MBC Instructional Column #11

Michael Janich · #1

To all:

To continue with the theme from my last column, let's take a look at the second phase of Counter-Blade Craft (CBC): Control and Counter.

Control and Counter tactics are used when you cannot or choose not to hit and run with a Deflect and Counter tactic. In confined quarters, on slippery terrain, or in situations where you are duty bound to tie up with a knife-wielding attacker, your goal is to control the knife wielding limb securely while you deliver blows and/or throws to incapacitate the attacker.

This phase of CBC is initially learned via the 7-Position CBC Flow Drill, which I have described previously in another thread. In case you didn't see that explanation, here it is again:

Block angle 1 and control with an elbow wrap and pressure to the upper arm. Pass and flow to angle 2. Block angle 2 and armbar. If the armbar fails, flow up to figure 4. Back out to armbar, pas to angle 3. Block angle 3, wrap under and control with armbar/compression. Pass to angle 4. Block angle 4 and armbar with hook from below. If this fails, flow up to figure 4. Back out to armbar, partner withdraws to thrust angle 5. Catch at elbow, slide out to upward armbar/break. He retracts again, catch at elbow, feed to your left side and back to position 1.

This is only a cursory explanation, as the details of the execution of each position of the drill do not lend themselves to a concise explanation. Please bear in mind that each of these control positions, although potentially a long-term control tactic, is really designed to buy you the time to inflict some real damage with your unoccupied body parts. Usually, this takes the form of eye striks, hammerfists, knees to the groin and legs, low-line kicks, stomps, ankle rolls, foot traps, head butts, and elbows. I also teach the use of these positions in a team-tactic scenario, where the finishing blows are administered by a partner, such as a fellow officer, flight attendant, or security guard. Once basic control is established, I also teach the use of pentjak silat-style throws that use the concept of triangular footwork and the angles of the equilateral triangle.

Once you've got the basics of the 7-Position drill down, we combine it with the Pekiti Tirsia passing drill (sometimes also known as the Hammer-and-Anvil Drill) to provide spontaneous entries into each position. This takes the drill out of the context of rote repetition and allows the defender to develop both initial and ongoing reflex actions as the attack and defense progress.

A very important aspect of this phase of CBC is also learning to realize when your technique has failed and placing survival above obstinate adherance to technique. In other words, you tie up to try to establish control. As you lose control, you recognize the problem, break contact safely, and change your tactics to meet the needs of the situation.

Like all aspects of MBC, CBC Control and Counter is outcome-based education at its best. You don't have to fight like me, you need only fight WELL.

Thanks for reading.

Stay safe,

Rex G · #2

Thanks!

mort · #3

I wish I knew how to create animated stick figure movies. Orchestrating the various movements would be cool.

Sirius · #4

Mike,
Another excellent column!
Much appreciated, especially the description of the 7-position drill. It fits very well with some work I have been doing lately.
Thanks again.

Sirius