 real world blasting...
I learned the blast, as most of us did I'm sure, from Paul Vunak, and I've seen a lot of different ways to apply it. Some folks will keep long range and potshot until they get the hands trapped up and then blast, and if it works, great. In my experience, though, that approach is a little backward. Anytime I've kicked into a straight blast in the street/bar, it's been at one of three times:
1.) after an interception
2.) after a destruction on the attacking limb
3.) after an unexpectedly effective counter attack
The key ingredients, in my opinion, are that the opponent is either in pain, off bablance, or both before you launch into the blast. My straight blast has never been what I'd call a knockout tool, so I tend to have to set it up with other more damaging tools in order to get the first few (and most critical) shots through. Once you start landing, even with "lighter punches" the opponent's balance usually goes and he either backpedals, flairs the arms outward or forward, runs away, turtles up, or tries to shoot for the takedown. Each response will call for a different follow-up, but basically, what I look for (unless I'm dealing with someone who's a good wrestler) are the really ballistic tools at the neck, like headbutts, knees, elbows, eye gouges, and arm wrenches. I've probably had about a half dozen fights outside a gym environment when I used the blast, and in every case, it was just a bridge between my long range potshotting and my trapping range finishing tools. I've never put anyone away with the blast, except in the gym, but it has certainly saved me from getting nailed on my way in. I think that the general consensus is correct, though. Train it with helmets and light gloves until you figure out how it works best for you, and then keep it in perspective. Hope that helped.
Mike |