Lesson Two of the Self Defense Mini Clinic

If you missed Lesson 1 you can find it here.

When it comes to street fights (any fight that happens without a referee) there are too many misconception to count, many of them can get you seriously injured or killed. Lesson Two is all about calling out the B.S. and setting the story straight.

Knowing the truth about street fights will take you a long way towards winning any fight. But first here’s a quick video tip from ex-gang enforcer Diallo Frazier showing you a technique that was designed to turn the tables on an attacker. Pay close attention to the interview at the end of the video where Diallo sets the record straight on one of the biggest fight myths of all.

Top 10 Fighting Myths

  1. Martial Artists Win Streetfights: Listen, I don’t like to “knock” the martial arts. They all have something valuable to offer. We owe them a debt of gratitude for getting us where we are today, and they’re better than nothing. BUT…unfortunately, many of the arts being widely taught today are ancient arts, developed for another time and place in history, for specific conditions and circumstances that simply do not exist in the world you’ll be fighting in today.Statistics show that your average “store front” black belt does not have a much better chance at winning a street fight than any other average guy.Shocked? Well don’t be. Most martial arts concentrate on discipline and complicated “fine motor” techniques that go straight out the window when the “adrenaline dump” hits.
  2. The 5-Minute Fist Fight: This is a big one and it’s important that you get this Hollywood version of fighting out of your head. We’ve all been exposed to movies where the hero is endlessly fist-fighting. Yes, one big-gulp and a large popcorn later, he’s still going at it.But here’s a reality check for you. Nearly every actual street fight lasts for no more than 3 to 8 seconds! That’s right. It’s all over with in less time than it took for you to read this paragraph. Once you understand this, you can appreciate just how little time you have to recognize what’s going on and take decisive action to win. The key is what you do in the time leading up to that 3-8 seconds burst.

    3. Two men fighting street fight

  3. The Man-To-Man Fight: Another grand illusion. Most guys imagine (and train for) a fight against one man. Well you can’t depend on that. Stats prove that more times than not your opponent will have “back up,” friends willing to help take you down and kick in your head. This is why it’s critical that you first make quick and effective decisions early on to end the as fight quickly as possible and prepare for more than one adversary.
  4. The Convenient Fighting Environment: Dojo training often lulls one into the sense that you’ll always have plenty of fighting room… that your opponent will calmly approach you, bow, and ask if you’re ready… and that the ground will always be nicely padded. The reality is different.I’ve found that most fights occur in tight quarters (a bathroom, between cars, etc), with little or no room for flying kicks or fancy moves. There will be little or no light, furniture will be in the way, and rough concrete floors to strip meat off your bones. Ouch!
  5. Most Fights Go To The Ground: Most guys are surprised to discover that this is a myth, but it is. In fact, most street fights and personal combat situations do NOT end up on the ground.
    Yes, someone ends up on the ground alright, and it’s the loser – with the winner (or winners) standing over him stomping on his head. So why is this myth so common? Well, it comes from the study of police reports. You see, most cops who struggle with an adversary end up on the ground.Now hold on – doesn’t that contradict what I just said? No, it doesn’t. Because the goal of law enforcement is to “contain, control, comply” (also known as the 3 C’s) – which, by the way, requires more skill than simply winning a street fight. In other words a cop can’t simply eye jab, ear slap, then move in for a knock-out head butt because a dangerous criminal is resisting him. No, an officer’s goal is NOT to end a fight in 3 seconds, but instead to use “reasonable and proportionate escalation of force” to control and contain his subject.I’m not suggesting you totally ignore ground fighting, but you should spend 80% of your time training to fight on your feet.

