Lesson Three of the Self Defense Mini Clinic

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Welcome to Lesson 3 of your Self Defense Mini Clinic. If you’ve made it this far you are leaps and bounds ahead of most guys. Believe it or not most guys can’t even make it through my Self Defense Mini Clinic let alone a real life street fight.

In this lesson we are going to talk about picking the right target and technique for every situation, and you’ll learn why total commitment is crucial if you want to win a fight.

But before we get into that here is a quick video lesson that’ll teach you something you can use right away. Please click play on the video below and let decorated Counter-Terrorism Expert (and respected hand to hand combat expert) Glen Boodry take it from there.

Target Awareness vs. Technique Focus

Understanding the difference between “target” and “tool” (technique) is an important concept that confuses many fighters and gets them hurt. Knowing where to strike (the “target”) is the key. How to strike that target is simply a matter of which “tools” you’ll choose.

The bottom line is recognizing an open target is much more important than having the best technique. Because, a sloppy punch to the side of the neck is far better than a beautifully executed high reverse round-house kick that misses the target.

You must throw away the idea that a certain punch or kick will solve your fight problem and instead embrace the concept that hitting certain “high value” targets (by ANY means), is what WINS fights quickly.

But don’t get me wrong – technique is crucial. You want that “bag o nasty tricks” in your arsenal. It’s actually comforting when you realize you’ve got BOTH bases covered – that is, you’ve got a solid understanding of an opponent’s most vulnerable targets AND an arsenal of highly effective techniques to take advantage of them. Suddenly you’re the guy walking the streets in total confidence knowing you can “take care of business” if the situation arises.

The idea is to concentrate on first things first. And the first step is to choose a target – the second is to choose which tool or technique you’ll use.

We already went over some of the best targets back in Day 1, but today I’m going to list some more of them before we talk about techniques.

Great street fighting targets: Eyes, ears, jaw, throat, solar plexus (just below the sternum), groin, inside and outside of the knee.

Those are the big ones, a well-trained fighter will look for many other targets.

What Makes A Good Fighting Technique

First off a good technique has a high damage potential. In other words if it hits its target it will cause a lot of pain or damage your attackers body. This is just common sense.

The other consideration is probability of success. This is the real kicker, because many fancy martial arts moves are devastating if they hit their target, but the chances of that happening in a street fight are slim. Let me tell you why.

You will lose fine motor skills in a fight. Only very experienced fighters are able to use fine motor skills during a conflict (were talking about Navy SEALs and other special ops soldiers).

MMA fighters are able to use fine motor skills because although the threat of getting hurt is real their chances of dying in the ring are very small. It’s the fear of death not a scuffle that gets you pumped with so much adrenaline that fine motor skills go out the window.

If you aren’t familiar with fine motor skills the following explanation will get you up to speed:

fine motor skill fight moveFine Motor Skills: These are typically complex moves that require a high degree of training to learn and continual training to maintain. Your typical martial arts class will teach you these skills. By the time you’re a black belt (which may take ten years) you’ll know all sorts of fine motor skill techniques, including flying round house kicks, flying knees, spinning back kicks, and a lot more.

When your adrenaline dumps during an attack (the “fight or flight” response hits), higher thinking processes begin to degrade and fine motor skills deteriorate big time. It’s how the sympathetic nervous system works. As heart rate goes up, fine motor skills decrease, there’s simply nothing you can do about it.

Because fine motor skills are out the window you are going to want to focus on Gross Motor Skill to take out your attacker. These are movements that utilize the larger more powerful muscles of your body.

Gross Motor Skills: These do not require a lot of complex bio-mechanical skills. Nail down a few simple kicks, head-butt, elbows, knee work, and ground moves and you’ll be on your way.

They’re based on natural movements that don’t require years to learn and they’ll stick with you even when the adrenaline is pumping.

In fact, most fights are won with these simple (but well executed) skills – mainly because you’re simply tapping into your body’s own natural movement patterns instead of forcing some overly-complex process that will often fall apart in a real fight.

Before we get into total commitment and the fighting mindset I want you to take a look at the video below. This technique is all about gross motor skills and is simple and easy to remember.

Total Commitment:

Total commitment is the mindset you must have if you are going to win a fight. And it all starts with the internal question, “am I willing to hurt this guy?”

First, it’s important that you understand that street fighting is a zero sum game. That means there’s no such thing as a “win-win” outcome. You either win or you lose… period. And losing can mean hospitalization, permanent injury or death.

