17.   Offsetting the Vertical Plane

It takes two elements to throw an opponent to the ground: leverage and off- balance.  One effective method to off-balance an opponent is to offset or break his vertical plane.  By offsetting an opponent's vertical plane, his spine is no longer lined up and he's anatomically out of alignment.  The structural integrity of your opponent is no longer there.  By offsetting the vertical plane you can make it harder for your opponent to counter moves, and in some cases, even effectively moving his feet.  Offsetting an opponent's vertical plane can be done in a variety of ways.  By attacking the side of the neck at a 45-degree angle it will cause your opponent to list to the side, shifting his weight and body position, which works to your advantage.

18.   Pivoting

A pivot uses a part of the body as an axis.  Pivoting can be used to change from one stance to another.  A pivot can also be used to enhance a fulcrum and increase leverage, such as when one is doing an escape from a hold.

19.   Pry Release

The use of a pry release involves using a fulcrum to effectively cause the escape.  Generally, when you use the fulcrum, you will be pivoting around that point.  This is opposed to using excessive strength.  Pry release functions like a lever and should be thought of that way.

20.   Redirection/Deflection

Instead of meeting the force head on, force against force, we can yield way by deflecting the attack so as not to take its blunt force.  Deflections are best done at 45-degree angles to help reduce the strength of an attacker.  In many cases, if the deflecting hand is guided past the center point of your attacker's body, it will lose strength.  By redirecting or deflecting an oncoming force, you can keep the flow of your defense moving, and in some cases, actually increase the speed of your counter attack.