Principles of Sherman Harrill

Unpacking my books, files and records from many past years, I came across a technique that I got from Sherman Harrill long ago (probably 1985 of 1986). But it was good advice and still worth remembering.

 

The attack in question was a Double Chest Push.

 

Where you attempt to push up with both your palms, but their arms adjust an the push attempt does not work.

 

What Sherman showed was when you push up with both fists, their arms rise, and you have countered the attack. Allowing further response if necessary.

 

Of course there are many other  responses possible. This solution allows you to respond with less force. And then choose to follow up or not as you deem fit.

 

Another gem from Harrill Sensei

 

1.     “You can always Punch Your Own Palm”  june 10, 1995.  

2.     Working on Wansu applications, Harrill Sensei made a point, without looking you can always punch your own palm, even without looking.

3.     He then used this principle to strike into an arm, where you only had to place your hand on the other side, and 100% of the time you’d strike the arm, aiming for the hand……

 

Still other Harrill Sensei memories

 

Against a straight punch to your middle, throw a counter straight punch over the top of his punch. Use of a Reverse Punch to counter a reverse punch by punching right over the attacking punch’s forearm. Your forearm performs a wedging deflection during your own strike.

 

Against a hook punch (thrown from a natural stance) followed by a left straight punch, counter with the inside hook punch of your own, and then a straight punch over the top of their other arm straight punch (wedging that punch downward).

 

Another counter against a hook punch, use any arm technique to block against the punch moving in, This causes their mind to move towards that push, allowing you to kick against their inner leg then slide the kick up into their groin.

 

Also against a roundhouse punch, throw a straight punch to the attacking shoulder. You can also punch into the biceps. This punch may rise and then punch down into the shoulder too.