Tactical
Basics of Hand-to-Hand Combat for Personal Defense
When it comes to survival, it’s not always about the gear you carry or the shelter you build. Sometimes, it boils down to the strength of your fists and the quickness of your reflexes. Hand-to-hand combat can be a vital skill when you’re faced with an immediate threat. It’s about defending yourself when all else fails.
Basics
Let’s start with the basics. The first rule of hand-to-hand combat is to avoid it if you can. The wilderness is not a boxing ring; it’s a harsh, unpredictable arena where the stakes are real and high. If you can escape a dangerous situation without a fight, do so. But when that’s not an option, knowing how to defend yourself becomes crucial.
Combat technique
Posture and balance are the foundation of any combat technique. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight evenly distributed. This stance provides stability and allows for quick movements. Keep your hands up to protect your face and your elbows close to your body to shield your torso.
Strikes
The most effective strikes target vulnerable areas such as the eyes, nose, throat, and groin. A well-placed strike can incapacitate an attacker long enough for you to escape. Remember, the goal here is not to win a fight, but to survive.
A punch is not just about the arm; it’s about the whole body. Rotate your torso and hips as you throw a punch to generate power. Aim for the chin or nose to disorient your opponent. A palm strike can be just as effective and reduces the risk of injuring your own hand.
Kicks
Kicks should be used sparingly as they can compromise your balance. However, a well-placed kick to the knee or groin can be extremely effective. Use your entire body to deliver the kick, not just your leg.
Blocking
Blocking and dodging are just as important as striking. If you can avoid a hit, you avoid damage. Keep your eyes on your opponent and anticipate their moves. Use your arms to block strikes to the upper body and use your legs to move out of the way of lower attacks.
Grappling
If your opponent gets too close, you might find yourself in a grappling situation. The key here is to stay calm and use leverage to your advantage. If you’re smaller or weaker, use your opponent’s strength against them. Techniques like throws and joint locks can help you gain control.
Remember that hand-to-hand combat is physically demanding. It requires strength, endurance, and flexibility. Regular exercise and conditioning are essential to prepare your body for such a situation.
But more than physical strength, hand-to-hand combat requires mental toughness. It’s about staying calm under pressure, thinking quickly, and making decisive moves. It’s about overcoming fear and standing your ground when retreat is not an option.
Hand-to-hand combat is a last resort, a skill to be used when all else fails. It’s not about aggression, but about defense. It’s not about proving your strength, but about preserving your life. Survival, after all, is not a contest, but a test of resilience.
Remember, the wilderness does not play favorites. It respects only those who respect it. Knowing how to defend yourself is part of that respect. It’s part of being prepared. It’s part of survival. And here at “Grits and Gear,” that’s what we’re all about.
So, gear up, train hard, and stay safe. The wilderness awaits.
Tactical
Trio of Burglars No Match for Armed Homeowner
A residential disturbance involving armed intruders striking after midnight in Hamilton County, Tennessee, took a fatal turn last week.
The homeowner, faced with a trio of trespassers, defended their property with lethal force. Two of the intruders managed to flee, but one failed to escape and met an untimely end on the premises.
The event transpired on Shirley Pond Road, in the neighborhood of Harrison, approximately half an hour northeast of Chattanooga. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident around 1:25 a.m. and proceeded to conduct an initial investigation.
“Three armed suspects broke into the home, and the homeowner confronted them, after which gunfire was exchanged.”
Amidst the flurry of bullets, one of the invaders was hit and subsequently succumbed to their injuries on site. The Sheriff’s office added that the other two intruders made their escape through a window, fleeing the scene.
Despite an immediate search of the area by law enforcement personnel, the two fleeing suspects eluded capture. As the investigation is ongoing, officials are withholding the identities of all involved parties.
The homeowner, whose identity is being protected for safety reasons, revealed that this was the second consecutive night his home had been targeted. This spate of home invasions has left residents of the typically peaceful neighborhood in shock.
The Sheriff’s office investigators emphasized that this type of crime is an anomaly in the area. The community shared their thoughts about the unexpected situation, with sentiments ranging from advocacy for strength and self-defense to relief for the homeowner’s safety.
“We the people must remain vigilant; [when there’s a] home invasion, shoot first and ask questions later; remind the perps that this ain’t [California]; we’re armed and not scared to use ’em; WE ARE THE SOUTH!” one resident opined.
Another comment on social media stated, “Good; perpetrators shouldn’t break into homes; it’s called divine intervention; get a job.”
Meanwhile, a comment under the WTVC story read, “I’m thankful the victim was able to defend family, home, and life.”
