Thinking of migrating to BJJ / MMA

[Spartacus Maximus]

A “spear hand” aimed at the face of throat does not necessarily hit its target to be effective if one considers it as part of a strategy. Techniques are rarely meant to be used in isolation without any others preceding or following it.

For instance, a spear hand to the eye/throat will cause a flinch or staggering reaction to avoid it. Taking advantage of this, the same hand can be dropped quickly to attack the groin or other lower body targets.

[singularity6]

I practice spear-hand on my wife. "Spear-hand-butt."

It usually gets me yelled at.

[OneKickWonder]

Spear hand is an interesting one. I think it's pretty pointless for most people.

In the utter chaos of real combat, where everything is at stake, and no refund is going to jump in to save you if you lose, I think it would take a special dose of mental resolve to decide to use spear hand, and attempt to get its very limited range of targets, knowing that if you miss your target and hit an inch either side, there's a high chance you'll break or sprain your fingers and will thus barely be able to use that hand in the rest of the altercation.

In the pure animalistic behaviour of self defence when subject to violent attack, I reckon most people will keep things very simple, and all strikes will be made with simple fists, open palms or elbows or basic low kicks. And lots of grabbing and pushing.

[LLLEARNER]

I primarily look at the spear hand as a reach and grab.

[sensei8]

I primarily look at the spear hand as a reach and grab.

Yeah, that's a good point because not many utilize the spear hand as a go-to technique as one would use a punch; comfort and all.

Shindokan teaches the spear hand, but in my 53 years of training in Shindokan, I admit freely, that the spear hand isn't my go-to technique; situation, space permitted, would have me go-to the spear hand.

[LLLEARNER]

I primarily look at the spear hand as a reach and grab.

Yeah, that's a good point because not many utilize the spear hand as a go-to technique as one would use a punch; comfort and all.

Shindokan teaches the spear hand, but in my 53 years of training in Shindokan, I admit freely, that the spear hand isn't my go-to technique; situation, space permitted, would have me go-to the spear hand.

It could also be use as a pre-emptive strike. Thinking how it is used in Heian Nidan, the support hand can grab a sleeve and push it away (twisting the body away) while the strike hand either strikes or grabs.

[sensei8]

I primarily look at the spear hand as a reach and grab.

Yeah, that's a good point because not many utilize the spear hand as a go-to technique as one would use a punch; comfort and all.

Shindokan teaches the spear hand, but in my 53 years of training in Shindokan, I admit freely, that the spear hand isn't my go-to technique; situation, space permitted, would have me go-to the spear hand.

It could also be use as a pre-emptive strike. Thinking how it is used in Heian Nidan, the support hand can grab a sleeve and push it away (twisting the body away) while the strike hand either strikes or grabs.

True. The Bunkai can be all over the place. Choosing which one is both practical as well as effective are all part of the Oyo portions; knowledge and experience can oftentimes make the decision through resistive training.

Albeit, BJJ/MMA more than likely would steer clear of the spear hand all together for that practitioners own reason(s).