Escapes

Yudansha Fighting System

Program of Instruction Art. 02 November 8, 2006

Escapes are probably the most important but most neglected part of training in today’s martial arts community. Training to escape vulnerable and compromising positions is an invaluable means that should be included in all ground syllabuses. We must not forget the reason we train in the first place; for the one time in our lives that we may have to use the techniques we’ve learned in defense of our family, friends, or ourselves. If you were to find yourself on your back with someone on top in the mount position what type of escape would you use? Take that same escape and try it again allowing your opponent to throw strikes, or better yet, give them a weapon; say an edged weapon. Would this put another factor in your training regimen? I would hope so. Many train the escapes under normal parameters: soft footed area, no weapons, and no strikes. Incorporate all these things in your next training session and you will find a level of intensity that you haven’t experienced before. Train escapes from the mount, side mount, knee ride, back mount, and scarf hold. Throw in strikes, weapons, and even do it on uncommon ground, such as concrete or grassy area. Also, you and your partner train the escapes in something that you would wear out on the weekends, such as jeans and a collared shirt. You can throw in a time limit to see how quickly you can get back to your feet from all the vulnerable positions. You will quickly find this training session not as forgiving on the body as the soft mat you’re used to. This is a good thing.

Remember, you should always be training yourself in all aspects of a situation and keep it as realistic as possible while maintaining safety.