    6. Before we go on here’s another video, this one from weapons expert and security consultant Bob Taylor:

  6. Your friends will back you up: Ha! I’m sad to say this is not true. We’d all like to believe our buddies will back us up, but research shows that they’re more likely to pick their noses than pick a fight. In fact, crowd behavior studies show that the more friends and bystanders are hanging around, the less likely it is that you’ll get help in a fight.Now, on the other hand, if you have just ONE friend and no crowd of bystanders, you actually may get some help. But the facts have shown over and over that individuals inside a crowd are less likely to act.
    A “gang” mentality is different. They will back each other up because it’s part of their “job.”
  7. Ignore them and they’ll go away: This is a common tactic, especially with women who feel they’re being followed. They simply put on the blinders and hope for the best. “Oh goodness, I hope that bad man goes away.” Bad tactic. Don’t ignore a predator you suspect is “scoping” you. Believe it or not, your best bet is to let him know that you ARE aware of him.Look at him directly. Watch him. Let him know you’re aware of his presence. Once a predator suspects you know his real intentions, it strips away much of the motivation to attack since the element of surprise has been taken away – and surprise is one of the predator’s most powerful tools. He knows he can’t surprise you, and now you’re perceived as less of an easy mark.Of course eyeballing a bully will have the opposite effect and will probably result in the “what are YOU looking at?” response. So this tactic is to be used when you suspect a predator.
  8. All You Need Is One (Or Two) Fighting Techniques: This is a common theory that has some truth to it. But I want to dispel the foolish notion that knowing less is better than knowing more. This just isn’t true. Because following this kind of logic would indicate that, for example, you’d be better off using an uneducated bag-lady as your investment broker than a guy with a Master’s Degree in Finance. I’d put my money on the Master’s degree, but that’s just me.Well, the same is true with fighting techniques. You’re better off knowing more than less, as it gives you the flexibility of using multiple methods to attack specific targets. Remember… one of the most crucial keys to fighting and winning is proper target acquisition. In other words, you’ll be far more effective with a crudely executed, but accurate, kick to your opponent’s nut-sack than you’d be with a really pretty roundhouse kick that missed the mark.
  9. All Military Fight Systems Can Be Trusted: Let me tell you a “dirty little secret” about some military combat systems being sold today. Recently there’s been a rash of “experts” who’ve “trained” the military in their secret system.Here’s the scoop. They’ve offered a few military guys some free training in their system. That’s it. Free seminars or workshops to military personnel is almost always a marketing ploy and a “resume building” exercise. They can now turn around and advertise that their system is used by “military experts.” Keep your eyes open for this nonsense. Just because someone trained military personnel does NOT make their system special.Another thing, most soldiers will admit that much of the hand to hand stuff is absolutely worthless to them because 100% of their job is to fight at a distance using hi-tech weaponry — NOT hand-to-hand systems.This is exactly why I’ve personally sought out special military units that indeed depend heavily on hand-to-hand fighting.And believe me, these guys exist. I even got some of them to talk. They sneak around behind enemy lines quietly “taking care of business” without firing weapons and drawing a bunch of attention to themselves. Real live bad-asses that’d make Rambo look like a pussy.

    10. sport fighting vs self defense

  10. Sport Fighting Is Just Like Personal Combat: Many think that a trained boxer, cage fighter, Mixed Martial Artist, or kickboxer is the same as being a trained street fighter.Not true. Let me ask… who do YOU think would win a spontaneous street fight — a champion MMA fighter or some ex-con street-brawler raised in the toughest area of east LA?I’d put my money on the ex-con. Because as brutal as it may appear, an MMA fight really IS different than a street fight.First, a pay-per-view “cage” fight (also called a mixed-martial-arts or MMA fight) is about making money for the promoters. They can’t allow every fight to be over within 3-8 seconds. They’d lose their audience — and advertisers — fast. So, in an MMA fight there’s no quick “fight ending” moves allowed — which is what a street fight is ALL about.Also, promoters have got to take some effort to protect the fighters. They wouldn’t be “sanctioned” for long with a continuous stream of dead bodies being hauled out of the ring.So, here’s 16 moves that are outlawed in most sanctioned MMA fights – which also happen to be some of the most effective moves in street fights:
  1. Eye gouging.
  2. Groin strikes (the ever popular “sack-attack”)
  3. Throat strikes (which can easily be lethal).
  4. Grabbing the trachea
  5. Biting (alright… Tyson DID try this once).
  6. Clawing, twisting, or pinching the flesh.
  7. Stomping, kneeing or kicking a grounded opponent
  8. Strikes to spine or back of head (also easily lethal).
  9. Striking downward, using the point of the elbow.
  10. Head butt (think of a “bowling ball in the face”).
  11. Hair pulling.
  12. Kicking the kidney with the heel.
  13. Grabbing the clavicle
  14. Small joint manipulations (such as fingers)
  15. Weapons and improvised weapons.
  16. Multiple attackers (except in WWF).

