Effective "APPS+MVP" Self-Defence for Us, the People -1

"Light a candle rather than curse the darkness."

Effective "APPS+MVP" Self-Defence for Us, the People -- (1)
-- by Frank C Yue, a day-dreamer and 
    theoretical martial arts student

Preface

This series of e-articles may well be re-titled instead:

"APPS+MVP" Empty-Hand Self-Defence for My Armchair-Warrior Grandchildren" (whose mom is more than a little concerned that her kids in their young teens might be bullied by their peers or even abducted by a stranger).

Since my grandchildren cannot read complex Chinese characters, I have no intention of translating the articles into Chinese. Hehee! :) 
My hope remains that someday somehow they would come around reading this series. Now, they are simply not interested. 

What are "APPS + MVP"?

Of course,

"APPS" -- powerful 'computer applications software', or "apps" in abbreviation -- are designed to enable your computer devices to perform certain specialized function

while

"MVP" is short for the 'Most Valued Player' in sports teams.

In this DIY Self-Defence e-series, however, the terms assume the following definitions respectively -- to help the young teens, other weaklings and the innocent common people, that are you and I, better remember the pertinent points involved:

"APPS":
A -- 1. Attitude: A strong, positive, fierce and fearless "I must fight to survive" mentality. (100% committed and focused.)

    -- 2. Accuracy (in strikes or kicks, including Correct Distancing,            Timing, Changing Stance/Posture/Means of Striking in rapid            response to the Attacker's changing tactics).

P -- Power (incl. Waist Turning, Stability, Whole Body Exertion            and Sudden Contraction at the point of contact, Abrupt                    Exhaling, Sound Strike).

P -- Penetration (incl. striking forcibly 4 to 6 Inch Through                    Multiple Targets in order to incapacitate instantly the on-                  coming Attacker).
          
                     (Photo from "Karate Breaking Techniques" by Jack Hibbard, page 42)


S -- 1. Speed (incl. E=MC squared, Relative Velocity. Beware! The initial one second of the attack, that is a lot of time, is critical to your very survival.)

   -- 2. Skills  in being able to maneuver in a self-defence situation, incl. target evasion and simultaneous counter-attack.

Here are three most important aspects:

1. You must be prepared at all times, mentally, physically and spiritually (if you do have a religion or belief system). Just "Expect the unexpected." -- a well-known karate motto -- so you won't be caught unawares.

2. Once you decide to fight for your life (in a desperate situation where there is no way out) you must be fully committed, completely focused, be at the present moment. There are no rules, no referee. No "if's" and "but's". No, we are not even talking about robberies, muggings or carjacking etc. when the thug is only interested initially in your money or valuables. Quick, before he changes his mind, just open your wallet or purse, throw it to him (farther away from you, beyond his reach) and run away and yell. Or get out of the car asap and run against the traffic (so he can't quickly chase after you in the car). 

3. Run, run for dear Life! According to some USA statistics, 85% of the people who had faced a potentially lethal violent assault situation can survive simply by RUNNING LIKE HELL. Therefore, some running or sprinting capacity is essential for survival. For example, running 50 metres with all your might is your most important weapon of self-defence.

No material things in the whole wide world are more precious than your life. Unlike the cat, you have only one life to live. And this is not video gaming. 

"MVP":

M -- Most

V -- Vulnerable

P -- Parts of the (Assailant's) Body, i.e. using your strongest body        part to swiftly counter-attack the Attacker's weakest points so          that you may, just may or might, have a fighting chance of                surviving a vicious and potentially lethal attack, Heaven forbid,        by a madman or a terrorist.


This is provided that, first and foremost, you are mostly calm and relaxed. If you do daily meditation, you are already there. At the same time you should be alert and aware of your environment wherever and whenever you are. An example, when you are window-shopping, take time to use all reflective surfaces (such as glass window screens, reflected car windows) to see behind and around you now and then, since you have turned your back to the passing pedestrians and traffic . 

Most Attackers are cowards. They will always pick an easy, unknowing soft target and then make a quick exit. Don't give them that advantage if you can help it. (Who knows? You might even be able to detect some very suspicious activity by a potential culprit by chance.)         

Practise using your peripheral (or side) vision often, without turning your head constantly (so you wouldn't appear to be paranoia or insecure). You have about 180 degrees of field of vision, covering roughly the areas from your 9 o'clock (left hand side) to 3 o'clock (right hand side). Try turning occasionally your head ever so slightly to the side, you can also very quickly scan the field say, at your 8 or 4 o'clock. This way, you have the added chances of possibly seeing the deranged, enraged, or disillusioned Attacker (could be high on drugs too), foaming in the mouth perhaps and rushing at you from the flank with or without a weapon, bladed or otherwise. This would be the last resort for you -- could be a matter of life and death! -- when you cannot run away in time to safety or you simply find yourself (with, alas, your loved ones) in a confined space, e.g. in a classroom, on a bus, a train or a plane.

For better sideways surveillance, one may try this safely at home (without your cats, dogs or children around). First, prepare a pair of glasses that is not expensive, stick one circular black paper dot of about 3 to 3.5 cm diameter on each of the focal areas of your two lenses. Secondly, try to walk at home with the glasses on without crashing into anything valuable.

Each of the above "APPS + MVP" aspects will be explained in some detail later. 

Now, just relax! 

For statistically speaking, the chance of your ever crossing paths with a madman or terrorist should be very, very slim indeed. But knowledge is power. Knowledge can also be most empowering! With knowledge translated into action, there are wisdom, confidence, security, flexibility, discipline, clarity of mind, strong will and, best of all, peace of mind which is priceless. 

Waiver

The author and the 'publisher' will not be responsible whatsoever for any trauma or personal injury sustained by anyone imitating or following any actions or ideas suggested or illustrated in this series. You are reading these e-articles or following the actions shown therein at your own risk. The reader's discretion is strongly advised.

Come, join me for some instant "armchair martial art adventure", all you weaklings, couch potatoes and weekend athletes!

... (cont'd bi-weekly on Tuesday -- in Part 2 ... hopefully)