4. Training: Phase one (continued)

Only fools rush in. A classic line with so many applications to martial arts and general CQC. (close quarters combat.) To immediately attempt the most dangerous technique you can think of is the most ridiculous idea in the world and if you do try it, you deserve every ounce of pain coming your way. No dangerous technique should be practised without first being progressively trained up to and after being taught said technique by a qualified expert. When fighting, exploit weaknesses wherever possible. It's not sporting, but it gets the whole thing done and dusted with minimal injury to you.

Some basic shots, kicks and blocks to begin with:

• straight left- self explanatory. Because the majority of the world is either right handed or mainly utilises their right hand in a scrap, very few people expect to be hit from the left. However, also because most people are right handed, a bit of training is required to get the left hand operating on the same level as the right.
• Haymaker- the kind of wild, swinging, wide, hooking punch that looks so cool in films. It is easily noticed and easily blocked but with a bit of distracting, can land a good solid strike on an opponent. Though really, it is best used as the distraction for something a bit more damaging. Don't rely on it to end the fight.
• Hook- either right or left (mainly right as stated above), if landed properly can be devastating. As it comes in from the side, the opponent feels like they have to twist to block it and so they turn towards it slightly exposing the whole of their other side. Take the shot they've left open for you.
• Hammer fists- as explained in phase one part one, these are strikes using the base of a fist. They allow you to, in essence, hit someone standing to the side of you, or you can simply 'drop' it on their skull or across their jaw. All will have a noticeable effect, but again, are not fight enders. They just serve to weaken and damage the opponent until they can't take any more and they either give up or collapse.
• Groin kick- contrary to popular belief, they can be used against both genders. Girls feel it there too. And it has just as much chance of causing damage. A proper kick to the groin should utilise the toes to jab the recipient, not push them with a flat foot. With the full strength of the leg pushing off the ground and thrusting it into the target area, the kick will be extremely painful and, in a lot of cases involving wannabe hardmen, it will end the fight. But, you must always be prepared to keep fighting, just in case they've not had enough.
• Side kicks- depending on the target area, these can either be used to try an take an opponent to the ground or push them away and give yourself a moment to get it together. A good, hard kick to just below the knee cap can break the leg, so make sure you are prepared to deal with the legal consequences.
• Front kicks- should always be made by thrusting the heel forward, never the toes. Trying to drive the toes into an opponent's body will break them. They will either get bent backwards or forwards but both ways, they can snap. Bring the knee up so that the driving leg is raised infront of you, then simply thrust the heel forward toward the target area and the leg should naturally straighten.
• High kicks- they look great in martial arts movies and are a really good demonstration of flexibilty, but, the risks in a real fight far outweigh the benefits. It is the easiest thing to simply catch a high leg, lift it and instantly drop you. After all, there is only so high that your leg can go before your balance takes a dive.
• Jumping kicks- Extremely effective as long as you can land quickly. The kung fu wire kick for example: juming up on one leg, raising the other and kicking hard with the propelling leg. (the first one.) This magnifies the natural force of the kick and makes it extremely good for striking the torso, with a nicely damaging effect.
• Takedowns- nice moves, good for getting someone down to the ground but only if the opponent is weak or unprepared. Anyone expecting it will simply evade it. Depending on which takedown you were intending to use, they could either move out of the way, keep their balance or kick you in the face if you go down to take the legs out. Don't chance it unless it can't fail.
• Evasions- someone goes to get you, you move out of the way. A simple principle and a very natural instinct. But, it is hard to know which way to move and in the time you take making your mind up, the person will have already hit you. Best to follow what feels natural. Don't think about it, just move!
• Deflecting punches- again, it's natural. Just think of Jackie Chan's advice of  "catching the mosquito." Catch the arm. Then it's up to you. If they have a weapon, get rid of it or, if you can use it well, use it against them. If they're unarmed, twist the arm viciously. No point in trying to be nice, they're not going to stop. If you break it, they can't use it so, if you think they'll continue the fight when you let go, snap it.
• Blocking- overhead block: using one or both forearms to block a down coming shot. Preferably one because this exposes their body to immediate attack and it takes less time for you to hit it than it takes them to close their defences.