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. hi im 157cm tall i what to know how i can get taller guy down to my size when thay try tocame after u i know ground moves but it is hard to bring them down when u dont want to fight them but sametimes u have to can u tell me how i can sweep there legs feet from under them

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  4. Very good info, it seems to be the “little” things that get the job done ! i.e. the “slap” the “finger bending” and the punch to the thorax ! Very informative, and maybe useful in the future. Thx.

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  5. WOW!
    This is great.We don’t always want to “kill” or go for the “kill”, but just to get away. Also this is great for single ladies alone at home or out with friends. I will save up for this. Never know when you gonna need it.

    Excellent stuff!

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  6. Thanks guy this is great is there any more like these because im gonna need them by the way do you have and ideas on how i can use these for training because im not really a born fighter is getting pissed off better or worse in a street fight because im stronger pissed off. Thanks,Brison

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  7. Great stuff we appreciate it : My wife and I as well as our kids took Gracie Jiu Jitsu
    for a few years. We were really looking for a few simple quick self-defense techniques if attacked. We travel to different parts of the world and will be looking for your updates and ideas.

    This quick simple repsonse really helps if attacked ,

    Very Best

    Reply

  8. Very informative! Thank you very much! I look forward to day two! They were simple, yet clearly can be devastatingly effective.

    Reply

  9. Hi Bob. Great stuff, here including a lot of great comments. I have used the color code to stay in the safe zone for many years. I am 74, with both hips replaced and a little restricted for Karate kicks and running away fast enough to stay ahead of anyone, so if I am surprised in a parking lot or around the corner of a building, it is good to know that I still have options. I like the “recognize” tips that you offered as well as what to do next. The finger tips are a great surprise move. I think they would put the bad guys down (if practiced enough) in a hurry and probably dissuade them from pursuing their initial plans further. I am sure that a fighter could block the ear slap from most non-fighters due to telegraphy and speed. But, I appreciate the information you have presented as well as the great video clips. I think if they are practiced enough to become ingrained, it will help stop a mugging and a few of the other criminal types from further agression. I am also sure that more information will be helpful to defend against the druggies and just pure mean individuals that need to prove something to themselves or gangs. I would love to explore some of the videos that you advertise to determine the level of “fight” that I want to bring to “them”. It would be great if a preview could be attached to your ads about the different videos that you offer. Some of the titles are a bit scary to me and keep me from ordering only on that basis alone. I don’t want to learn “KILLING MOVES” but I would like to know more about “fight-enders” if they are non lethal. I realize there are people out there who do not have any business to stay alive, but do not feel it is my right to determine their longevity. I respect your knowledge and ability to present your material in a simple form to understand and remember. I am grateful to be on your mailing list for your freebies and expect they will be greatly beneficial to many people as per the comments made here. Keep up the great work.

    Reply

  12. Awesome. I especially like the one where you slap the ear of the opponent. I will give you a chance to get away and the opponent to stop the fight. I like it.

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  13. I already learned some of these ‘rapping techniques’ — bending/ breaking the fingers while in RVN –Vietnam: 68-70, [Helicopter DoorGunner] but this was great info, and in ENGLISH too!! [smile]. I had trouble understanding the last instructor who was hiding his identity and voice.. sorry. Question: Am I mistaken, that I thought I was supposed to get a FastFight CD via snail mail ?? Still, I did learn some good new things here today.

    Respectfully,
    Tom S –Disabled Vietnam Veteran: 68-70. tschuckman@aol.com

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  14. I am at a slight disadvantage and am trying to glean what I can from the instruction. I am wheelchair bound. I am in an electric wheelchair when out and about. The areas in my arm reach are from solar plexus to just below groin. Face, neck, head are for the most part not in the picture.
    My right leg is amputated and am strapped in chair with a seatbelt at all times.
    Vid1 is very helpful.

    Reply

  16. I’m hoping you’ll show more short fighters against tall and big fighters. I am 5’2 male and not sure if I can reach something like his neck or grab his shoulder from underneath to bring him down to my size!
    thanks, Scott

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  18. Loved day one did not receive day two.I will be ordering more might take a sometime ,my wife just nailed me.wiped out bank account.with all bills due.which was nice of her it will take a couple of pay checks to get caught up.I just have to git my Military focus back.SGT David Zimmerman 3rd ID.

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  20. I know that this is serious business, but when I watched the slap technique I had to chuckle to myself just a bit. I remember in my teenage years I had said something distasteful to a girlfriend, and she was no happy about it, well I tell you she just hauled off and cup slapped me upside my head, and to this day I still remember that my ear rang for a good couple of hours. Oh yes memories! Great stuff, simple, yet so very effective. Keep up the good work.

