Control Through Impact

You’ve likely experienced it. You’re heading to the kitchen for a drink, only to slam your shin into the coffee table. Suddenly, your goal is no longer hydration—it’s pain management. That sharp impact immediately altered your intent. The same principle applies to defensive tactics. An Impact weapon—like the ASP expandable baton—is a defensive tool that can establish control by means of applying impact to an attacking subject. This impact pressure can temporarily disable elements or effectiveness of a subject's musculoskeletal structure.

Contact area

Strikes with the last three inches of the baton, delivered with speed and power at a 45-degree angle, maximize effectiveness. Baton strikes should be aimed at the weapon delivery system—not at the head, neck, spine, sternum, or groin.   Aiming for the center mass of the attacking limb is a reliable and “forgiving” method of target acquisition, increasing the likelihood of effectively gaining control. Pressure (force/area) increases as contact area decreases, so a smaller area produces much higher pressure than a larger one. Our aim is to stop the attack, not cause lasting injury to the assailant.

Power turns technique into control

Effective control with a baton requires balance and power. Weak strikes may fail, leading to escalation. Power comes from proper technique—especially “time on target,” where the baton momentarily dwells upon impact. This maximizes fluid shock, the energy transfer that disrupts muscular control. Just like with empty hand tactics, power comes from practice. Train it often.

A lesson from combat sports

In MMA, calf kicks can shut down a fighter’s leg due to fluid shock. The affected fighter either limps on, or drops—either way, the advantage is gained. This is the same principle as the police defensive tactics discussed above: focused, controlled power that transfers energy efficiently, while minimizing unnecessary harm.

As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Impact changes intent—and often, the confrontation.