In Lesson Three there’ll be two more videos for you and a lesson on picking the best fight moves and why total commitment is the only policy when it comes to winning a street fight. You don’t want to miss it.

Interested in Learning about Lethal Defenses for Deadly Attacks?
Click here to find out how!

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491 thoughts on “Lesson Two of the Self Defense Mini Clinic”

  1. Thanks, Bob, for more great and beneficial info and demonstrations. I have the mindset that each and every encounter is a life and death situation. I don’t agree with the thought that a particular confrontation might not call for a lethal response. Your opponent is going to dictate whether it is going to be life or death, not what precipitated it. I’m going to assume that anyone who confronts me and displays the verbal or nonverbal signs that you’re teaching is going to try to kill me or my family. I’m not going to wait or go half-ass to find out. Therefore I would go directly to the most lethal move that is available. Thank you for giving me and my family the tools to survive if attacked. My family will learn all of this and we will all have the same goal-survival. I look forward to DAY 3. Gary

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  2. Definitely works and it really doesn’t matter about the size of the attacker. Got to remember,”we don’t need no stinking rules.”

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  3. all of my street fights confirm everything this guy is saying. refreshing with all the bs out there. someone tells me he has a black belt and my confidence level skyrockets….

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  4. they say they’re a black belt and i know it’s going to be a very predictable fight with my opponent used to fighting a slowed down mock battle…and yeah friends never help-you’re on your own. PS I always take out the back up guy before the main guy-this unnerves the hell out of them and it’s over right then. Not like the movies where a guy watches his 10 friends beat to a pulp and still charges in-not like that AT ALL.

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  5. I MUST ADMIT ,I HAVE NOT SEEN THOSE HEAD LOCK ESCAPES BEFORE ,I WILL PASS THEM ON TO MY STUDENTS , NICE ONE , GLENN, CHUAN SHU.

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  6. I am a Physician and always was extra careful not to get into “situations ” …a runner…… from reality that can happen to me anytime when i am in the wrong place at the wrong time!Situations are getting unsafe and dangerous!Now these e mails and the DVD has given me new hope and confidence that i can tackle a nasty situation.I recommend this course HIGHLY to all the people out there who feel that “it will not happen to me”.I am encouraging my young daughters to learn these tactics seriously! My high personal regards and respects to Bob and staff…..a million thanks.keep up the good work.

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  7. Been in more than a few bar- room brawls, street-fights, and bad situations, mostly out-numbered .I depended on brute power-house punches and kicks to make sure I got the best of `em , just unrefined stuff. Got clobbered quite a bit in the process. With these few moves I`ve been showed here, if things go south for me I know how to get the best without getting clobbered in the process. Be 57 yrs old this year very rarely hit the bar- rooms anymore but you never know when s..t can come along. THANKS

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  8. The technique shown(pulling up from pants) in video can seriously injure a person, particularly if applied on one who has not learned how to ‘Breakfall” using either arm to break his fall. He is likely to have serious head injuries if does not instinctively bow his head towards his tummy as is required in ‘breakfall’ techniques(Judo).I make mention of this cos I’ve taken up Judo in my younger days(now 86 Yrs. young)and still make use of some techniques I’ve learned.Comments are made for whatever it may be worth to you and readers!Thank you and God bless !

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  11. Used to be a rounder in my younger days. Won a few-lost a few. Always worked on the idea to end it as soon as possible in the most lethal way possible. Had no formal training and it just seemed natural to use most of the tactics suggested here.
    Haven’t been in an altercation in over 47 years since I got out of jail for beating a guy up pretty bad. Judge said he could understand why I did it but thought I got carried away. Said I should have called the RCMP. Currently living within a spiritual/meditation community.
    Good to see this training is being made available to prepare people for the reality of what could happen.

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  14. Remember your fighting to WIN, which means live! Said it b4 so i’ll say it again, there is no such thing as a FAIR FIGHT! These guys know what they’re talking about!!!!

