by 
Continuing our examination of putting technique “theory” into practice, let us look into the concept of “Taking Out the Slack”. Successful application of the techniques used in grappling arts, require a keen understanding of balance. Those who practice these arts use such knowledge to control, throw, lock or pin an attacker. A skilled martial artist can accomplish these tasks by applying pain to a joint or a nerve, or leverage to a joint or a limb, or leading the attacker into an unbalanced, vulnerable position. In every case, the defender must close the space between themselves and the attacker. This is often described as coupling or body turning. How one adapts to the attack and controls it, will, among other factors, depend on “taking out the slack”.
Using any straight attack (push, poke, punch or choke) as an example, applying pain to the attacker’s finger, wrist, or elbow requires leading and extending the arm in such a way as to expose it to being physically manipulated into a torque or control lock. When a defender is gripping the attacker’s hand, it is necessary to tightly twist the tendons and ligaments (take out the slack) before attempting a lock or throw. When a defender is gripping an attacker’s wrist and elbow to apply an arm bar, it will only work when brought close enough to lock the arm in place (take out the slack) before attempting the fulcrum/lever control on the elbow joint. When a defender is grappling/wrestling with the attacker, and is attempting a throw (leg sweep, hip throw, shoulder throw, etc.), it will be difficult to use leverage if the attacker is not kept so close (literally body to body) that there is no space (take out the slack) to allow escape from the defender’s technique. There are countless other examples of “Taking Out the Slack”.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
by by