Lesson One of the Self Defense Mini Clinic

Each lesson of this course includes videos of highly effective, street proven fighting moves that are easy to learn and simple to use.

Each installment will also include some seriously important fighting information that has taken 20 years of interviews and research with dozens of the world’s most notorious street fighters, bar bouncers, law enforcement officers, and soldiers to put together.

This stuff is solid gold. These lessons are boiled down from a 100 page book I wrote on how to fight and win. I’ve taken the most valuable life-saving lessons from it at put it into 5 short lessons.

You don’t want to miss any of this critical information.

Below is your first video, the other two videos are further down the page (my little trick to get you to read this stuff). The following technique is extremely simple and can be used by anyone with little practice.

*Note: Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page. I enjoy the feedback and others may learn from your insights & thoughts. Enjoy.

Know When The Fight Is On:

Today’s lesson is meant to get you up to speed quickly. It includes the most important things you need to know to win a street fight.

The best way to win a fight is to recognize it before it has happened. Countless guys get taken out by some punk without even knowing they were in a fight (they either didn’t see it coming or didn’t want to believe they were in a fight). Don’t let this happen to you.

There are three ways to recognize a fight (other than someone punching you). There are non-verbal body language cues, verbal cues, and previous behavior (aka common sense).

Aside from getting hit there are 5 main non-verbal cues that you are about to be in a fight:

  1. The “Look Away:” During an argument the other guy suddenly looks away from you off to one side. An experienced street fighter and special ops soldier Jim West uses this cue all the time. He once told me, “If I’m in a confrontation with someone and they look to the side, it means they’re about to hit me – so I hit first.” It may seem odd but looking away is a very common, almost reflex like, reaction for many aggressors. So take Jim’s advice and hit first because if you don’t his haymaker will be sailing towards your temple.
  2. The “Finger Jab:” Someone poking you in the chest is also a big red flag. It’s a way that your opponent “tests the water” to see if you are an easy target. He’s building up his confidence and resolve, by violating your personal space. If you stand by and do nothing, it tells him, “the water’s fine… go ahead and attack this guy.” A poke in the chest, or any violation of your personal space at the initial stages of a confrontation should trigger some kind of immediate response from you.
  3. The “Shove:” Yet another classic example of violating your personal space, except this move is almost always immediately followed by a punch. You should expect very little time between the shove and the incoming blow, which of course means you need to act fast in this situation. People typically don’t push, then walk away.
  4. The “Target Gaze:” An opponent will naturally look at what he’s about to strike. Watch out for an adversary who changes his gaze from your eyes to your chin or some other obvious target. This is another one of those gifts from human nature, he can’t help but look where he is going to strike, so use that information to gain the upper hand.
  5. The “Chin Drop:” Another involuntary move that should prompt you into a decision is seeing your opponent drop his chin. This is a fairly consistent, and subconscious act of protecting the neck, it almost always means trouble.

Verbal Cues:

  1. The Threat: “I’m gonna zyx@%# you up!” This may seem so obvious that it’s not worth mentioning. And I wouldn’t mention it if my research didn’t show that MOST inexperienced fighters do nothing in the face of serious verbal threats. They often stand by and take NO action.
  2. The “Sudden Silent Treatment:” If your opponent has been talking, talking, and talking, then suddenly becomes quiet, it means he’s entered into an internal dialog on what he’s about to do to you. As FightFast instructor Demi Barbitos says: “Fighters don’t talk and swing at the same time.” In other words he is probably about to hit you.

Previous Behavior:

This one is painfully simple. If you are around someone who is known to be violent it’s pretty likely they may start a fight. Don’t play with fire. Also intoxicated men are trouble, intoxicated men with women around are even more trouble. If you get into an argument or scuffle with a drunk guy and his girlfriend or other women are around he is very likely to fight.