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  16. more advice from a hard lesson learned: Don’t ever have mercy on your opponent. As a 8th grade boy I had a bully on the ground pounding him and when he begged and cried for me to let him up I did. He ruthlessly kicked me in the face a minute later as I was dusting my pants off. A broken nose and a very hard lesson

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  17. Everything we do ends up on the ground. Good deal !
    Although it often gets me jail time when I hit first, I’d have to agree.
    If you’ve ever truly been to war it can take the fun out of it.
    Nothing like a getting jumped at the bus stop 11:23pm. Cops right there get into the car drive off.

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  19. These techniques are good supplements for the system I currently train in: Krav Maga. The philosophy is the same: end the situation quickly and escape. No rules – it’s war, not “pistols at sunrise”. Keep it simple; fine motor skills and higher order thinking are the first things to go when the body and mind are in “fight or flight” mode. Couldn’t agree more that training in combat sports is just that – sport. Nothing wrong with it, but you face one opponent at a time, you get to rest periodically, no weapons are involved and there are rules governing what you can do. It produces tough athletes, no doubt, but it’s a different world.

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  20. Wow much more in depth similar to single leg and double leg take downs learned in wrestling wich have suited me in staying in control in violent situations in the past grate lessons

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  21. Very useful stuff! Hope i dont have to use this, but we never know, and knowing how to defend yourself totally boosts your self-confidence!

    cant wait for day 3 🙂

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  24. Excellent stuff. However, none of the “opponents” are fighting back. Aggressive speed, strength and agility seem to be key. Surprise is a key tactic unless the cat is ready for you. Then what? Also, other than “situational awareness” what is the most effective way to get out of a choke hold when someone comes up behind you?

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  25. A pretty good round up of street worthy techniques, the points about Martial artists being just the same as an untrained joe bloggs is a joke though and pretty insulting. I’m a 23yr Martial artist but also a former bouncer, close protection and avid real life fighter. Never have I intentionally started a fight but I will certainly close them down as quickly and effortlessly as possible. The points Bob makes are good and the myths are exactly that myths, 80% of fights stay standing and are over on average 5seconds in, with a further 75% ending in a knock out to the head or neck area normally from a lucky blow. Martial artists are indeed taught to follow guidelines within a dojang, to give respect to follow training partners, be gentle etc, but in my school I teach to be gentle in practice and as heavy, brutal and devastating as possible in real life altercations. A real attacker will not be thinking about being gentle they will take your head off so take theirs off first. Anterior and posterior triangles ie front and back sides of neck and head can form two triangles, these are highly effective with down ward strikes towards the spine at 45degrees. Drops them every time, hammer-fist to the clavicle and then fingers in behind it and tear downward. Right armpit and left Liver/kidney crossing in between floating rib and next rib above very effective when striked simultaneously downward toward the spine. Straight stop kick down and outward on the front of the patella drops them every time, or left to left kick to inside shin whilst stomping on other foot. But yeh anyway keep it up guys, its you or them and i’m to handsome to damage my face.

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    1. Mr. Edwards, I don’t make the comments about martial artists to be insulting. There are many martial arts instructors who teach the traditional arts along with their practical street application. I make those comments because experience has shown me that all to many instructors of martial arts ignore the realities of street fighting, which can lull their students into a false sense of confidence. Sometimes I have to ruffle some feathers to get the point across and help people stay safe. I appreciate your comment.

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  26. Thank you so much for these videos. I think all women should have a study of self-defense tactics.

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  28. Grabbing the pants leg is a definite no-go. You should from a sitting position stand quickly shoving your shoulder into the opponents low gut ,or groin, and the wrap both arms around the lower legs holding the wrist, to form a complete circle around lower legs then in a rolling motion snap the legs out from under the opponent.
    Grabbing the pants leg your hands are likely to slip off if your hands are dirty, or if the pants legs are weak they will rip.

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  29. im gonna be honest and say that ive learned the same moves that are on this page in mma but they were just as effective if not better in mma. The only difference between this stuff and the stuff i learned in mma are the ways to execute these moves. There are hundreds of different variations in fighting and these are what seem to be simple and effective. i think that i have an obligation to run every move i learn by my coach just to hear his opinion and the positives and negatives of each move even the different variations.

