Sports
Martial Arts Principle - Turn to Face Your Attacker or Not? by Keith Pascal
[Jan 04, 2008]
Your attacker approaches from the rear. He sneaks up behind you. Fortunately, with your finely-tuned martial-arts senses, you know he's coming and is about to attack. Your rear donkey kicks are ready. Your rear elbow strikes are practiced.
So, at what point do you turn to face your attacker?
Here's some quick advice on the subject:
1.If you don't have a multiple-attacker situation, where you have to face forward to deal with other attackers, then turn to face your foe, "if you have time before he (or she) approaches."
2. If you donkey kick your opponent and land a solid kick, then you may have found a pocket of time in which to turn around, after the initial approach.
3. If the force of your elbow strike starts to turn your body, and as long as you don't feel you have to continue facing forward, then allow your natural body movement to continue turning you, to face your opponent head on.