Even “friendly” fights that start with a couple buddies wrestling for fun can quickly turn serious and become lethal. I’ve seen the police reports.

The smart fighters – even experienced match fighters — avoid personal combat on the streets whenever possible because they know that the “rules” are different. How? Well, unlike the ring, there are NO rules. They understand that even a “little guy” can use an improvised weapon, or get in a lucky strike for an instant knock out.

You should never resign yourself to taking a beating under the assumption that you’ll take a couple shots then lick your wounds and go home. My research has shown that one of the most popular “gang-banger” moves is “stomping” your head once you’re down. There’s no guarantee you’ll live through something like that, and if you do, that you won’t be drooling from a wheelchair for the rest of your life.

Here are some assumptions you’ve got to keep in mind for any fight that’ll help you stay totally committed in a confrontation:

    1. Zero Sum Game – There is NO potential win-win. There are thousands of “let’s step outside” kinda fights that end in permanent injury or death every year.
    2. Defeat is not a temporary set back – and it’s NOT an option. Because keeping the option open that it may be “okay” if you get a good ass beating means that you’re also okay with the possibility of permanent injury or death – or that the people you’re supposed to be protecting will be left to the mercy of your adversary.Never get comfortable with the idea that if you simply let this guy beat you up a little it’ll be better than really pissing him off by fighting back. This is why getting the first question right in your head is so important. “am I willing to hurt this person?” Not, “am I willing to fight this person?” you must be 100% committed to victory.
    3. Your adversary has NO rules. Let me tell you about an “underground” match fight I witnessed between a baby-faced “tough guy” and a hardened tattooed ex-con.This videotaped fight was supposed to require bamboo sticks and “Baby face” said, in private, he’d use his stick to break his opponent’s fingers.The ex-con (on the other hand) said, in private, his goal was to “kill” the guy. That’s it… didn’t even mention the sticks.Guess what?When the fight started and the ex-con simply threw down the stick, leaped on his opponent, and tore half his face off with his teeth. In those seconds of terror, baby-face could only scream “he’s biting me… he’s biting me… he’s not using the stick… he’s not using the stick.”Certainly an ugly… brutal… and shocking way to make my point, but unfortunately it’s all true. A real fight means NO rules. You cannot expect your adversary to show mercy or fight “honorably.”
    4. Always leave immediately. Don’t stand around “waiting to see what happens”… because winning the fight is as good as it gets – it’s all downhill from there. Get you and your family the hell out. Hanging around means there’s a good possibility you’ll be caught up in the next round of drama from friends or from citizens who might perceive you as the “bad guy” or even from the police.That doesn’t mean you’re necessarily running from the law – it’s just that you want to talk to the cops on YOUR terms – without the extra drama and confusion. Bottom line – as Navy SEAL trainer Paul Vunak points out… “Get out while you can.”

 

Dominate larger attackers with a simple (and innocent looking) “bare-handed” strike. Click here to find out how.

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337 thoughts on “Lesson Three of the Self Defense Mini Clinic”

  2. 46 years ago, entering college for the first time, I studied a lot of self defense moves from my friend, retired marine corps judo instructor. They degraded over time with atrophy, I forgot the choreography, and you enter me a terrific brush up which is more fight than dance.

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  3. Anybody attacking you will not think you will respond, so that will catch him/her off guard. I like Kathy’s tactics of being in close (where you have to be) to your attacker and creating an injury. When you strike an attacker they have to be where it redirects his/her thinking of attacking you. Like Kathy using a groin strike, if she did not follow through with a throat strike, the attacker would be bent over and in pain from getting hit in the groin. If she “hit the target” then she could run!!! Being former US Navy, my training is to disable a person by striking critical targeted areas of the body. Using your elbows above has its place, but I’d rather pop the eardrum(s), or destroy vision. Remember, you obviously have to be close in to do the job! If you can diffuse the situation, run! When I am alone, no family around, I cower down and insist it was my fault whatever caused this confrontation. I know what I can do. It is diffused. I learned long ago – no EGO is the best solution. May you all be safe.

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  4. as a born-again Christian I hope i never have to actually do this but one never knows in this crazy world. i totally appreciate your instruction for helping men AND women to be self-reliant and self-confident wherever they find themselves. it’s shown me you can’t go around with your head in the sand. there’s bad people out there. thanks.