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  30. I’ve yet to see a “rule book” for street fighting! (sarcasm)
    It doesn’t have to look pretty, but needs to be pretty effective, no mistake about it. Hollywood fights are choreographed and are FAR from reality.
    If it is you or me, I’m damn sure gonna do everything I can to make sure it is YOU that goes down and I AM the one walking away! No matter what it takes.

    Thanks for the great tips Bob.

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  33. Very practical, I have had to use these techniques. I have been put in head locks before and broken them. I also agree with Jay Edwards comment above although I am not insulted however. I think the Idea that (If you are a black belt you will win mentality) has to go. And Bob is doing just that. People are very easily misguided, and put faith in what they can see. Entertainment verses reality here. I side with Bob on this because most people do not have time for years and years of training. I have talked to very experienced fighters who have lost in a street fight, I have had a few surprises myself, they learned from it and it was an honor to meet some of them who were not to egotistical to admit they went into those fights believing they had the advantage because they trained in a Dojo, and got a surprise. Thanks Bob for making it real for people. It gives all of us understanding that some attackers are not inexperienced fighters and just because we watched a few videos or trained in a Dojo does not make us the next Jason Bourne.

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  34. I’m a 68 year old Ex-Marine and Viet Nam Vet. I have taken some Martial Arts Classes and presently have a 11 year old Grandson who is taking Tae Kwan Do. He’s Great and very eager to learn. It’s hard to show him how to use those techniques in real life. Your demonstrations are great. I want to be able to help him improvise and be street savy. This is the kind of stuff he needs to know…

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  35. Thank you for an amazing eyeopener.This is brilliant.
    I have written to your “support address” but have not had a response. Please let me know how to communicate with you.
    Keep up your good work,
    Regards

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  38. Bob; You listed 16 holy grail techniques. What is also needed is what I call the “bridge” technique. That is, using the attacker’s comminment to get inside.
    The attacker unwittingly provides a bridge for you to cross to get to him, either in the form of a punch or a kick or some form of contact.
    At that point the fight is over. 3 to 5 seconds.

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  39. We can display humility with mercy due its origin that mercy is also defined as power under control…however when the time presents itself one may unleash this power without giving quarter and taking none in return. Today’s streets are no place to second guess oneself and to turn your back on an opponent only when they are unconscious or leaving before you and in great haste…that is if you have been diligent. You would only understand this if you’ve been there done that…no mater which side you were on. If the toughest loose something in the beginning, that strengthens them for a later victory. WORDS OF WISDOM

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  40. Am I impressed? Yes! Easy to execute moves that even a woman can do or a child. Both my husband and I are practicing these moves. You never know when or where someone will accost you these days what with our country’s social fabric breaking down.

    The one thing I have always done is “walk with purpose”…like I know where I am going and am aware of my surroundings. Attackers do NOT like someone who seems to be aware of what is going on around them. They want someone who is victim prone, not paying attention, unaware of those around them. I especially like the suggestion to make eye contact with a predator/attacker. It definitely sets them off guard because you have shown you know where they are and what they look like. Excellent! You are right. Bully’s are definitely another ball game!

    Thanks for making these moves so easy to understand! Best info I have seen in years!

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  41. “Look at him directly. Watch him. Let him know you’re aware of his presence. Once a predator suspects you know his real intentions, it strips away much of the motivation to attack since the element of surprise has been taken away – and surprise is one of the predator’s most powerful tools. He knows he can’t surprise you, and now you’re perceived as less of an easy mark.”

    I did this once at O’Hare airport late at night. I missed a connecting flight home from Las Vegas and had to wait for my taxi, the next flight got in so late that most of the airport was shut down, all the stores, restaurants etc. were closed and it was mostly janitorial staff around. I’m only 5’2″ and not in the best physical shape, and I look about as menacing as Mother Teresa, but I have taken self defense courses and seminars. I’m a firm believer and advocate for self defense. I kept a constant watch on what was going on around me. I saw a man in a construction outfit, yes, like the guy from The Village People, walking briskly and coming right at me for no apparent reason. I stared him down like an antelope about to defend itself from a lion, and he did an about face and left. I have no doubt that he didn’t have honorable intentions. I also carry an umbrella when possible. People will say to me, It’s not supposed to rain, to which I reply, WEAPON!!!

