Self Defense Techniques for Security Personnel
In the world of private security, there is one universal rule: minimum use of force. Restraint in the use of force not only builds a positive reputation for you and your company, but it also provides a measure of protection from lawsuit and possible assault charges. The law does not always side with private security personnel. Remember that the use of these or any other martial arts techniques to resolve a situation are your last resort, and are only for use when words fail to diffuse a situation peacefully.
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Standing Arm Bar
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The most basic physical control technique in the security officer's arsenal is the standing arm bar. To execute an arm bar, firmly grasp the wrist of the person with whom you are dealing, stepping quickly behind them and bending their arm carefully behind their back. It can require some physical strength to get the target into position. However, once they are in position it requires minimal effort to maintain this hold. The arm should be in a V-shape, with the target's wrist aimed in towards their armpit.
Finger Locks
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The hand position used when pointing becomes a powerful control hold when gripping fingers. A finger lock, which is a component taught in the martial art of Jiu Jitsu, is one of the most effective ways to disable an opponent who is attempting to shove you with an open hand. When practiced skillfully, it can also be used to disable people attempting to punch you.
To execute a finger lock, place your hand in a position like the one used to point at objects, gripping the target's first two or last two fingers on a given hand and pointing towards the direction in which you want the target to move. The pain, and the controlling property of this joint lock, is obtained by pushing the target's fingers towards the back of their hands.
As your skill with this technique improves transition yourself into using a full grip, grasping all more of the target's fingers. A full grip while more difficult to execute prevents a counter lock, and is more effective in subduing a target because of the added leverage.
Be sure to apply tension to the finger joints gradually, as performing this maneuver too quickly can break fingers and cause long-term damage. Use finger locks only as a last resort due to its dangerous nature.
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Knife Defense
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Surviving a knife attack requires hours of physical training in the form of team sparring. Knives can prove to be one of the most difficult weapons to protect against, as most armored vests these days are intended to stop bullets and not edged weapons. The best way to deal with a knife attack is to escape the situation. If confronted, it will pay to have practiced knife defense and counterstrike maneuvers borrowed from the Krav Maga style of the Israeli defense forces.
To block a knife strike using the Krav Maga technique, block the attacker's hand at the wrist with your own wrist, and have your elbow at a 90-degree angle from your shoulder, forming a solid block. The best way to prepare for the various types of knife strikes that an attacker can make is by sparring with a partner who is using a rubber safety sparring knife. Never spar with a live blade, not even a dull one.
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References
- Photo Credit security officer blowing whistle image by Elke Dennis from Fotolia.com hand pointing image by Jorge Casais from Fotolia.com military knife image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
