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Head butt, a very effective but seldom talked about technique.

We tend to subconsciously ignore or deny that "sort of techniques" because of the negative "dirty fighting" connotation, but come on guys, the older you get, the dirtier or nastier you must. They got the brawn and the chicks, we got the cunningness, right? What is it they say about "cunning and deceit will overcome youth and skills"?

It is a great technique. Especially effective when your hands are occupied whether standing or on the ground. Must be careful on how to use it though. Butting his nose is great, but butting his forehead with your forehead would be a literal head on collision.

Some of you might know that I encourage alternative interpretation of kata movements to supplement our normal practices. I made a new video called: "Seisan Head Butt & Knee Butt". Yes, another one of my out of the box interpretation of kata movements. I hope it doesn't get some of the less progressive old timers wound up, you know, those who think that anything that did not come from Okinawa or not taught by their Okinawan teacher is wrong, you know those guys---

My new Seisan Head Butt & Knee Butt video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAwLXp5KpKQ

To do it right, check this out. This is how Bas does it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leLXXMUE6eo

For those who need some assurance that it works, there are tons of videos on Youtube. Here are some for your enjoyment:

UFC in the good old days (@2.35min)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwAwwfqLAXQ

On the street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgVykXEfiSU

On the beach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2Mnm9j-XyU

Outside of a restaurant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X7U8tsdwRk

Outside of a bar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNJMHLIW96I

_________________
Henry Thom
www.EmptyHandsDefense.com

A natural for soccer players, done the right way.

This is the most viewed head butt in the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF4iWIE77Ts

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Van

I agree with Van, football does develop the skill to do headbutts effectively, to the point that they can become a reflex. The best way to train them is to use a plastic football and headbutt it lightly against a wall and see how long you can keep it going for. There are also different types of headbutt, one is just like a twitch done with the same amount of effort that you use to shake your head as if saying "No", it's such a light movement that you would not think it effective, but it can cause a knockout easily. I have had fights in my younger days and butted people so I speak from experience. The way to defend against a head butt is to lower or bend your knees and headbutt him from underneath as he tries to head butt you.

Good points. The problem with the 'butt' is that it is hard to predict and mostly unexpected, especially when the range closes.

Another very serious problem, mostly ignored, is the 'biting' that can occur when you least expect it.

At the Brockton fair, one year while investigating a robbery, I ran into a police lt. who had had his nose bitten off in a fight on the street with a perp.

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Van

Why did Zidane head butt soccer player Materazzi?

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Van

Van


I have another one just for you, Van. I can watch it all day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdJlIvT1AHA

Seriously, the best way to avoid a head butt or any sudden attack is just do what you should always do when facing a potential threat-- stay away from attacking range (unless you are about to attack), or at least have your hands half way up and ready.

As to training for head butts, umm, I wouldn't bother. Just too much potential risk to your brain no matter how little (damage, that is). That once a blue moon smack to the bg's nose is one thing, "practicing" head butts on anything regard of how soft the surface is just not what I would consider a smart use of your time or brain cells. It is more important (and believe me, more difficult) to remember to use any particular technique and in this case, the head butt when the time arises. Useless having a well trained head for the purpose and cant think of using it when facing the tough guy. If given the choice I would ingrain the use of palm strike during a crisis unless my hands are occupied somehow. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=22175

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Henry Thom
www.EmptyHandsDefense.com

Quote
As to training for head butts, umm, I wouldn't bother. Just too much potential risk to your brain no matter how little (damage, that is). That once a blue moon smack to the bg's nose is one thing, "practicing" head butts on anything regard of how soft the surface is just not what I would consider a smart use of your time or brain cells

well you can do it ,notice that I said to practce against a soft plastic ball , football player practice against a hard case ball, which is a lot harder and has been known to cause injury in later life.but a soft ball should cause no problems, and IMHO you need to practice stuff to get it to work and to ingrain it into your memory and your muscle memory, and you need to flow which you can't do without practice

As in safe sex...safe butt practice to ingrain the technique without impact is also useful.

When playing soccer games with old leather heavy soccer ball...I would have a headache for couple days.

Today's soccer balls are lighter and smoother on the surface.

One good way to practice is to face a wall and head the ball against it trying to get the right 'rebound' curve so you can keep going.

Not too dangerous at all. Better than trying to head a ball coming at you 100+ mph on the soccer field.

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Van