes facing straight), it was also important in pankration, especially in the
beginning of the competition and as long as the athletes remained standing.
Remaining standing versus going to the ground

[edit]

The decision to remain standing or go to the ground obviously depended on the relative
strengths of the athlete, and differed between an and kat pankration. However, there are
indications that staying on one's feet was generally considered a positive thing, while touching
the knee(s) to the ground or being put to the ground was overall considered disadvantageous. In
fact, in antiquity as today, falling to one's knee(s) was a metaphor for coming to a disadvantage
and putting oneself at risk of losing the fight, as argued persuasively by Michael B. Poliakoff.
[2]

Offensive versus reactive fighting

[edit]

Regarding the choice of attacking into the attack of the opponent versus defending and
retreating, there are indications, e.g. from boxing, that it was preferable to attack. Dio
Chrysostom notes that retreat under fear tends to result in even greater injuries, while attacking
before the opponent strikes is less injurious and could very well end in victory.
Identifying and exploiting the weak side of the opponent

[edit]

As indicated by Plato in his Laws, an important element of strategy was to understand if the
opponent had a weak or untrained side and to force him to operate on that side and generally
take advantage of that weakness. For example, if the athlete recognizes that the opponent is
strictly right-handed, he could circle away from the right hand of the opponent and towards the
left side of the opponent. Moreover, if the opponent is weak in his left-side throws, the athlete

could aim to position himself accordingly. Training in ambidexterity was instrumental in both
applying this strategy and not falling victim to it.
[4]

Aspects of pankration preparation and practice[edit]

The basic instruction of pankration techniques was conducted by the paedotribae (,
"physical trainers" ), who were in charge of boys' physical education. High level athletes were
also trained by special trainers who were called gymnastae (), some of whom had
been successful pankration competitors themselves. There are indications that the methods and
techniques used by different athletes varied, i.e., there were different styles. While specific styles
taught by different teachers, in the mode of Asian martial arts, cannot be excluded, it is very clear
(including in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics) that the objective of a teacher of combat sports was
to help each of his athletes to develop his personal style that would fit his strengths and
weaknesses.
[10]

[11]

[11]

[4]

The preparation of pankratiasts included a very wide variety of methods, most of which would be
immediately recognizable by the trainers of modern high level athletes, including competitors in
modern mixed martial arts competitions. These methods included among others the periodization
of training; a wealth of regimens for the development of strength, speed-strength, speed,
stamina, and endurance; specialized training for the different stages of competition (i.e., for an
pankration and kat pankration), and methods for learning and engraining techniques.
Interestingly, among the multitude of the latter were also training tools that appear to be very
similar to Asian martial arts Forms or kata, and were known as cheironomia ()
and anapale (). Punching bags (krykos "leather sack") of different sizes and
dummies were used for striking practice as well as for the hardening of the body and limbs.
Nutrition, massage, and other recovery techniques were used very actively by pankratiasts.
[4]

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/pankration.html

http://deadliestwarrior.wikia.com/wiki/Pankration
ancientsports pankration.com

Spit of Poison
Edit

Talk0

413

PAGES ON

THIS WIKI

Spit of Poison

The Spit of Poison is a distraction technique using poisonous herbs mixed with saliva. It was the Special Weapon of Shaka Zulu.

Uses

Edit

The Zulu chewed a poisonous herb, mixing the toxins with their own saliva. The mixture was then spat into the eyes of the victims, blinding them. The herb
was chewed outside of battle to allow the warrior to build a tolerance to it. The main drawbacks were the lack of lethality, and the short distance it could be
fired.

An additional method used by Zulus to deliver poison was to dip ostrich feathers in it and then stab their opponents with them. This method was not
employed in the simulation.

Categories:
Weapons
Using Pankration Techniques Against Modern Weapons

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by Jim Arvanitis July 22, 2011

If youre a student of self-defense, learning how to wield ancient weapons and defend against them is impractical. Why? Because its unlikely youll face a Greek
spear or a Japanese katanaoutside the dojo. Its much more practical to acquire a working knowledge of edged weapons and firearms and concentrate on how to
neutralize them.
The pankration approach to weapons defense teaches you to always assume your assailant is armed while you look for subtle clues about what hes actually carrying.
If hes wearing a coat in hot weather or has one hand behind his back or in a pocket, he might be concealing a handgun. Regardless of how good you are at gun
disarms, you should resort to using such a technique only if you think all other alternativesavoidance, de-escalation and escapeare futile.

