The Martial Art Wedge Principles

[Alan Armstrong]

Thanks guys for going along with me on this topic.

It's just that "The Wedge Principles" are far too important to not be discussed openly, as it pertains to all disciplines of martial arts and beyond, including love and war and everything in-between.

Just look at Princess Di and Prince Charles, the wedge of a woman that came between them and the havoc and turmoil it caused, not just in the UK but also all over the world.

The movie "300"

As King Leonidas led the wolf back towards a pathway that narrowed, then the Wolf pounced and was wedged between the rocks.

"Caught between a rock and a hard place"

Also the the Spartans meeting the Persians at the "Hot Gates" for battle, better there than anywhere else, because numbers there (In that narrowing space) mean nothing!

"Caught between the edge of a cliff and a sword"

Spartan battle formations also in a wedge formation, working together as a strong and effective unified unit.

"United we stand devided we fall"

For martial art purposes, as we all usually stand alone in a fight, we can all benefit from some insightful wedge tactics to give us a winning edge, not just tactically but also in all martial art techniques... better still, applying the laws of physics and causes and effects... in and for combative purposes...

[Alan Armstrong]

Quoting Bushido_Man96: "Doors have two options available to them: be open or be closed.

 

Interestingly enough, this wedge of yours can be used to facilitate both: wedge the door open, or jam it closed.

 

Another thing I noticed in your analogy is that the wedge does its best work by not moving.

 

However, we as Martial Artists need to be able to move in order to do our best work."

Responding to the bold type:

Wedging principles can be used separately in combat, while moving and not moving or together; such as jamming the opponent's kick or stance with your leg or jamming up both of the opponent's arms with one of yours and striking with the other.

On the ground wedging works its wonders, pinning/wedged the opponent's arm with your knee, pinning/wedged the other arm with yours, everything is clear for take off, nothing to stop you (to start pounding) but the referee; if there is one; this just one scenario of many.

Your wedging techniques can keep doors open (making/creating opportunities for you) just as much closing off the opponent's options.

Inserting a doorstop under a door, still needs a certain amount of practice, as simple as it seems but the concept is the same.

Many people first practice their dance moves with a swinging door before finding a live partner; once again, because many of the same principles apply.

[Alan Armstrong]

Wedging and clamping also locking, all are intended to restrict something from moving (especially related to doors) or to stop and prevent something from continuing.

We want to be free and in control, as the "Lock Smith" or the "Car Wheel Clamper" or Houdini the magician, always difficult to restrain or pin down.

"The Wedge Principles" have always been there, all I'm doing here, is highlighting them, to be more aware of them, to see the importance of them, to become more efficient when using them... and just as importantly to defend against them...

Yes there is more, alot more to be said on this topic...

[Alan Armstrong]

The more that these wedge principles are understood the more your body will react accordingly.

Knowing many martial art movements, techniques including bunki, will still make a person a martial artist but wouldn't it be nice, to be also able to use the many hidden principles behind them, making them even more effective, than they already are?

The way I view a principle is something that contains many hidden truths.

Principles can also improve a martial art student's abilities too rapidly, which can be just as harmful as knowing none at all.

Principles in martial arts, can easily be forgotten due to pursuing short term results, training an army or a fighting force (rebels) on short notice, is usually the reason why.

From a hand to hand combat standpoint, principles are the important ingredients that are consciously and unconsciously improving the quality of the martial artist.

[Alan Armstrong]

Here are some appetizers for becoming better acquainted with "The Wedge Principles"

Are they helpful to you or not?

Self Defence "The Wedge Technique"

The basic wedge shape

Pavel Tsatsouline's Martial Power Vol 6

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2D5Tf-t1hMc

Karate wedge throw options

Emin Boztepe seminar Wing Tsun

Wedge and Mindset

[Alan Armstrong]

The Wedge Stance; Russian style

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AfIjJ9g5ml4

The Wedge Stance Two; Russian Style

Punch defence and the wedge

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Shbej_tQH8U

Combat Physics The Wedge

Wedge Punching

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5gaHhVFghQY

Core Motion Concepts "The Wedge"

[Alan Armstrong]

It's apparent, that the "Martial Art Wedge Principles" are a viable option for all methods of combat with or without weapons.

The wedge; what more can be said about this remarkable shape, but to make it available whenever you want or need it.

Yes, I've attached many links to this subject and there are many more out there; remember there are numerous ways to attack and defend with wedges, also just as important, is to learn how to defend against them if you can

A good place to look on how to defend against wedge principles is understanding "Triangle Theory"