Having the hands held high in a tight guard is not a very smart thing to do in a self-defense situation.
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To understand why it’s a bad idea, you need to appreciate that not all violence is the same, and there are HUGE differences between consensual violence (fighting) and non-consensual violence (self-defense).
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The differing objectives between consensual violence and non-consensual violence, result in contrasting ways of best achieving those objectives; for both you and the person(s) you are facing. What is optimum in one context, is a huge problem in another.
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There is quite a bit of confusion on the topic of guards and their relevant hand positions. Many people seem to be of the view that a guard is always vital in self-defense and therefore a “failure” to maintain one at all times is an error. This view seems to come from the fact that a guard is very important in a consensual exchange, with both participants seeking to “win” the fight.
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However, the problem arises when self-defense is seen as being exactly the same as a mutually agreed fight. And it is most definitely not the same.
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Self-defense is very different in nature. It is closer, more frantic. There is a much higher rate of fire, no mutual skill set, reduced reaction time, no opening and closing of range. There is pushing, grabbing, biting, etc.
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In self-defense, the hands should always be put to active use – as opposed to being held in a passive guard – and when appropriate, we need to be hitting as hard as we can, as fast as we can, in an explosive manner. A high, tight and passive guard is directly opposite to this. In effect, the hands are doing nothing!
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To be clear, a guard is vital and works well for consensual fighting or sparring. It can be hugely problematic if we approach self-defense in the same way. ??
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With thanks to Iain Abernethy