To learn more about Jim Arvanitis take on empty-hand self-defense, pick up a copy of the September 2011 issue of Black Belt magazine.

Knife defense is just as serious, sometimes even more so. Your chances of not getting cut are slim. Therefore, your goal should be to keep from being stabbed and to
prevent your attacker from slicing a major artery.
Empty-hand techniques against weapons are clearly the last resort.
When you practice defense, similar principles apply to both endeavors. You must move off the line of attack and simultaneously perform a hand defense. If your
opponents weapon is a handgun and youre close enough to touch it, you can take it. That often entails gripping the end of the barrel and twisting it away from you,
then applying a joint manipulation to make it easier to remove it from his grasp. Once its in your possession, you can strike him or move into a safety zone while
holding him at gunpoint.

Knife assaults can be staticsuch as when the blade is held against a part of your bodyor in motionsuch as when hes slashing at you from various angles. You must
strive to immobilize the weapon hand (without gripping the blade) or disarm the assailant. Either way, once the immediate threat is neutralized, strike with speed
and ferocity until hes incapacitated. Pankration teaches a multitude of techniques for finishing the fight at this point, whether its standing or on the ground.
Permalink: http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/martial-arts-techniques/weapon-techniques/using-pankration-techniques-against-modern-weapons/

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Pentjaks Silats 9 Deadliest Weapons

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by David E. Steele July 6, 2011

Suryadi Eddie Jafri is one of the best-known instructors of the Indonesian martial art pentjak silat (also spelled pencak silat).Pentjak refers to the fighting
movements, while silat means a spiritual way. Jafris style of pentjak silat, pera taki sendo, is a close-combat system using empty-hand techniques as well as
traditional weapons. His system has combined some elements of Philippine arnis styles, as well as several classical styles of Javanese, Sumatran and Borneo silat.

Indonesian Martial Arts History

The Indonesian archipelago is made up of 13,677 islands, the best known of which are Java, Sumatra, South Borneo, West Irian (New Guinea) and Bali. While Bali has a
unique Hindu-Buddhist culture, the rest of the islands are Muslim, a result of proselytism and military incursions between A.D. 1275 and 1520, Islam having first been
introduced by merchants from India and Persia.

Your Filipino martial arts training starts with this FREE download!
Escrima Sticks 101: Julius Melegritos Practical Primer on the
Fighting Arts of the Philippines

The two major kingdoms prior to the Muslim takeover were the Sriwijaya Empire, beginning in the fifth century with its capital in Jambi (South Sumatra), and the
Majapahit Empire, which began in the 13th century with its capital in Java. The Majapahit Empire extended all the way to the southern Philippines, where an
interchange of martial arts occurred as the Filipinos adopted the kris (Indonesian dagger) and Malay-style fighting arts before integrating the rapier and dagger
techniques of Spanish conquerors.
In the 15th century, European colonial powers turned their eyes to the East Indies, which they saw as the Spice Islands because of their natural supplies of clove
and nutmeg. In 1596 the Dutch, under the command of Cornelis de Houtman, solidified their hold on the islands, forcing out Portugal and the other European
colonialist traders. Eventually the Dutch monopolized the spice trade, setting up the East Indian Company, Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie.
Indonesian patriots fought the company as best they could, using silats traditional weapons against Dutch firepower. Needless to say, firearms ownership was
forbidden to native Indonesians, and even metal, from which edged weapons could be made, was restricted. The martial arts techniques had to be taught in secret.

Pentjaks Silats Development

The original system of pentjak silat dates back 4,000 years, and the first moves copied the strikes of animals such as monkeys, tigers and snakes. It provided selfdefense techniques against wild animals, bandits, madmen and foreign invaders. Its principal weapons were the staff and various bladed tools.
By the time of the Dutch conquest, Indonesian martial arts had already developed into complete systems. Except for primitive decapitating moves practiced
withmandau jungle knives by the Dyak tribes of Borneo, virtually all Indonesian styles had developed martial arts techniques for various weapons. The blade was
emphasized over the empty hand or blunt instruments. Even today, there are more knife and sword designs in Indonesia than any other place in the world.

