Looked at from a very simple perspective, Vise-like basically means something is being squeezed in some way. Realistically speaking, in order to squeeze something, one needs something to squeeze and something to squeeze with. This is where things start to get interesting. Used in conjunction with another common American Kenpo term, Vise-like can be thought of as a cousin to Opposing Forces. But, unlike Opposing Forces, the thing being squeezed is between the Opposing Forces, and not technically part of the Opposing Forces.
In other words, Vise-like and Opposing Forces share the same general idea that forces are in opposition to one another. The difference arises in that the contact point of the Opposing Forces is different. In Opposing Forces, the surfaces that make the contact are the ones that are intended to be the contact point(s). In Vise-like, the item being squeezed is caught between the Opposing Forces and is typically the intended contact point(s).
So, to break Vise-like down into its most basic components; one needs the object being squeezed and at least two (2) opposing forces causing the squeezing. And although there could be more than two (2) opposing forces, this discussion will remain with two (2) forces - for simplicity.
Continuing to break this idea down just a little further, and only concentrating on the components creating the opposing forces; there are basically four (4) possibilities that can occur with this characteristic of the idea:
First, there is no compression taking place. In other words, neither compression element is moving (i.e. both are passive). This option will be discarded from this discussion.
Second, both compression elements are moving toward each other at the same time (i.e. both are active). This is most commonly referred to as sandwiching.
Third and fourth, one (1) compression element is moving toward the other, stationary, element (i.e. a passive and an active element). This is true Vise-like maneuvering. Also in this scenario, the stationary compression element (i.e. the passive element) is often referred to as the backing or backstop. And, although it is not actively moving, it is actively resisting the force of the opposing compression motion.
Additionally, there is another important characteristic to consider about this concept: alignment. In other words, what happens if the compression elements never make contact; but rather pass close by each other. This is where the concepts of shearing and scissoring come into play.
First, shearing. Shearing can be derived directly from the third and fourth options above. This is where the active element passes closely by the passive element; potentially causing the squeezed object to be broken into two (2) pieces by the continued force of the active element. In other words, part of the squeezed object stays with the passive element and part of the object goes with the active element, potentially to the point where the object is split apart.
Second, scissoring. Scissoring basically has the same result of potentially splitting the squeezed object into two (2) pieces; with the only major difference being that both sides of the compression elements are active (i.e. they are moving simultaneously).
Furthermore, now that there is an understanding of this idea and each of its components and options, there is still one more critical characteristic that needs to be highlighted, when this concept is brought into the real world: the environment. More specifically, what elements of the environment can be used to create or affect a Vise-like maneuver?
At first, the most basic way to think about this concept is that the squeezed element is the opponent (or part of the opponent) and they are being squeezed by us. Examples with a single hand (or both hands) would be: a grab, pinch, or squeeze. Striking examples might be: elbow with heel-palm, knee with hand-sword, or double opposing punches.
But, what if other elements of the environment where brought in? For example, the ground or a wall. This is where stomps and other compressions would occur. Put another way, a stomp is just a Vise-like maneuver using the ground as the passive compression element.
And finally, what if other components of this concept where switched to varying environmental objects. Things such as man-made objects. For example: change the object being squeezed to a knife and the backing element to the opponent, with you pressing the knife against the opponent. Although many would not commonly consider this to be a Vise-like maneuver, technically speaking, it would potentially qualify. The major difference with this maneuver and a true Vise-like maneuver is that the compression object is being used against the backstop element, rather than both compression elements being used against the knife. In common parlance, this would commonly be referred to as stabbing. And, although this is just one example, there are a great deal more scenarios that are left up to the reader to consider on their own.
In summary, Vise-like maneuvering is a very simple concept, with a number of potential options. That is why it is such an over-arching category of maneuvers within American Kenpo. What, at first, seems like a simple idea, can quickly be expanded to include a good percentage of maneuvers that we use in self-defense. This type of idea is often referred to as an umbrella concept. A general category in which a large number of maneuvers can be placed, yet still are very distinct. Using the supplied examples above as a starting point: stomping, pinching, grabbing, sandwiching, sheering, and scissoring maneuvers all fit into the umbrella category of Vise-like maneuver. And, if one takes the time to explore this concept further, they will quickly see that the system is replete with Vise-like maneuvers. And because of this, a comprehensive understanding of this important concept is recommended. In other words, take the time to understand Vise-like maneuvers, they are literally everywhere.