I’ve worked with almost a dozen bar bouncers from some of the roughest bars and nightclubs and they all know that saving face is one of the biggest causes of fights. In other words if you somehow manage to bump into, slight, or irritate a drunk guy or his girlfriend a fight is pretty likely, so be ready for it.

Now that you know how to recognize a fight before it happens I’ve got another fight move for you. This one is from professional fighter and notorious “cooler” Mike Serr. Go ahead and watch the video before moving onto the next section.

Dealing with Fear:

When it comes to fighting and learning how to fight fear is the 800 lb. gorilla in the room. Everybody knows it’s there but nobody want to talk about it.

Well like it or not I’m going to talk about it. After 20 years of working with Special Ops soldiers, SWAT cops, Cage-Fighters, Ex-Gang Enforcers, and bar bouncers, I’ve learned that all of them feel fear before a fight.

Wow, what a shocker. Fear is normal and healthy. The thing is none of these guys are scared, because they have learned to deal with that fear and make it work for them.

They have learned to harness that adrenaline dump and make it work for them, not against them.

The average guy on the street, when confronted with a life threatening fight will quickly realize the danger and the voice inside his mind will start talking a mile a minute, “Why is this happening to me? Am I going to die? What did I do to piss him off? Should I run? Should I stay and fight?” and on and on.

Letting this internal dialogue turn your fear into panic will get you hurt. Instead you have to use that fear and adrenaline to help you identify targets and take action.

The first step is to control your breathing. Slowing the pace of your breaths (inhale deeply and exhale slowly) sends a direct message to your brain that calms you down, lowers your heart rate, and lowers your blood pressure.

The next step is target awareness described below. But before we get to that here’s another video for you.

Target Awareness:

Once you know a fight is eminent you need to look for open targets to strike. To do this you must be aware of certain “high value” targets on the human body, so that when they are exposed or unprotected you know when and how to strike them for maximum damage.

Target awareness is a continuous process because as an attacker moves closer or further away from you the targets you can strike change. Below is an example of what your internal dialogue should be like once you realize a fight is coming:

“He’s approaching me — is he in range?”…
“Is there anything in his hands?”…
“What targets are open?”…
“Are there any friends around?”…
“Now… what targets are open?”…
“Is anyone behind me?”…
“What targets are open now?”…

Finally you need some basic info about what targets to strike and why, some are common sense some may surprise you:

Neck: the side of the neck is a “knock out” area. The good news is that the shoulder and head offer a natural “funnel” that’ll guide your hand directly into his neck – which means it’s a “high percentage” shot. People rarely protect their neck properly so even a poorly executed shot can often mean instant knock out.

Groin: believe it or not, research shows that most guys do NOT protect their groin. They are so “indoctrinated” with the idea that they’ll be punched in the face that they leave themselves wide open for one of the most devastating strikes. So forget about focusing so much on getting in that right hook to the head, (which he’ll be expecting), and start looking for an OPEN target.

Inside knee: very vulnerable. One good kick to the inside of the knee can end a fight instantly.

Outside thigh: a favorite target of Muay Thai fighters is the nerve running down the outside of your leg. Even a well conditioned fighter can’t stand more than a couple good shin kicks to this nerve before buckling.

Eyes: Striking the eyes is a great distraction technique. They are the main sense used during a fight, take them away for even a second and you have gained a huge advantage. An eye strike causes a person to blink involuntarily, and if scratched the eyes will water blurring vision.

There are many more targets these are just a few to get you thinking like a fighter.

Keep your eyes peeled for more free videos, in the next lesson I’ll take you inside the world of a real street fight. This is something most guys have no idea about, thanks to myths and misconceptions that often get guys hurt or killed.

Knowing what a real fight is actually like is a huge advantage.

Interested in learning “dirty fight tricks” right now?
Click here to find out how!

Next Lesson >>

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2,694 thoughts on “Lesson One of the Self Defense Mini Clinic”

  1. Great information and as a retired 30 year Police Officer I have used some of these moves and they work. The throat strike will stop anybody in their tracks, regardless of size, if the strike is accurate. Good job and I look forward to your e-mails.

