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. Awesome! I’m from South Africa, one of the most violent societies in the world. I didn’t order your training because you don’t want to send it all the way here for a few dollars. In the moment a fight happens (though I’m tiny) I forget to be afraid, which will probably get me killed one day. I know I have just 1 shot at ending a fight (and which makes these lessons invaluable to me. Thank you

    Reply

  3. Good stuff. Simple and Direct. It does take a shift in consciousness for me as I was raised as most good people to not hurt others. In other words, I was raised to be a prey animal. It feels good to turn it around.

    Reply

  5. Good stuff, I have known some of this from military training and I have used the ‘Slap’ to devistating results. A hard , fast slap to teh ear will take out someone. I also favor wrapping your left hand behind the bad guys head and pushing him towards you while with the heel of your right hand you drive it into the base of his nose.The two porces will smash the nose/face and if done right will drive the nose bone into the brain..be fast, know your surroundings ..BE AWARE and ready…dont ‘diddli bob..

    Reply

  6. Thanks for the 5day tutorial on selfdefence street fighting. It will really help a lot in a sticky situation.
    Thanks Nico.

    Reply

  8. Hi, I’m 71 yrs. now working part time @ a recycle facility for Roan County Tn. We have a State Prison next door and use prisoners for some of the labor. While these are (supposedly) trusted fellows there’s always that one. I have no training in defensive tactics – have never been in the military and just can’t afford any type of training I wish – at this time to simply thank you for what you’re doing for all of us. The aid is really needed out here. JRS

    Reply

  9. Love the videos and techniques. I am 65 and not as agile as I once was and my balance is not as good but I still want to protect myself and loved ones so these techniques are invaluable.

    Reply

  12. very informative, enjoyed the confidants these instructors, have! mental for me plays a big part. as a nam vet at now 71 yrs of age, i need this to help me focus more thanks robert…

    Reply

  15. thanks for the info. Iv’e been studying fighting techniques for over 30 years and still learn something new everyday. a lot of good points made. keep it coming.

    jeff

    Reply

  16. These are real good. I like the one about fear. That is the one that has bothered me for so long. Now I know how to handle it. Thanks again.

    Reply

  18. This is exactly what a girl needs especially one who isn’t the fastest runner in the class! Thank you for the free lessons – so everyone can protect themselves! 🙂

    Reply

  19. Have followed your ‘how to protect yourself’
    through many common moves.
    It helps one to gain confidence to know of the
    weak areas of the attacker…

    When I was young, and a tom-boy, I have
    never known fear….but at the age of 10,
    decided I was now a grown up because I had two numbers
    to my age.
    AND …
    Decided to end my fighting days ….but….about a week later,
    some (5) of the neighborhood (KIDS) TAUNTED me as I sat on a rocker in our sun room listening to them saying that I was afraid..
    I sat there for a half hour refusing to take their bait,
    suddenly, I snapped and then got really angry…ran to the front door,
    and dove on them (we had 10 steps to the
    sidewalk)….they scattered…never again
    to challenge me.

    Its funny….Even tho we fought many times, we still
    played together.

    Your informative articles brings back many
    memories on fighting and protecting yourself without fear…

    Reply

  20. I worked at a stopNgo once and a guy grabbed me by the shirt near my neck and pulled me towards him. All I did was poke his eyes and he get go, yelling and carrying on but he left. I could have jumped the counter and whacked him over the head with a mag lite I had, heavy one, but he left so that was good.

    Reply

  21. Excellent instruction without a lot of complex movements. Using these techniques with confidence can save lives for sure. I am looking forward to the next video.

    Reply

  22. Congratulations. Felt happy to learn from God’s chosen children.May the Lord Shower more victories upon you.
    with love,
    Arul Kumar K.P

    Reply

  23. I’ve just watched your free introductory videos and I know I will buy your classes for sure. I’m a former police officer and feel like I can hold my own…6’2″ 250 lbs bench press 400+, once did 500 and I’ve been needing this training. I can’t wait to see Dr V’s lessons.

