We have all studied numerous stances in our martial arts training. Different arts give them different names so we have the hanging stance, neutral bow, forward bow, reverse bow, horse, twisted, cat, and the list goes on and on. My favorite dramatic stance of all time is the circling stance with hands in the tiger claw position. It looks great, and the drama and suspense are unparalleled. I’ve even seen it in a couple of times on television. Many years ago, in my younger, and more hot-headed days, I used it in an altercation shortly after I had gotten my first black sash. I effectively practiced good self defense, and then some on that occasion. I have regrets in that I should have worked harder to diffuse the situation. There was absolutely no element of surprise because my intentions were very clear. Thank God that we can strive for more maturity as individuals.

The stance that I prefer to begin with is one of the “street” or “natural” stances as they are called in Kenpo. I have chosen to call this stance the “Eagle Stance” in my Leopard Claw Street Martial Arts System. There is one variation of the Eagle Stance that I prefer, because it lends itself very well to ambush, and great tactical advantage. This stance puts you in a seemingly submissive posture. Sun Tzu would heartily approve of this stance because of the deception involved. You are standing in a natural way in a side or angled position, with your hands held up, verbally telling the aggressor that you don’t want any trouble. Your body language is meant to give this same impression. This is a true statement, as far as it goes, because you shouldn’t want any trouble. But, there is a second part of the statement, which remains hidden and unsaid. You are ready to deal with trouble if it comes.

By standing sideways or angled, your centerline targets are not exposed. The hands being held up means you are prepared to block or strike. If action begins, your attack will be as brutal and non-stop as it needs to be to end the threat from the “perp”, and also to keep the wolves of the legal system from devouring you. The problems that the legal system may bring your way require another discussion on another day. I will just say that it is definitely better to be judged by twelve than be carried by six, but you must be prepared to persuade those twelve that you acted reasonably.

Your voice should be calm, relaxed, and you should reaffirm that you want no trouble. You should also insist that the other individual respect your personal space, which is, at least, at arm’s length. If that personal space is violated, then you may want to immediately employ a restraining technique which you have practiced so diligently. You want to avoid a sucker punch at all costs. This means that the person won’t be allowed close enough to get one in.

Once you are touched in any way, no more “yak yak”. It’s time to go into action. You can go from the Eagle Stance to berserk mode in a fraction of a sentence. Your attack strategy may employ a very quick flurry of techniques such as snap, trap or side kicks to the knee or groin, knees to the groin using a good handle such as hair or clothes, upward elbows, palm heel strikes, clapping your hands to their ears (Bear Crushes Head in Leopard Claw), a tiger claw to the face, a leopard paw to the throat (very dangerous) or whatever you are comfortable with. You may also do a takedown, and “ground and pound” or choke them out. If the attacker has buddies around this isn’t a great idea because you may get stuck, or get your spine attacked with a hammer fist, or some other nasty while you are occupied.

At any rate, you must be totally committed to winning the fight, or at least incapacitating your opponent to the point that you can make your escape. You have to make sure that your opponent is not capable of continuing the attack.

When you are finished, get out of there quickly. There should be no “posturing” like King Kong beating his chest over a dead allosaurus, or any verbal declarations about who the “alpha dog” is, or any other macho stuff. You have practiced effective self defense, and you will see another day. Leave, and leave pronto!

This whole scenario can begin from a Street/Natural Stance with hands raised. It is conducive to the ambush, because you are creating the illusion of submissiveness, and a false sense of security to the aggressor. He is being led to believe that you are on the bottom of the pecking order.

Practice your Academy Award performance from the Eagle Stance, and springing into action quickly and decisively. You may find that it serves you very well one day.

Article written by Sifu Larry McFadden
Founder of McFadden Leopard Claw Street Martial Arts System & Kan Balam Kung Fu

COMBAT WARRIOR E-MAGAZINE February 2006 / CombatWarriorMag.net