|
Today a student asked a question not usually asked, and one that needs to be addressed. In light of all of the new "street combat fighting systems" out there by the latest martial arts and self-defense gurus, a distinction should be made between "fighting" and "combat". Fighting usually involves passive to medium force, and is most often a self-defense application against a non-lethal, but still harmful, threat of violence. Fighting is dangerous, and involves pain and potential injury that can escalate into a lethal situation, but is not lethal "yet". Fighting can be considered "kicking someone's ass" as opposed to killing them. On the other hand, "combat" is fighting for your life. It is the response to a lethal threat. That's why military action is referred to as "combat". If we're talking about street combat, we're talking about some murderous bad guy trying to kill you, and your life is on the line. It's different than Joe the Drunk throwing a haymaker at you, or the guy in the car ahead of you getting out of his car because he thought you flipped him the bird. Keep in mind, any of these situations can escalate to a lethal situation, but it should be avoided whenever possible. The "Force Continuum" rule always applies, which essentially means "force equal to threat". In other words, use only enough force to stop the imminent threat. Never injure beyond necessary. This also involves keeping your emotions, ego and fear in a healthy check. It will also keep you alive longer, because when you possess lethal capabilities and the judgment and discernment to restrain and limit them when necessary, you are a far more formidable opponent who is less likely to be attacked. Now, what skills are best for fighting, and best for combat? For Fighting, some examples are: Classical Boxing (jab, cross, hook, uppercut) and Kicking (Front & Rear Snap Kicks, Side Kicks, Muay Thai Kicks), and Leg and Arm Locks to put an attacker into submission without seriously injuring them. Fighting targets should AVOID lethal targets such as the throat, nose and temples, and instead focus on areas that will cause pain but not long-term damage such as the stomach, arms, legs. If your opponent in a fight is more of a threat than that would handle, you might go for more damaging targets such as a smashing knee or kick to the groin, knees, or a right hook to the jaw. A training tip: people's jaws and heads are harder than you think, and even professional boxers break their hands on people's heads. Those who punch the air alot or spar with gloves and don't make a lot of hard striking contact will be sorely surprised when they first strike a jaw, chin or even a face. Train often on striking a heavy bag, makiwara board and sand bucket to build up the strength of your fists and hands to handle the impact of hitting a heavy and hard object such as someone's head! In a lethal situation where brutal self-defense is necessary, headbutts, smashes to the nose, throat and temples may be justified in the most extreme situations. You can find many of the more "for-survival-only" brutal fighting skills in my Devastating Fighting Secrets course, which also includes Passive (joint locks and come-alongs) and Medium force techniques fully demonstrated. It's here http://www.devastatingfighting.com. I hope this has helped clarify the difference between Fighting and Combat for you.
|