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  21. I’m just letting you know I’m an 18 year old girl and I’ve had to deal with some pretty bad situations when my husband is at work.
    My last confrontation with an ex was bad I got beat up pretty good, and with my husband gone I couldn’t do much. Then I found your website and now I don’t have to worry about my life being in danger. I just wish more girls like me would learn to defend themselves…my greatest inspiration on never giving up is the TV show naruto. It may be just mere nonsense to most but it has improved my confidence and with a little more education I know I have what it takes! That is my way of life and that’s how I will become a better person. Because I never give up, I’m a hard worker!

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  22. My instructor was not only an M.P. in the service he was taught shaolin chuan fa. The slap
    by Paul Vanak is regarded as one of the 18 deadly hand techniques as well as the knuckle punch
    Panther punch) taught in another lesson. The finger china is classical shaolin. Thanks for
    providing this information to people who may not have the opportunity to learn from a shaolin
    master

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  24. I have had some training in the Arts. Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, Tai Kung Fu, and Muay Thai. I found in all of them, something that was not taught was this. Watch your opponents midsection at the solar plexus. You can watch their entire body at one time. You can see every move they are about to make because the mid section always moves slightly first. It also shows you what that person is going to strike you with, left hand or foot, right hand or foot, or even a head butt. Knowing this helped me to 53-4-4 full contact career. I would add that this is in situations when you ALREADY know you are in a fight. Some of the techniques shown are more passive but VERY effective. I have just integrated them with what I know and these are FANTASTIC techniques. Just my humble opinion.

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  27. 66 years old Taekwondo black belt started training when I was 58 to combat arthritis (it’s worked to an extent)
    Previous experience in British Army and also some Goju Ryu Karate training 30 yrs ago.
    Our Taekwondo instructor works for the Police and is frequently required to use his “street” skills to subdue non-compliant prisoners and teaches Police his techniques.
    As such, there is a heavy input of “street fighting” in our Taekwondo lessons (strictly speaking not Taekwondo but highly effective and makes for a more rounded martial artist) .
    Teaches street awareness, persona (don’t look like a victim) and stuff like eye gouges, throat strikes etc.
    Most effective technique, finger strike to the eyes (can’t see can’t fight) but also the simplicity of the open hand slap to the ear.
    I was asked to act as stool pigeon and square up to him to defend myself, fully expecting a punch or a kick, the “cupped hand slap” to my ear caught me completely off guard, the shock of it was unbelieveable.
    Yes, jump kicks, spinning kicks etc. all pretty impressive stuff but unlikely to be a lot of use in the street.
    As our instructor says, practice simple techniques that work for you not to look pretty.
    Excellent stuff from this fight course by the way.

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  28. I only received Day 1/Day2 of the ‘Fight Course’ that you sent out a while back. Time Warner was having a problem here in this part of North Carolina! Could you email the other 3 days to me? I’d really appreciate it! Love your work!

    Reply

  30. Bob, thanks very much. The info is great! I’m in china until March though and I couldn’t see the vids at all. You don’t get any social sites here including most vids.
    I’m 67 and disabled .. to a point. I can hurt someone badly if I can do it before they get ready for my response. In other words, I need to strike first. I’ve used pencils, pens, hammers and anything I could use as a weapon because it would destroy my hands to hit anything with them. I find all of this very useful and will continue with you all that I can, not being very wealthy at my age though. SS doesn’t cover much but you cannot afford to lose any of it to a thief, so better to strike first if possible, Again, thanks so much.

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  32. I feel safer already and so, peace of “mind”. I was shown some as a kid but being near retirement, I’ve needed a refresher ! Thanks, XTex

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  35. WOW! That was so cool. Very informative. Hope I won’t have to ever use the techniques but if I do it will surely be in my best interest. Thank You,Vicki

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  36. Many people would still be alive today had they used some of these techniques…particularly women that have been choked to death. In some of the worst situations…faking death can also save your life. Something to think about !

    Thank you for teaching us ways to survive this crazy world.

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  37. Great stuff ! I will be practicing these moves ! I don’t ever look for a fight but want to be prepared in case someone attacks me.

    Thanks,
    Max

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  38. Thanks for the informative videos and text. I am a martial arts instructor and find my teaching gets stale from time to time. These techniques are simple and easy to learn and fairly easy to apply in a martial arts venue. I look forward to more or these instructional videos and text.

