Steve Rowe

In this video Steve Rowe explains and demonstrates how the non-blocking arm in a traditional martial arts block can be turned into an offensive weapon by forming a 'wedge'. This goes hand in hand with a hunter mindset

Notes

* Some people use the term 'wedge', others the term 'fence'. Both mean essentially the same thing but Steve Rowe differentiates between the two, arguing that a 'wedge' is offensive while a 'fence' is defensive. A 'wedge' is proactive.

* With a defensive mindset you will be predisposed to moving back from an attack. Therefore do NOT focus on blocking as such. Any attack made against you is instead disrupted with an offensive technique.

* In close quarter combat your mindset has to be strong and powerful. It is comparable to the mind displayed by a hunting animal. The hunting animal is not preoccupied with worrying if its prey will fight back or not. It is simply looking for the kill.

* The wedge in physical manifestation can be understood as the non-blocking arm that is often displayed in traditional martial arts such as karate as the limb first thrown out before the actual block is executed with the second arm. Ideally the point of contact for the wedge is the outer edge of the forearm below the elbow. The elbow should be bent and the overall frame held strong.

* The wedge intercepts an attack but does not block it. The motion of the wedge is not stopped by the interception / 'block' but instead the wedge continues forward through the incoming technique and into the opponent.

* As a fighting principle the wedge is about cutting into the opponent. As a principle it can be demonstrated using any technique and is not confined to the non-blocking arm in a blocking technique (as described above).

* The wedge - whether the technique of using the non-blocking hand or a combat principle - becomes an offensive technique after the incoming attack has been disrupted.

* Your body needs to be internally connected from the feet to the hands to create the necessary strength and power while remaining relaxed enough not to be tense and inflexible.

* As an offensive movement comes into you, move forward into it. Twist your body from the feet upwards as you move forward to generate additional power and extend the wedge as you do so.

* You can follow up the wedge with a more overtly offensive technique as you deem necessary.

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