Sure, most everybody doesn’t really walk around carrying a lightsaber—but you’re not most everybody. You got the walk, you know the code. And while you may have ditched the robe and earthy neutrals at home for some professional-looking button-downs or comfy athleisure, you just know the Force is strong with you.
You’re a mother-freaking Jedi—don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
At Christmastime, even self-proclaimed Jedi need to be extra careful against street assault. And, just in case that petty criminal isn’t reacting to your Force choke the way he’s supposed to (is he…laughing?), here are some quick and easy moves to use with your handy-dandy lightsaber:
SCENARIO 1: When strolling alone, hold the saber as you would a walking stick. If you sense an impending attack, shift the saber to a reverse grip with your main hand close to the pommel. For added power and speed, use your other hand to help in the motion (gripping the edge of the hilt, close to the blade).
If done correctly, it will clip the assailant on his chin or sternum. At the very least, it will stop him from closing the gap.
SCENARIO 2: If your attacker has you cornered, his instinct will be to use his hands to choke you or keep you pinned against the wall. Using both your hands as well, do a sweeping motion and deflect his arms to one side, with the saber arm controlling his wrists and your free hand controlling his elbow while you simultaneously flank him and move to his rear or blind spot. From there, you have the option of disabling him or just kicking him at the back of his knees and run.
SCENARIO 3: If the assailant is armed and you have enough distance between you, slap his weapon arm downward with your saber and aim for the wrist. Keep your other hand up for additional protection.
SCENARIO 4: If faced with two assailants and running away isn’t an immediate option, try to grab the wrist of the closer opponent with your free arm.
Footwork is important as you will need to sidestep and present a smaller, less visible profile for your attackers to target. Finally, use your saber to keep your second opponent at a distance.
That said, remember that Jedi are keepers of the peace and avoiding conflict entirely is the safest course. Escaping unscathed should always be your priority; combat should be your last resort. If running away is impossible, use your Jedi mind trick to diffuse tense situations. If all else fails, only then should you resort to drawing that weapon and facing your attacker head on.
And for those who don’t have their own lightsaber, don’t fret. These Jedi moves may likewise be applied using your classic umbrella.
May the Force be with you.
Models: Ivy Alcala, Daniel Bautista, Miguel Buhay, Robert De Villa, Pierre Navasero, Carlo Vicencio
Source: Carlo Vicencio, BJJ and Kali instructor at 360 Fitness Club and KMA Fitness and Martial Arts
Lightsabers: Warrior Life Arsenal Store (www.instagram.com/warrior_life_arsenal; www.facebook.com/WarriorLifeARSENAL)