Thomas Cruse - Progressive Fighting Systems

"Empty hand style"

"Neutralize any agressors’ punches and kicks turning them into useless extremities with only 2 simple moves..."

     When the subject of the Fillipino Martial Arts (Kali/ Eskrima) is raised what usually comes to mind is weapons training with sticks and knives. What is not so well known and seldom talked about is the empty hand use of this well-rounded and potent art. The Filipino Arts provide us with enough drills and training methods to keep us growing and training for many lifetimes, (Self-perfection). What is often overlooked is the very simple and street proven method of translating the Filipino weapons training and fighting into the empty hand self-defense world. (Self-preservation)Problem; When one is faced with an aggressive, much larger and possibly more skilled fighter in the street with no gloves, taped hands or protected feet, then even the trained Martial Artists with highly developed kickboxing skills could be at a disadvantage. If one can not out kick and punch the adversary and groundfighting or wrestling is not an option because of a mass attack situation or having to protect your family then what?

            Solution; DEFANG THE SNAKE! Using this concept we can now disarm and disable our asailant’s punches and kicks, by turning them into targets, welcoming his incoming blows with disabling elbows and knees!

       Training method:How to utilize your elbow as a destructive weapon against an incoming blow to your head…

1. Using either your right or left hand reach back, like performing a bicept curl and tighten your elbow. In this position the end of your elbow should feel like the business end of a hammer.
2. Now simply place your elbow where your assailant is attacking…your head!

        Training method: How to utilize your knee against an incoming strike to your groin or low line…

Like the elbow, you must tighten the knee like doing a leg curl or try to touch your heel to your butt. Your knee in this position should feel like the fat end of a baseball bat.

• Now, when your assailant attacks your groin put that tool in front of your groin and allow his strike to run into your knee.This accomplishes PAIN!

If you have any doubt just try to kick the end of a bat or punch the fat end of a hammer!

After the assailant has had his hand or foot disabled we then implement follow ups; (headbutts, elbows, knees, quickkills or submissions), or an escape and evasion tactic; (Run!).

This concept is the core of Progressive Fighting System’s Rapid Assault Tactics, (R.A.T.) program.

           This program was developed in the 1980’s for our Navy SEALs and is now used by the DEA, FBI, SWAT teams, Army Rangers, Marine Corps First Fleet Anti-Terrorist first response team, (Iraq), and numreous other Law enforcement Agencies across the world.

Now, more than ever, our military technology is being taught to everyday folks empowering them to make a difference in today’s world! (against carjacking, home invasion, child abduction, rape and assault prevention).
 

• Training tip 1). Have your training partner glove up and throw jabs at your face. Focus on always having an elbow in front of your head.
• Training tip 2). Repeat the same techniques with the low line strikes. Repetition is the key here as you want your first response to any incoming strike to be a destructive, pain inflicting move.

Thomas Cruse is the Senior Training Officer of Progressive Fighting Systems. Tom has been with PFS for 25 years.

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