The Value of

SELF-DEFENCE IN WARTIME

or any other time, depends on knowing some secrets of Ju-jitsu.
Here are a few easy tricks which will give you confidence to
face an aggressor, no matter what form he takes.

By

Leaguer K. R. THORP

JU-JITSU as a means of self-defence in wartime is second-to-none in the single-combat methods. Modern warfare, we know, makes single-combat less possible than in the past by its own scientific advancement. Thousands of lives are lost in conflict without one ever coming into actual grips with one's opponents. Nevertheless, occasions do arise in which hand-to-hand fighting occurs, and, as in the last war, many a man owes his life to the knowledge of a trick in ju-jitsu when he was surprised by an opponent seeking shelter in the same shell-hole, or when hand-to-hand fighting in trench warfare.

Today, in our modern warfare, there are the possibilities of such occasions arising again, and though ju-jitsu does not and cannot give man protection from bullets and shrapnel, it does give him added protection in hand-to-hand conflict, even if one's opponent is armed.

Fig I

Fig II

A number of you readers may have had extensive training in the Japanese art of self-defence, and still others with only a slight knowledge or none at all. Ju-jitsu comprises hundreds of tricks in self-defence and these can be added to by variations of the same, or in combination with others. Experience has taught me that in contest and even in actual combat these are decided by the simpler tricks of self-defence. A few well learned tricks are better than many tricks half learned, and more so, if a trick in ju-jitsu has a wider application to many ways of attack. Such a trick is "The Powerful Arm Hold." Its use will defend you against a person who may attack you with fist, stick, or weapon; who attempts to throttle you either with one or both hands, and even with a knife at your throat; who seizes you around the waist intending to throw you, or pick your pockets, and also, who may attempt strangulation on the ground. Learn this trick with a friend and practise it carefully. Remember that any form of roughness on your part will cause breakage or dislocation of the wrist, elbow and shoulder. Be cautious.

Seize your opponent's right wrist with your right hand, putting a twist in your arm first — that is, you seize his wrist with the thumb edge of your hand at the base of his thumb. Swing his arm backward, upward, forward, and downward in a circle. Simultaneously seize his right elbow with your left hand and step your left leg in front of his right leg to prevent him slipping out of the hold. "L" shape the captured arm as shown in Fig. II. Bring pressure to bear across the knuckles of his hand as you twist the wrist over to the elbow. Your opponent must submit or have his arm dislocated at the wrist and elbow. You may, also, bring your opponent to the ground by kicking away his right leg with your left leg.

Defence Against Throttling.

Your opponent has seized you by the throat with his right hand in an attempt to strangle you. Bring your right hand up and grasp his right wrist. Simultaneously seize his arm with your left hand at his elbow, swing to your right, stepping your left leg in front of his right leg as illustrated in Fig. II and bring submission by twisting the captured arm as described.

Fig. I shows the double-handed throttle. The defence against this is the same as described in the previous trick, but, in this case, you completely ignore your opponent's left hand. Bring your right arm over his left arm, seizing his right wrist. With your left hand at his right elbow, swing his arm up and over to your right, stepping your left leg in front of his right leg as described in the foregoing tricks.

Supposing your assailant has seized you by the collar with his left hand and is presenting a knife at your throat in his right hand. In all defences against weapons, it is the safest policy to gain control of the weaponed arm. Seize the right wrist, as previously described in the double-handed throttle, and swing his arm well over to the right, coming in to the position in Fig. II. Disarm by bringing pressure to bear upon the captured wrist.

When Seized Around the Waist.

Your opponent is standing at your left side with his right hand around your waist. He intends to throw you to the ground or to pick your pocket. With your right hand seize your assailant's right hand across the back of the knuckles. Turn completely right-about, carrying his arm up and over, simultaneously seizing his elbow with your left hand and stepping your left leg in front of his right leg.

Defence Against Attack with Fist, Stick, or Knife.

Your opponent leads a right-hand blow to the face. Parry his arm with your right forearm, swinging his arm forcefully and swiftly to your right. Simultaneously seize his arm at the elbow and step your left leg across in front of his right leg to prevent him slipping the hold Fig. II.

If your assailant is armed either with knife or stick and is striking a blow at your head and shoulders, parry the weaponed arm with your right forearm, swinging into the position previously described in the foregoing trick.

Defence Against Strangulation.

Your assailant has you on the ground and is sitting or kneeling astride of you with intent to strangle. If it is either a one hand choke or the double-hand strangle, the defence is the same as described in the standing position.

Seize your opponent's right wrist with your right hand, and with your left hand grasping his elbow, swing your opponent over to your right side, rolling him over on to his face. Bring his captured arm up into the "L" position, and by twisting the wrist back over to the elbow, induce submission.

These tricks are applicable from either side. Practise them as left-handed defences by reversing these instructions. Let me warn you again to practise these tricks carefully with your friend, for sudden pressure will dislocate his wrist and elbow; but in the event that you must protect yourself and your property, "go to it."

Source: "Health and Strength" February 22nd, 1941.