"The Art of the Jam"

[joesteph]

Has anyone read the August issue of Black Belt magazine? There's an article by Rick Tew, "The Art of the Jam: A Simple, Scientific Way to Neutralize an Attack."

But the way it's written, I don't see it as a "jam." It's a lot like the spearhand block I'd referred to in this same section, Strategies and Tactics, at

http://www.karateforums.com/spearhand-block-vt38777.html

The photos show a palm-open hand, like you're going to press your outstretched hand against the opponent's shoulder or face, but within the article, there are a series of photos on p. 83 that have his eye speared. If the text on p. 82 is added to the photos on p. 83, you're blocking with the same arm you're attacking with, and your other hand is placed in a just-in-case position near your face. You also move forward, rather than back, as I'd first learned with the spearhand block I referred to, above. (I later practiced it moving forward as a variation and liked it better.)

What I didn't like in the photo section of the article is how wide open the legs of the defender are. They're not even at an angle to the attacker, and if you don't spear that eye, he's going to do a groin shot that will send you into next week. I don't believe the author is in the photos; the captions refer to "the martial artist" doing the moves, rather than "Tew," which is the author's last name.

[GeoGiant]

How come I didn't get my copy yet

I'll be sure to check out the article.

[joesteph]

When I'd seen the cover up on the Internet, I went to the Black Belt site, got the phone number, and called. The man I spoke with put into the system that I was owed the issue, and I got a confirmation email that I'd called. Then I got it.

I'd phone if it doesn't come by Monday, GeoGiant, or else chance missing an issue.

[GeoGiant]

Thanks!

[RickTew]

Hello,

Thanks for reading the article.

The attack / tactic is indeed a jamming motion though you can also add a finger strike.

You can get a much better idea of the dynamics involved by watching the video of the technique on Black Belt Magazine's main web site below:

Rick Tew: Jamming the attack video link on Black Belt

http://www.blackbeltmag.com/videos/284

Have a great day!

Rick

[joesteph]

Rick Tew: Jamming the attack video link on Black Belt

http://www.blackbeltmag.com/videos/284

Thanks so much for posting this, Rick. It really clarifies the stance/shuffle forward, and I like the way it's broken down, that combo of block-strike in one. Even if the jam against the face causes the attacker to pause for a half-second, he's not using that other fist (the old one-two) during that pause, which gives the defender time to strike again.

I did see that you referred to a hook kick, but it looked like a roundhouse to me. I do know that in Jeet Kune Do, the roundhouse is called the hook kick, as Lee believed that since it followed the same path as the hook punch, it should bear the same name. Is this what you referred to in your video?

[Tzu-Logic]

Wow what a great video!

thanks for posting that.

[Lee M]

Jamming a technique is very effective in a fight.

Using the traingle shape to defend - like crazy monkey boxing.

Cut down the attacker - jam his attacks then attack the attack with your own strikes.

[sensei8]

Not every MA can jam because it takes a lot of courage to enter into an opponents territory up and close.