Sectoral defence

Sectoral defence or ‘four elbows’

 We took the question of sectoral defence very seriously. We have worked out a large amount of defencive actions and settled upon 'double elbow defence' from 'old' boxing. Then we have mastered this defence technique without boxing gloves, with bare fists and came to so called 'sectoral defence'.
If there comes a series of strikes in a street fight, it is difficult to block single strikes, because they are quick and dense and they get out of sight. Besides, fighting with bare fists in real life as opposed to fighting in gloves on a ring has a number of specific characteristics, which sometimes can be come a revelation for a fighter, for example:  

-          a fist can creep in any hole because of its small size;

-          due to the external conditions (sudden attack, beginning of attack missed) you often start defencive actions at a short distance, which deprives you of time for manoeuvres;

-          there is no possibility to move free (you were attacked in a confined space (porch, elevator, staircase, corridor etc.).

 All these factors change defence tactics a lot. That is why in the street we use sectoral defence with evadings and counterattack. 

What is sectoral defence or 'four elbows' anyway?        

 First of all, we suggest dividing a body in four zones.

The vertical line goes through the nose, middle of the chest, divides a man in two parts.

The horizontal line goes through solar plexus.

Now all attacks in the head, body, groin and hips can be divided in sectors.

Reminder: any attack lower than hip middle is fended off or blocked with legs.

 First elbow – stretched at a distance of a shoulder from the body, forearm almost vertically, fist looks up and leans on the head, creating a tough construction. Jaws behind the shoulder, forearm covers the upper left or upper right sector. This element can be used for defence from arms and legs and also for 'entering' the opponent and close-in fighting.

  Second elbow – forearm fully covers the side part of the head and toughly pressed to the head, hand covers the nape. This type of defence is used during side kicks and for 'entering' the opponent.

  Third elbow – meets the opponent at a distance of a shoulder from the body, forearm horizontally and in parallel with the body. Rough strike is made in any part of the body and aims at slowing down the opponent's attack and disturbing his balance. This type of strike is very effective due to the use of the whole body and very few painful zones on elbows and forearms – that is why it is used independent from the opponent's limb position. But apart from the active phase this technical element is a binding part between strikes and so called 'house' – pushing and control over the opponent.

Forth elbow – forearm vertically, fist looks down, elbow looks up. This kind of defence covers the body while moving sidewards and is mainly used while leaving the strike exchange zone for the middle distance. It is also used together with the second arm to attack the opponents arms and legs. Apart from defence it is easy to switch to the attack of the opponent's chin, neck and groin with the backside of your fist.

  The aim of the sectoral defence is the defence against the opponent's attack, when evading the attack is impossible because of lack of time or space for manoeuvres. It is also impossible and dangerous to strike aside because of the small size of the fist and its high speed (without gloves). The only thing left is to cover the attacked sector with your forearm and elbow at the shortest distance. The defending forearm and elbow is a serious obstacle for the fist, the fist can be even damaged.

But the key action is not only covering the attacked zone – this is not enough, because it doesn't deprive the opponent of his initiative – but also coming closer or so called 'entering the opponent'.

Entering the opponent along with the use of the 'first' and the 'second' elbow includes express counterattcking actions (apart from defence actions). The striking elbow or forearm using the whole body mass attacks the neck, face, biceps or shoulder of the opponent. That means that apart from just striking with an elbow of forearm entering the opponent stimulates the beginning of the attack. The opponent rams against your elbow and stops because of pain, danger or suddenness and this pause is used to counterattack.

 For example:

-          Using the 'first elbow' you attack the opponent's nose, throat, teeth, jaw and collar bones, which makes him stop his attack and even stagger back. This is the moment of passing into the couterattack and the defence scheme is 'push-strike-seize'. The left elbow defends itself from the opponent's direct strike ('first elbow') - step forward – forearm into the opponent's collar bone. Then you push the opponent's head with the same forearm, then, for example, you strike directly with your right arm, then with your left arm or after striking with your right arm you seize the opponent with the left one and then - again – strike him with your right arm. The aim of the scheme is to push the opponent backwards, not to allow him to recover balance and to seize the initiative.

-          The most effective method of using the 'second elbow', defending yourself from side kicks with your arm while entering the opponent is attacking his biceps or shoulder with your elbow. You start as fast as you can, bending your knees and evading the kicks and try to aim with you elbow at the opponent's ribs, chest and head. Then you can use the scheme 'push-strike-seize'.

 Sectoral defence is characterized by simplicity and effectiveness: while attacking or counterattacking you exclude one of the sectors covering it with your body or limbs, which helps you to concentrate on the attack.

At the same time if the opponent's attack is too dense, you define the biggest sector of potential affection and secure yourself by covering it, which reduces the possibility of defeat immensely.

Apart from the contact with the opponent's limbs sectoral defence helps to feel the space and to work out the skill, the reaction of body and sector both within the fight and before the fight (while estimating the situation). Secondary, but significant support: elbow pointing at the opponent doesn't let him brace you and gives you possibility to attack.

 SUMMARY

 Sectoral defence:

1. simplifies defencive actions;
2. gives the possibility to counterattack;
3. enables to control the space and the distance;
4. reduces the risk of defeat from the opponent's attack;
5. can be used in the group attack.