|
The Strapping Tape Bola can be used in three ways, corresponding to three general
combat ranges:
Long Range
- Remove the bola from the belt clip.
- Hold the bola by one of the weights (tape rolls), as shown in grasp one above.
- Rotate in a flat, clockwise motion overhead. (Counterclockwise if used left handed.)
- Release the bola in a flat spin, parallel to the ground, in the direction of the
target's legs.
- Upon impact, the bola wraps around the target, entangling him and temporarily
restricting his movement.
The end grasp assures that
the bola gains maximum momentum, as well as maximum spread on release. However, this method
should not be used without considerable practice, as release timing can be difficult and
somewhat non-intuitive. Obviously, the user must have substantial open space around him,
as well.
Short Range
- Remove the bola from the belt clip.
- Hold the bola just above the knot of tape at center, as shown in grasp one above.
- Rotate in a flat, clockwise motion overhead. (Counterclockwise if used left handed.)
- Release the bola in a flat spin, parallel to the ground, in the direction of the
target's legs.
- Upon impact, the bola wraps around the target, entangling him and temporarily
restricting his movement.
While this technique
does not generate as much spread or angular momentum as the end grasp method outlined
above, it can be used in closer quarters. However, care must be taken in step three
to avoid tangling the three strands prior to release. A minimum number of rotations is
recommended.
Melee Range
The bola can be used in a variety of ways as a melee weapon. When held in grip two,
the heavy weights make it a serviceable flail. (In fact, the user will likely become
intimately familiar with this application as a side effect of practicing the ranged methods
above.) It can also be swept at the extremities as a grappling device. The tape straps,
if properly constructed, can be used as a garrote. Other uses are left as an exercise for
the reader.
|
