Self Defense - Interview with Master

Question - What techniques can I use against a bigger stronger opponent?
It is basically impossible for a weaker opponent to out muscle a bigger opponent. The weaker opponent must focus on strategic weak points (nerve and pressure points) to the bigger opponents face, neck, groin and lower torso area. The attack should be quick, decisive and strong.

You must first learn the basics of striking. The basics of any martial arts can be attained by going to classes or reviewing information from books, tapes and DVD’s.

Even if you don’t know many techniques, one or two well placed strikes should work well for you to cause maximum damage. These techniques must be diligently practiced in order to master them.

Practice with a partner and in front of a mirror. It is very hard for a smaller opponent to deal out maximum damage to a larger opponent without practicing. Practice striking appropriately and quickly. Again learning the basic striking points and practicing them is the key.

Internal energy breathing is also helpful. Internal energy allows you to strike with greater force.

Master Kim will soon have a DVD available that will focus on the basics. Again practice is the key to success.


Question - If I want to know just one technique then what technique would you suggest?
It would depend on the situation. Let’s explore a scenario where a 6 foot 220 pound man attacks a 5 foot 120 pound woman by walking up to the woman and grabbing the woman’s arm or shoulder with his right hand.

The woman could block the mans arm or hand using her left hand. The using her right palm, strike the man to the nose either by pushing the nose up or hitting the bridge of the nose. The woman should then follow up with a knee to the mans groin.

Regardless of size or build all people have the same pain when nerve points are attacked to the face. Facial strike points are: The side of the neck just below the chin (Adams apple or trachea). The side of the neck just behind the ear. The nose, either the bridge of the nose or just under the nose where the nasal areas are. The eyes are very sensitive to gouges. The temple – a precise strike here will render a man unconscious.

Question - What are the easiest basic blocks to learn to protect yourself from a bigger opponent
There are 10 basic blocks that Master Kim teaches his beginning students. When a punch is thrown you do not want to be stationary so it’s important to step to the right or left so you won’t get hit.

In the case of sliding (stepping) to the right you would move your right foot to the front and side (about 45 degrees) and using your opposite (left) hand, execute a block with you arm straight out.

In the case of sliding to the left then use a right hand block.

If the strike is coming from above you can slide to the left or right and use your opposite hand in a high block above your head.

Question - Defenses against multiple attackers
The first point that master Kim emphasizes is to find a wall or barrier to put your back against so that your opponents are in front of you. If you are in an open space then try to find a tree of column.

A little secret that anyone can use is to use a blinding technique. Grab some sand or dirt (you can also carry a small plastic bag that you can rip open with your hand). Throw the sand towards the opponents eyes. You could also use pepper.

After blinding your opponent then go for a quick instant strike to the opponents weak facial pressure points or groin before your opponents recovers.

Try to draw attention to yourself by calling for help.

One caution about the blinding technique is to watch the wind. You don’t want the sand or pepper back at you.

Another variation on this technique is when someone tries to strike or grab you can slide to the right or left, block their strike and then blind the opponent by throwing the sand or pepper. Again go for the quick strike to the facial pressure point or groin.

For a martial artist using sand or pepper is not an honorable way to use martial arts. However in the context of someone who does not know martial arts it’s a very effective way to defend yourself against multiple attackers.

Question - How can a person defend themselves against a weapon such as a gun or a knife.
What we mean by weapons defense is when an opponent has a gun or knife in front of you or shoved in your back.

These types of cases are highly volatile. Without having learned basic skills and in addition not studied advanced techniques it can lead to a worse situation.

For these types of defenses you must learn specifically from a school or specialist. These techniques are also covered in books or DVD’s.

Master Kim emphasizes that in the case of weapons you must learn from a specialist or martial arts master. There is no proper way to defend yourself without learning the proper techniques.

You can mistake a mistake and recover from a punch or grab and still apply a proper strike. However using a haphazard technique against a gun or knife can lead to serious injury or the end of your life.

There is no one way to defend yourself against a gun or knife without learning the proper skills from a specialist or martial arts master.

Master Kim hopes this guide helps you in learning the new self defense techniques that he will be soon promoting.