The investigation continues, as does the neighborhood’s recovery from an unnerving ordeal. Moving forward, it’s clear that vigilance, preparedness, and community solidarity will be more important than ever in maintaining safety and peace of mind.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tactical
Home Security Video Shows Armed Intruder’s Blunder with Unloaded Gun
A terrifying encounter with an armed intruder was captured on surveillance footage at a residence in McDowell County, North Carolina. The couple residing in the home shared the chilling footage, featuring an individual identified as Tyler Messer, with local media and authorities.
Standing on their back porch, Messer was recorded as he pointed an unloaded rifle at the couple, who were inside their dwelling at the time.
Preston McHone, one of the homeowners, detailed the spine-chilling event to WLOS:
“As I’m folding one towel, I have my phone lying in front of me and I see an alert that there’s some motion on the back. So, I just turn around and yell, ‘Billy, there’s somebody at our back door with a gun,’”
The incident occurred around 11 p.m., with Messer still present on the porch, appearing to attempt to fire his weapon. Audio captured by the surveillance video failed to register any gunshot sounds, suggesting the gun’s chamber was empty. It’s still unknown whether the gun simply misfired, as local news outlets have speculated.
Messer can be seen inspecting his weapon after the failed trigger pull, before hastily departing from the scene.
The suspect’s motivations remain uncertain. Official documents from the law enforcement investigation describe Messer as having mental health issues.
“Defendant is mentally ill. Defendant stated to family that he was going to rid the world of sin,” states the McDowell County Magistrate Bail Explanation Form.
McHone further dissected the eerie encounter, stating:
“As he pulls the trigger, he turns and, in that short turn, he’s realizing it didn’t go off because he’s supposed to, at that point, have shot [my partner] and would be turning towards me. He didn’t follow through because he missed one step, and that was loading his weapon.”
After the unnerving incident, the couple took shelter within their home, anxiously waiting for the police to arrive. They were soon informed that it wasn’t Messer’s first visit to their property. Over the past year, he had allegedly shown up at their residence three different times, reportedly searching for his father – a man the couple claims not to know.
Following the incident, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged Messer with assault by pointing a gun, first-degree trespassing, and stalking, and his bail was set at $200,000. Two days later, the 29-year-old’s charges were elevated to include attempted murder.
Watch the chilling moment below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tactical
85-Year-Old Idaho Woman Outsmarts, Eliminates Violent Intruder
The tranquil serenity of rural Idaho was shattered recently when an 85-year-old woman was forced to defend her home and her life against a violent intruder.
The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office reported a chilling scene. The officers, who arrived in response to a distress call, found a man dead from gunshot wounds and the elderly homeowner injured but alive.
The nightmare unfolded around 2 a.m. as 39-year-old Derek Ephriam Condon parked his vehicle a mile away to avoid detection before breaking into the woman’s home. Dressed in a military jacket and black ski mask, Condon used a screwdriver to penetrate the home’s sanctuary through a window.
The once peaceful sleep of homeowner Christine Jenneiahn was brutally disrupted as Condon struck her in the head with his weapon. Evidence of this violent encounter was later confirmed by police who found traces of her blood on her pillow.
Jenneiahn was next dragged to the living room, where Condon handcuffed her to a wooden chair. He demanded the location of her valuables. When she insisted she had little of value, Condon’s frustration escalated, and he pressed his gun against her head.
In an attempt to deflect his anger, she told Condon about two safes located downstairs. As he went to investigate her claim, he discovered her disabled son in the home, further enraging him.
However, Condon’s departure offered Jenneiahn a lifeline. She seized the opportunity to drag herself and her chair towards her pillow, where she kept concealed a .357 Magnum revolver. With the weapon now in her possession, she waited for Condon’s next move.
According to Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley, Condon had made threats on Jenneiahn’s life as he ransacked her home. Sensing the imminent danger, she made the courageous decision to defend herself and fired her weapon at the intruder.
Condon was hit twice but managed to return fire, striking Jenneiahn multiple times with a 9mm gun. He eventually succumbed to his wounds in the kitchen, while Jenneiahn, still handcuffed to the chair, was left on the floor for 10 agonizing hours until her son could bring her a phone to call the police. She was subsequently transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The crime scene told a chilling tale. Police discovered Condon’s abandoned car near the home, with footprints leading right to the house. On Condon’s body, they found a set of lock picks and a bag filled with some of Jenneiahn’s possessions.
Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley labeled the ordeal as a “justifiable homicide” under the Idaho criminal code, praising Jenneiahn’s bravery in the face of extreme danger.
He remarked, “Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night.”
He further added, “Christine was justified in taking any and all means necessary to defend herself and her son that night.” This story serves as a stark reminder that the will to survive can be a powerful force against the deepest adversity.
Watch a local news report about the chilling incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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