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  6. These fight moves are simple to learn, but only relatively simple. Readers should be warned that they have to practice the moves a hundred times or so. Otherwise, if they try the move and miss the target, the attacker can get more pissed off and kick his ass even worse. The “good guy” also has to be fluid in going from one move to the other. Imagine the slap the groin and pull if the bad guy jumps back after the slap but before the pull. He’ll be so pissed off he’ll smash the good guys balls to jelly — in addition to stomping on his face. The good guy should maybe practice the moves 200 times.

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  7. These tactics are so precise…I do security myself and even though I hope I never have to use these..its always good to know your prepared for the unexpected!

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  8. I think bone breaking or joint separation is the best way to end a fight before it get to bad. No matter how you look at it you got to swing or kick at some one so why not take and break the bones or do some joint separation. I’m a boxer. and i train in Aikido. first off
    if you think you are going to get that close to from behind or in front of me you are wrong. dead wrong. if you learn how you can break bones from behind or in front of you. in just a matter of seconds. thats what people need to be learning. that is how i teach my kids to fight. and if you put a gun in my face you will find out how fast you will get your feelings hurt.

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  9. These techniques can be operated successfully by women as well. If it works for them, it works for every body.

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  10. Martial arts are good for keeping one healthy…M.M.A.cage fighting is good for the feel of a battle and practising your moves.But deep-inside u know your in safeish hands,eg, a fight can be stopped for safety after a burst nose.
    But nothing prepares you for the adrenaline,shock & heart-racing symptoms of realising your suddenly involved in an unprovoked attack in the street.
    Ive used elbows before,maybe following a front punch.But luving Glen Hoodrys simple,effective head hold ideas.Always wondered how to get many elbow shots in repetition,without attacker backing off.(is that Bob Taylor with him?).Cheers guys.
    Big thanks to Kathy Long.As i wouldnt have grabbed another male assailant by the ‘nuts’,due to thinking unfare & off-limits(except for kicking or backhand hits.But hey;no rules or niceities in a streetfight assault.I’m defending my life here.Brilliant + thanks again Kathy!!.

    1 last thing to yourself Bob Pierce,in all your own intro talks, play at well over doublespeed.Is this intentional?.Anyway keep up the great work.May save my life 1 day,& that of my family…

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  12. I’m 54 yrs old. I was a cooler at a lot of bars ,strip clubs ,etc. I’m a 9th Dan ,I’ve trained a lot of bouncers in close hand to hand confrontations. I was also a trainer for a mma dojo, along with winning the tough man contest in my area for that time. Yes time has taken its toll on me. It’s great to see vidios of things I’ve thought a lot of people that’s why I’ve ordered a couple DVDs . I’m sure ill enjoy them as a refresher,you can never be to prepaired for life. Even if you think some of it is childish you still learn something from it. Rember it’s all ways better to avoid the confrontation,but if you can’t you will have the tools to end it quickly. Thank you again for the refresher.

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  13. Rediculously Entertaining:) Please remember that you have a HUGE responsibility, as the Martial Arts or Self Defence Community is responsible for their actions- whether that be teaching or putting out propaganda?? I’m not quit sure where these “philosophies” fail..I mean fall under?? I hope this over the top business model can be redefined in a more tactical- apposed to opinionated way:) In the words to the great, late Jim Kelly ” Right outa Comic Book!”

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  16. I am really enjoying the instruction. I am living in South America and cannot receive DVDs by mail. Is it possible to buy the program with a credit card and DOWNLOAD it to my computer? Please let me know. You have created a very good and realistic program. Thanks, Doc

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  17. Absolutely true about the “no rules” in a street fight. It is truly win or lose. Great information! Thanks for making it available.

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  19. If Kathy Long invades our personal space, what are we supposed to do? I could not.
    Another thing is that since nobody anywhere including on the street can be trusted why doesn’t this make everybody an attacker?
    We’re headed down a bad road no matter what aren’t we?

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  20. Hello,
    I used to live in the Tenderloin in San Francisco, California. If your not familiar with this area, it is one of the most dangerous locales in the country. Not only is it diverse in its people but the variety of dangers there are about as many as the variety of its people. Criminals out number the police 10 to 1. I know for a fact that these methods work because I’ve had to use them or some variation of them in various situations I’ve encountered living in that area on an almost daily basis. Palm and elbow strikes work extremely well in close quarter combat as well as knee and almost any attack to the groin works well too. I’ve also found that what Bruce Lee said in one of his studies is undeniably true. If one can’t see or can’t breathe , one can’t fight. Eye, nose and throat strikes with the elbow, palm, fist, finger or some type of hand held weapon such as keys or even a rolled up notebook can end a fight before it begins. And a knee to the solar plexus or groin strikes will almost always stop an attacker instantly if the strike is on point. This study you are offering is a must have for the average joe. You never know nowadays when or where you are going to have to defend yourself and this training course is straight forward and effective in my book. Thanx for putting it out there.

