Common Telegraphs -
Reading Your Opponent's Intentions
Learning
to read your attacker's or opponent's intentions before an attack
is executed could be the difference of winning or losing or life
and death for martial artists and self-defense practitioners
What is Telegraphing?
Telegraphing is a movement executed before an
actual attack.
Extreme Example of
Telegraphing
Watch a John Wayne movie or any
other old western. Notice how the cowboy draws his arm back before
he punches? That's the most obvious example of a telegraph.
Let's Look at Some Not So Extreme
Examples of Telegraphing
Before I do that can
we all agree assuming a fighting stance is a definite indication
your opponent is going to attack? And now let's begin our list
....
Slight draw back of the arm almost like a pump before
executing a straight punch
Shift forward of your
opponent's weight before executing a rear leg kick
Shift
backward of your opponent's weight before executing a front leg
kick
Slight dropping of the arms before executing a kick
Lowering of the eyes before executing a kick
Slightly
more intent facial expression before attacking
Slight
tensing of your opponent's body before attacking
Indications
Via Stance
Weight placement: Whichever foot
your opponent has the least weight on is the foot he/she will
probably use in an attack
Rear Weight Placement: Your
opponent will attempt to explode with a rear hand attack probably
using his/her front leg to fake you out first
Front Weight
Placement: I haven't seen this much but when I have rear leg kicks
sometimes sliding in so greater distance is gained are executed.
Quick front hand techniques such as backfists are used to cover
this main attack.
Sideways Stance: I've seen a lot of one
sided fighters and this is a definite indication. Expect the
primary weapons to be in front. Your opponent will have to twist
to use his rear weapons. Arched kicks such as roundhouse may be
expected. Your opponent will have to twist to execute any attack
with the rear hand or leg or alter his/her stance first.
Rear
chambered hand. Do I really need to tell you what your opponent's
main attack will be? Yep, reverse punch. This type of stance also
allows for only one blocking arm so be sure to take advantage of
that.
Conclusion
These
are just a few of the telegraphs I've picked up over the years. If
you can think of any be sure to email me and even include a
website address if you wish promoting your product or service as a
thank you for your time. Be aware of these telegraphs yourself by
practicing in front of a mirror until you develop a kinesthetic
sense (awareness of your body in space) as to where your limbs and
weight are. Continue to practice in front of a mirror however and
see my books Bringing The Martial Artist Out from Within and Solo
Martial Arts Drills. You may also get a FREE Speed and Reaction
Drills book by joining my Self-Defense Tips group.
About
The Author

J. Richard Kirkham graduated from Eastern Illinois
University as a dual
certified teacher. He currently resides in Honolulu with his
wife Jan and son Rylan.
Mr. Kirkham has recently authored
several $2.00 books for the busy martial artist and self-defense
practitioner who wants to get past the hype directly into the
drills and techniques. Those who want even more detail should read
his two martial arts books Solo
Martial Arts Dills and Bringing
The Martial Artist Out from Within
http://kirkhamsebooks.com/MartialArts/
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