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”

  8. Thanks, this was very helpful, in a few ways. unfortunately the day an age we live in today, these kind of robbery/street hooligan issues are running rife. and help is not always there Or available. one should feel free, and at ease, in this day an age, when travelling with their families and/or loved ones. these short lessons are exactly what’s needed, for the average Joe. thanks once again.

    Reply

  9. My name is Steve. I just turned 60 years old. I consider myself to be in pretty good shape I guess. When I was a teenager and in my twenty’s I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to train with a gentleman by the name of Steven Hearst. His art was kenpo and aikido martial arts. He trained me for years. My desire to learn martial arts was not in any way to be the tough guy or a bully. I wasnt interested in going thru the process of earning belts. Just wanted to learn how to defend myself. As I was from a rough part of town and the street was always putting bad people in my path. What I learned from Mr. Hearst saved my ass numerous times. My first reaction was always to walk away or try to talk my way out of a volatile situation. Sometimes it worked other times a street fight was immanent. Over the years, marriage, kids, and just growing older diminished my desire in martial arts. I thought I’m older and probably would never be put in fight situation.
    However, I was wrong. I apologize for the lengthy comment. I thought I’d give a little background for my comment to be understood I guess. But what I watched on your first free lesson with the ” finger spreading” stopped a thug from robbing my wife and I as we were walking back from a ice cream parlor. Actually there was two of them and one reached out to grab my shirt to try to pull me. I really didnt revert back to early days of my training. My immediate first reaction was the simple finger spreading and take down that I watched on your video. In a matter of 3 seconds I had total control of this thug. If I wouldnt have used your technique my wife and I probably would have been robbed and possibly hurt. You have definately sold me on your book. I appreciate and my wife appreciates what your video taught me. I will definately pass your videos to all I know. Have a good one.

    Reply

  10. Excellent info…even for a women. Women need to be more quick to react to an attack. Most women need to be taught how to react and to overcome their fear…

    Reply

  11. Ive never been in a fight, im 44 yrs old and have never thrown my fist at someone BUT times are changing and people are becoming violent and thanks to the tips and techniques I’ve learned from your page I feel confident that if a confrontation were to arise I’m well prepaired and will subdue the aggressive behavior of any person.. thank you!

    Reply

  13. Thanks I like how you told about when someone wanted to start a fight and what to look for before it happens

    Reply

  16. Great information. It’s not easy making fighting judgement decisions, but these videos and words of expertise had giving me a lot of insight on fighting.

    Reply

  17. Thanks alot i dont fight but this is really good and helpful tips n videos. I am a woman i was lookin for some kind of self defence help to protect myself incase of any shit but also coz there somebody who i biiig n heavy n a bully who happends to be an egg of the parents of my partners family, who also happends to bully my 5year old daughter. his only 17 but he does big things n lobes fighting n being boss. i wanted not only to deffend but also beable to bring him down if he ever tries to hurt me or my girls. Mayb teach him a lesson. Im gonna start trying to get fit n try out some simple exercises before i try ur moves but thanks so much!

    Reply

  18. I’m very surprised because I basically have all these techniques. I grew up around violence and I’m a good guy.

    Reply

  21. Nice .simple and effective I done quickly and relaxed I would think one could take out 3/5 guys with those simple strikes …within seconds …if totally pictured it in mind just before ya start I belive in you see it you can do it ..a quick plan for quick moves …awesome videos ..thnx

    Reply

  22. Fascinating!very clearly demonstrated.! Many thanks for this great beginning! I look forward to the next step already!

    Reply

  23. Very helpful for many situations and very easy to learn with practice especially if you are working security in a bar with large events as I have.

    Reply

  24. Very good and professional. This is what we need. Thank you so much for making it available to us

    Reply

  27. after watching the first lesson ‘ear slap’installment I know that I’m hooked as this will not only revolutionize my fight style but also be more confident in my partners ability to protect herself against any offender as it is so easy to learn once u realize that it is all common sense.Thanks Guys, U R LEGENDS

    Reply

  28. I am happy to use the words ‘excellent demonstration’
    Please keep them coming.
    David UK

    Reply

  29. Just watching your videos helped me feel safer and more confident. I’m not out to hurt anybody i just don’t like to be hurt. Your courses seemed affective with the lest amount of harm. Thank you very much

    Reply

  32. Awesome information to protect myself.
    Thank you. I do feel more confident and will remember not to panic, but look for strike zones. The ear slap is something I can practice and the knuckle punch to the neck, with the block simultaneously was excellent self-defense

    Reply

  33. those are good tips if only being attacked by 1 person, but what about if there are more and what if they come at you from behind. how can you defend yourself in those situations.

    Reply

  34. Wow impressive techniques and things a hundred pound woman can do. Thank you very much. I will share with my grown children.

    Reply

  37. I graduate of Police Instructor School at The Texas Dept. Of Public Safety 1993, and a Former Graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for U S Border Patrl Agent in 1978. I taught a similar course and condensed it and I call it the NEET
    Self Defense Course. Concentrating on the Nose,Eyes,Ears,Throat. I always wanted to make a self defense video such as this. Maybe we can corraborate one and benefit mutually. Let me know if you may be interested.
    Kind regards,
    David D’avila Sr.
    Consultant

    Reply

  43. In all fairness and sincerity, giving regards to morals and modesty,I want to appreciate fightfast for these effective training thus far.it worths the time invested in it.
    Thanks.

    Reply

  44. I appreciate the website and free advice. Have you heard of the “Model Mugging” course? It began for women but has long been available to men as well.

    Reply

  47. I love the training however it would be cool to have some training for the disabled.I am dhandicapped with MS and in a wheelchair.I can’t walk but my upper body is strong

    Reply

  48. Good so far. I use a system developed by the northern ireland prison service called defensive techniques. I regularly train my targeting on a bob. I was offered the course through the police because i mentor drug addicts. Similar targeting to your system I tend to look at a few different systems and add what I think can help me because a lot of my time is in an office face to face with an addict trying to get better and if they’re still using they may kick off and may not feel pain so we need to target somatic reflexes that will shut them down for our own safety.

    Reply

  49. Greetings,ur knowledge n video’s R a positive 2 the human mind n gives gud opportunity 2 learn n be aware of 2days reality 4 survival n 4 the safety of ur family n loved ones…👌👌👍👍!!!!

    Reply

  50. I graduate of Police Instructor School at The Texas Dept. Of Public Safety 1993, and a Former Graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for U S Border Patrl Agent in 1978. I taught a similar course and condensed it and I call it the NEET
    Self Defense Course. Concentrating on the Nose,Eyes,Ears,Throat. I always wanted to make a self defense video such as this. Maybe we can corraborate one and benefit mutually. Let me know if you may be interested.
    Kind regards,
    David D’avila Sr.
    Consultant

    Reply
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