Single Stick vs Single Stick Self Defense vs Criminals in The Real World**

 

*Single Stick vs Single Stick Self Defense vs Criminals in The Real World**

In the landscape of racial injustice, instances of violence against innocent Black individuals continue to plague communities, highlighting the urgent need for self-defense empowerment and systemic change. From the brutal attacks on Raymond Buckner to the racially motivated assault on Amber Jefferson, these harrowing incidents underscore the pervasive nature of racial violence and the imperative for tangible solutions.

The Attack on Raymond Buckner:

In June 1988, Raymond Buckner, a Black man walking home from work, became the target of a vicious assault by six white men wielding baseball bats and sticks on Staten Island. The attack, clearly motivated by racial animosity, left Buckner battered and traumatized. However, amidst the brutality, the compassionate intervention of white individuals at a nearby pizza shop served as a beacon of hope. Jeff LaMartina, co-owner of Cafe Di Sicilia, bravely confronted the assailants, demonstrating that solidarity and humanity transcend racial divides.

The Case of Amber Jefferson:

Amber Jefferson, a beautiful teenage girl, fell victim to a racist attack by white men wielding bats, resulting in severe injuries that necessitated reconstructive surgery. Her story exemplifies the intersecting axes of racism and misogyny that often fuel acts of violence against Black women and girls. Despite the physical and emotional scars inflicted upon her, Jefferson's resilience serves as a testament to the strength of survivors in the face of adversity.

Instances of Police Brutality Against Innocent Black Men:

In addition to civilian-led attacks, instances of police brutality further compound the trauma experienced by innocent Black individuals. Three instances of Black men being beaten by police truncheons or attacked with sticks or bats serve as grim reminders of the systemic violence perpetuated by law enforcement:

1. Abner Louima Assault (August 9, 1997): Abner Louima, a Haitian immigrant, was subjected to horrific brutality by NYPD officers, including the use of a broken broomstick to sodomize him while in custody. The case exposed the culture of violence and racism within law enforcement agencies.

2. Eric Garner Incident (July 17, 2014): Eric Garner, an unarmed Black man, died after being placed in a chokehold by an NYPD officer during an arrest for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. Garner's final words, "I can't breathe," became a rallying cry against police brutality and racial injustice.

3. Oscar Grant Shooting (January 1, 2009): Oscar Grant, a young Black man, was shot and killed by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) police officer Johannes Mehserle at the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland, California. Mehserle claimed he mistook his gun for his taser. The incident, captured on video, sparked outrage and protests against police violence.

The Role of Self-Defense Empowerment:

In the face of pervasive racial violence and systemic injustice, self-defense empowerment emerges as a vital tool for marginalized communities. Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher's Njia Uhuru Kipura offers a holistic approach to self-defense, equipping individuals with the skills and mindset necessary to protect themselves and their communities. Unlike traditional cardiovascular fitness-oriented programs like Cardio Capoeira, Njia Uhuru Kipura prioritizes real-world scenarios and addresses the persistent threats faced by vulnerable populations.

Techniques Taught by Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher:

Drawing upon principles of Kinesiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Kemetic Yoga, Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher's teachings encompass a comprehensive understanding of the body-mind connection and its application in self-defense. Specific techniques include:

1. Utilizing pressure points along the meridians to disarm and unbalance attackers:

   a. Gallbladder 20 (Fengchi) - Located at the base of the skull, this point is used to induce dizziness and disorientation in attackers. It is associated with the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) Nadi, which governs the central nervous system and spine. This target...for legal reasons and reasons of communal safety...is usually targeted by open palm techniques. Greatly underestimated by the general population because of its woefully inept training usually associated with it, a single open palm strike to the Fengchi can and has rendered men unconscious. Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher has witnessed 3 of his 12 year old female students...one of his students did this 3 times, twice at the infamous King Park in Long Beach CA...render grown men insensate with a single whipping open palm strike to this target. The real world functionality, power generation and accuracy accrued from Njia Uhuru Kipura training is unmatched. Only in the most extremeof circumstances are weapons used to strike the Gallbladder 20 meridian point. 

   b. Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) - Situated on the inner forearm, this point can be stimulated to alleviate tension and induce relaxation, creating an opportunity for escape. It is associated with the Heart (Hrid) Nadi, which regulates circulation and emotional balance. This meridian was secondarily but intentionally manipulated by Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher on Assistant Coach Phatyl to compromise Phatyl's upper body structural and muscular alignment, the capacity to resist disarm and expose other potentially devastating targets to Mwalimu's follow up attack, if follow ups were needed.

   c. Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) - Found between the thumb and index finger, this point is targeted to weaken grip strength and facilitate weapon disarmament. It is associated with the Large Intestine (Vayu) Nadi, which governs elimination and detoxification processes. This is the first meridian point Mwalimu Ras directly attacked in combination with the specific grip he used upon Assistant Coach Phatyl's stick grasping hand.

2. Incorporating Kemetic Yoga postures to harmonize breath and movement:

   a. Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) - This posture enhances spinal flexibility and cultivates mental clarity, essential for effective self-defense strategies. It benefits the alignment of the spine, activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System for relaxation and focus. This torquing motion was used to force the stick from Phatyl's hand and finish the criss crossing and torquing of his arms.

   b. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) - By grounding into the earth and extending through the fingertips, practitioners develop stability and strength in preparation for confrontation. Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher teaches his beginner students to extend into the combat version of this position from every stance, posture, and transition that he teaches. In the video above, had Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher extended into the combat or self-defense version of this position while torquing and disarming Assistant Coach Phatyl, he would have bodily propelled Phatyl out of the scene, flying at least 6 feet to collide with the brick wall forming the boundary of the video.

   c. Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana) - Focusing on elongating the spine and opening the heart center, this posture fosters resilience and self-assurance in the face of adversity. It stretches the muscles of the back, shoulders, and chest while stimulating the Heart (Hrid) Nadi, promoting emotional balance and empowerment. The arm extensions with the simultaneous rocking back and dropping the upper torso towards the thighs and knees of The Sphinx Pose is heavily used during the simultaneous disarm and takedown phase of this basic disarm that Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras uses when teaching one of the many options in the takedown phase of this technique above . The  Sphinx Pose Takedown technique is not in the video shown.

Conclusion:

As incidents of criminal violence... racial violence or otherwise... continue to pervade society, the need for self-defense empowerment and systemic reform becomes increasingly urgent. Through initiatives like Njia Uhuru Kipura, individuals can reclaim agency over their personal safety and contribute to the collective struggle for justice and equality. By harnessing the principles of Kinesiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Kemetic Yoga, Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher offers a transformative path towards empowerment and liberation.

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