What is the primary focus when using a strike for gaining control?

The primary focus when using a strike for gaining control is to stun before employing other techniques. This approach allows the officer or individual to create a temporary disruption in the opponent's ability to resist or counteract, thereby enabling the use of follow-up control methods. The intention is not to cause injury or maximize damage but to gain the upper hand sufficiently to apply additional defensive tactics or measures.

By stunning the individual, the trained professional can more effectively implement restraints, control holds, or other compliance techniques without escalating the situation further. This strategy promotes both control and safety, prioritizing the de-escalation of the encounter while ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.