Circular Strikes (diary entry)

03.11.2021 My two self-protection lessons for Kingham Hill School looked at the hook (power slap) and the offline (rear elbow/hammer fist) strike. These are both circular strikes delivered pre-emptively but under different conditions than the straight strikes. The hook might serve as a preferred variant on the straight strike some people, but these days I tend to teach it from a more sophisticated set-up such as the invisible fence or with a deception. We also trained it from a restrictive position. I explained how the mechanics are the same as boxing hooks and only the striking weapon varies. Targets for a palm hook or power slap can include the carotid artery on the side of the neck, the side of the jaw, the ear and the temple. Then I introduced the offline strikes delivered when an enemy is coming in from an angle on the edge of outside peripheral vision. Range, as much as targets, dictate weapons and we trained the backward elbow and the hammer-fist as well as varying targets from the head to the groin. Strike tools don't always have to be the fist or elbow. The ulna bone located on the pinky finger side of the forearm is also a valid striking weapon. Finally, the two were paired in order to deal with two antagonists. One antagonist interviews from the front as is the case with a normal fence situation whilst the other creeps in offline. The offline strike goes in first, using the momentum for the hook. This exercise can be improved upon with either of the two antagonists coming first. As with all these strikes they were then chained with the repetitive straight hand strikes and referencing hand to tactical escape. Services