    Reply

  2. I have run in some problems in the past with south paws.This video showed me I was not stepping in when the opponet threw roundhouse lefts.Block w right strike with w left but step in.

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  3. Good stuff! I spent 22 years in the US Army and the hand to hand combat we learned doesn’t come anywhere near being as effective as what you are teaching.

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  6. In my younger days (I am now 70) I used most of these moves at one time or another. They all work but one has to pick the move that best fits the situation. Practice is the key to success.

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  7. Thanks
    I ordered the knife kit these tricks will certainly get me out of a unwanted situation.
    there is too much crap happening out there where I live. Believe me this can be helpful.

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  9. I am wondering, with all of these techniques, especially the third video, can a person with severe arthritis in her knuckles even do this technique, or the ones above?
    I, also, have no one with whom to practice.
    Can I just practice these on my own? And actually get proficient at them?

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  11. Want to let my grandson’s know about this,I am 70 and when I was young had to to watch out for a lot of these moves.Thanks

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  12. I agree with Richard down below. You can’t just watch a 2 minute video and expect to be proficient. You must practice until it becomes a voluntary act. And with practice, will come speed. Great videos Bob, keep them coming. Thanks!

    Reply

  13. Some of these techniques are so grousome I have trouble preparing myself mentally to use (twisting fingers, slapping the ear), but I am convinced they are effective.

    Reply

  14. I found this information very valuable and useful.
    I’m 70 this should help me to defend myself.

    Reply

  18. I live in Ecuador and crime is always on the rise in the bigger cities. Every Gringo is assumed to be a wealthy target by those who chose a life of crime. I don’t have the ability to drive two hours away to learn self defense. These videos along with an extra layer of always being aware of my surroundings give me so much more confidence should I be put in the position of having to defend myself or someone else.

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  19. As an 81 year old woman, I need all the help I can get. Tried the ear slap on my self, gently, and was impressed by the potential. The hardest part to overcome when defending yourself is that you have grown up trying not to hurt others and it’s hard to overcome that.

    Years ago, a man (a friend, ha, ha) was twisting my arm and I told him to stop. When he didn’t I had to force myself to start kicking him in the shins with the shoes I had on, which had hard soles that stuck out over a quarter inch. I had to force myself to kick harder and finally, after the third kick, he stopped. I was surprised how hard it was for me to start defending myself. I had to convince myself it was OK.

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  20. “Thanks for the invaluable information. I’m 76 and disabled. I’ve had several years of some very good martial arts instruction. I can always use more. Your videos are excellent. Very helpful. I look forward to more. Again, my thanks to you!!

    Reply

  23. As I mentioned in blog 3,very busy,but I did slow down long enough to see links the links to past blogs.
    So I ask to ignore my request in blog 3. DUH

    Reply

  24. excellent things to learn for a 5 ft woman and a paramedic. We go into dangerous situations all the time with patients that try to assault the people helping them. And I can control the damage/pain inflicted.

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  25. Great techniques to refine the fighting skills that I have acquired both in the military and in martial arts.

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  26. Thanks me and my grandson was watching these videos and were very helpful cause my grandson keeps getting bullied at school and pushed around a lot the one with the fingers should help him stand up to the bullies enough is enough

    Reply

  27. The videos / techniques were informative and very effectively useful. Thank you for sharing. I hope I never need to use them, but should I find myself in that position this along with my Taekwondo and Judo knowledge will be very useful !

    Reply

  28. Thanks guys! Awesome video’s. I was always taught to avoid a fight when possible, but it’s not always possible, and if people try to impose thier will upon you and mean you bodily harm, take them out, no matter what the cost. There are no rules in the street and this day and age, they will kill you for a dime. Thanks again !

