ROUGH AND TUMBLE COMBATIVES

A knowledge of rough and tumble
tactics is indispensable in protecting
yourself against a stronger opponent.

The pictures show how it is possible
to trap an opponent into using his
strength to bring about his own down-
fall. These counters are simple. They
can be grasped in a few minutes and
mastered in half an hour’s practice
with a friend.

 

ILLUSTRATION 1

The first picture illustrates a good
counter for a punch. Let us say an op-
ponent facing you swings with his right
arm. The first thing to do is duck. Then
grasp his nearest ankle and throw him
backward by lifting his leg as high as
possible.

Another good defense, as shown in
the second picture, is to sidestep your
man, grab his wrist with your right
hand and swivel around in back of him,
at the same time twisting his wrist and
grabbing his upper arm with your left
hand. The combination of the twist
and the pressure on his upper arm
keeps his arm rigid and thus renders
him helpless.

 

ILLUSTRATION 2

Now let us assume the opponent grabs
you in a headlock (third picture). The
counter is simple. Throw your arms
around him, put one leg behind his
leg and turn in towards him as much
as you can. Lift, push and over he goes.

To bring a man down from the
front, you can use a leg dive. Feint, to
bring up his guard, then suddenly drop
down and grab him around the legs,
just above the knees. Pull his legs to-
gether and toward you, at the same
time driving your shoulder into his
middle. Use short digging steps, keep-
ing the feet well spread for balance.

 

ILLUSTRATION 3

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