Holding a club, stick or any weapon that is relatively long leaves the opponent to use one or both hands to hold up the weapon. This also puts the opponent in a vulnerable place because he or she is exposed with many weak points for attempting to get close to you while holding the weapon. Weapons that are long are less of a threat to nearby targets than to targets at a distance because of the length.
Therefore, coming up close to the opponent holding a long club or stick is advantageous.
1. Try using any object you are carrying as a shield while approaching the opponent quickly. In Picture 1 the woman is using her bag in front of her while approaching the attacker up close. In case you do get a hit from the weapon, you still need to approach close enough to the opponent in order to take control of the situation.
This is to prevent the opponent from making any additional blows against you from a distance. Also turning your back to run away will only make you blind to what the opponent is about to do. Make sure you hold up your bag or any other object you have on you to use as a shield but keep an eye on the opponent while quickly getting close as shown in the picture.
2. Either block the weapon with your object or hit the hand holding up the weapon, then take a blow at the opponent with your free hand. In Picture 2, the defender is attacking with her free hand clenched into a fist aiming for the opponent’s chin.
This can also lead to hitting the opponent with fists, knees, head, foot and other parts of your body up close and personal.
Seo Gyo-sun
By Seo Gyo-sun
Seo Gyo-sun, an internationally certified Taekwondo Grand Master, judge and coach, holds a B.A. in taekwondo from Kyung Hee University. — Ed.
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