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first in-depth coverage of the Indonesian martial arts!
Pencak Silat: Techniques and History of the Indonesian Martial Arts

The traditional styles were adapted to modern combat first against the Dutch and later the Japanese. The objective was to infiltrate so close to the enemy that he
could not use his rifle. During the early days of the Dutch conquest, this meant working against a single-shot musket, the objective being to avoid the first shot and
then the bayonet. The Atjehnese of Sumatra developed a kicking style whereby the unique rentjong knife was held between the toes to compensate for the superior
length of the rifles bayonet. The bayonet could be parried with either agolok or another field knife, then the rentjong was kicked into the groin. Such frontal combat
could be suicidal against the Japanese in World War II, who were armed with modern repeating weapons, so Indonesians later emphasized subterfuge and
assassination techniques. The night attack, stalking of sentries and stragglers, and poisoning of officials became tactics of choice. Even today, poisoning is taught at
the higher levels of silat for use against ones most dangerous enemies.
Suryadi Eddie Jafri teaches Philippine stick techniques to his students because Indonesian arts do not give the stick special emphasis. Police officers and those who
need nonlethal self-defense techniques can use silats techniques to good effect.

Suryadi Eddie Jafri also teaches silat empty-hand techniques, although most of his students are not expected to strike banana trees with punches and kicks as he
had to in his early training in Sumatra. Currently, most of his teaching is devoted to the Indonesian blade, the core of the old styles. The following are the silat
weapons that he considers the nine deadliest.

Pentjaks Silats Deadliest Blades: The Kris

The kris (also spelled keris) is the national weapon of Indonesia and the oldest distinctive weapon in that culture. It is found throughout the archipelago, as well as in
Malaysia and the Philippines. It was the tool of ancient heroes and kings, becoming a symbol of both courage and beauty. Sultans had elaborate versions of the kris
made for them by famous bladesmiths.
Kris blades are hammer-welded of special iron, even meteoric iron. According to legend, Empu Ramadi around A.D. 230 made the first kris. Early krises were leafshaped and were called pasopati, paso or pisau, meaning knife, and pati, meaning deadly. Antique krises are kept as heirlooms or votive objects, and some are said
to possess magic power.
The curved blade appeared around A.D. 329. The number of curves is always odd, and the correct number for a particular owner is based on a thumb-beside-thumb
measuring ritual accompanied by lucky incantations. The wavy blade or sarpa lumaku (walking serpent) was perfected and began to decline in the 15th century, the
last period of magic krises.
The pamor (Damascus) blade-welding technique also began to die out after the Majapahit era. Hammer-welding three metal bars containing nickel iron and meteoric
iron created the distinctive patterns. This allowed varying degrees of hardness in the blade, combining sharpness with shatter resistance. Rust and even poison were
sometimes added to make the blade deadlier.
Each part of the kris blade has a name, as do the handle and sheath. The blade is attached to the handle by a short tang, which is not much of a disadvantage in a
weapon used primarily for thrusting.

Pentjaks Silats Deadliest Blades: The Kujang and Rentjong

According to tradition, the kujang, with its curved blade, was the weapon of West Javanese kings. It is said to take its shape from the antler of a deer. Many
Indonesians believe it has mystical power and can bring good luck.
The L-shaped rentjong (or rencong) has a 3-to-10 inch blade made of white iron or yellow metal, with a sheath of buffalo horn, ivory or exotic wood. The pistol-like
grip allows powerful one- or two-handed blows as well as the kick-thrust. Because Atjehnese are usually barefoot, developing the necessary foot strength and
suppleness for kick-thrusts was not as difficult as it sounds. Boys would practice walking or running with sticks held in their toes until they could easily maneuver the
rentjong. The blade was carried upward between the first two toes, and the handle curled under the others.
Some rentjongs were not even sharpened because they were designed for stabbing. Sometimes it was left impaled in the victims belly or groin, held by the barbs at
the base of the blade. When used with two hands for a rib strike, the handle could be turned like a coffee grinder to produce a more destructive wound.

Pentjaks Silats Deadliest Blades: The Golok and Pisau Bilati

All Indonesian silat masters use the golok, especially in West Java. The blade length of this bolo-style weapon is usually between 12 and 24 inches. They are
sometimes coated with scorpion or cobra venom to increase lethality. Golok practitioners begin training by strengthening their wrists and hands. They do this by
swinging sand-filled bottles between the thumb and forefinger. When they move on to the golok, they first practice techniques against banana trees or bamboo stalks.
As a jungle knife, the golok is unequaled. Even the British military issues its own version of the golok since its commando operations in Malaya (1948-60) and Borneo
(1965-66).
The pisau bilati is the universal kitchen utility knife in Indonesia. With a blade length of 7 inches or less, it is legally sold in any open-air market. It is carried
everywhere by street vendors, fruit sellers, meat cutters, etc. It is the knife most likely to be available when a fight breaks out. Because of its ubiquity, most silat
masters use it as one of the training knives.

