Getting Behind Our Attacker

[sensei8]

Key factors about Shindokan:

1) We never block an attack

2) We want to get behind our attackers

3) We want to be very close to our attacker

4) We don’t back up

Here’s a basic brief of what I’m talking about.

So far, I’ve briefly discussed key factor #1; We never block an attack. We deflect said attack. Moreover, we receive said attack!! Today, I’d like to briefly discuss Shindokan key factor #2; bold typed above: We want to get behind our attacker.

Why??

As a human being, our natural instinct is to address any threat head on because forward movement offers many opportunities. So, when attacked heads on, said attack can be avoided much easier, akin to having eyes on the target. Both tools are online and I don’t want that.

By getting behind my attacker, I blind him as to my intentions because my attacker no longer has clear eyes on me.

Once behind my attacker, even if just for a split second, it gives me clear opportunities to create havoc. There’s numerous targets to strike once I find myself behind my attacker.

Once behind, I must strike with a vicious intent.

Sounds goods?!? Not so fast!! Getting behind an attacker isn’t as simple as it sounds. Offense/Defense is a chess game; both battling to outdo one another. The goal is for me to get the checkmate on my attacker before he does…not a stalemate or a draw, but checkmate.

How do I get behind my attacker?!? 

By getting up close to your attacker, aka, close range attack/defense. Not many people are comfortable getting nose to nose with their attacker. The unnerving positions aren’t always easy to engage but it has to be done whether it’s liked or not…I love it.

For us in Shindokan, the key to getting behind our attacker lies in close range fighting. Yes. However, you just don’t waltz into close range without a little help.

The little help comes via the setup(s)!!

We use our longest weapons…our kicks, but not just our kicking arsenal. Hands and feet in combinations. When my opponent moves, so do I. My goal is to exchange positions so that I’m standing behind my attacker.

One of the drills we teach in getting behind our attacker involves “Slipping”. This technique is when we create an irresistible opening for our attacker to target. Once that target reaches a point that’s too hard to resist for the attacker, arresting said attack can’t be effectively prevented, the attacker becomes way far too committed to their target. Once the point of no return is reached by the attacker, we simply slip behind our attacker through our setup, whichever that might be.

Primary drilling tool we use in teaching how to slip in phase 1 is a body shield. When I travel to Hayes, KS years ago to train a few days with Brian, aka bushido_man96, we drilled this phase 1 drill; it’s a two-person drill:

In phase 1, the Attacker holds the body shield in front of them against their body. Should is to protect both because things happen.

Defender assumes a fighting stance.

Attacker doesn’t announce their attack; attacker attacks at their own discretion.

Defender waits for attacker to get very close, at that point, defenders slips the attackers attack making sure to stay very close to the attacker, ending up behind.

Once the CI feels that the defender is ready, the shield is removed from the attacker; that’s phase 2.

Phase 3; the defender incorporates set ups.

Phase 4; the defender selects attackers off-line targets.

Advanced drills incorporate a Bo-Staff being thrusted forwards to the defender’s front online targets.

Again, if one can’t function effectively with close range, there’s no way to get behind said attacker. Main reason for this difficulty is that the student is afraid. Maturity in their technique takes a long time to develop.

The most fearsome animals moves to the back, and attacks its prey from the back. Why? When my attacker is behind me, all of my tools are isolated. That’s not good!! All of fighting is getting your tools online. Once I’m behind my attacker, my tools are online but my attackers tools are isolated. Being isolated is not where anyone wants to be.

So, if possible, learn to get behind your attacker(s) so that your attacker(s) tools are isolated and your tools are online.