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Do You Have Bad Intentions?

Welcome Back!

Jim West was recently at our studio to provide some expert instruction on a few new weapon projects. As expected, we had a great time. Jim has a way of tossing out nuggets of combat wisdom in passing that really stick with you. Here’s one thing he brought up that many of us don’t give enough thought to:

“Bad Intentions”

Jim pointed out that in a life or death self-defense situation, you MUST have bad intentions. If you aren’t mentally prepared to hurt your attacker, you are much less likely to survive. The survival mindset is an aggressive one.

For Jim, it’s about flipping the switch from polite citizen to “ass kicking” mode as quickly as possible. How fast can you make the switch? Seriously, think about that for a minute…

Most of us grew up being told we have to be kind to others… and we should. Most of us were scolded for hitting others at a young age… also a good thing. Because of our parent’s strong values and guidance we developed into kind and respectful citizens.

Here’s the Problem…

If kindness and respect are your norms, how do you “flip the switch?” For some, it’s very difficult and can take a second or two. For others, they just can’t seem to make the switch. Why is it so difficult for us? We are conditioned to be non-violent. Criminals expect good victims, and for the most part, people are. The criminal’s instinct is to take what they want through intimidation, deception, and violence. Ours is to earn what we want through honest, hard work.

In the critical few moments leading up to physical contact, most of us are looking for ways to de-escalate the situation, or are simply paralyzed by fear (or an ingrained hesitancy to hurt another human being). All this works to the criminal’s advantage.

So You MUST Be Proactive

If you wait for a life-threatening situation to decide what to do, you are leaving too much up to chance. You must decide ahead of time where your “line in the sand” is. And if it’s crossed, how far will you go?

Ask yourself the following questions:

  1. How dirty will you fight?
  2. Are you out for blood?
  3. Will you wait to be hit first?

Don’t Get Me Wrong

I’m not suggesting you fly off the handle at the slightest chance of a conflict. But when trouble comes knocking, you’d better be mentally prepared to take care of the problem and resolve yourself to do what you think is necessary.

Keep in mind hundreds, if not thousands of people have been killed with just one punch. So, as far as I’m concerned, there are no “little scuffles” in the street. This isn’t the playground. A grown man trying to hit me IS life threatening, every time. When you engage you must truly intend on hurting the person. You can’t fake it.

Aggression and self-preservation are basic animal instincts. Use them. If you are simply defending (as in, only using defensive moves) your attacker will likely keep at it, until he has worn you down. Your defense has to hurt him. It must have those bad intentions.

The Reality Is This

With the exception of a skilled counter-fighter, aggressors control the encounter. If you willingly let the attacker maintain his role as the leader in the encounter you are leaving too much up to chance. Hoping he’ll give up, hoping somebody will come to the rescue, hoping he won’t hurt you too bad, or hoping he’ll leave your family alone.

Don’t hope… ACT. We’ve talked about mindset before and this won’t be the last time we talk about it. But I think Jim West has a unique and valuable way of looking at this issue, that may resonate in a different way than some of our previous articles.

What Do You Think?

When trouble comes, will you have the strength to flip the switch? Let me know in the comments below!

For a safe life…

Dean Horine, Special Projects
FightFast/TRS

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696 thoughts on “Do You Have Bad Intentions?”

  1. Having been the only girl among 4 brothers who absolutely hated me for being a girl, I had to fight all the time. There is nothing wrong with defending oneself. There is nothing wrong with ending someone’s aggression’s against you. Its time to recognize that among us are enemies. It will not save your life to be unaware of their intentions. I am not here to be a target. We can no longer assume that we can walk the streets in safety. Those days are over.

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  2. do you have any thing going on in San Francisco, im disabled and would like to get training in self defense.

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  3. Not only do you need to be mentally prepared to change your attitude but you must be offensive minded first not defensive minded you need to strike first.

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  4. I disabled with movement difficulties I I’m not able to make Swift moves without encountering some resistance and my body to executing flawlessly and freely I wish there was some other techniques specially made for Mobility problems and disabled people can help themselves whether they are in a mobile scooter or in a wheelchair or use a Rollator walker I know there’s ways to use a cane but if you are not able to stand up properly or very long or move without the use of support there needs to be specific techniques for these type people like me not only that but with my disability I can’t even afford your cheapest prices thank you for your free videos that I can at least plug in my mind and hope that one day God and my body can accomplish that which is needed without even thinking about it it will be a trained reaction but I can’t be trained without being able to work a reaction properly and execute a smooth move

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  5. I’m disabled with back problems and I live in Greenville ms so anytime I go anywhere I’m in danger. I’m always scared that we could be a target. I used to bartend so I used to be pretty tough but those days are gone. I really dont think i have the mental thinking because of pain I’m in to be aware and do anything.

