KSK Hawaii - Home of the DAMASOC System

Major Principles of Unarmed Combat

Outside the arena of sporting events there is a zone of contact, in which we as aware individuals, know that criminal elements select & search for to gain the edge over their victim. When it comes to the confrontation we have to agree that the first rule is, “there aren’t any rules”.

1. Fight Direct & Dirty.

There can be nothing remotely mistaken about a confrontation on the street with a person with criminal intent. Playing fair, or having honor in combat will not help you to survive. Bricks, sticks, rocks, bottles, gouging, kicking, stomping, biting, will show your assailant that you aren’t skittish about being right there in the gutter with him. Be Direct. Hit first, fast & hard.

2. Vital Targets.

Watching many talk about fighting, I often hear the term, “that’s not a legal target”. I prefer to think of “those” targets as game enders. While not in a sporting event, we’ve already said there are no rules. Eyes, throat, testicles, fingers, toes, back of skull, and/or any other weak point that may present itself should be at the forefront of our offensive structure.

3. Attack the Attack

Defense is a loser’s strategy. Turn defense to offense upon entry, surprising an attacker with a crippling counter offensive. There is nothing more demoralizing than have you plan go to hell because your victim is more dirty, ready, and determined to win at any cost.

4. KISS (Keep it simple, stupid)

Nice fancy, flowery, & elaborate techniques are great for demonstrations & shows, but under fire quickly turn to dung. Simple sure structure & striking will deflect and destroy an attacker’s will and deter his resolve. Deliver your attack without mercy and with all your power.

5. Momentum

Delivering a single blow, and watching to see if it was effective will only let the tide turn on you. Initial entry should be followed by a ruthless series of techniques, delivered with controlled aggression until the attacker is rendered harmless. With more than one attacker, one should move from one to another quickly, giving them no time to set up strategy.

6. Expect Injury

No matter how strong you get, or special martial style you train, you will not have an invisible force field around you. You should be prepared to inhale pain, and work with injury. Criminal elements are not usually courageous, nor known for great combative skill, but they are usually tough & had some experience with street fighting. Never under estimate your attacker.

7. Stay off the Ground

Stay mobile, keep your balance, stay upright. This gives you the means of escape if the situation is not a winner for you. Understand that on the ground you are susceptible to the same dirty tactics you wish to use. If your attacker goes to the ground keep him there with brutal kicks & stomping techniques.

8. Awareness & Preparation

Training physically through scenarios should also be backed up with mental training. Running your mind over all “what ifs “ and injecting them into physical training will reinforce good conditioned responses. Staying alert, away from bad situations, will minimize contact with undesirables but when SHTF one should be able to rely on the physical/mental link to react.