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. Fear is a crippling emotion that can get you seriously hurt or killed. I pray that I never have to use what I learn because my biggest enemy might be the fear factor. Hopefully practising and constantly keeping myself mentally prepared will have me ready just in case. If you (Fightfast) have more ways to teach mental preparedness please email me with this life saving info. Thank you.

    Reply

  2. Bob, I just received my first order from you!! Wow it only took two days!!
    I haven’t even started watching the videos that I ordered from you yet, because of the free stuff that you sent to me by email!!! I am so impressed with your team!!!
    I am watching the slap video really great, and the MAGIC FINGERS, so awesome!!!!
    I have just practiced these two video’s simple moves but very effective !
    Thank you so much, I already feel like I have learned so much!!!
    I only live 5 miles from your Visalia Office. I wish I would have known about Fight Fast years ago!!!
    Keep up the great work!!
    Kind Regards
    Don

    Reply

  4. I think your techniques are awesome simple and easy. It’s true what you say, anybody can learn them and do them. It’s been alot of help, thanks for helping people young and old. Society has been out of control lately, you can’t even go to the grocery store without something happening. So thanks for the lessons, keep up the good works ??.

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  5. My friend is an eighth degree black belt in Tae kwon do and I asked him about the outside of the thigh (you brought it up once before) he said it can be awesome,but you have to be in the right position. A baseball bat covers a lot of space so it’s a good bet.

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  6. They are very interesting and very informative. So far they’re very insightful and very easy to follow videos. They gave me an extra trick are too in my bag of other tricks I’ve learned on this site and others. They will keep you thinking if you ever get into a situation they have described.

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  7. Love your common sense (alertness) & approach to each situation! When you are assessing the circumstances there’s no time to waste on fearing what’s coming! Awareness & quick action is by far the most affective weapons? Thnx guys

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  9. This is some great stuff I grew up in a city and the streets were kind of crazy if you look at a person or walked on the wrong side of the street you got picked on or beat up because they had nothing better to do so I did grow up fast as a kid and learn a few tricks the funny thing is I thought I left all that behind me when I left the city but I have been working for the same company now for 21yrs and had three coworkers attack me I am a lead on the floor and work night we do not have much support at night just me and one more supervisor so if something get out of control we have to handle it I do ok for myself and have come out on top in all events that happen with only a fat lip or a black eye but having more skills can’t hurt so thank you for all these lessons

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  10. Thank you something’s I already know but its been many years sense I’ve found myself in a fight situation. So this is all good advice and training . the fear factor is vital many times when I was younger I found myself in a situation with no idea how I got there and didn’t want to be there. So much of this helps. First and foremost is the mind set your there deal with as quickly as possible to save your ass. So once again thank you .

    Reply

  11. I’m a 70 year old guy and still strong, but the finger split might get me hurt? I do like the ear slap, as it looks very doable and your written comments are indeed helpful!

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  12. I have watched four of fightfast instruction videos and it boosted my confidence somewhat. But then one night as my girlfriend and I was leaving the restaurant three punks approached us. She had no idea what I have learned from your video lessons and in 10 to 15 seconds we was again walking to the bike to leave. I had gone over the lessons 3 or 4 times and in the situation I was in everything just came natural. Every part of my body worked as a team to be honest I shocked and impressed myself. I really want to thank everyone at fightfast for all the tools that I needed to save me from a bad ass kicking and the Lord knows what could have happened to my girfriend. Thanks fightfast keep the lessons comeing.

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  13. I have studied Judo but never learned anything like this to protect myself. Excellent need to know information!
    I am sorry to admit this, but I have a brother that I have often times had to bring to a non-combative state due to his use of alcohol and/or drug use.
    This finger magic could have saved me a lot of physical manhandling that I have had to deal with in the past.
    We are both in our fifties now, but none the less, he still gets loud but he knows that I have never lost to him even though he is 2 years my senior. I have remained sober my entire life. ( ancient Chinese secret) lol. I still have all of my brain cells functioning.

