There are hundreds of different self-defense and fighting systems in the world. Some of the more popular include karate, tae kwon do, judo and jujutsu. Each of these systems has some value for personal protection, and were the foundations of the American self-defense systems taught to military and police since World War II. These American systems distilled the traditional systems, focusing on the most effective techniques for self-defense.
Heel-of-Palm Strike
According to legendary self-defense master William Fairbairn, author of “Get Tough,” the heel-of-palm strike is the most basic blow that should be taught for self-defense. When aimed upward at the point of the chin, the heel-of-palm strike works extremely well for knocking an assailant out at arm’s length, or to break the assailant’s hold on you. The heel-of-palm strike can also be aimed at other vital points such as the solar plexus, the base of the skull and the groin.
Edge-of-Hand Blow
The edge-of-hand blow, according to the late Col. Rex Applegate’s “Kill or Get Killed,” is the second most important technique for self-defense. A student of Fairbairn’s, Applegate is considered the grandfather of American hand-to-hand combat training. He instructed students of the Office of Strategic Services--the World War II forerunner of the CIA--and Army Rangers and Marines in quick-kill self-defense methods. The edge-of-hand blow is aimed at the sides of the neck, the throat and the bridge of the nose. It is also extremely effective when aimed at the temples and the base of the skull.
Edge-of-Boot Kick
The edge of boot kick is one of the few kicking techniques for self-defense that are recommended by most instructors. Aimed below the waist of the assailant so he cannot grab your leg and trip you, the edge-of-boot kick has multiple uses. If the blow connects with the assailant’s knees or ankles, the blow can knock his feet out from under him, causing him to fall. Aimed at his shins, the edge-of-boot kick is effective as a distraction technique, to break the assailant’s hold on you.
References
- "Kill or Get Killed: A Manual of Hand-to-Hand Fighting, 1st Edition;" Rex Applegate, Col, USA, (ret.); 1943
- "Get Tough: How to Win in Hand-to-Hand Fighting;" W.E. Fairbairn; 1996
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