Preemptive Kicks (Yellow Belt)

Preemptive Straight Kick

Preemptive Side Kick

Preemptive Kicks (Yellow Belt)

If a defender recognizes an impending upperbody attack, he can simply kick the attacker in the midsection, groin or knee to preempt the attack.  The defender then may continue with retzev combatives as necessary.  The crucial concept, is that it does not matter what type of attacker intends (i.e. a push, straight punch, hook punch, frontal takedown, grab etc.).  The defender can take the initiative to thwart the attack.  This is preemptive self-defense, but, one had better be able to articulate why you did it.

Pre-assault indicators (non-exclusive):

1. Verbal aggression;
2. Hands tighten/clenched fists;
3. A change in posture and/or neck tightens or
4. moves onto the balls of the feet or begins disrobing
5. Face becomes flush or pale;
6. Excessive blinking;
7. Lips separate baring teeth;
8. Chin is tucked and/or eyebrows furrow and drop;
9. Perspiration on the face;
10. Individual ignores officer or looks past/away from the intended target;
11. Target glancing: your vulnerable anatomy;
12. Scanning for witnesses.

Facts to Keep in Mind:

• 85% > of the population is right handed. Watching both hands is important, but, emphasis should beplaced on the suspect’s right arm first.
• 92% of felons carry handgun in the middle of the torso. (Source: FLETC 2015)
• It takes a felon only 26/100ths of a second to deploy a weapon from his waistband

Priorities in reactionary gap:

• Hands
• Waistline
• Demeanor
• Lunging distance (less than 6 feet danger of closing reactionary gap)