The Correct Use of Hands During Any Approach – From the Martialist Teachings of Hanshi Kaufman

The Correct Use of Hands During Any Approach

There is a proper way to hold your hands out when receiving an offering or giving one. When shaking hands, the grip should be firm and relaxed, at the same time. This applies to handling weapons or documents or gifts. Make sure not to squeeze or put too much pressure on an object, so as not to lose control of its benefit. Hold any device or tool with resolve and in a manner that will permit change of direction when necessary. Hands should always be clean and fingernails manicured so that when you offer something to someone, whether an attack with a weapon or when empty-handed, it can be done in a manner that is not offensive to the person or group being approached.

Never push anything into someone’s face unless it is essential action to make the kill—in any form. Use the index and middle finger for support, with the thumb on top, and in this manner direct your intentions with authority. It is the same as when holding a sword and being prepared to strike or offering a document to be read or signed. The attitude of relaxed, yet firm hands, is also reflected through bodily intentions, while at the same time sustaining confidence. Do not wave your hands in fruitless gestures; instead, use them to emphasize certain points. Any other action indicates a weak and limited resolve. When encountering strong objections, physical or mental, and if you are not poised for action, the possibility exists that what is being offered can be dropped, and loss of control of a situation, even if it is only momentary, is all an astute enemy needs to gain the advantage, and it will then be necessary to restructure your focus in order to regain control. That may be difficult to accomplish with quickness because of the need to make extra moves that will interfere with resolved intent.

In negotiations, as in anything else, the hands must be ready to make definitive moves towards whatever is needed. Not following this method indicates an inability to focus with complete conviction. When your hands are firm and relaxed, there will be no problem redirecting the enemy’s attention, and he will be easily diverted, if necessary.

©Hanshi Wisdom Press 2020

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