There are often many instances when a law enforcement officer is involved in a foot pursuit or a “full-on” fight with one or more individuals that one becomes so exhausted that you feel you can’t go on. I learned some valuable lessons which I will pass on to you. Many officers admit they had never been in a fist fight throughout their entire life. This always seemed unbelievable to me, being raised in Los Angeles and graduating from Compton High School. They carried a fear of how well they would do, or how they would react when their first fight occurred. I’m sure there are many in San Soo who feel the same way, wondering if they have what it takes. Jimmy always said “You don’t have to fight to see if you can fight. Every time you work out, you fight”. This is true but there are some factors to explain. The critical factor is that you work out properly to gain those benefits. If you work out seriously – really mean it. Work out with “intent”. This does not mean speed and power – but intent to finish the fight as soon as possible and make every move count. If you miss, you follow up and correct the error. This type of work-out is what Jimmy was referring to. You can feel more comfortable with your knowledge and abilities when you know you can control the situation. Working on pure speed usually leads to a sloppy workout with moves and techniques that are not followed through. It is my belief that if you practice with “flow” and intent, the speed will be there when you need it.
In combat or some sort of physical exertion you may think you will run out of steam – that you just can’t go on. In the street there is no surrender, you might try but your opponent may still continue fighting. It’s been my experience that your opponent usually feels the same and if you continue just a little longer, he will quit or run.
One police officer was engaged in a foot pursuit which went on for an extended distance. Both he and the suspect became tired and fell on the ground and gasped for air. There was some distance between them, but they could see each other. One would jump to his feet and run which caused the other to run. This scenario replayed itself three or four times before the thief gave up and was taken into custody. It would have been easy for the officer to give up and end the chase, but he gave that little extra effort.
Most San Soo students believe that an opponent will throw one punch and the student will block, complete a smooth technique and the fight will be over. It could happen that way but if you have seen much action, you will know many fights are very, unorthodox and strange things happen. You must learn to expect anything and change to suit the occasion. I remember one arrest in which I had the suspect’s dog biting and hanging on to my pant leg until I subdued his owner. Only after the subject was handcuffed could I get the dog’s teeth from my pants leg!
Pain is the other issue of combat which needs to be discussed. Your mind will usually do an excellent job of shutting off pain during a fight and you don’t need to concentrate on that with your conscious mind. You will injure yourself in almost every fight, degrees varying from slight to major injury If you strike an opponent “full bore” you may cut or bruise, or even break a knuckle. Whatever you do you will usually feel something the next day. If you me seriously hurt or bleeding severely you may need to back off and get medical help. If it’s just pain from a broken finger or strained muscle and you have all of your subconscious mind on winning the fight, you will not usually feel the pain until the fight is over.
If you must defend yourself, it would be great if just by delivering one or two punches you are victorious. It’s not only fighting. but any type of competition that you can win by that “little extra” effort. This is also a reason one should conserve their energy and stay loose and relaxed until you need to attack. When someone is arguing or about to strike, we (San Soo practitioners) are not at a disadvantage as we don’t have to take a typical “on guard” stance. We are merely utilizing the element of surprise and a relaxed posture allows us to respond quicker. Many people feel that by standing rigid and flexing their muscles that they are ready for action. It’s just the opposite. If you want speed, stay loose.
As Jimmy said, “You can walk away with confidence but if he comes to me, 1/1,000th of a second and he’s mine.”
Master Ron Gatewood
