Defining Resistance
b) Key Points
Do not use your force directly against his force — go with the flow of his resistance to take him into your counter-resistance technique.
Using force on force is a poor way to gain control over a person, especially if he is bigger and stronger than you (fight smarter, not harder).
Use pain compliance to direct his movement (dictated by relative strengths of counterpressure) or to keep him from moving in a manner that is disadvantageous to you (resisting, assaulting or escaping).
PRO TIP: The smartest tactic to adopt is to stay where it is difficult for him to hit you (his blind spot), where you can thwart his attacks or launch your own with the aim of taking him to the ground while you remain standing.
Once you latch onto a suspect’s arm, the process of “ownership” should be at hand, so to speak.
How he resists will determine which control tactic you will use to thwart this unwanted behaviour (i.e., don’t fight the resistance).
Attaining a double twistlock is the best way of negating many forms of resistance, with the Fawcett Wrench takedown highlighted for good reasons.
It is of great tactical advantage to take a person down to the ground (while you remain standing) when resistance is met, as it minimizes his ability to assault or escape from you.
There are only eight types of resistance that he can offer, so learn just one technique that will allow you to “go with his flow” as to screw himself into a better control position for your benefit:
- Side-curl Resistance,
- Straight-arm Resistance,
- Elbow-drop Resistance,
- Elbow-lift Resistance,
- Pushing Resistance,
- Pulling Resistance,
- Assaultive Resistance,
- Drop-down Resistance.
(see “Comprehensive Joint-Locking Techniques for Law Enforcement” as per last page of this manual)