Pentjaks Silats Deadliest Blades: Mandau and Badik

The Mandau comes from South Borneo, the land of the Dyaks. The mandau is a jungle knife as well as the traditional headhunting sword. The handle is usually
decorated with goat hair or human hair. The mandau may be used in combination with a shield, and the blade may be coated with poison for special occasions. While
headhunting is supposedly no longer part of the Dyaks animistic religion, there is no doubt that the mandau is still capable of deadly battle.
The badik comes from Celebes and is a weapon for infighting. Its blade is usually 5 to 7 inches in length. The Bugio people of South Celebes are most noted for using
it. The Bugio fighting style emphasizes quick and fatal strikes to the heart, stomach or kidneys. They practice by tying a sash around the waists of two fighters so that
each must sidestep to avoid the stomach thrust of the other. In combat, the badik blade is sometimes poisoned.

Pentjaks Silats Deadliest Blades: Celurit and Tombak

The Madura celurit is shaped like a question mark. The Madurese use it as a sickle to cut grass for their cattle but also employ it in self-defense as part of a martial
style called pamur silat. The celurit is difficult to evade because of its flexibility and hard to disarm because of its multiple directions of attack. It is sharp enough to
cleave skulls or decapitate heads. The celurit has killed often enough to be notorious. The Indonesian government now punishes without pardon individuals who carry
one in public.
The tombak (spear) is used in most silat styles. In the old days, it was used from horseback or for long-distance fighting on foot. Most traditional spears today are kept
at home as decorations, but as late as 1945, they were used in combat against the Japanese. Even sharpened bamboo spears were pressed into the fight against
Japanese and Dutch oppressors. Sharpened bamboo makes for a slow death, and most enemy soldiers would have preferred to be shot or stabbed with a sword. The
spear could also be used effectively against a bayonet. They were not meant for throwing, like a Roman pitumm, but for stabbing, like the Zulu assegai.
(David E. Steele is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and martial artist whose specialty is weapons articles.)
Permalink: http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/traditional-martial-arts-training/pentjak-silat/pentjaks-silats-9-deadliest-weapons/

How to Beat a Taller and Bigger Opponent in a Street Fight

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72 Editors

Edited 2 days ago

Let's face reality. Size really does matter - but it's not everything. You may not be bigger than youropponent, but you may
be faster, smarter, or more savvy than him. Take advantage wherever you can. Brains are much more important than brute strength.

Unlike facing an adversary who's equal in size, fighting a bigger person has certain challenges, and following these steps make help
you emerge victorious - or at least survive in one piece!

Steps

1.

1
Size up your chances honestly. Only engage in fighting bigger people if you have no options left. Avoid a confrontation if possible.
Because of his size, you're at a disadvantage.
Ad

2.

2
Choose the wisest option. There are two choices when faced with a larger, potentially stronger opponent: either face your adversary
and fight or run. Choosing to retreat is not a sign of cowardice, but a decision to survive and spare yourself. It is foolish to fight while
lacking confidence, or when you know you cannot win.

3.

3
Use the element of surprise. If you're cornered and the situation leaves you no choice, prepare
yourself mentally and physically without being too obvious. Pretend that you're unprepared, then surprise him by throwing a punch in the
solar plexus (the soft tissue between the middle portion of the chest and the abdominal muscles). This will more than likely wind him.

4.

4
Prepare Plan B. If you're unsuccessful in winding him with your surprise attack (the sucker punch), prepare yourself with your fighting
stance and follow the rules below.

Always guard your head with your forearms; a bigger guy could easily land a blow to your head because of his reach advantage.

Respect your opponent's longer reach and power due to his mass and length. Keep a safe distance. To penetrate the inside range and
get a punch in, use the proper timing to parry (blocking and diverting your opponent's strike) or slip his blow while shifting your feet
forward (to compensate for your disadvantage in reach) finding an opening, and projecting the punch. (Dodge and weave so his punch
misses and unbalances him) This is a relatively risky maneuver, but effective if properly executed.

