The Shift Away Side Kick Catches

These are not nearly as difficult to use or apply as they look. Even when I watched the vid of myself doing them, they look intricate and fancy. In point of fact, they are not. With even a minimum of instruction and a reasonable amount of time in grade, these catches are workable against a hostile someone trying to side kick my mid abdomen.

Without prejudice

The Shift Away Lead arm Parry/Rear Arm Checks

Just like what I was doing yesterday but with a parry instead.

These moves (this week) are all about assuming control of the attacker after he moves first. I give him a target and take it away.

Without prejudice

The Shift Away Lead Arm Block/Rear Arm Checks

Again, this is similar to what I was doing a couple of days ago. By adding the check, I am continuing to gently pull an over aggressive attacker into a position of vulnerability.

However, like the concept of ‘Defanging the Snake’, this is a fancy, difficult and very dangerous maneuver to pull off. Looks good and it is fun to practice…

Against someone trying to cause me serious hurt, it is unlikely I’d go this rout.

Without prejudice

The Shift Away Lead Arm Basic Parries

These are similar to what I was doing yesterday only they require less energy because they are more of a subtle redirection technique (instead of a ninety degree bash).


Without prejudice

The Shift Away Lead Arm Basic Blocks

The movement that actually saves me is the shift back from the bow to the cat. The move back also helps me to extend my opponents arm to a position of vulnerability.

I make it a point to put all my weight on my back leg. The basic rule I use is when his torso moves, I move. Only then do I have enough time to make the shift work.

In the old school, this shift was rarely done with an arm movement.

Without prejudice

The Inverted Forehand Knifehands

Once again, these four strikes generate a lot of power and I will usually precede one with a jab, backhand knifehand or snap.

Sometimes I snap my lead arm out and grab my opponent before using this strike. Not the most elegant of moves, none the less, it is both simple and effective.

Without prejudice

The Inverted Lunging Snaps

There are two weapons involved here. An overhand forehand hammering backfist (done to the face) and an underhand backhand hammering hammer fist (done to the body). They are called the ‘Snaps’ because that is how they feel.

Both weapons are delivered in a speedy, light movement that looks deceptively mild. It isn’t.

Either of these strikes can be a finisher in its own right.

Usually, though, the strike is used like a jab. It is meant to flick out and damage an attacker. This damage might to minimal but it can also set me up for a powerful follow-up (like the swings I did yesterday).

The strikes snap out and measure the distance too.

Without prejudice