Fighting Options
Sucker Punch

Fighting Options - the best strategy to precede your escape from an attacker is a Sucker Punch. Know this: Surprise is a weapon.

What is a Sucker Punch? The slang term “sucker punch” means to “sucker” or surprise someone by launching a sneak attack without any warning. The Sucker Punch must be delivered from within close range, usually from less than an arm’s length away. Attacking first has a major advantage. It can be any strike – not only a punch – or it can be any weapon (almost anything handy can be thrown or smashed into his face, head, throat, or eyes). This should be followed with additional strikes to reduce his threat to you and allow your escape.

Reaction Time: All humans have a reaction time of at least a half-second to any stimulus, such as a puddle about to be splashed on you or a dog about to lick your face. You see it coming but can’t dodge it in time. Even if you’re anxiously anticipating catching a toddler on the verge of falling, you’ll often react just a tad too late. Trying to swat a fly is another example. A half-second is actually a long time, especially in physical combat. You must beat him to the punch or get punched yourself.

“Telegraphing your intent” spoils the surprise by sending a message beforehand. Don’t threaten or adopt a fighting stance (Posturing is a wholly different strategy – don't use it with a Sucker Punch). Avoid even subtle body-language signals or cues, such as dropping the chin, widening the eyes, tensing the body, or hauling back your fist to “wind-up” for a punch. Slyly launch your strike from wherever your body-weapon happens to be.

How do you defend against Sucker Punches? It's not easy - that's why they're such good offensive fighting options. Nevertheless, stay more than an arm’s length away (the further, the better) and watch for him telegraphing his intent to attack. Relax – a tensed body is slower. Ignore other distractions. Use your peripheral vision to watch his hands, they’re the most likely to harm you. Be ready to duck and run. If you are knocked down, stay down and immediately assume the powerful Defensive Ground Kicks position (in Strategies - Fighting Options) prior to escaping.

How do you use a Sucker Punch to your advantage? Be close, within an arm’s length. Use your knowledge of reaction time. Use Startle Speed – the speed used to pull your hand away from a hot stove. Do not telegraph your intent. Attack with the same strike repeatedly or follow your Sucker Punch with the Mixed Strikes in Strategies for Fighting Options. Use only enough force to allow your escape from danger.

Add to the surprise: A distraction can be used prior to a Sucker Punch to add to the surprise. Spitting in his face causes him to reflexively wipe it off – giving you more time to Sucker Punch him. Or strike while he’s speaking – in mid-sentence. Or use anything else the situation provides, such as faking a stumble, dropping something, throwing a lighted cigarette or drink in his face, feigning illness, or any of the fakes described in Quick Tricks.

What’s the best Sucker Punch to use? The best of all are the “Finger-Whips-to-the-Eyes.” That’s whipping your hand and wrist as though you’re flicking water off your fingertips. This allows all four fingertips to strike the eye. They:

1. are the fastest of all strikes and can be repeated rapidly,
2. don’t require strength, only speed (see Startle Speed above),
3. are the least telegraphed of all strikes.
4. cause great pain, distraction, and incapacity. Yes, they are gruesome, but that’s the point – they must be powerful enough to save women or children fighting for their lives.

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Go to
• Fighting Options - Overview: escaping from a violent predator.
• Myths: debunking misconceptions.
• When to Defend Yourself: acting instead of reacting.
• Sucker Punch: a surprise attack (YOU’RE NOW ON THIS PAGE).
• Strategies for optimal fighting.
• Improvised Weapons
• Choosing a Self-Defense Class.
• Pepper Spray, Devices, & Weapons.

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