Defanging the snake

Definition

"Defanging the snake" is a common term regarding a variety of defensive techniques versus an armed opponent, in which said opponent is forced to drop his weapon due to massive tissue disruption, thereby rendering the weapon hand useless — sometimes permanently.

The original phrase is translated from Indonesian, and is familiar to practitioners of the martial art Silat, which is primarily blade orientated; however, similar techniques exist in all fighting systems which incorporate edged weapons — from Eskrima to Western fencing.

Methods

The most common method utilized to "defang the snake" is to deliver a deep slash or stab wound to the inside of the armed opponent's wrist, thereby damaging tendons, muscles, blood vessels, and possibly nerves. If a nerve is severed, a flail limb can result, which is typically unrepairable and generally amputated by surgeons. Less common methods include attacking other vulnerable points of the hand and arm, particularly the thumb and the inside of the elbow. If delivered with speed, accuracy, and force (provided the blade is sharp), the opponent's weapon is typically lost.

Although the blade is the traditional and preferred means to disarm an opponent via this method, the term has also (and perhaps incorrectly) been used regarding any disarming technique which results in serious injury to the weapon arm. Such alternative techniques may include injuring the arm with: a club, a gunshot, or a joint-breaking hyperextension of the elbow (a move frequently employed in Ju jitsu). A move in which the weapon arm was not seriously injured (i.e., a pain compliance hold) would not apply, as per this term.

Philosophy

Although "defanging the snake" always results in serious injury, possibly resulting in hospitalization or even loss of limb, it is seldom (in itself) life-threatening. In theory the psychological effect of "defanging the snake" could avoid a more serious confrontation by demonstrating one's proficiency and or willingness to defend oneself. Indeed, the very act of "defanging the snake" can be considered a humanitarian act, in that the goal is to preserve life, rather than terminate it. In fact some Holy Books for example the Book of Mormon demonstrate defanging the serpent intertwined with certain religious ideas.^[1][2] In the Holy Bible, though there is little detail, it is a plausible interpretation that Joshua utilized this concept on some level during conflict with the Amalekites.^[3]

Stories

In the Book of Mormon, a missionary named Ammon defends a flock of sheep from enemies who would otherwise scatter the flock. After using a sling at range the distance is closed

"But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him".

In later chapters, Ammon proselytes the people whom he was defending. He defends their right to worship by an empty hand version of defanging the snake.^[4] The proselyted people accept a markedly Christian religion while keeping the Law of Moses.^[5] The people of Ammon are later martyred in part due to their realization of the violence which they were responsible for prior to their conversion^[6] Their martyrdom leads to a number of conversions greater than the number martyred. The descendants of these same people play a role in the Book of Mormon as the two thousand stripling warriors.

See also

Self Defence

References