Two Strike Combinations

The two strike combinations are a categorization and examination of the proper form and body mechanics necessary to move from one strike to another in a continuous manner. Mastery of these combinations provides one with the ability to perform longer, technically correct combinations. 

I. Combinations Which Start With A Hand Attack

II, Combinations Which Start With A Elbow Attack
III. Combinations Which Start With A Knee Attack
IV. Combinations Which Start With A Kick Attack

Elbow to Elbow Combinations

Lead Elbow to Rear Elbow

  Lead Vertical Elbow to Rear Diagonally Down Elbow *Example

Rear Elbow to Lead Elbow

Lead Elbow to Lead Elbow

Rear Elbow to Rear Elbow

Lead Hand to Rear Elbow

Jab-> Rear Horizontal Elbow

Jab-> Rear Diagonally Down Elbow *Example

Jab-> Rear Spinning Elbow *Example

Lead Hook-> Rear Vertical Elbow *Example

Angular Attack

Angular attacks employ the use of sideways and diagonal footwork in an attempt to find or create open targets which to attack. This method is often used in conjunction with the other methods of attack. 

Cross->Shifting Cross->Pivoting Hook->Rear Round Kick *Carlos Condit Example

Slide Step Into A Long Bob (Crouch)->Cross

Jab with Angle Step->Pivot *Gabriel Varga

BJJ Scout: Dominick Cruz Study Part 1 - Stances, Footwork and Takedowns

BJJ Scout: Dominick Cruz Study Part 2 - Footwork and Counter Strategy Explained (Remastered)

BJJ Scout: Dominick Cruz Study Part 3 - Next Level Footwork & UFN Boston Preview

Oblique Kick

 

Jon Jones oblique kick to Rampage Jackson

The oblique kick is a mid range kick that strikes the opponents lead knee or lower thigh with the flat of your rear foot. It is an odd and deceptive kick which is effective at inhibiting your opponents forward movement. It also has the potential of hyperextending the opponents knee which can cause serious damage.

Oblique kick used a couple times during this fight

Jon Jones using the oblique kick in fights

Carlos Condit uses oblique kick against Dany Hardy

Holly Holm

Tutorial: The Oblique Kick With Jon Jones & Mike Winkeljohn

Tutorial: Carlos Condit

Overhand

The overhand is a curved or arcing punch delivered in a downward motion to the opponents head. 

Offensively it is often used to go over an opponents guard. Defensively, it can be usd as an intercepting counter punch, traveling around and over your opponents punch. The punch can be thrown with the lead hand but is more often used as a rear hand punch. 

1. Lead Overhand

2. Rear Overhand *Gabriel Varga Tutorial

Hang Overhand

1) Lead Hand *example

2) Rear Hand *example *Cruz example

Default Positions/Responses

Default positions refer to defensive responses which provide a high degree of momentary protection to a variety of common attacks. 

Many self-defense situations do not allow you the distance or reaction time necessary to use defensive tools geared to specific attacks. At best you are able to detect your opponent coming at you with some sort of aggressive motion. Why is this? Because verbal exchanges with unknown contacts sometimes happen at medium range where there is very little time to analyze and react to an attack (not to mention the psychological distractions these ditags may use). In these situations, a good default response is likely to provide enough protection against the initial assault and place you in a good position to begin a counter attack. 

Common default positions:

Spear (Tony Blauer)

Helmet (Burton Richardson

Modified Helmet (Craig Douglas, Red Zone)

Stickgrappler: Self-Defense: SouthNarc (aka Craig Douglas) - Some thoughts on the "Default Position"

Stickgrappler: Self-Defense: Lee Aldridge - Default Positions, Pre-Emptive Striking, and Mass Confusion

Functional Self Defense: Default Response Clarification

Stark Reality: The "Peek-A-Boo" Tactic in Modern Martial Arts