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  21. I’m ashamed to say I have lived a very aggresive past and been involved in many serious fights,but for the past 5 years following a hip replacement at 30 y/o I have calmed down and mellowed a lot, problem is people in certain areas remember the old me and want to take a shot for the sake of upping their credability I hope I never have to use these techniques but am confident they will do what they say on the tin. I can’t wait for my DVD many thanks to Bob and the team.

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  22. If Kathy Long decided that her personal space was 20 feet, she could have all sorts of potential attackers and they wouldn’t even know they were attackers until she got to them.
    Oh well, suffice it say that women like doing that to us anyway.

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  24. Here is some truth as to what these videos and teachings have helped me. I never expected to be homeless, but I am for now until I find work. There are evil threats especially after midnite. I’ve always fought because I like it, and I thought I was a lot tougher than I was even though I’ve KO’d more than 5 people with a single straight punch to anywhere along the face and side of head. Never had one of my fights last more than 20 seconds max, even when I didn’t KO. Alot of guys when you stand up to them and hit them with a short, quick jab or anything that connects even just a little bit, they will take off running. Things were different on the street and I was not all that I though I was. However, after learning from fighfast and choosing approx 20 strikes that I know work, and really practicing them literally all day long on this heavy bag (shaped just like a man) for 3 days, I could not wait to try the new moves that I took directly from fight fast teachings. I can’t buy a freaking fight now. I’ve never ever looked for a fight in my life, except one night. I found one finally and the guy was tough and mean. He broke my nose, he tried ripping my ear off, but it somehow stayed attached, half of it. See, I was so excited about using techniques, I forgot rule #1, look for open targets. I jumped straight to number 2, choose a technique but left out “based on what will work best with rule 1”. Although I struck first with an ear-slap, it wasnt clean bc it was NOT an open target, never should have thrown it. Thinking back, there were so many open targets. Failure #1 – didnt use my brain, so I got my nose broke. When he hit me right after I mis slapped his ear, I could not see bc my eyes filled with tears (and no, I was not crying) but that is the best example I can give, it was like a mad rush of tears. He somehow knocked me on the ground right after he hit me and I just grabbed for anything on him to keep from hitting my head on the concrete. He landed on me and got me in a side headlock and tried gouging my eyes but I knew it and was able to protect myself. Lotta blood at this point, very warm and it felt like it was coming out like water does with a faucet. I relaxed there for about 5 seconds and I knew his arm was tired and the headlock was only causing blood to come out of my nose faster than it was supposed to. I grabbed his arm that was around my head and neck praying he would not let go, i made it up to my knees and managed a basic judo throw as he was forced to let go as he rolled over my shoulder in sommersault fashion. We were already both tired, and only been fighting for maybe 15 seconds. I picked my target, which was grabbing the back of his head and then getting my right hand behindnhis head, I was able to throw as many knees as I wanted to by pulling/controlling his head down as I came up with my right knee, left knee, right knee and they were all so clean, he somewhat buckled after the first one and I just kept him in my grip with my hands behind his head or back of neck and as he was trying to just fall away, I held him in my grip and he managednto sort of block the second one but couldnt pull away so I forced the head down again and my right knee felt like it crushed his eye socket (i dont think it did but it did feel that way). I threw his head down again but no knee this time just making sure to throw him onto the concrete where he curled up like someone having stomach cramps and said “man ive had enuf”. I had never used my knees before until watching these videos but I did practice the hell out of them. This is the real deal, it works. My ear sealed back up against the side of my head but my nose still hurts 3 wks later. Nobody messes with me out here bc by the time the story went from person to person, there is no telling how exxagerated it must have been.

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  25. in Philadelphia 70-80-even 90 years old primarily targets for young boys and young girls(!) gangs. looks like i may need it.

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  29. a very sensible and realistic approach . simple techniques such as these are in my opinion the most valuable . i live in the uk which has recently become very violent , people being glassed or stabbed does’nt even make the newspaper so these simple and effective techniques are very useful , thanks !!

