RIDDLE OF SIGHT
(Initiateur Level set against a right cross)
By Initiateur Jilgero
Riddle of Sight is a set from the Initiateur instructor syllabus that is meant
to end a dispute against an opponent throwing a right cross. The explanation of
this set from The Encyclopedia of Danse de Rue Savate is as follows:
“The zipotero first does a left parry chasse as he strikes with a right main
overt to the eye as the foe's right arm is wrapped. The thumb then controls the
head as the opponent is dropped to the ground.”
Assuming a right handed defender versus a right handed attacker try the
following spin:
First, keep your distance, keep your eyes on his chest/shoulders, and keep your
chin down looking at him out of the “tops of your eyes” like a boxer in the
ring. Recall the acronym “DRT” (distance reaction time). The closer you are to
him the less time you have to react. I suggest staying at least arm's length and
a half (4-5 feet). Watch his encroachment upon you. If he crosses your line, you
better throw first or you just lost this fight.
The “left parry chasse” is an inside parry. The “right main ouverte” is an
open-handed right palm strike emphasizing your thumb - which you are going to
use to gouge one of his eyes (right or left depending on how your hand falls
upon his face).
The left parry chasse and the right main ouverte are done simultaneously with a
45 degree step off to your left. This is essentially a “split entry” (to borrow
a term I have heard used in kenpo and kali). With a split entry, one hand
parries while the other hand strikes - all at the same time; simultaneous attack
and defense.
“….as the foe's right arm is wrapped…” This part is confusing until you think
about the footwork. You have just previously stepped off (45) degrees to your
left to slip the punch to give you an added measure of safety in case you are
too slow and screw up the parry. You DO NOT want to step straight into his
punch. To wrap the opponent's arm, you step in with your right foot ( i.e. “LAMIAK”)
and push his right arm across his own neck with your left hand.
At this point your right thumb is in one of his eye sockets, and he is probably
screaming bloody murder as his eyeball is being gouged. Your right foot may be
between his legs, checking one of his legs, and/or stepping on his left foot.
From here, swing your left foot backwards in an arc (i.e. SUGAAR footwork step).
You have him wrapped tight and your thumb in his eye while you do a take-down -
dropping him to the deck - HARD.
From there, beat a hasty retreat or kick and stomp the holy-living-crap out of
him. But always assume the worst- that there is more than one attacker or threat
- and you will never be taken by surprise.
This move is situational. The most important things to remember here are (a) how
to do a split-entry with angular footwork and a slip, (b) how to immobilize your
opponent (lutte), and (c) how to execute a coup de gras with manipulation (lamiak,
gaugako, sugaar). Practice well and keep it real.