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  6. I’ve read several comments on here about disabled folks wanting to defend themselves but not being able to move fast enough to do so. This is a real problem and one that I hope can be addressed. I really hate to see these type of people get taken advantage of.

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  7. A real physical threat HAS to be naturalized.. Whether it be friends or family, neighbor, female, or anyone being bullied or intimidated, any of these, if the situation calls for physical action, the ones that know me or are around me, I shall defend.. period.

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  8. Nothing is wrong with defending yourself. I will end their aggression. He has become my enemy. He is my target and my mental state is to fight. I will destroy what wants to inter fear with my family.

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  9. It’s true. The streets are a jungle out there on the streets. You have to move fast and guick and get out. Thank You So Much. God Bless.

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  13. The only reason that I have been looking into all this stuff for a while now. I am afraid to fight, your course has helped with my fears a lot . I still not looking for a fight but I am not as afraid as before I haven’t had a fight since I was in the 3rd grade and I am almost 72 yrs old now. I have relied on my sinces to not be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Many times I had bad feelings so I left the place to find out later that all hell broke out after I left and sometimes killings. When I get the feeling , I obey them. But your courses and products has helped me a lot not to have the fears. But I still hope to continue the practice of not being there when the shit hits the fan.

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  15. This article “Do you have bad intentions” has.given me something to chew on. I’ve read this article with much interest. I have always been taught. to be kind to others ,avoid confrontation walk way from trouble but sometimes walking away its not possiable. I believe I am going to face confrontation in the next two week’s that will cause one of us to get hurt and in my opinion it damn sure won’t be me.

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  17. I am a small, in 60’s woman. Your articles are informative. Due to my size, age and health, physical confrontation I would be in a lose situation, hence I carry, with no problem with using. But your articles keep me in the correct mind set, since it is easy to be relaxed living away from the majority of people. Biggest threat right now are bears LOL. Thanks again.

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  18. When I was younger I was confident I could defend myself and others, and did so when I had to. I guess I did flip some kind of switch, because I don’t remember much about the fights except that the other guy ended up on the ground bleeding, and I didn’t. At 77 with osteoporosis and arthritis, I no longer feel confident. I know that, if I punch someone, my hand will be broken. I try to avoid places where problems are likely to occur and hope I can figure out something to do if I have to. Carrying is a possibility, but with a tremor and lessened vision, my shooting is not what it used to be.

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  19. I want to thank you for the literature. Even tho i do not have the means at this moment to accept the wonderful gifts you offer i as many have to endure the streets in more than desired amounts of time. In turn i have been reading your emails and the things you have sent and i am able to read are strong enough and supportive enough for the parts i do know to gain strength and give confidence to my rather insecure and modest ways of responding to the encounters i cross thru my daily moments. I just wanna thank you for the encouraging and strength building words and positive feed. A woman in circumstantial position…. My gratuitous acknowledgement to YOU….TY AGAIN

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  20. I cant wait every segment of fight fast…it empowers me. I’ve ALWAYS been a fan of self preservation. I tell my wife…if confrontation should happen…this ole boys gonna get the surprise of a lifetime!

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  21. Things are going to be worse before they get better and crime and people with bad intensions are everywhere so you have to ask yourself what are you going to be a victim or the Victor! You have to woop some ass sometimes!

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  22. I’ve always had that mindset… at least as an adult. Alot of times people looked at me a little weird or even thought I was ruthless, leaving me to say something like “Did you already forget the scenario? The scenario is YOU are being attacked and YOU’RE life is being threatened, and in that scenario I’m going to be as ruthless as possible and absolutely anything goes that will help me walk away from that scenario alive and literally be able to live to fight another day.” Like you said, this isn’t some playground scuffle. It’s a life-threatening scenario we’re talking about. And if I ever find myself in one, absolutely anything goes… anywhere from biting and eye gouging to throwing hot coffee in their face or stabbing them with a pencil… Anything! You only live life exactly once and not even for one second am I about to let some street bum ruin that for me because it’s the only one I have and I am thankful for it and I value it and I take it very serious because I understand just how precious and sacred it really is. No matter who you are, you come into this world with one thing and one thing only, your life. Understand the value of it, and treat it accordingly.

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  24. Good Mornin’, Your philosophy & recommendations leading to action is well commended. However I was taught that when trained in these deadly skills, that there is the MORAL OBLIGATION to allow those attempting to intimidate & or attack that this pilgrim is not without backbone or abilities. This is not for their benefit but MY own peace of mind. I like to be able to smile back at myself in the mirror. Thank you Wally “Da Wall”

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  25. I have been lucky so far, lost my father at 11 vr s old. Have 5 sisters younger than me and as big Bro I had to take care of them.
    AT 67 I,M STILL KICKING ASS AND TAKING NAMES. DID 5 YR S AT MONROE PEN IN THE 70 S. THAT ALSO TOUGHT ME A FEW TRICK,S

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  26. I respect your comment about a skilled counter fighter as in karate in most cases you must “receive” before you can “give”. Translated properly means let someone commit themselves and thereby opening themselves to a serious counter attack. I’ve been in karate for fifty years and still workout. However, as you stated, there are instances where your intuition should prevail and attack first. However, that is a rather difficult concept to teach a normal mortal. Nice talking to you.

