Are you reffering to slapping ones Own body? Yes whatever works, I preffer to spit for distraction...don't you know about the air polution in Manila helps conditoin the viscosity of one's sputum? It's one of our more effective air assault systems since our planes date back to the Tora tora era.
Yes slaping ones own body.... it sometimes surprises.... haha spitting is a good one, especially after eating balut... Actually spitting & calling names is also good to make your opponent furious, may be of interest for disarming, this could push your opponent to lunge in order to throw a direct attack (wouldn't work with an expert)....
The problem is that experts won't show that they are experts , By time you figure this out it's too late...mark of an expert. Krys is right about calling names. By engaging your opponent in conversation be it a directive one or expletive to just plain getting him to cuss your grandmother for sleeping with your boss and having the illegitimate son of the farm owner and... .......your opponent now is focused on conversing rather than stabbing or hitting you. Hostage negotiators use this tactic. Oh Hi grandama!..gotta go guys.!