To neutralize your taller opponent's reach: When he throws his straight punch, (head movement by ducking is essential), have the
proper timing to throw a hook (this will serve as a parry) to his forearm, and follow up with a combination of strikes to the body or to the
head by getting in close. The main objective is to cripple and disable his forearm to discourage his attack.

It is more efficient to parry (a simple tap against a forceful blow is enough to divert the strike) than to block the attack. Parrying gives
you more opportunity to counter-attack, while blocking a blow can physically drain you and cause you damage. But without proper
timing, effective parrying is impossible.

Never fight fairly if you're at a disadvantage because of his size. The main idea is to use your common sense and practicality, and to
protect yourself at all costs. This isn't about competition, nor about showing off. This is about realistically defending yourself. In a street
fight, there are no rules. If you have something in your hand, like a pen, bottle, or rock, turn it into a defensive tool. Throw a handful
of sand in his eyes or slit his legs with a cutter. Blinding him with hot sauce or chili powder is a clever way to temporarily incapacitate
your foe, and will give you the opportunity to land a combination of strikes, or escape. When possible, do not engage in a street
fight empty handed. Unlike in combat sports, nothing is fair in a real fight. Besides, if he sees you holding something that could be a
threat to him it may make him more likely to back off, and could possibly make him hesitant to attack you. That would be a good thing.

Knowledge of handling a martial arts weapon (e.g. kali sticks, nunchaku, staff, or shinai sword) is essential. Never expect a 5'1, 95 lbs.
small guy to beat up a 6'5, 200 lbs. big guy with his bare fists. Although possible if the smaller individual has superior speed and skill, it
happens very rarely. The most realistic way to beat the bigger foe will most often depend upon the small guy's expertise in handling a
weapon, and/or his willingness to retreat rather than just blindly attacking. A weapon is a great 'equalizer'.

Close-range fighting is advisable for smaller fighters. Proper timing is the key, because taller fighters prefer to fight the outside range.
This makes sense because of their longer reach.

Play dirty. Kick his groin, finger-jab his eyes, throw a chopping blow to his throat, bite his [ear (like Iron Mike against a bigger Holyfield,
which was totally uncool in the ring, but may save you in a real brawl). A hair grab is a very effective and practical move, leaving him
with less mobility. Pulling his hair in a downward direction may give you the opportunity to throw an uppercut or knee strike to the face.
Application of tactics which are labeled as foul and "below the belt" in combat sports is as normal and advisable as breathing in a street
fight.

There are four ways to break the hold and escape when being grabbed by a bigger man. Deliver a headbutt to the face, bite the skin
(the Masseter muscle, the muscle for biting, attached and located in the jaw area, is the strongest muscle in the human body. However,
be aware that biting the skin endangers you because your adversary's blood may be infected with HIV or other contagious viral
diseases). Stomping the toes can discontinue a bear hug. Or you can simply twist and break your foe's finger joints to break his hold.

Use a heavy bag in your training routine to help you develop more power. Power, speed, stamina and skill are attainable attributes.
Hard work and training are the best ways to achieve these attributes.

Stick and move, hit and run. As Ali said, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee". Move forward, move backward, sidestep, move in a
circular path. Footwork is a very essential factor combined with the ability to hit with perfect timing. Never be in a flat-footed stationary
fighting stance, a bigger opponent can easily own you if you let him catch you.

Slipping, bobbing and weaving before a snappy strike is a very essential and effective skill to develop. Being the smaller guy, you're
more likely faster than him. Take advantage of your lightness and know the fundamentals of evasive fighting. Bruce Lee
(Chinese name: Li Xiao'long- "Li, the little dragon") said that "evasivefighting is to hit without getting hit." You, as a smaller adversary
against a bigger foe, should identify with a bullfighter's evasiveness and swiftness against the bull's powerful rage.

Side-stepping and finding unusual awkward angles is also a good way to intercept the larger opponent's inside range. Avoiding being in
front of your adversary gives you an opportunity to seek for an opening and makes you less predictable. However, it takes a lot of
training and practice to acquire this skill.

To fight toe to toe with a bigger foe is way too risky. Evasiveness is the one of the most important attributes. Run if you get an
opportunity.

Capitalize on your speed, lightness and quickness. Volume punching (accumulation factor) favors small fighters. Training with a speed
bag is an excellent training tool to develop your speed and rapid striking.

Diminutive Manny Pacquiao Pacman, after beating a taller and bigger "Golden Boy", Oscar De La Hoya, said: "Speed is the key to beat
him".

