Subtle
Traps: A Doorman's Double-Edged Weapon
By Martin Murphy
(From the original article with the same title, published in Martial
Arts Illustrated (UK), July 2001, pp.63-64.)
(Reproduced with the permission of Martin Murphy 28 July
2001)
Introduction
In the early '80s I found myself 'on the
doors' of various bars and clubs in the notorious Wan Chai
'Red Light' district of Hong Kong. Our main problem was dealing with visiting
marines, sailors and S.E.A.L.'s. These men had been kept at sea for weeks at a
time, when they landed it was the equivalent of opening a champagne bottle of
testosterone, one that had been violently shaken.
At night the bars and clubs were
overpopulated, space was non-existent. When punters had to be spoken to, it was
done mouth to ear. As a doorman you were wary of sticking your ear out, in case
it was bitten off. So conversations tended to be one sided and not too
diplomatic; "Oi...You're out!" It
invariably popped the cork. With the availability of weapons such as balisongs, bottles and glass fists you had to be in the
best possible position as the situation became live. It was here that I learned
that there is a place for 'trapping'.
My first experience of 'trapping' (in the
martial arts context) was whilst studying Wing Chun in the late '70s under
Master Simon Lau. Trapping, I was led to believe, was a physical tactic which
enables you to attack the opponent whilst one or more of his weapons are immobilised. There is simply no easier way to ensure a
victory than to know what position your opponent will be in (
better still, to place him in that position preemptively and subtly)
before you strike. Hence I learned the art of subtle trapping. Other advantages
of subtle trapping include:
- Stopping opponents
bouncing into other people after contact. In packed situations, panic
spreads and fists fly as a response to a perceived threat, and you find
yourself in the midst of a scene out of a 'Western'.
- Stopping blades being
inserted into your ribs, whilst you are talking to your potential combatant.
Hopefully, after stunning your opponent, pull him into a headlock and
therefore negate the need to pick him up, facilitating his speedy exit
with the minimum of fuss.
- Lining the opponent up
for your best possible opening, and hopefully, decisive shot. Remember,
fight to win, not to prove anything.
Subtle traps can be either physical or
psychological. Over the years it was the use of strategy and psychology that I
found gave the edge in real combat. Even beating the more
skilled or stronger opponents. By asking a question, you are 'engaging
the brain'. If you develop this concept, it leads to the situation where you
can move the adversary into a weaker position. How do we achieve this? 'Hide
the sword with a smile'.
Two of the people I worked with were actually
actors. One, Paulo Tocha moved his trade to Los
Angeles, where he appeared in films with Van Damme.
The other, Ken was working on a film with Jackie Chan at the time. Both were
very capable doormen and excelled at approaching people without arousing
suspicion. By the time the intended victims realised
what was going on, they had been moved into a position either by physical or
verbal means, which rendered them helpless. This is a double edged weapon in
that I have witnessed doormen succumbing to these tactics. This is mainly due
to a complacent attitude, and/or stance. The following examples can be utilised by you or an attacker, so stay switched on.
A
word in y'ear, mate!...
Rest your hand on his lead hand/arm. This is
a trap in itself, you are trying to talk into his ear,
so you turn him slightly, as if to talk directly into his ear because of the
noise. If you get the wrong reaction from your adversary, BANG, a punch from
this angle is quite decisive, and leads to a strangle hold to finish.
Watch
yer back, mate!...
Basically you pretend that someone is trying
to get past your combatant. Rest your hand on his left/right arm and ask him to
move to one side or the other.
- The person that is
asked, invariably looks behind, this is when you strike. The punch lands
as their head is turning back towards you.
- They just don't see it
coming.
No
'ard feelings, mate!...
This is an old one, but it is surprising how
often it works. Probably because, done on people who would rather not fight for
example, they are looking for an 'out'. And they want to believe this is it.
Wrong! One person holds out his hand to shake, if the other person accepts the
proffered hand, he is trapped. This is specially so if the hand shaker grabs the arm with his left hand. He then has the
lead hand trapped and can attack with his right or more commonly, pull the
victim into a headbutt. Ouch!
