Matchbox Attack

[kayak-man]

I've been reading Fairbairne's "Get Tough," which is a pretty good book, but I'm having a hard time with one of the techniques; matchbox attack.

If I understand it correctly,the object your holding does not protrude from your hand. Other than a little bit of added weight, I don't really understand how this provides a benefit. I understand that SOME things are a matter of "It doesn't matter how it works just so long as it does" but I don't feel that's the case here, because without knowing the principals involved, one can't improvise (I've been planning on using a small metal lighter from Walmart in place of a matchbox)

If anyone could explain the theory behind the matchbox attack, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[G.A.Pster]

When you strike someone with a matchbox in your fist the matches ignite and then explode delivering a devastating concussive blast to your opponent often ending the fight in one punch.

|Caution| the Wearing of spider silk or woven steel gloves is recommended.

Note: this technique produces proper results only when "strike-anywhere" matches are employed.



lol.

[Dr.Rob]

Matchboxes were often small round cylinders, like a roll of dimes. NOT a rectangular box like we are used to and often made of a heavy metal: brass, silver, gold.

Pretty simple concept.

[Averageman]

Dr. Rob, that was my thought.
I still remember those, they used to sell them to keep your matches dry while camping. The downside to this is if it doesnt naturally fit you will break bones in your hands.
They were almost exactly the size of a roll of dimes; not that I would use a roll of dimes wrapped in grip tape in my coat pocket...nope, not me.

[JShirley]

That would be a horrible idea, and would show premeditation in court. A a plain roll of dimes, nickels, or quarters would be a different thing.

[kayak-man]

I'm assuming your refering to the roll of dimes, and not my idea of using a zippo-like metal lighter.
I'm assuming this is based more on increasing the mass of your fist than altering the joint angles or area of impact.

If one were to use the zippo-nock-off, I'm assuming it would be better to have it protruding so your slamming the BG with added mass, and something hard that has less surface area and no nerve endings, or am I completely off target?

GAPster, theres a small problem with your sugestion: strike anywhere matches are a bit longer and won't always fit in a matchbox. Also, wouldn't the BG's burning hair act as a smoke screen? why would I want to give him an advantage? =)

[bigfatdave]

If one were to use the zippo-Knock-off, I'm assuming it would be better to have it protruding so you're slamming the BG with added mass, and something hard that has less surface area and no nerve endings, or am I completely off target?

Way off-target, because the idea is to have a cylinder reinforcing your hand and adding weight, not to be bonking someone with a square sheet-metal box poking out of your fist.

[Averageman]

Google Match safe and look for the Silver cylinder with the hinged handle.
I think they used to call these kinds of things "hand Loads" and yes you will go to jail if you get caught with them.
product of a mispent youth

[autospike]

Eh... I think the original illustration showed a regular square looking object:

You are sitting down, say, in a railway coach. Your opponent, who is on your left, sticks a gun in your ribs, holding it in his right hand.

1. Take a match-box and hold it as in Fig. 74, the top of the box being slightly below the finger and thumb.

2. Keeping the upper part of the right arm close to the right side of your body, with a circular upward motion of your right fist, turning your body from the hip, strike your opponent hard on the left side of his face, as near to the jawbone as possible (Fig. 75); parry the gun away from your body with your left forearm.

Note. - The odds of knocking your opponent unconscious by this method are at least two to one. The fact that this can be accomplished with a match-box is not well-known, and for this reason is not likely to raise your opponent's suspicion of your movements. Naturally, all movements, from the start of the blow, must be carried out with the utmost speed.

I think this was really more about making the hand rigid (and giving you a bit of confidence).

Consider a small LED flaslight in place of that matchbox or roll of quarters.

[mgregg85]

Something like this might work, a marble's match safe. I keep one in my jacket for lighting cigars. You can strike the strike anywhere matches on the checkered surface of the sides too.

[James T Thomas]

Just another thought; conjecture.

Two factors. One is the momentum gained by spinning your body on your but, while seated. It is the weight of the body -behind the punch that imparts the power to that "hook." You may see the power of this technique in some old Tae Quando {SP?} seated defenses. And Aikido too.

The second is the weapon -of the knuckle -used. I'm talking about using the thumb edge of the fist, rather than the traditional "boxers" fist; "seiken."
There is an old martial artist of renoun named Bruce Lee who advocated using the fist with a flicking motion from the wrist to impart spin to the opponent's head.
It is this spinning of the head and the sloshing of his braing within that causes the effect of unconsciousness; knock out.
And, so, striking in this manner rather than with a right cross, say, gives and effective technique from a seated position.

And one final thing. My son had boxing lessons from an old retired pro years ago. The bag mitts he used had a wooden dowell sewn into the palms!
That was there to instill forming a good tight fist. That is to give him something to grip at.
And so, the placing in the palm of any object that the fist can be formed reflexively around.

Perhaps.

[Leadhead]

The match box fills the void in your fist making it easier to form a solid fist.

[Cosmoline]

What's the point of scratching Herr Naziman on the face? Herr Naziman loves to be scratched on the face. Haven't you seen those guys with their dueling scars?

[CWL]

He was talking about plain wooden matchboxes. A common object for people to carry in WWII and nothing to raise suspicions if seen in your hand. Remember that this is a "desperation move" when you have nothing to lose and no better weapons on you.

Nowadays, you can do the same with a Zippo or Bic lighter.

[lloveless]

Another use for a roll of quarters is to tie it into the end of an bandana-voila instant sap.
ll