    Frank

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  27. My mind set every day is that if/when I am confronted, it was the attacker that initiated the situation, and he/she will have to accept my response. I will be fighting for MY life, not to save theirs.

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  29. there is no such thing as fighting dirty, there is only fighting to win and you start out with what other people would call dirty, I call it survival. Nothing is off the table when you are threatened, go for the throat, eyes, palm blows to shatter the ear drums, mandible claw is never expected and crotch, maneuver to get behind them and hit as hard as you can for nerve bundles and the temple.

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  31. I will never wait to be hit first. While I am not going out to look for any trouble, I don’t have any qualms about drawing blood and then some. I also believe in a life and death situation there’s no such thing as fighting fair. Do what you have to do, to get home to your loved ones safely. I f that means fighting “dirty” so be it.

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  33. my DAD SAID THERE IS ONLY 1 RULE TO FIGHTING. AND THAT IS NOT TO GET YOUR ASS KICKED. IF NEED BE THERE IS ALWAYS AN EQUALIZER, DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE IT.
    NOT TO START A FIGHT BUT NEVER RUN FROM 1 EITHER.
    THAT’S WHY THE KIDS NOW DAYS CARRY A GUN TO SCHOOL AND JUST START SHOOTING OTHER KIDS. WHEN I WAS I SCHOOL IF SOMEONE BULLIED YOU YOU STOOD UP TO THEM. YOU MIGHT GET YOUR SS KICKED A TIME OR 2 BUT THEY’D LEARN TO RESPECT YOU AND USUALLY BECOME YOUR FRIEND.
    I’M 67 Y/O AND BEEN DISABLED SINCE 88. BUT I’VE SHOWN SEVERAL YOUNG PUNKS WHAT AN OLD MAN WITH A WALKING STICK CAN DO IF YOU PUSH HIM TOO FAR.
    I’VE NEVER BEEN A Bad ass but it’s never taken the bad assess long to learn not not to mess with me. Because i dont run and i don’t back down.
    My son is always telling me “one of these days your gonna get hurt bad old man” but like i tell him. They may whip my ass but they will definitely now they had it to do.

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  34. I’m 68 years old and I can’t laugh I got used to it. I’d like to come up with something that’s quick to learn. I have to use walker or mobile cart Or walking poles to get around. I have a wife whom I love dearly. Everyone thinks I’m not much good anymore for anything. I’ll because it started out with degeneration of the spine. I used to be powerhouse! Now I feel completely useless. In an instant I can explode and to into combat, I had no military experience, but I was one hell of a powerhouse. I have very fast reflexes still. I got all the way to my green belt in taekwondo 5 to 10 years ago. I think it has stuck with me to some degree. in an instant I need to move fast and create damage very quickly. I think I could handle myself fairly well, but my condition and age gives me a handicap. I don’t have a lot of money for training and buying weapons, But I have a very strong will. I already have many weapons and I think I could move fast when necessary. My friends used to come in Munk, because when I was young I raised myself to be like Tarzan. Why was I ever a Tarzan. No I’m fat and handicapped. Do you have any suggestions for me?

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  35. Grew up in a small town in texas where we faught as kids for fun although i am alot older now and dont have that mind set of getting into a fight over the way someone looks at me now…. I can still hold my own if needed be…. Fighting it to win theres no rules in a street fight at all….

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  36. I have been the victim of aggression and violence in my life because i believe in being a peaceful respectful man. In the beginning i took no action to protect myself. Now i know the only way to prevent this is to project strength and be prepared. I DO ARM MYSELF. I DO BELIEVE IT IS A RIGHT TO PROTECT MYSELF. IF ANYONE SEEKS TO HURT ME THEY WILL ALSO BE HURT.

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  39. I have a new street survival and fight book coming out soon. This book will offer guidance and mind-set development for a real fight, thus virtually eliminating the anticipation waiting for the first punch or attack to begin.

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  40. Actually I just stopped by the site this AM to ask if you guys have a video or some other info on cane fighting. I am 68 yo Viet Nam vet and sometimes have to rely on my “ third leg “ to help my balance. Thank you….Bil

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  42. I can’t thank you guys enough for things like this. I have always been one to wait and take that first punch. Never thinking about those hundred or thousand that are killed with that 1 punch. This is why I am glad I found your help.