The
long lost mate...
Have you ever seen Mafia films, where they
greet each other with a big hug and a kiss on each cheek? Strange
thing for hard men to do. Doormen are often seen standing with their
arms crossed. I've seen them fall foul of this 'friendly greeting' approach.
You approach with arms splayed, ask him a question with a big smile on your
face. Grasp the elbows, this is the trap, then attack
with the head.
Lost
yer bottle, mate!...
This is especially useful if as a doorman,
the person you have spoken to because of their behavior tucks their chin down
as you approach - whilst talking, you look like a pair
of jousting rams. It is difficult to get a clean shot in this position, so try
this. As you approach pick up a bottle with you left hand and hold it up at eye
level. Ask the target if said bottle is his. His eyes will be drawn to the
object momentarily, his head will be turned slightly
away from you, attack as he turns back towards you. Again there is the question
which engages the brain. You also lift the opponent's chin to match the height
of the bottle, making acquisition of the target easier.
Got
a light, mate?...
If you know that your opponent smokes simply
ask him for a light. He will either proffer his cigarette for you to get a
light from, or better still he will stick his hand in his pocket or elsewhere
for his lighter. Either way you will have him at a disadvantaged position.
Not
interested, mate!...
There is always someone, no matter how
confident you are at knocking opponents out, who look as though they wouldn't
flinch. They resemble neolithic man, and anyone who
has done doorwork will have an image of such a person
in their head. (probably accompanied with a shiver
down the spine.) With a jaw like 'Desperate Dan' you know that you have to
resort to your most potent of techniques or he or maybe she?
is going to send you to meet your ancestors.
When confronted with 'neolithic
man' I'd dig this out of my bag. With the back of your hand waving him away and
shaking your head saying "I'm not interested mate, do I look daft?"
You pretend to look as though you don't want an argument with man mountain, this bit shouldn't present a problem. Then
suddenly change intention, back slap/chop him under the nose. By hitting the
septum region you will raise the 'Gorilla's' head exposing the neck.
Then punch the carotid region of the neck and
hopefully send him to bo-bos. The
backslap and punch are both done in the same movement. Showing a lack of
interest is the trap, the sudden change in intention catches people by
surprise.
As Sun Tzu remarked, 'Exhibit the coyness of
a maiden, until the enemy loses his alertness and gives you an opening then
move swiftly as a hare and the enemy will be unable to resist you.'
Conclusion
There are obvious dangers in these techniques
so practise safely, and only use in extreme
situations.
There
are many other ways to dominate a situation by controlling the opponent
subliminally. Invent your own favorites and practise
them often, remember, you have to act casually to
disarm the opponent. Mr. 'Angry' just wouldn't pull them off.
As Sun Tzu expounded:
'A skillful commander takes up position in
which he cannot be defeated and seizes every opportunity to win over his
enemy.'
If these tactics do not appeal to your sense
of fair play, that's quite understandable and I empathise
with you, but realise that these traps are used by
others that do not share your sentiments. Guard your space and don't be
gullible.
Note
Martin Murphy spent his early career in
specialist security work. In the Army he trained in the Special Forces,
primarily in Long Range Reconnaissance work involving a high degree of fitness,
mental self discipline and positive attitude. Since leaving the Army, Martin
has been involved as an instructor in Airline Anti-Terrorism security, Close
Protection and Surveillance duties. Martin also has 15 years working as a
doorman, both in UK and the infamous Wan Chai
district of Hong Kong.
He has changed direction and studied Sports
Science at College, and more recently, Sports Psychology. Since 1996 has been
passing on his knowledge in Fitness an Self Protection
Training, with emphasis on the Mind and Body link and human potentiality. This
knowledge, combined with a wealth of personal experience is aimed at improving
all aspects of a client's life through progressive, focused, positive training.
Martin is an instructor within the British
Combat Association and is available for seminars and personal training.
For more info ring Martin on (UK) 01625
525427
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© Martin Murphy, 2001 |