Speed doesn't only refer to the rapidity and quickness of the strike but the quickness of the footwork. Possessing the ability to glide
inside and outside the fighting range with ease.

Study the art of counter-striking. Strike before your adversary strikes, as you tend to stop his attack or strike after you've slipped his
strike.

Practice combinations of blows to confuse your opponent. Don't throw the same attack more than a couple of times in a row.
Feint. Throw a fake strike followed up by a real strike. Throw a fake left punch to the head then strike him with a real right punch in the
solar plexus. Experiment with combination of strikes. The purpose of faking strikes is to distract the attention of the opponent, to deceive
and divert his coordination, focus, timing, andconcentration. Bruce Lee said, "When two fighters with equal skills spar, the one who has
the more superior feinting skills wins."

When you're on the outside range, never punch for the face unless you're confident enough to knock him out. You can easily be
countered because of his reach advantage. It will only make him angrier if you're unsuccessful knocking him out. Because of your
disadvantage in reach, it is unwise to do so. Instead, use long range attacks like the sidekick, hitting the nearest target, which is
the knee or the groin. Only hit him in the face if he is in crippling pain and stunned. Head shots must only be thrown if you've closed in.

Do not hit the hard tissues of the body, only aim at his vulnerable areas like theknees, groin, eyes, bridge of the nose, kidney, heart,
neck, throat, and the solar plexus. These are the pain sensitive areas of the body.

No matter how big a person is, a solid kick to the crotch will inflict a crippling pain. Even world-class heavily muscular boxers will
collapse in pain if accidentally or perhaps deliberately struck in the groin with enough force. You can call it dirty, but it is practical and

effective. A solid uppercut (you can apply this as a sucker punch) to the groin is one of the best weapons a small man can deliver
against a bigger opponent. Practice delivering the uppercut with a heavy bag to develop a powerful groin shot.

Have the proper timing to close in. When you're in the inside range, use striking techniques designed for short range, a headbutt to the
face, a hook to the jaw, knee strikes to the groin and elbow strikes to the solar plexus are very effective.

How many times have you seen a boxer cut due to a headbutt in a boxing match? A headbutt can easily cut and bleed a face. Use it
when the opportunity strikes and you've closed in.

A hair grab, pulling the head in a downward direction followed by a karate chop to the the nape area is a life threatening move. This is
an extremely damaging blow which can cause instant death or permanent lifelong paralysis due to the injury it could inflict to highest
level of the spinal cord. Never, ever execute this unless you're in a life threatening situation.

Hitting the temple with the "knife edge" area of your knuckle can daze and distract your bigger foe's coordination. Hitting him there with
a weapon can kill him, so use care and attack only if you are fearful for your life or another's.

Striking the ears can unbalance your opponent and knock him unconscious. The ears are the center of our equilibrium (balance).
Learn the art of ground fighting. On the ground, survival depends on one's ability to use leverage to pin and subdue an opponent, or the
knowledge of attacks one can to damage the opponent's joints. Finger-breaking, hitting the eyes, and jabbing the throat and groin are
some techniques one can use to survive a ground fight. Many stress the use of Jujitsu techniques, and while the use of arm
and leg techniques are effective, do not forget that a twisted finger can end an opponent's hold on you. On the ground, what matters
most is the refinement of skills and techniques in grappling rather than one's size.

The "clinch and strike" strategy (a la Ricky the 'Hitman' Hatton) is designed for smaller fighters. By closing the gap and space (by
clinching), the bigger opponent will be unable to throw their longer arm, while you are using your advantage by striking on the inside
range, throwing short powerful blows.

5.

5
Remember your advantages. You do have some:

Smaller people tend to be lighter and more slender, which is essential for evasive defensive fighting. Most of them have excellent
footwork. Agility is also an asset a small person possess.

They are also quicker which will complement for rapid throwing of strikes. Although they have less power for striking, they can
compensate by throwing strikes quicker and more often.

They tend to have greater stamina than their bigger foes.

They're in an excellent position to throw a devastating uppercut with greater leverage to the kidney, solar plexus, and the jaw of their
taller adversary.

When ground fighting, they are harder to take down or tackle compared to taller foes because they're nearer to their center of gravity.
Although a shorter arm reach is a disadvantage when throwing a strike on long ranged outside fighting, it can be an advantage during
closed ranged in-fighting. A shorter arm can facilitate greater power and leverage (especially throwing short hooks and short uppercuts)
at this range than a longer arm could.

