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”

  1. In KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa, the Zulu nation is a violent, warlike, arrogant nation. I’ve been assaulted twice in as many years, strike action, taxi violence, these videos have shown me how to defend myself, and my family. I’m looking forward to receiving my dad’s and learning more. Just goes to show that “hit and run” is sometimes good.

    Reply

  2. This stuff is very helpful I mean you never know who can just come up to you and do whatever one time I was shopping with my dad and little brothers and this drung guy comes and he’s letterly in my face and nineteen and my dad was still inside doing las menit shopping and I was outside loading the stuff in car so I’m over here between my little brothers and this drung guy my dad comes out and then he goes straight to him and I told my dad to becareful so this stuff helps I really hope that I won’t have to do this stuff to anyone but if I have then thanks

    Reply

  5. Thanks Bob really appreciate the lessons hope you continue cause it could help save a life . Mike

    Reply

  9. These were informative before but I could not watch the videos. I recieved a message from you to try installing adobe flash drive and like most of your other information it was GOOD. It worked the videos are great to watch thank you very much
    Donald Track

    Reply

  10. At 80 I had better get my attacker down fast..strike a devastating blow to key vulnerable area
    and keep striking…I cannot run fast.

    Reply

  11. Thank You Bob.for your mini fight course, I feel as if I can take care of business on the street. I appreciate all you do for us ,your AWESOME ! Your friend Rodney ..tn..

    Reply

  12. As an older person with health problems. I can now feel more comfortable with the ability to protect myself. Great advice and instructional techniques. I’m too young to die and too old to take an ass whooping! Thanks Bob for providing these free instructions.

    Reply

  13. It is important to get the word (dirty fighting) out of your vocabulary. In a street fight there is no dirty fighting. You do what you have to do to get the other person off of you, so you can either finish the fight, or get away.

    Reply

  15. I have studied jiujutsu for many years.
    my first instructor always said keep it simple and natural
    I have practised some of what you have shown many times
    some are new, but look very effective
    this is great that you are teaching these simply but effective ways
    one of the main teaching that I have learned from him was that when practicing to never pull my bunches
    the theory is that if you pull your bunches in practices, muscles will get muscle memory and in a real fight you will pull your bunches
    I have a grappling dummy that I use just for that reason. I can practices using full force.
    Thanks for adding more to my set skills

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  16. This is another great demonstration for people like me that are not street smart. I would also recommend this fighting technique to the sisters out there are are usually the prime target for felons.

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  17. Once again the video demonstrations were easily followed for the strategies were simple. Every instructor for FightFast.com has shown the same technique in slow, medium, and fast or real life speed. This allows even us slow learners to get it. Additional targets and tools were added for lesson three and the life lesson of commitment. In order to win we must be prepared, aware, and willing to do what is necessary. Next girlfriend I choose will have to be like Kathy, for if some unsuspecting predator tackles a gal prepared as Kathy, well I bet he/she will not be wanting more.

    Reply

  18. I am a 64 year old man, confined to a wheelchair. M question is could you show people like me how to defend ourselves? I try to adapt your lessons to my circumstances. I don’t know if I am right & I don’t want to be in the situation to find out if I am right.

    Reply

  21. Thanks for the techniques.
    Way back in ’58 I went to the do-jos on the ginza in Okinawa and learned some judo from the people who invented it. I was taught that the confrontation ended in 6 seconds or less and that fighting was not a game. I’ve had little respect for what I’ve seen in the Martial Arts here in the US since then.
    Am now ’72, crippled up and totally disabled and came in this course with a ‘can’t do’ attitude. Have changed that after watching some of the videos. 1 on 1 I think I can still put-em down & out in the first move – although you can push me over with a finger…
    Thanks.

    Reply

  23. Thanx Bob, I enjoyed watching these and it does looks simple,
    but I believe need to practice and watch it several times to have
    it embedded in our the mind. Tried to download the videos but couldn’t…

    Reply

  24. Simple moves with devasting results,there are no half measures here. Just follow instructions and you cannot fail to come out on top.

    Reply

  26. Only though lesson #3. These lessons are real eye-openers. The only thing better than the techniques is the mindset conveyed. Noticed that some of the instructors featured also demo’d the your Knife Fighting DVD. Those sparing partners on all of the videos are really taking a lot of abuse. My condolences to them.

    Great Stuff!

    Reply

  29. Kathy long you are just great what can I say all guys would be lucky to have a girl like you your the best God bless

    Reply

  30. I enjoy your lessons and have bought many in the past.
    I fear fighting and know the attitude you must have as my father was killed in a fight.
    The question in my mind is how can I as a person in his 80’s get that devastating blow before it happens to me. I feel I’m at a huge disadvantage due to my age.
    I will keep absorbing your material and thanks.

    Reply

  32. Thank you for your teaching. I enjoy these type videos. Anyone can learn something good. Again thank you!

    Reply

  34. I’m a very small but tall man. I’m 6,3inches talk weigh a 120 pounds and I’m tired of getting my ass whopped are picked on by younger men. I’m 47 years old. Been broke all up. I need some good moves that will hurt them quick but want kill them. But it’ll let them know not to come back for more. Please help me if u can I’m disabled my knees are bad my caller bone been shattered I’m. Just all screwed up

    Reply

  35. Great information, I’ve used the finger technics in the past and they really work well. It’s not pretty but does the job well.

    Reply

  36. Ms.Long is just great, used this method (playing squirre and ran) on my alcoholic bully of a husband. This worked just fine. Being a woman that grew up fist fighting in LA with 3 uncles dosen’t do me much good now that I’m 67 years old, no I don’t use a cane, walker or wheel chair, am I too old for your videos?the only real hang up is my total knee replacement in 2015

    Reply

  37. Very interested in your class I am retired army ranger and my son isn’t it is an ex-navy seal enjoy your class what we’ve seen of it so far I’d like to thank you for staying in touch with me or I would have lost Communications with you like to learn more about your company before I invested any more classes but I am interested sincerely major Robb retired

    Reply

  38. Love the ear slap and eye gouge tehnique. Both under rated blows to street fighters I’m guessing.

    Reply

  39. Great site. Thank-You very much. I am going to make sure my granddaughters are aware of your service.

    Reply

  42. Kathy Is 100% Percent Accurate If Someone Whether Or Not A Woman, Or A Man Invade Your Personal Space And Violate Your Privacy And Personal Boundaries You Have No Idea Whether Or Not They Are Going To Attack, So Whether Then Give Them That Option Attack First And Get The Hell Out.

    Reply

  43. wow. Where do you find a woman like that? I could watch her all day. And then think of how many women I know would love to see her in this action.

    Reply

  44. Every women needs to see this, please find better ways for All females to see this one wicked easy effective move.

    Reply

  45. I feel sorry for anybody that evades her space. All women should learn that move. That move would take care of a lot of different circumstances. The elbow would put a guy out for a while if he was lucky that is all it did to him.

    Reply

  46. She sure can show you how to take care of her space. I don’t think he is in any position after her first grab to do anything. The elbow hit looks to me that it would be too easy to miss and do yourself a lot of harm. I know I hurt mine from a fall and it has been very tender ever since.

    Reply

  48. The elbow one to me looks like there is too much to go bad for you. I think the young lady has the best and safest move to make.

    Reply

  49. Thank you for your instruction, I wish that you would either write the instructions down on the screen so the we can copy and print them out, or publish a book with the techniques in it. In this manner we can practice the moves in from of a mirror. Watching the video is great but remembering the technique the next day is difficult for us elderly.

    Reply