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  43. Thanks for these techniques. One of the things that is so important for a woman is to be aware of her surroundings, as you said. I was in Reno once with some friends. We were walking up a street and I saw a guy shadowing us on the other side. I made sure he knew I was aware of him. I figured it was possible another was guy hiding in a doorway on our side of the street. Sure enough, there was another guy on our side of the street. Because I let them know I was aware of them and also let my friends know what was up, we avoided trouble.

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  44. I am enjoying this information so much!
    I will be sharing these techniques with my young employees who have never had to deal with physical aggression as of yet, and God-willing never, but do have to deal with irrate people at times. Albeit, rarely. We have great customers!
    I always, as an employer, mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, try to empower those I love. This helps and is totally awesome! God Bless.

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  45. The pant leg are good if one has the strength and remembers leverage, a word he didn’t mention. Also keep in mind the sprawl counter.
    Another source of the ground myth, Gracie Ju-Jitsu advertaizements.
    A woman can look a man in the eye as he comes at her and say “don’t I know your mother?” it has been to known to casue hesitation in him long enough to escape or counter with pepper spray.

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  46. I like the pants leg takedowns and showed them to my daughter and 12 year old grandson. They had a little trouble with the double leg takedown until I suggested putting their head or shoulder to use to force me off balance, then my feet came up much easier for them. The comments at the end of the video were as important to hear as the video itself, I feel. You can generally always tell when someone has a hardon for a fight and if it is aimed in your direction, don’t wait to go on the defensive. Vital advice to remember. True, there are times when you can be blindsided but usually a fight is all but broadcast over a loud speaker and you can tell when trouble is brewing. The headlocks and Nelson escape was good info as well, but less likely to occur at the beginning of trouble. I can see where the Full Nelson might happen with a buddy backup. Good Stuff as always. Thanks for the great videos and advice. Let’s hope they are never needed. I will be 74 next month and still enjoy a workout with my family.

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  47. As stated in the first video by Diallo Frasier states that in a fight it is always best to make the first move when a fight is eminent. Not so sure I agree with this one…

    If there are witnesses and the attacker has not touched you and you strike first and the police show up, YOU are going to jail! Believe me, I did 14 months in Floria State Penetentiary for striking first even though I knew these guys were trying to pick a fight. I did a lot of damage with 3 strikes crushing the occipital and orbital bones (which I came to find out later in court required 2 reconstructive surgeries) so beware of striking first if people are waching!

    I think that are good techniques being offered here though it seems that much of the dialogue is about brutal fight starters rather than fight finishers. Just sayin’…

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  48. These moves are very helpful my best friend is a escort at a bar and guys have been trying to hassle her. So me and her have been working on these moves so were both okay…I think the pant grab is the most effective for her. For me a quick hand grab and quick clothesline works I’ve had to do it twice.
    And what happens if my opponent MAKES the fight last longer? Because that’s what people in my town are about they try to prolong a fight to get more out of it, whether it be blocking or some other tactic. And I get what your saying about how fights don’t last long but my town is known for our martial artists students and one time I got surprised attacked by two girls and they used martial arts on me? I can still use that tactic against them, cant I?

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  50. I had an oriental instructor who translated through his daughter. He had no name that was comparable in English. He didn’t believe in awarding belts but he would invite you to his HOME, which was his and his daughter’s sacred place, for tea ceremonies. I was lucky enough to have been to his HOME 9 times in a year. The closest thing translated was this simple thing. You are the dragon, the moves you make are the fire of his bellows. Simply put, strike first, strike hard, and then get the heck out of there. Exactly what you are teaching and it brings back fond memories of this man to me. He was close to 100 years old when I moved away but I will tell you this, that frail little old man could stomp your ass(talking about myself there) and he had an air that commanded respect. This was a great refresher of his teachings and I thank you all for the memories that have come. Bless you all and THANK YOU!!

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