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ARTICLES
AND COMMENTARY
YAWARA STICK DEFENSE
(See
Illustrations below article)
As you read this article you
will realize why I believe so strongly in the power of the yawara stick. In
reality, I carry a Kubotan metal stick (key chain). It is not a Yawara stick in
the truest sense of the word, but its function is the same. The yawara was
basically wood and rounded at each end. It was used along with an early form of
Jujitsu. I use some jujitsu, but predominantly strikes. I favor the stick for
several reasons. One; you can carry it anywhere. Two; it is easy to teach,
(especially to women and children). Three; it is very compatible with
Isshin-ryu. Last but not least; there is always the possibility that if you
carry some sort of weapon and are not very proficient with it, you could get it
taken away from you. Even if you get the stick taken away, it is highly unlikely
that the attacker is going to kill or severely injure you with it. A gun, knife,
club, ect., does not offer the same turn around protection. There are a couple
of things that can make you more proficient. Carry the stick as a key chain.
This helps you get use to handling it often. A true weapon has to be part of
your hand. Don't put a million keys on it, as it changes the action of the
stick. Put on just your car or door key, and use a separate ring for the others.
The ring on the end has a function also and can be used for finger breaks and
neutralizing the attacker's strength. This takes practice. So training time is
needed for proficiency. I want to emphasize that in developing this stick, don't
focus on just the stick. It is held in one hand and is used in conjunction with
your many empty hand techniques. I have seen students getting in a tug of war
with someone holding on to the stick hand. Don't focus just on the stick. Use
all your weapons. The stick can be used to what degree of intensity you want to
use it. With a knife or gun, you don't have those degrees of discretionary use.
People who are well trained with the knife, can and do use it like a yawara
stick, as well as an edged weapon. But. . . . , they are trained by someone who
really know these tactical options and it can still be taken away from you. You
can certainly kill with this stick, but that probability is minuscule compared
to what you can and may do with a knife or gun. Below are a few basic techniques
with a brief explanation. Forgive me for not going into too much detail, as I
may do a video or book. I would be happy to share any and all info with you if
you come to my dojo or invite me to yours. I can take anyone, and in a couple of
hours, have them using the basic techniques well enough for them to train on
their own. The advantage here is; it doesn't cut into, or require a lot of extra
training time. It is also instantly compatible with what you already know. You
can't teach everything. So why teach something that doesn't help you or your
students defend themselves in any or all situations.
The pictures below are individual and in
general sequence. As I'm sure you realize, it limits the my ability to show flow
as it pertains to stances and footwork.
ARM LOCK ATTACK:
The first sequence demonstrates a forearm crush and take down.
Stay long and away from his other arm. Finish strong, as not much damage has
been done in the take down. For women and children I recommend a rake down the
arm forcing release for escape or striking and kicking. (striking with the stick
of coarse).
REAR GRAB:
First drop your center below the attacker much like a Seiuchin stance. The total move is very close to a position in Sunsu. Lock in and strip the arm. Opponent will aide you in pivoting 180 degrees, as he will be pulling away from the pain of the stick. You have
many options at this point. Use your best judgment.
FRONT GRAB LOW:
Use Chinto type strike. Stick hits approximately one stick length up from waist and next to spine. This is a general area and works due to the stick. The other hand if free, strikes under the rear of the rib cage in the kidney area. As the attacker follows the pain command and arches his back, place your head or shoulder under his chin, stretch him out, free your stick, and strike. You have an option to follow him and attack the groin or fully disengage. Whether using a stick or not, when taking an opponent down I prefer to attack down in stead of up. In short, and without benefit of a long explanation, rather than break a guard, or take a top mount, I prefer to strike the groin, related areas, and disengage.
FRONT GRAB HIGH:
Strike hip flexor/spleen area. This gives you separation and gravity
shift. At the same time grab under his arm at top of lats and rear delt and twist (counter
clockwise). Bring stick under chin in age-zuke fashion. You can disengage or follow him down for a finish strike. Note that due to the nature of both your centers of gravity, you will fall higher up on your attacker. Look for a sternum strike. Again: don't forget to cap the stick.
ROUND HOUSE OR STRAIGHT PUNCH
TWO VARIATIONS
VARIATION ONE:
First block that strike!!! A split second later your stick hits anywhere from the bicep to the pectoral, depending on the angle and your opponents force. Follow immediately with a high elbow or forearm. Remember he has another arm he's swinging. You should have done two things with the empi-uchi follow up; block while hitting what ever is offered and positioning your stick for a really nasty
angle strike. Don't look for your attacker to wake up anytime soon after that shot.
VARIATION TWO:
The difference here is an angle wrap with a strong resemblance to Chinto. Not exactly the same sequence but the same angle, using the attackers arm to locate his head, while forcing him to turn in to the strength of the strike.
TWO VARIATIONS OF THE HIGH GRAB OR CHOKE.
VARIATION ONE:
Arm trap and crack back. Foot work is mostly
Kusan-ku
VARIATION TWO:
Under arm gouge to gain separation, with follow up strike to lower area. Then head crank using stick as enforcement under jaw or cheek bone.
Most major nerve strike areas are generally available for a hit or a rub. Generally the stick makes hitting an
exact area unnecessary, as rubbing (digging in, in a circular clockwise direction) creates the set up or release, for a strike of your selection. Use your wrist when you dig. Use snap when you strike. Once again, don't dwell on just the stick. It is usually a set up or a finish. Keep you attacker occupied with defending against all your weapons so he can't concentrate on just the stick either. Carry the stick with equal parts extending from your hand. If keys are on, (not more than two) keys should be on left side of stick if holding it in your right hand. The ring can serve as finger traps, but this takes a lot of practice. I did not illustrate as it is too advanced if you are not already proficient with the stick. The whole idea is to keep it simple and basic as possible.
Denny Shaffer, Ku-Dan
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