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By Bradley J. Steiner
Related to the editorial about boxers’ training methods, and how only a few techniques are necessary for hand-to-hand combat and self-defense, we are reminded every day that we train and every time that we teach of the INCREDIBLE merits of the simple, proven hand axe chop.
During WWII the West was widely introduced to the edge-of-the-hand blow, thanks to Fairbairn, primarily (although Hipkiss, O’Neill, Brown and Begala, and several other first-rate and outstandingly excellent teachers of the period also stressed this strike in their courses). Since Fairbairn (and the others) had been primarily versed in jujutsu (insofar as combat techniques were concerned) they were acquainted with jiu-jutsu’s atemi waza version of the open, side-of-the-hand strike.
This version employed the stiffened, open hand, thumb extended, with the striking surface being the meaty portion of the edge of the hand between the base of the little finger and the wrist. Later in the history of Western martial arts, as the karate, ch ‘uan fa, and taekwondo arts were introduced, the superior tensed and flexed hand formation for the “chop” became known to us.
Two variations of this blow exist: one using the edge-of-the-hand, and the other employing the ball peen like hammer point of the hard bone near the base of the heel of the hand. (In karate this blow is taught in addition to the first version and is termed the “ox-jaw hand strike”). In American Combato (Jen•Do•Tao)™ we emphasize this latter version of the “chop,” but we recognize the original Fairbairn version of the blow. (Actually any version of this strike is excellent and will do the job.)
When there are months or more available to teach and to train, we opt for the flexed hand/bottom of the heel version, because it affords protection to the hand’s delicate structure—i.e., the back of the hand, which might fracture if a blow is mis-struck—and it provides a somewhat more powerful weapon. But we are really splitting hairs here. (In a combative engagement, CHOP!)
CONSIDER THE VIRTUES OF THE BASIC HANDAXE CHOP:
- It may be delivered from any position or angle without telegraphing, warning, or windup.
- The hand is impervious to injury, regardless of where the enemy is hit, providing the blow has been correctly struck.
- Any vital target area from the legs to the skull may be assaulted to good effect with a practiced chop.
- The chop is applicable with broken fingers, or with a wet or otherwise disadvantaged hand.
- The blow permits the weakest person to hit hard, with only a little serious practice.
- The blow may be delivered in rapid, natural combinations—thus providing practical follow-up potential.
- With or without gloves on, the chop is formidable.
- The chop provides for many “self-defense” responses—as well as it provides a near perfect offense.
- The blow may be learned—literally—within minutes.
- The blow is not merely “easily retained,” it is impossible to forget!
- Women, children, the elderly, and even in many cases the handicapped, may use the hand axe chop to good effect.
Let’s stop here. Unless you are dull, you got the point.
In all but the most unusual cases (say, where a person literally does not have a hand) the hand axe chop should be at the top of every combat pupil’s “MUST MASTER” list. The blow is a “system” unto itself.