Unhinged

This is an article about hinges (well...hinge joints, actually).

Last night we did application of Sinawali number 6 and ended up in kadena de mano (Filipino empty hands) redirecting some punches.
One important point that came out was to control the attacker's torso (and free arm) by using the elbow of the lead jab. Sounds simple, right?

I found that until Guro Fred specifically mentioned the elbow, I had been focused on my parry at the wrist/lower forearm. For the inside solution you become exposed to the attacker's free hand (usually the left cross if the atttacker is right-handed) when you close distance. The most convenient beginner way to avoid this trap is to use the attacker's right elbow to turn his/her body and take the outside line if the cross starts to come.

If you try this using the attacker's wrist - you are going to eat the left cross. You need the right elbow to control their body and take that power away.

Just a quick reminder that wrist controls elbow controls shoulder controls attacker.
The elbow is in a tactically excellent spot because it is accessible and closer to the shoulder than the wrist (thus more control over attacker) .

The same concept applies to the body's other main hinge joint: the knee. Pushkicks are often used at the knee for jamming kicks, and this is much more effective than trying to pushkick the foot/ankle.

I know these principles already from aikido, but a little reminder now and then is good too.

Elbows and Knees, knees and elbows