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  16. Thank you so much for your lessons being Free. I am disabled and on fixed income,so free is always great. Also, put me on your list if you ever do put together videos for disabled people. I am almost 6 ft and 250lbs, so usually intimidation is my best defense, but I need some help with what to do if that doesn’t work.

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  17. Ok Im a disabled man who uses a cane to walk with. How can I adopt these techniques for use with out giving up my cane to b used agains me. Any thoughts are appreciated.

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  19. It’ is very appreciated that you share this knowledge for free and on line. After I retired I moved to the Phoenix area. It’s like the wild west out here sometimes. Growing up in the mid-west was pretty tame by comparison. I’v never study fighting or martial arts. Now I’m too arthritic to do that. The finger Magic part gives one the peace of mind knowing you can hold off an attacker so easily.
    Sincerely,
    Alan Eades

    Reply

  20. I am a retired RN from the VA Hospital in Detroit. I am also a Navy Veteran of 10 years active duty. My Wife and I are both retired nurses and on a fixed income. We plan to travel but do have concerns for our personal safety. I think this important self defense information is priceless and will help us if ever needed. I believe it is better to know it and not need it — then it is to need it and not have it!

    THANK YOU and GOD BLESS

    Reply

  22. This is good stuff and I totally understand (and practice) the head slap. I have a version of the head slap that I’d like to share. You can learn it in 5 minutes because is is so simple. However it does requires some practice because it is a four part sequential process not much more complicated than the right cross in boxing or throwing a football. Here are the steps:
    1) As your opponent approaches you should let your arms hang loosely by your side and move your left foot slightly ahead of the left. I stand very still and do not crouch because I want my opponent wondering. I move my weight slightly onto the right foot because this will be my power base. It is almost a small step toward him. Obviously you don’t want to attack until he does. So just continue to watch his approach. This will also insure that you don’t swing too early and miss or mis-hit.
    2) If he comes into range he will be in attack mode so you pull the trigger.
    3) The first thing you do is throw your left hand straight up above your left shoulder. Reach for the sky. This is very confusing to your opponent and completely breaks his focus. This has probably never happened to him before.
    4) It is likely (unless he was sprinting at you whereas you will be out of time and must hit him before he gets into you) that he will take a slight pause to see what you are going to do with that weird left hand in the air.
    5) All in one smooth movement you stride into him pushing off on the right foot and with your cupped right hand (as you demonstrated in the video) you try to slap his head off of the neck. Follow through on this stroke is very effective. The head weighs 30-40 lbs and if you can get it moving to his right He is down and done. I aim for the ear because if I slap that cupped hand on the ear it will break the eardrum. The pain of a ruptured ear drum is beyond control and frightening because it has never happened to most people.
    6) He will go down screaming (if he is still conscious) and you can leave. As far as the law is concerned you were simply defending yourself.
    7) You do not need to rush this sequence or over swing. You have all the leverage and he has moved his weigh to his right foot to defend the against your weird left hand in the air. He probably will not even see your right hand coming.

    The secret to this method is surprise and unpredictibility which breaks your opponent’s focus. I repeat, if he is hell bent and head down you will not have time to do this. Just smack him and his own momentum will dump him.

    Reply

  23. Very good advise most of everything had been my experience as well but because of the don’t use you lose it rule it’s very nice to get the refresher lessons Thanks very informative information I look forward to more..

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  26. hi i would like to get this knife but i am sorry i don’t have the money to pay shipping and handle right now i am really sorry but i would like to get this knife i am really sorry thank you

    Reply

  27. Bob, Thank you. I need this. I had a white car 2 Sundays ago on a walk pull up On the right of me no sidewalk for 20 ft or so. I sensed danger windows rolled up as if to block me. I crossed the street, no people around @ that moment, the car made a U turn followed me and blocked me again, this time I could feel anger and danger, I was looking @ my escape route when the traffic came and the creep had to turn his or her, car around or get hit head on by traffic! I thank God for having my back and my angels. Thanks for empowering me with self defense I will watch and practice over and over, this came at a perfect time for me. Its a bad feeling to feel vulnerable. I need all these tricks to compensate for knees and age. Stay healthy and strong. All of us need to stay FREE and safe. I never learned to fight, I am one of those ultra feminine women who is doing something about it. They sat when you teach a man you teach one person, when you teach a woman she will teach or tell many. Thanks again Laura

