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. This stuff is great. I wish I’d come across something like it twenty years ago. I feel better prepared to defend myself already. ‘Thank you’ seems inadequate but, Thank You.

    Reply

  3. I just turned 74, but feel I could execute these techniques if I had to. I studied Aikido for ten years when I was younger, but these techniques are much more practical when needed.

    Reply

  4. As an Isshin Ryu Karate practionare for seven+ years, I found your site both entertaining & informative. I look forward to more of your publicarions!!!!

    Reply

  5. Thanks – Impressed with the fingers! How about the eyes? How to use a cell phone as a weapon?

    Reply

  7. Thanks. Great eye opening fundamental concepts. Your thoughts on conditioning your mind away from thinking like a victim are really key. Any tips on how to properly practice some of these techniques when no partner is available?

    Reply

  8. I’m really enjoying and gaining much knowledge from your email and videos.

    Thanks Bob

    Much appreciated

    Peter

    Reply

  10. excellent techniques. growing up in a very rough neibourhood in Glasgow, Scotland I learned the Glasgow Kiss (headbutt) is an effective weapon. also kneeing in the nuts or inside the top of the leg/knee is very effective. Only once has someone attempted to mug me, and he is probably still running for his life. LMFAO.

    Reply

  11. Very comforting to know and well demonstrated. Practice often to become comfortable. Best to train with a competent person or even spouse.

    Reply

  12. this all makes a lot of sense to me and there are times when there are those that try to intimidate me because of my age(soon to be 69)and being a former soldier without this training seems not only foolish but dangerous

    Reply

  14. very instructive . the advice with breathing
    and relaxing is very hard to do when confronted with danger. one must be convenient about his ability.

    Reply

  16. The demonstrated moves seem logicol and straitforward. Thank you for the demonstrations. I hope I never have to use them but forarmed is forwarned.

    Thanks again.

    Reply

  17. The techniques you showed are very good. I learned many techniques very similar to them when I studied Ai Ki Do (I probably misspelled it). Anyway, all those areas of attack were true. Thank you.

    Reply

  18. This is very interesting! I think the speed with which you execute a move is of utmost importance and you should also have a bit of strengh. You guys are built like the hulk!

    Reply

  19. those moves are so easy and effective. everyone can learn and remember them even without any training…. tks guys so cool 🙂

    Reply

  21. Great videos, excellent refresher for those of us who haven’t practiced for many years. Getting old is hell but these techniques are far superior to rolling around on the ground or just plain killing the SOB.

    Reply

  22. This is great! I’ll have to share this with my wife who weighs in at 115# and we can learn together. I’m taking these lessons seriously!

    Reply

  24. Wow! This tricks will even work great for us older folks. Thank you very much. This will really help when IT hits the fan.

    Reply

  25. You have done a lot of useful research. Sadly I am a little old to take up your course. I am 78. I did do some karate when I was 40 and I appreciate your comments on the martial arts. We were recently burgled by armed men while we were asleep. While there is nothing we could do lying in bed staring down the barrel we did nothing and we came away with our lives. Never the less I wish I had seen your course in the 1950’s. (You probably not alive then.)I would recommend your course to anyone who wants to become street wise. It’s very necessary in South Africa at the moment. Crime is rife.

    Reply

  26. Great technics a fight can be hard to control but with these easy to learn take downs I will feel more aware and confident should I find myself in such a situation. Thankyou guys

    Reply

  27. thanks for the info as i progress in age, i’m 59 but i haven’t been in a fight since high school, i feel the years more acutely as they pass and this info could really help me.

    Reply

  28. At 78 years of age fighting is a little past me. I have Diabetes & Nueropathy but some of this would still help in my defense. I move slower now and poor balance. I just hope it does not become necessary to fight but some
    feel big when they can push us seniors around. Thank you for the advice on self defense.

    Reply

  29. As David W said, older in years plus disabled. Am able to get around but have several fractured vertebrates and knees are shot. To be honest I avoid many public events and situations not so much my age but disability. Retired USMC, but decades since confrontation. Lost edge. I am grateful for the info. you are willing to share. My most GRATEFUL Thanks!
    Respectfully,
    Richard B.

    Reply

  30. thank you for the information. I’m 73 with 5 heart attacks and no prior training in such matters. I feel the instructions will give me something that may help when one has no choice. mike

    Reply

  31. I understand these lessons are for “real” self defense, best defense is strong offense. My comment, having to defend yourself against a person who is drunk and you don’t want to make a permanent injury or death blow. Have been in that situation (knew the guy) had my thumbs locked into corner of eye to take them out, my instant thought, “It’s not worth it”, does everyone have that thought or am I not up to the game, instead I pumped his nose with my knee and then a chop to the throat, put him down.
    I still carry that thought, I defended myself but I could have disabled him forever, bad thought. Comment.

    Reply

  32. When I was younger I studied Tae Kwon Do for several years. I learned a lot about fighting there. Also, I learned a lot of stuff that just got me hurt when I used it. When I later joined the military we had barracks brawls almost daily. Basic blocks and footwork, plus striking were handy. The kicking stuff was marginal. “Mostly” it got me into a compromised position. So its refreshing to see these kinds of movements. I appreciate the teaching… Now I just need a sucker (wait!)…Partner to practice them with……….

    Reply

  33. Thank you very much. As a 60 yr old ex Seabee I also have lost my edge and am around a lot of bikers. I had to use lesson one once already with great success which stopped the fight. Wow

    Reply

  34. These lessons are GREAT! I weigh about 100 lbs and feel confident facing up against anyone. Thank you so much!!!!

    Reply

  40. Very illuminating. I’m reviewing this one again since my PC was messed up with malware & I had to restore it. TJN

    Reply

  41. These videos and “tips” look easy to learn and could possibly be an advantage for a smaller, older person like myself. I have only looked at the videos for lesson one but was wondering if there is anything, other than being aware of surroundings, to avoid becoming a victim of the “knock-out game?

    Reply

  44. I’m so grateful for the video lessons. I’m not real physically fit, and I have some disabilities, but some of these moves I can still perform. I thank you for offering these techniques.

    Reply

  46. Whoa My Brother,Damn ,my friend,I haven’t seen this stuff offered in maybe 25-30 years,Thank You so much for “jogging” this “Ole Warriors” mind/memory.I rolled over year 74 this June,& I had all but forgotten most of these Rules,techniques I learned some 40 years back from a very special friend[Military}who helped me with my PTS Thank You,this is good “Stuff” Folks-it works{from personal experience years ago } At 74,I am so happy to be reminded of what I should know,but forgot where I hid the “File”!! Thank You Jerry/partner

    Reply

  48. The master of small circle Jujitsu was Wally Jay. He researched this by asking a lot of masters to help his research; Bruce Lee: George Dillman and other masters of various arts.

    Reply

  49. Right on! I believe that an EENT Doctor has the right idea. Eyes ears nose and throat in availability order. Also a hard Palm strike to the pelvis may fracture the pelvis. Then run like hell Nothing to prove except a desire to keep breathing.

    Reply

  50. Hey,

    I deal with the public, and knowing these techniques is great for peace of mind. Knowing that I can subdue a potential attacker means I can be comfortable around anyone, anytime, and it shows in my interactions, which actually reduces potential confrontations. It is always better to talk someone down, but this does not always work, so it’s good to know how to subdue on those rare occasions. I have enjoyed your techniques and videos, which are both informative and entertaining.

    Reply
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