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  31. So many comments have a common theme: wanted to be a nice guy, didn’t want to hurt the other fellow; result, the bully had a field day. That seems to be the bullies’ one advantage, pick on someone who won’t fight back. When a fight is inevitable, strike first, strike to hurt, keep striking until the bully is down or until you can safely leave. It’s not a game, it’s survival.

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  33. I sure hope he was wearing a cup. Come to think of it if he wasn’t he’d be on the ground crying. Great stuff. I’m teaching my six yo granddaughter how to defend herself. Her dad’s too much of a pacifist .

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  35. Guys, The biggest thing you must remember is MINDSET! I totally agree with teaching your wife and children, BUT you have to teach the mindset first or you’ll hurt them more than protect them. While a kid can use this stuff, will he cry and be incapacitated when the conflict is over with one opponent? What then, if there are more of the bad guys buddies to stomp him then? They must have mindset and know to keep going if there are more threats. Maybe they can hurt one and run to safety, maybe not. Teach to bluff also. My first real fight a guy came at me with a knife and backed me into a corner. I nearly killed the guy by accident and not with the knife, that went to the top of the building. But then I broke down and cried like a baby. I was lucky and had learned to watch for the downside of adrenalin loss when it’s over. Teach, and teach well, but teach it all…even the outcome.

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  36. Thanks this has reinforced what I have learnt, the most Important poin tthat you made everyone aware of, was the fact that its the instinct to survive that reduces your finer motor skills, the nervous physical tension, the fight flight response. The fine motor skills only learnt through experience in situations.
    The two techniques I saw here the clinch & elbow strike [Hiji Jodan ate] plus the groin grab, take down, groin or thigh kick were very well demonstrated and very effective.
    Note even though you may not have that experience yet you still need to practice the moves , one day you may need that technique and it needs to be a learned natural response.

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  37. Good content; a great review of act and react drills. In a real confrontation there is no time for analysis and dreaming up some application from form or kata practice. This is taking care of business! Thanks!

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  39. I am nearly 64 we’ll trained in my younger days. Now at 5foot 4 and 135lb after major organ removal (cancer survivor) I cannot afford to even be struck in the lower abdomen or I’m dead. These moves are terrific gross motor and pre-emotive strikes are the only way for some of us. Just a few conversations with my wife who is smaller than I saved her from being robbed two weeks ago. She saw a big. Man coming for her and when he grabbed for her she did a drop out, smashed her cellphone into his shin, elbowed him in the groin and as he went down mule kicked him again in the groin.
    Then she got away as fast as she could leaving him very sore. He was a muscular 6 foot thug.
    Thanks for the tips.

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  43. Hi Glenn,
    I still interested in refreshing alot things I already know to be effective, and some techniques i haven”t yet learned. I’m just past 50 and have a 12 year old daugther who I show her the moves I have learned throughout out my life, both as a Brown belt in Judo, and in different situations in street fighting circumstances, I was born the runt of three brothers so for me as young as I could remember it was run or fight, I grew tired of running. I learned to use my forearm early on after getting a bigger bully in a headlock and giving him a swivle snap to the mouth and got myself a boxers fracture and a infection from breaking three of teeth. I always stay quiet and try avoid a fighting. But there are that you do end up fighting for your life. Those are the exception you talk about where anything goes, and people think that would never happen to me, but you would be suprised what some will do when they are in a desperate situation. I see what you’re teaching people and it will save their lives.
    A.Harrington

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  44. Thank you soooo much. I truly believe these videos will help my child to better stand up and protect hisself and do away with getting bullied ever again.

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  45. I just love the response attack and my family needs to know these technics, thank for a job well done!!! Peace bro’

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  46. I have used the elbow but the technique of holding it in close makes a lot of sense and I can see how it increases the force of your blow.

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  48. Cheers guys. I love the close quarter elbow tactics. A twist to the same move is to cup the top of the opponents head as you semi – squat extending your same arm to its full length and vertically drive the elbow uppercut style to under the chin or through the base of the nose. Use your legs to power upwards and as you contact the opponent release his head so as not to absorb your own “follow through” energy and it all goes into snapping his neck or driving his nose through his face. I liked the comparison between the guy with the stick & the guy with “kill” purpose. This move is for those that don’t need a stick because the will to kill is your greatest weapon if operated with your greatest muscle-“your heart” & composed confidence. B safe everybody “THE MAD IRISHMAN”

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  49. Hi,
    The video finally appeared after I sent the email to you saying that there were no videos on day three. Thanks for these videos giving us tools of defense or better offense that I pray that I or my loved ones will never have to use. I look forward to receiving day four instructions.

    Reply