Psychologically, smaller fighters tend to have greater motivational drive and hunger to excel because they're up to a greater sense of
challenge facing a bigger adversary. Meanwhile, bigger fighters tend to underestimate their smaller foes, which may lead
to overconfidence and taking their training for granted.

How to Fight off Multiple Opponents

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Edited 6 weeks ago

Two Methods:Fighting Off Multiple OpponentsPrevention Strategies

Contrary to what you may see in the movies, fighting multiple attackers is almost always a losing proposition, and the harm you face is
likely to be more severe than if you only face a single opponent. The odds are very much against you in a many-versus-one scenario,
and even skilled fighters are often defeated in these situations. However, should you find yourself in this situation, the steps below can
help you minimize your injuries and escape.

Method 1 of 2: Fighting Off Multiple Opponents

1.

1
Go after the leader. Many groups of attackers have a known leader. Try to draw this person into a one-on-one fight or attack him first. If
he's down, the rest of the group is likely to be immobilized.
Ad

2.

2
Be strategic in how you plan your defense. Try to avoid being caught in a triangle between multiple attackers. This situation almost
certainly means you will lose, and fast.

3.

3
Always know where all of your opponents are. Even if you're fighting one of them at a time, you should know where the other
opponents are and be ready to approach them as soon as you need to. Don't just blindly fight without observing your surroundings, or
you'll quickly be outwitted.

4.

4
Keep your opponents in a line in front of you. Keeping your opponents in a line (e.g., by backing away from them) can allow you to
attack one person without being exposed to attack by others.

5.

5
Use a weapon if you are skilled with it. Drawing a weapon may end the fight before it begins; it's also a way to equalize things when
numbers are not on your side, or if the other side is also armed. If you are not highly skilled, know that your weapon may end up being
turned against you, leading to death or serious injury.

6.

6
Plan to go on offense aggressively. Don't threaten or give away your intentionsonce you have committed to fighting. If you've
committed to fighting, you have to follow through or find a safe way to escape.

7.

7
Use the objects around you to ward off your opponents. Throwing a chair at one opponent, for example, while turning around to
fight another opponent, can help you get the job done.

8.

8
Keep moving. Once you are planted in a location, it is easier to surround you. Take many small, quick steps with your feet to stay agile
and to keep moving around in small increments.

9.

9
Attack first. It is nearly impossible to defend from multiple angles; you need to be the first to act.

10.

10
Strike incisive blows. You need to reduce your opponents' numerical advantage by any means necessary. Target weak spots such as
the temples, groin, knees, and solar plexus. Even the nose can be useful because it will blind and disorient your opponents for a short
time. And, if you know how to use pressure points, make sure you use them to your full advantage.

11.

11
Use cheap shots. There is no shame in using your teeth, knees and or nails at any time. Pride will cost you your life. Don't be afraid to
kick your opponent in the crotch, to pull his hair if it's longer, or to scratch his eyes.

12.

12
Avoid being flanked at all costs. Once one or more opponents have their hands on you, you are in deep trouble and will be unable
to defend yourself.

13.

13
Escape as soon as you can. This is less likely going to be a fight you are going to win, and will more likely be a fight you are going to
have to escape. If they're are no near by escape routes, then follow these fighting techniques.

Method 2 of 2: Prevention Strategies

1.

1
Stop or prevent the fight before it starts. Conflict starts long before a fight develops. Positive and assertive interaction with the group
may off-set any violence. Do your best to minimize conflict by being good-natured, not picking arguments with volatile people you don't
know very well, or making off-color comments that could deeply offend the people around you.

2.

2
Run if you can. Unless you are a skilled fighter or are in a situation where you cannot escape, your best bet is to run away, fast. Head
to somewhere public and call for help. Running is also likely to separate your attackers, making it more likely to be able to confront them
individually. Be extra careful when you're running so you avoid getting surrounded or running right in to a trap.

