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. Hi Bob=Ed here=Your stuff seems to be more arrows for the quiver of life.Make the bad guy(shiver and quiver).Say whats black and brown==looks good on a lawyer==a doberman.Good nite=ED.

    Reply

  3. Well explained and demonstrated. It gives one an option of running — not with my hip replacement — or protecting myself with a totally unexpected method of attack.

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  5. Very good stuff here. I am soaking it up like a sponge.Thank-you for this eye-opening reality of which I hadn’t even thought of. I am looking at defense much differently now then I did before.Or should I say “Offense”

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  6. As always from a handicapped person, I really appreciate your instruction. sincerely James

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  7. These are great to learn, reminds me of my army days over 50 years ago, but you’re never to old to learn or relearn.
    I forward these to my Grandson to is a very level headed boy, he was so great full, I will continue as long as these continue!
    Everyone should know something in order to protect themselves, now that I’m almost 70 still in some what good shape, these techniques will come in handy if ever needed to protect my family or myself.
    Thank you, Bobby Correa Sr.

    Reply

  9. Excellent, I’m definitely going to show this to my girl Friend
    Thanks for it and all the concrete attitude before the fight even commences

    Reply

  10. These are some great tactics ! Its a shame that times have changed, and you have to be on constant guard. I’m concerned more about the safety of my nieces than me but I will share these tactics with them!

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  12. I thought someone may be able to be at a slight angle making it difficult to grab the balls so it would only work well if the opponent was totally off guard, again it would take practice.

    Reply

  13. Very Pertinent And Critical Information On Target Awareness Vs. Tool Technique Focus, Difference Between Target And Tool Technique As A Critical Concept To Real World Street Fighting Survival. Importance Of Technique As A Critical Survival Factor, The Critical And Highly Important Factor Of Total And Complete Confidence In A Actual Real Life Street Fight Situation, What Makes For A Good Fighting Technique 1. Does It Have The Potential To Inflict Maximum Damage Potential.2.Does It Have A High Probability Or Rate Of Success. Diminishment Of Fine Motor Skills In A Actual Street Fight Situation, Dependence And Reliance Of Gross Motor Skills In A Actual Street Fight Situation, Total Commitment And Actual Mindset Of Am I Willing To Hurt My Enemy, Because He Is Willing To Hurt Me. Mindset That There Is No Zero Sum Game, Mindset That Defeat Is Never A Temporary Setback, Your Adversary Has No Rules About Hurting Or Even Killing You To Win, And Most Important Get The Hell Out Immediately And Don’t Wait Around To See What Happens Next.

    Reply

  14. Thanks for the video, thiswill realy help me to win a fight and how to know a fight more.
    Keep the tutorial coming. Thanks XD.

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  15. Gross motor skills are so much easier to remember Im going to practice all these moves thank you!

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  20. good stuff im sure it will make a huge difference if im challenged it already is changing my mental attitude into a win and go thinking thanks. Bob

    Reply

  22. I to have studied tai kon do (spell ck.) Tailand ,,as well sho da kon (spell ck.)Japan.for a years.there have been more one time that I have been unable to fight back and whipped by experts.and blindsided by punks(attacked)with a weapon. also been able to win more than lose..first strike has been the winner..everytime great info…my training was good ,,but as you say fight fast…also the fear of being hurt is real and expected in a fight.you must to use it by transfering the fear into anger,not hard to do at all get pissed .winning helps with this.do your training nothing else is worth more.

    Reply

  23. My ex beat me and left me for dead .. I have been struggling the last few years to get my life back to gether and the restraining order is up in December .. I am so tired of being abused and mistreated .. I need to learn to fight .. Thank you … Charlie

    Reply

  26. realistic information. confirms that punks and just punks and they have no qualms about hurting us for any reason and they will if given the chance.

    Reply

  28. I’m loving the course, due to the extensive info, but I’m still quite frustrated by the fact that the only martial arts your thinking of here are karate and TKD. After numerous bar fights and being jumped by punks, I realize that the fine motor skills are nearly worthless, as I’ve said before; BJJ actually isn’t as worthless, even if its worth in a street fight is circumstantial. I gotta say though, I love the fact that you’re teaching easy to learn self-defense. Thank you for this amazing course 🙂

    Reply

  30. Looks like some pretty nasty moves that I would never have thought about. Good stuff to know and I don’t see a way to defend off these two attack modes.

    Reply

  31. Wow,I love these simple but effective techniques.I have used some myself because I am only 5 9 and 160lbs. The only fights I have lost(2)are because I was dumb and ignored the warning signs. My emotions overcame my common sense. Anyway,been super busy and only were able to watch the opening segments of day 1 and 2.Will you plesase provide me with a link to complete them,be grateful if you can. Thank you,big time!

    Reply

  33. Great info!fighting for your life is not something to have morals about eye gouging elbows kicks or grabbing the groin area should be employed without a second thought.
    Thanks

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  39. Having being bullied growing up, I realize that is something I don’t want me kids to go through. I also teach my boy that their is a time and a place to fight as well. Being a father has put me in a few situation where I had to defend my boys. You are showing me what I can teach my boys the best way to finish it as fast as possible.

    Reply

  40. Thank you i AM TEACHING MY DAUGHTER TO DEFEND HERSELF WITH ALL THE SICK PEOPLE OUT THERE. THASNK YOU AGAIN!

    Reply

  41. A very vulnerable area. I have always had in my mind to use the knee to the groin, but this seems to be a better technique.
    Thanks

    Reply

  43. Wow. That is just brutal.

    I’ve been looking for a way to improve elbow strikes and close quarters combat, having been trained in basic Muay Thai.

    It makes total sense to use a “handle” as you call it… so you can keep them in the position and leverage them and just tee off on them.

    In fact, I’m confident that this is the only move I need to win a fight against a larger and more athletic opponent who feels like attacking me or my family.

    Reply

  45. I feel that these techniques are the essentials of defensive fighting. I’ve done boxing and some martial arts training, but when it gets down and dirty these are the techniques that are accessible. Elbow strikes especially.

    Reply

  46. I work in public transportation, I would like to know what I can do to protect myself and the people on and around my bus. I would have to be in a seated positions. We have had a lot of operators being attacked while the bus is in motion. Can you help.

    Reply

  49. Definitely get out. I experienced this my self. Had a fight with a drunk guy and nearly killed him. But he had a weapon. I left as soon as he was knocked out, and his friend took off running and left him behind, but i was chased down by a by stander who said I had to go back cause I killed the guy and the police wanted to talk to me. When I returned some of the people watching what happened were yelling that’s the guy that killed him, thats him! Well luckily some other witnesses told the cops what happened and because I was working and was attacked first they hauled his ass away in an ambulance and I got to go free. However that might not be the case for others. But yes you should leave as fast as possible also so the situation does not escalate. I love this info. Good to see it being taught to others! And the techniques are really good to know…

    Reply