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  43. Bad intentions! No I never have bad intentions. And I would never admit to having bad intentions that will definitely show up in court. And in today’s environment with the red flag laws anyone admitting to having bad intentions could open a whole world of bad things happening to you sure. But I will say this and I will leave a few thoughts. First and foremost you should get proper training the younger the better but it’s never too late to start. But if you’re not willing to get training then you should at least learn situational awareness. If you don’t know what’s going on around you you cannot protect yourself, your family or others around you. The next thing I would recommend if you’re just starting out is to throw out everything you’ve ever seen on TV or anything you had red and some Adventure novel this crap will get you killed if you try to practice it. I would also recommend when a situation comes upon you leave you should not care what others see or think about you better safe than sorry. Now if for some reason you cannot do that don’t get into a push em shove him threaten him type situation. Just end the situation is quickly as you possibly can I believe in the old attic he who strikes first will strike last. Never let a threatening situation continue any longer than you absolutely have to and this is why bullies Outlaws and bad men will only become more aggressive as they see that you are more passive or scared. But if you must become physical this is not a boxing match oh, this is not an exhibition of combat skills. Your opponent means to do bodily harm to you and those around you he is not your friend. Now I could speak for the next five thousand words and I would still have to use another hundred thousand words and not even scratch the surface. Experience is key Training is key knowing where you are and what you are capable of will dictate your actions and you need to be the one in charge not some bully Outlaw bad man trying to hurt you and words will not end a fight. Today I’m an old man I no longer fight to win I fight to survive. That means everything I’ve ever learned is on the table from the very first moment. Didn’t mean to write a book God bless everyone and may God keep you safe and all the dark places you must walk before you find the safety and peace you deserve

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  44. I have always considered it wise to keep my head on a swivel & be ready to jump into action when out in public. Let’s face it, you never know when danger is lurking around the next corner, or comes into your presence unexpectedly. I am currently 56 years old and a bit battle worn. I don’t have the stamina I once had & will look to end a confrontation as quickly as possible, hopefully without violence. I have always been one to keep a cool head when the SHTF. I believe this is an import aspect of being able to defend myself, or loved ones. When my switch is tripped it seems life is going in slow motion & I become acutely aware of what is happening. I am able to react/respond quicker than most in similar circumstances. For me this has always seemed to be instinctual, as if it was natural to quickly act in the manner I did. Some have commented that they were blown away because they would not have even thought to do what ever it was I did. I contribute this ability to keeping a clear head “under fire” and always being on the alert. Law enforcement training calls it condition yellow & orange. Only when I am at home, where I know it is secure, I will relax & take my guard down, with my favorite firearm on my hip of course.

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  45. I was taught as a younger person that it is always better to walk away
    from a situation and not say anything, but if the other person continues
    and starts violence , then hit low first to take them off their feet . Then
    if forced do what else you are forced to do and leave !!!

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  46. I total agree with everything that was said. It is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog. Waiting for the first punch is waiting for a world of hurt to happen.

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  47. Having Bad Intentions is the only way to be able to get out of a bad situation.
    Unless you plan to hurt someone, you are on the loosing end.
    He will determine how bad you are going to hurt him.
    The situation may and probably will escalate very quickly.
    You had better be ready to take it all the way at any time.
    If you are not ready to go that far you better stay off the streets.

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  48. Absolutely! When confronted and backed into a corner you have to protect yourself and your family. The only sure way to be and feel safe is if the attacker(s) lose the will to attack anymore because they are incapable of it –

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  49. I grew up fighting and been hit with everything from stick and rocks to bats and shovels. I’ve won some and I’ve lost some. But now I never lose.
    My secret is that I like getting best up. I get so pumped when someone hits me, instead of fighting back I’ll tell them to hit me again. I’ll even tell them where to hit me. Okay now get me on the ground and kick me in the face a couple times and stomp my ribs. Yeah most of you think I’m be but really it’s great. It throws off their fight game . They don’t hit as hard for one because they’re confused. Another thing is they won’t get that adrenalin rush that we get from getting hit. When your excited about getting hit, and you have that rush you barely feel anything till the next day. Then you may feel some pain but it goes away.That pain keeps other stuff out of my mind, like the woman I love leaving me for someone, she’s been cheating on me with for months. How stupid that makes me feel is worse than any pain I’ve ever felt. One question to end this with… If I like getting beat up , can I ever lose a fight.

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  50. Very great article, for those who need training I would recommend Fight Fast video’s. Unlike going to a dojo and maybe after two years you learn something that might save your life. These video’s are reality based and could be incorporated for those who have disabilities and I strongly recommend Fight Fast products as well. You don’t have to be a victim so look at all they have to offer.

    Reply