    Reply

  30. Al Jagnow
    Hi, I’m 74 and have paralized legs (stuck in a wheelchair) so kicking techniques don’t help me. (or stepping into an opponent) The hand and finger techniques might be useful. What do you know that might be useful against groups or while lying in bed? Some of the tips on mental preparedness seem useful. (How to know you are in a fight before someone is punching you.) A friend of mine was blindsided in a restroom. These signs could have helped him and saved him a broken jaw. Speaking of attitude, My girl friend exudes the message “Mess with me and you are dead.” and has very few problems. Non-verbal signs are very important. (Also, it helps that she is an 8th degree black belt and has the confidence that goes with the training.) Overall, I think I might be able to learn something useful from this course.
    Thanks
    -Al

    Reply

  31. I am a former royal marine ,we were taught unarmed combat but these moves are an extra.
    Keep them coming

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  32. good start…i had a stroke 5 years ago andhave limited strength in my right hand, these palm andknuckcle punchesare great…

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  33. Very informative and effective techniques. Number one technique, be aware of your environment. It’s so easy to forget where you are, parking lot/garage, elevator, ATM, CELL PHONE, thinking about something else going on in your life and let your guard down.
    I look forward to the next edition.

    Reply

  38. I found this very interesting. I’m 81 yrs old, but anyone can do this with these instructions.

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  39. I helped teach a womens self defense class some years ago one thing that was taught was a hand cupped ear slap ive seen it done in real life and it WORKS done right someone can be dropped with just one using BOTH hands at the same time can knock someone out

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  40. I attended a self defense course earlier this year. This is a great add on. As I age (58), I realize I am not the rooster I used to “think” I was and I need advantages. This is great! Thanks!

    Reply

  41. Very interesting. These are techniques that I wouldn’t have come up with on my own. Now, I just need a way to practice these moves (my lady friend has NO sense of humor when it comes to using her as a practice dummy – in fact I would probably get the worst of it one way or another).

    Reply

  42. Great information for close in fighting. Relatively easy moves to make as long as your mindset is to protect yourself or your loved ones. Mindset is very important.
    Thank you for the information.///Gary

    Reply

  44. I am Special OPS trained and was OMA=One man Army=Worked alone on missions=and have been practicing knife-throwing with special set of knives from Aussie Sp.OPS.This knife looks like it might be better than ones I use as it has a metal tang and does not come unglued if it hits backwards=happens with new recruits.!!I wud recommend it==Doug Dennee

    Reply

  45. I like the hand and finger stuff. I have spinal stenosis and a bad hip so the footwork has to be at a minimum. Hope to improve it with some treatment and surgery but will never be back to 100%. Anything you have to work around kicks and heavy weights on the back will be appreciated.

    Reply

  46. I’ve been into stuff like this for years and my interest in martial arts began with traditional arts and I favor Kung Fu and Ju Jitsu thus I like Chin Na and aikido techniques, but no focus on the practical. Only problem I see is that no mention has been made about the possible abuse or use of excessive force that can happen when people begin to allow fear and pride to cloud their judgment. I am sure Mr. Serr doesn’t nor is he advocating automatically breaking people’s fingers at the slightest provocation. I know of Paul Vunak and his legacy, but was impressed with Mr. Serr and the masked man. Question comes up, do modern self defense instructors still advise turning the hand palm up and chambering the arm? I thought that was no longer done except for the sake of tradition.

    Reply

  47. I’ve seen these used when I took training at the police academy, was good to re-visit in my senior years & still know they worked then as well as now!

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  49. As a former security officer and one who has always been aware of self-defense, I am pleased to see these techniques. The most crucial thing in a real fight is to be 100% prepared to do devastating damage to your assailant. Having the right mindset and a few SIMPLE tools at your disposal can be the deciding factor in whether or not you (or your loved ones) get to go home at the end of the day.

    Reply

  50. this all sounds like good advice, I hope I never have to use it. I cannot access the videos from this computer, can I send this lesson to another computer that I can access the videos?

    Reply
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