    Reply

  40. Hi the information & vidios are very informative & after reading , watching
    & practising you can feel more able to get yourself out of trouble if confronte
    Brilliant keep it coming thanks john

    Reply

  42. Thanks Bob the Freebies are great.
    Just love the finger work.
    Simple ,Effective, Very Usefull.
    Would i follow instructions if someone had
    this grip on me ….Of course i would
    John

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  45. Thanks Bob,
    Great stuff. I’m 70 and live in a relatively bad section of Utica NY. I’m a Nam Vet and a Biker so I’m usually pretty aware of my surroundings. These tips are goin to be practiced ubtil they come without thinking. I’m sure that sooner or later some lame ass is going to try the “Knockout” Game on me and it’ll be SWEET take him out. Again thatnks…I can’t wait for Day 2.

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  46. Hi Bob~~Excellent moves to add to the “Self Defense for Women” course taught by my sister, which I took at a California State University. I’m ordering the DVD set. Thank you for the prod to learn more about defending my 77 year old body. 🙂

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  47. Useful. Thank you.
    I’m seventy five years old and live in Brooklyn and sometimes
    I worry here and there in public. Nice to have a few new tricks
    to keep the rude and impertinent at bay.
    The loose-wristed handslap by the way is classic tai chi and works.

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  48. This is one of the very few “No B.S.” presentations that i have seen yet ! I remember one thing about an experience in the fourth grade. A sixth Grader followed my little brother…which my brother was only a second grader at the time. Both of us where raised never to fight back by our parents NO MATTER WHAT ! Well this Sixth grader was casing my brother to bully him for one reason or another and right when we got off the school Bus,The guy called my brothers name and as soon as my brother turned around, The sixth grader punched him in the face with NO Warning and broke his nose instantly. We lived in South America at this time. Anyways once i saw my brothers blood i saw blue like streaks of light out of anger around the guys aura and instant tunnel vision. No thought or fear came to me just unadulterated anger. I knew i was going to beat this guy and never doubted that but did doubt how. The sixth grader was about 120 Lbs. and i was a messily 75 Lbs. This guy was twice my size and a wall of flesh to me at the time.
    The Bully pushed me down to the ground and when i laid there in the dirt, like automatically with out thought i rose to my feet and felt i was clutching a handful of dirt from when i was on the ground. Without thinking i went to act like i was going to punch him in the face with my right hand but the dirt was in my left and faked the punch. My left hand threw the dirt in his eyes blinded him and i did one hell of a kick right to his groin. As he was doubling over with his hands over his eyes i grabbed the back of his hair and kicked my knee up at the same time and not only broke his nose but his jaw as well with one swift knee. Didn’t feel like it took any effort and i was only breathing hard not because i was over worked but yet because of my anger. Yes i know what you mean by open targets. You are dead on the nail on that one ! Needless to say i felt really bad about it and with in the week i bought the bully an ice cream cone with part of my lunch money and we became friends. I will never forget what happened though i know its not about strength or size it is like a recipe. You mix ingredients to get a specific result. I have been jumped by gang bangers and out numbered on many occasions growing up in a bad part of town. Just cuz i lived near them and walked to school through some pretty creepy ghetto hoods. Because i broke this kids jaw and nose i felt so bad but realize not only am i capable of hurting someone or even perminately maiming someone i never fought back after that. like ………….ever. So i know how to dulp a beating somewhat but also had a sense that if i can be that dangerous……well so can the opponent! I will always have a sense of there is someone out there that could out wit you, especially if you have a pattern in technique, and am vulnerable to being caught off guard at any moment. I don’t drink anymore so i dont go where there is potential for confrontation as i believe the ultimate fighting would be is Avoidance entirely. You don’t play the game you dont win sure,…..but you don’t lose either. Di fusion is genious~!!!!!! However if i am ever forced to fight or ever be trapped again what worked in one fight may not work in another. This tutorial and lessons that are offered are easy to learn so far and awaken my mind in many ways . ty for your letters……..major points as a potential subscriber…oh btw my cousin is a first degree black belt in judo and has a first degree also in hopkido and is a Marine for at least ten years now. He says he likes what he sees and is interested in this as well . I did refer him so . Hope you hear from Patrick soon

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  49. I found this lesson very useful. It fits in nicely with my goal of causing as much pain and damage as quickly as possible, and escaping. I’m looking forward to my next lesson.

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  50. can’t wait for day 2 these are perfect for folks w/disability, they are sharp thinkers and this will take them off the EASY TARGET LIST!!! Thanks ME

    Reply
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