How to Take Down a Cocky Opponent

An angry person with a chip on their shoulder took offense to something you said to them, or some guy at a club has had a little too much to drink. Either way, they try to throw a punch at you. Things slow down, and you see it coming, but you don't know what to do. You know what? Try this.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• confidence
• reasonable reflexes
• NO OTHER CHOICE THAN TO DEFEND YOURSELF

1. If things start to get ugly, prepare your body. Take half a step back, with your stronger(dominant) foot back. This is a basic fighter's stance. Focus. Be ready for anything to happen, BEFORE it happens.

2. If a punch comes, stay calm. This defense uses the same side hand that your attacker is using, right hand for a right hand punch, or vice versa.

3. Sweep your hand across your body to catch his wrist as it comes, but instead of trying to stop it, keep pulling it towards you, rotating your body the same direction so he misses.

4. Now he's off-balance. You can neutralize him any number of ways. One way is to hit his elbow up with your other hand while twisting your hand holding him to force his arm behind his back. Another way is to step forward underneath his armpit, spread your arms, then fall back to put him on the ground with you on top of him. Any of many ways will end the fight with little or no injury on both sides.

Tips & Warnings

• Be simple. Don't use an overly complicated method when a simple knee to the stomach or groin will finish a fight. More moves means more things to go wrong.
• This is most likely not a practice spar in a padded room. If a person attacks you on the street, don't go easy on them, they deserve anything that happens to them. If this IS a practice spar in a padded room, then good for you. :)
• THESE MOVES ARE DANGEROUS!!! USE ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!!!
• ONLY USE FOR SELF-DEFENSE!!! this is what will keep you out of jail for assault if you do manage to beat your attacker.

[bev1810]

on 6/28/2008 Great Tips! Thank you.