In a lot of Filipino Martial Arts the use of projectiles is practized. Very often, this leads to the question: “Why are you doing that?” I will try to point out some of the benefits in this article.

For one thing, throwing projectiles increases the pinpoint accuracy and demands concentration. This trains attributes that can be very useful in a variety of situations.

For another thing, it can be very helpful in self defense situations to throw objects (projectiles) to distract or hurt the opponent. Sometimes – depending on the thrown item – it can even incapacitate the attacker.

To make clear how useful it may be to use projectiles, there is one exercise:

Look around at the place you are at the moment and see which items are in reach, how they could be thrown and which effect they could develop. For me it would look like this at the moment:

· tacker
· hole puncher
· cup of coffee (empty)
· ballpen (Plastic)
· scissors
· bottle of water (Plastic)
· phone

In this list are of course items that could bring better results if they would not be thrown, the scissors in my example. The scissors are very light so it would be better to use it as a stabbing weapon.

The ballpen on the other hand is made of plastic. For this reason he would not make a very good palmstick, it would be better to throw it. Apart from that there are some items in the list that could bring good results and even incapacitate an opponent (cup, hole puncher, tacker) Even if you only manage to distract the attacker for a short period of time you can create the opportunity to counterattack or escape, i. E. if you throw the ballpen. For this Knifethrowing can be a great exercise. You learn to hit a target with pinpoint accuracy and power.

It is essential not to limit yourself to throwing knifes, throw every pointy object that you can lay your hand on. Your aim here should be to instinctively adjust yourself to the throwing characteristics of every projectile. Throw different types of throwing knifes, broken knifeblades, nails, chopsticks, coins, hatchets etc.
As a target – depending on the projectile – a polystyrene plate or a wooden plate can be very useful. For example coins and chopsticks are best thrown at polystyrene plates, they stick very bad in wood.

The different throwing techniques are practiced (backhand throw, forehand throw, underhand throw). If you feel save you start to mix it up and throw from different positions, while moving, seated, behind cover etc.

To practise throwing at a living object you need a training partner with a helmet and jockstrap. Throw at him with tennis balls, chopsticks etc. while he is attacking you. Try you use his distraction to place a counterattack, take him to the floor or just push him off balance and escape.

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About the Author:

Christian von Praun is the founder of the Individual Combat System. He is into the Martial Arts since many years and specialises in Filipino, Chinese and European fighting arts. He is teaching Martial Arts at a club in Düsseldorf/Germany. www.individual-combat-system.eu