►WWII Combatives never originally put the chop, palm and knee together. Brad Steiner did that much later.

►Their chop had you putting all your weight on your front foot and then falling forward to chop—which wasn’t great for balance or inconspicuous relaxation against a potential attacker—not ideal for not telegraphing your intentions.

►The GC chop uses relaxed plyometric Dropping and has a non-threatening ready position that also protects you against a surprise rear choking attack. Primary targets are neck and windpipe.

►Shoulders are raised on the chop for added protection. NOTE: watch the GC Combatives long-form video for more in-depth training and optional modifications on this and other basic “attack the attacker” entries.

►Note that the thumb is extended on the chop which further rigidifies the hand while also protecting your finger bones (if you’ve ever slammed a stiff heavy bag or makiwara with a traditional tucked-thumb chop you know what I’m talking about). The GC Combatives vid has much more on this topic.

►Important not to push on any of these strikes. You snap/“splash” your targets and imagine penetrating ½ way through to “Contain the Over-travel.” This allows you to drop and redrop repeatedly for multiple rooted strikes.

►Bonus tip on palm strike not shown here but viewable on the GC Combatives vid: combine a face/eye rip with the palm strike. This is done simultaneously, with the hand in a very slightly clawed position so the eyes get gouged incidentally and simultaneous with the face being slammed.

►There is also a drill on the GC Combatives vid for maximizing the power of both the chop and palm, primarily by Rocket-stepping on the chop so the palm gets its own drop, using a 1, 2-3 cadence.

►The knee not only further devastates the attacker but also smashes the head in case they come in low for a takedown.

►These moves, combined with a truncated Fright Reaction, are devastating in a sudden attack when you have no time for higher level internal/flowing/adaptation moves. Yes, they will, as you advance, get imbued further with GC principles but getting these basic concepts down is critical for your survival and you should learn and teach these first. You will be adding Pocketing, looseness, etc. as you advance.

► Women especially should learn these and GC Combatives – and the best resource is via GC 5th Degree Tina Dawn’s LifeForceSelfDefense.com classes and seminars.

►John then does a drill with students surrounded by pad-holding instructors wherein they must maintain their balance, dropping energy, etc. without pushing and delivering a barrage of chop/palm/knees in all directions.

►The drop step is vital for maintaining your balance on a blood-soaked floor.

►Note that many students will erroneously drop their cover hand during this drill. Practice correcting that.

►Practice screaming while doing this.

►Slambags are a valuable tool for developing splashing/snapping/dropping chops and palms.