Three Rules for Self Defense: Rule One

“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:4-5

Rules are important. They give us both purpose and direction. The first definition for rule in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is – “a prescribed guide for conduct or action.” Rules tell us what is expected of us if we become participants in any type of life activity.

Most martial arts systems have rules for conduct and action. During the coming weeks we will share with you several “Rules of Three” that are part of Grace Martial Arts.

Rules of Engagement

Yon Ch’uan has 3 Zones of Engagement. Each Zone has its own unique advantages to defending self and others.

3rd Zone – Not within reachable space

Our training begins in Zone 3. The advantage of being in Zone 3 is that you probably will not have to engage in physical self defense as long as you are aware of your situation (situational awareness). We call that 60/360 awareness.

We are aware of our present situation at all times (every 60 seconds) and in every direction (360 degrees). We know what’s happening around us and whether we need to do something to protect ourselves or others. Our senses are finely tuned toward safety concerns at all time. Spouses, parents and friends will also be looking out for the safety of others as well as themselves. That can be for human, animal or other dangers (e.g. cars, trucks, construction equipment, storms, water hazards, etc.)

2nd Zone – Within reachable space

The next part of our training moves to Zone 2. The advantage of being in Zone 2 is that you can use a variety of escape skills to quickly find an exit that keeps you from being physically attacked (exit strategy).

Zone 2 is anytime you are within reachable distance from a person or persons who may want to harm you. If they are close enough to grab, push, pull, tackle, hit or kick you, you and anyone with you are in danger. In fact, Zone 2 may be the most dangerous place for you since you may have only a split second to decide what to do to keep yourself and others who are with you safe.

The optimal choice is to move yourself (and others) from Zone 2 to Zone 3 so the potential attacker(s) can’t reach you without making movements toward you. If the attacker(s) moves toward you after you have moved a safe distance away from him, you may need to use self-defense techniques learned for the 1st Zone.

1st Zone – Force applied

The advantage of being in Zone 1 is that you can use your training in evasion to escape or enter depending on which option is better.

Zone 1 defense techniques include escaping, blocking, striking, trapping and throwing.  Grace Martial Arts instructors teach these techniques from aspects of effectiveness, efficiency and legality.

Next Time

We will look at another set of Rules of Three for Yon Ch’uan Martial Arts when our special series continues next week.

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