    Reply

  26. Thank you for the class.With all the illegal criminals in the country.We have to know these defensive moves to protect ourselves.I am a former Marine.This is like a refresher course for me.Thanks again.

    Reply

  27. Good information. Knowing how to protect yourself is important. You also need to know that the mental awareness is the key, both with self preservation (reaction to being attacked),and dealing with the consequences of your physical reaction. Staying alive will give you time to reconcile harming or killing another human being. When running away (best option) is not possible, live to atone or make peace with yourself. You should also teach that use of excessive force makes YOU a bully.

    Reply

  30. I am not a fighter. I do however live in the CBD of my city so being old and pretty unfit I have always thought should i be confronted [ there are always plenty of drunken youth around] i would try and kick them in the nuts and whack the adams apple as hard as I could.

    Reply

  35. I have been very interested in self defense. I earned a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, 30 years ago. At the age of 67, I feel it isn’t too late to learn. I never felt adequate about my own self defense. We were taught competition style Tae Kwon Do. But I never felt that it was not the answer I needed to take care of any unexpected attacks. I really like what I am seeing and learning with your style of personal defense. That is what the real world is like. Thank you for the new style I’m beginning to learn.

    Reply

  37. Very informative ,I’m 60 years of age but mobile and wiry,whilst I have never been involved in a fight and that is I guess the idea I think that you are never too old to learn some self protection that achieves the required result with technique rather than brute force.
    I look forward to the next installment
    Cheers
    Ron

    Reply

  38. the world is getting into a sad state where a senior citizen must be aware and ready to defend against a younger man or men bent on violence, no respect for elders.My work takes me into situations of risk, my first choice is to prevent confrontations, however not given this opportunity I must relearn methods of defense. Your body of works is welcomed as a step in the right direction. Thank You. We will do business. JMC

    Reply

  41. I’m a retired Milw Co Deputy Sheriff for 25 yrs. I’ve been in lots of fights. Since retired I’ve have had my left hand re-constructed with bone fusions and two plates. It should be carefully noted I’m left handed and 75yo. Whats your take on this.?

    Reply

  42. Very good info. I’m 60 years old with a bad heart so I don’t have a lot of stamina to spar or even run. These technics let you get things stopped in a hurry. I hope I never have to use it, but it’s good to know if you need it. Thanks

    Reply

  45. I have trained with Tim Larkin with his Target Focus Training system for a few years, and I find your information very valuable. My work computer does not allow me to view videos, but I will send this information to my home computer and watch the videos tonight. Thank you for allowing the public to learn more about the fear factor and how to use it to their advantage, focusing on open targets, and striking these targets with power. Thank you,Steve D.

    Reply

  46. I’m 45 years old, disabled Army veteran and not as quick as I used to be. These techniques could be very valuable for me. Looking forward to more lessons.

    Reply

  47. I have a ‘broken back’ which can not/will not, be repaired. The moves in #1 does/do not require a strong back. Good mthing.

    Reply

  48. AWESOME STUFF THANKS I AM A DISABLED VIET NAM VETERAN WHO TRAVELS IN A WHEELCHAIR DO YOU HAVE ANY SEATED MOVES BECAUSE I AM SEATED MY ATTACKERS HAVE TO COME IN CLOSE TO ME USUALLY MY FRIST MOVE IS TO MAKE THEM LEAK OR 2 TO THE HEAD THANKS

    Reply

  49. Thank you very much for the free lessons. I am 63 and years ago I studied Tae Kwon Do under a 8th degree Master who was Korean and he would teach us the regular stuff and also street self defense like yours he said we needed to no both. Looking forward to next lesson. Again thanks so much!!

    Reply

  50. im 50 yrs an also disabled due to radation and 2 open fistulas in my gut so all the help i can get is total appreciated

    Reply
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