    Reply

  28. Thank you for the info you generously took time to provide.As a female you would think it would be rare to have had to fight many times, well not so in my case, I can’t even give reasons? Saying that, fights don’t happen with a boxing stance especially for females. I’ve learned to stay calm (in a uncalm way) lol. Looking for any opening is an advantage. I don’t foresee any fighting n my future , nonetheless I love the simple illustrations you provided. Thankyou

    Reply

  31. Thank you for the information and the more than generous offer! Once I get through these videos, I’m certainly going to try my credit card, as I may just have the few bucks needed on it. Sounds dumb, but I live in a bad, violent, and economically poor city; so money is tight at the moment, lol. The information you’ve provided, even in just this section, is very educational especially since I’ve spent many years when i was a kid and teen being “roughneck” trained in Muay Thai and Jujitsu primarily and with Roman Greco and basic street fighting tech for balance; all outside of the “belt factories”, privately, by my step dad, uncles, and their buddies. All of which did not trust what became of the now watered down and money hungry martial arts studios. I catch myself say “HEY, I ALREADY KNOW/DO THAT, but didn’t know the concept behind WHY it was taught to me” and that’s such a reviving feeling to learn more of whats behind my prior tech and then learning even better, more solid techs. I’m really hoping to be able to make this purchase. Thanks again!

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  32. GOOD EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTION. IN HOSPITAL ER SETTINGS I HAVE USED FINGER AND WRIST LOCKS SIMILIAR TO THIS INSTRUCTION. I ALSO USE DOUBLE OR SINGLE EAR SLAPS. IF I CAN I USE THESE INSTEAD OF MY ASAP OR TASER IT MAKES CUFFING ALOT EASIER WITH A SUBMISSION HOLD. ALSO IT IS ALOT EASIER TO GET WITNESS STATEMENTS BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW THE GUY WITH THE BADGE ALWAYS (IN THEIR MINDS) USES EXCESSIVE FORCE. IT ALSO LOOKS BETTER ON SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS FOR THE BOSS AND COURT. HA HA!!!

    Reply

  34. Like the lessons a lot! The instructors speak clearly, speak slowly and review the specific parts of the techniques they are teaching. I’m not certain speaking through a mask is that beneficial, but …… the teacher is a good one. THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING THIS EXCELLENT INFORMATION.

    Reply

  35. Some of these moves I was taught by my boyfriend years ago when I started working on the night shift. He wanted me to able to protect myself if he was not there. He eventually became my late husband. He taught me a lot, and so did the Army. I just wish I could have taken my Ar 15 and knife and other goodies home with me when I left. But I was a honest solider.

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  36. You guys are the best. I am seventy-five and as an older person a target for predators. These simple techniques can save a life. Maybe mine.

    Thanks

    Gary O.

    Reply

  38. This stuff is great. I am getting caught up finally. I only had a couple close calls 35 years ago in this college town, but a older, alone there is more of a chance to get jumped somewhere. Not much gym activity in the last 18 months, and this stuff is waking me up, and gives me a good reason to get back to the 6 day a week/gym and hiking the local 900 ft mts with rocks. Even if that is not important it still gets me all worked up. thank you

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  39. the snap kick tho the inside of the knee has always been a favorite of mine leaves them walking with a limpif not for life at least a good while

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  42. I’m fourth degree black belt in Karate and good street fighter. I enjoyed your first video and would definitely recommend it to others. Trained or not. It was excellent.

    Reply

  43. You guy’s are incredible just seeing the little videos you have for us to watch has helped me alot I do fill better prepared and more aware of my surroundings god help me should something ever happen I still might get the hell beat out of me OK so I will get the hell beat out of me but at least I will not go out with out trying to help myself Thank you very much

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  50. Great info I really got a lot of useful stuff from​ this guy. He was able to explain his technic where anyone could put into a practical situation. Thanks for taking the time to this great video tutorial.

    Reply
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