Vulnerable spots - KravMaga Self DefensePresentation Transcript

1. VULNERABLE SPOTSKEY TO END A STREET FIGHT ASAP S.SREERAM Co-ordinator / Instructor Chennai Chapter, Krav Maga (IKMF) India Mobile:
93400 06600 Email- kravmaga.chennai@gmail.com Chennai Site - https://sites.google.com/site/kravmagachennai/
2. WHY AIM AT VULNERABLE SPOTS When training civilians, we teach them to DEFEND > OFFEND >NEUTRALIZE> EXIT . And the shorter this
sequence it is better. Because, the longer a confrontation is prolonged, higher is your exposure. So, in KravMaga, to keep a fight short and decisive, we
always aim at the VULNERABLE SPOTS of the opponents body.
3. VULNERABLE SPOTS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH VITAL SPOTS Hitting vital spots can result in collateral damage, and even worse - fatality.
You are not interested in defending a murder charge, are you?! So forget hitting internal organs. This write-up is to educate you on stopping a fight ASAP,
NOT maiming or killing.
4. WHAT ARE THE VULNERABLE SPOTSIN THE HUMAN BODY 1) EYES 2) NOSE 3) MOUTH 4) CHIN 5) GROIN (TESTICLES) 6) KNEES 7)
ANKLES
5. WHY WE CALL THESE VULNERABLE SPOTS 1) THEY ARE EASY TO REACH All these spots are on the surface. It does not take years of practice
to hit them. For instance, everybody knows Solar plexus is a good spot to bring down an opponent. But hitting it requires precision and angle, which is
acquired over a prolonged practice. Even if you have the skills to hit the solar plexus, if the opponent has a beer-belly, you cant reach it.

6. WHY WE CALL THESE VULNERABLE SPOTS 2) THESE PARTS CANNOT BE EXERCISED AND TOUGHENED There are no popular body building
exercises to strengthen the testicles, nose or eyes. I have heard of some exotic methods, but they are not for common men. So even if the opponent is
comparatively bigger and stronger, hitting these spots will have the same effect as it has on a smaller person.
7. WHY WE CALL THESE VULNERABLE SPOTS 3) THEY ARE HIGLY SENSITIVE TO IMPACT Except the groin, all the vulnerable spots have bone on
the surface. But groin is also painful because it has nerve endings bunched together on the scrotum. So intimidating pain is assured by hitting vulnerable
spots.
8. WHY WE CALL THESE VULNERABLE SPOTS 4) HITTING VULNERABLE SPOTS IMMOBILIZE THE ATTACKER As mentioned earlier, a
confrontation ends not just with defending and offending, but by neutralizing. That in simple English means, the opponent should lose the capacity to attack
and be unable to follow you or get assistance. Only this will give you the crucial window to exit effectively from the scene. In these times, it also helps to
remove the cell phone from him and make it dysfunctional.
9. Krav Maga is all about common sense! S.SREERAM Co-ordinator / Instructor Chennai Chapter, Krav Maga (IKMF) India Mobile: 93400 06600 Emailkravmaga.chennai@gmail.com Chennai Site - https://sites.google.com/site/kravmagachennai/ ........................................................................... "So that one
may walk in peace" ... Imi Lichtenfeld, Founder of KravMaga KRAVMAGA BLOG - http://kravmaga-chennai.blogspot.com/ FACEBOOK http://bit.ly/KravMagaChennai YOUTUBE - http://www.youtube.com/user/KravMagaSreeRamCHENNAI GROUP - groups.google.co.in/group/kravmagachennai .............................................................................................. FREE PDF BOOKLET - 10As of Personal Safety for Women http://www.scribd.com/doc/104952655/10As-of-Personal-Safety-for-Women GOOGLE PROFILE - http://www.google.com/profiles/ksr96 TWEET @kravMagaSreeRam LINKED IN - http://in.linkedin.com/in/ksr960
10. Krav Maga is all about common sense! S.SREERAM Co-ordinator / Instructor Chennai Chapter, Krav Maga (IKMF) India Mobile: 93400 06600 Emailkravmaga.chennai@gmail.com Chennai Site - https://sites.google.com/site/kravmagachennai/ ...........................................................................
"So that one may walk in peace" ... Imi Lichtenfeld, Founder of KravMaga KRAVMAGA BLOG - http://kravmaga-chennai.blogspot.com/ FACEBOOK http://bit.ly/KravMagaChennai YOUTUBE - http://www.youtube.com/user/KravMagaSreeRamCHENNAI GROUP - groups.google.co.in/group/kravmagachennai .............................................................................................. FREE PDF BOOKLET - 10As of Personal Safety for Women http://www.scribd.com/doc/104952655/10As-of-Personal-Safety-for-Women GOOGLE PROFILE - http://www.google.com/profiles/ksr96 TWEET @kravMagaSreeRam LINKED IN - http://in.linkedin.com/in/ksr960