In weaponless close quarters combat, an overlooked option is the headbutt. When judiciously delivered, a proper headbutt can be an incredibly effective way to strike unexpectedly.

LINER TRADECRAFT

When most people think of headbutting, they think of it as an inept act of aggression or a primitive CQC maneuver. However, when done properly, it can actually be quite a precise and controlled strike.

Headbutting is often seen as a last resort attack, to be used only when there are no other options available. However, in some situations, a headbutt can be the most practical way to take down an opponent.

For example, if an opponent is charging straight ahead, a headbutt to the nose can disrupt their momentum and knock them off balance. Headbutts can also be used as an attack of opportunity, for instance if an opponent leaves themselves open while trying to land a punch. In extreme close quarters combat, a well-placed headbutt can be the differential when strikes with limbs can’t gain velocity due to space.

A headbutt can be a shocking and surprising conflict ending move. When done correctly, it can knock an opponent down to the ground or even out cold.

However, when done incorrectly, a headbutt can cause serious injury to both the person delivering the blow and the person on the receiving end. That’s why it’s important to know how to do a proper headbutt.

A person’s forehead, the frontal bone, is one of the thickest and most durable bones of the skull, requiring up to 1600 pounds (lbs.) of force to fracture. Hence, it can deliver powerful blows to softer targets.

The Proper Headbutt Technique | DETCADER

  How to Do a Proper Headbutt:
            STEP   1

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            STEP   2

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            STEP   3

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            STEP   4

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            STEP   5

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            Proper Headbutting Strategies

Headbutts are strikes of opportunity and necessity, so it should be utilized as such. It’s opportune when your extremely close face-to-face with your opponent that a standard punch isn’t expected. And a necessity when your hands / arms are otherwise occupied or restrained but still within range to your opponent.

Of the other striking targets mentioned in STEP 4, the nose is the most sensitive / vulnerable and full of blood vessels. With enough force (which isn’t much) applied to the nose, it can cause those vessels to burst and create an overwhelmingly painful and phycological response. This will often cause your opponent to back down or even lose consciousness.

Never aim for the opponent’s forehead as this can cause just as much or more damage to you. It makes sense to use your forehead to strike due to its extreme hardness but makes no sense to target an opponent’s forehead for the same reason.

Almost like a reflex, people tend to close their eyes right before enacting a headbutt. It’s important to keep your eyes open so that you can better aim your attack till the very end. Keep your eyes open and focused on your target so that you can make sure your headbutt connects perfectly.

LINER TRADECRAFT

Since headbutts are so unexpected, even to experienced fighters, these maneuvers can catch an opponent off guard, giving you the upper hand but it’s important to use caution when employing this tactic.

After all, you don’t want to injure yourself. But when used judiciously, a headbutt can be a game changer.

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