Lesson Five of the Self Defense Mini Clinic

Click here to see Lesson 4.

This lesson teaches you how to train and develop the skills and principles you’ve learned and will learn in the future from Fightfast.com.

But before we dive in, check out this triangle choke hold taught by decorated soldier and former Delta Force Operator Jim West.


Training Methods:

A complete review of proper training and conditioning methods for combat is beyond the scope of this book, however, I do want to point out that the average guy looking to defend himself on the street doesn’t need to endure a lifetime of training.

On the contrary, the entire purpose of my many DVD packages is to simplify everything. I’ve received emotional letters from dozens of customers who simply watched a certain program, did NO training, and were able to recall and use it correctly when they needed it. Doesn’t get much better than that. But if you’re serious about implanting this information deeply into your body, you’ll want to consider training it.

Street fighting does not require the same level or type of conditioning as sport fighting. Surprisingly, cardiovascular endurance isn’t a significant factor in a street fight. I know this is a controversial claim, but research and 20 years of study and observation backs it up.

Remember, true street fights (as opposed to mutually agreed combat) rarely last longer than 10 seconds. Understanding and employing the 4 D’s (Deception… Distraction… Disruption… Destruction), will trump cardiovascular conditioning.

So with that in mind, having the ability to initiate and maintain continuous explosive action for 8 to 10 seconds will give you a huge advantage in a fight. Design your training accordingly.

For street fighting focus your training on anaerobic conditioning (strength and power training). Eight to ten seconds may not seem very long, but try going all out on a heavy bag for that amount of time…it’s pretty tough.

The more realistic you train the better. This includes the emotional component as well. Here are some tips:

    • 1.) Practice initiating a pre-emptive attack and counter attack from multiple positions and stances. If you practice the 4 D’s you won’t be initiating the attack from a classic boxer’s stance. More than likely your hands will be up, open, and forward in an “I don’t want any trouble” submissive posture. This is the position you want to practice launching from.

self defense training focus mit

  • 2.) Practice maintaining a constant barrage. And if training with a partner, maintain constant forward pressure. Constant Barrage is more important than Strike Accuracy. Practice Target awareness. If working on a heavy bag, imagine different targets being made available, if working with a partner, make sure he or she offers you a variety of targets to attack.
  • 3.) Practice your verbiage as you initiate an attack as well as anything you might say during the attack. Make it as real as possible. If you are working with a training partner have your partner play the part; yelling, threatening, cursing, etc. His goal should be to drive up the emotional content as much as possible.
  • 4.) Develop a “Strike” mentality – Start hitting a heavy bag. A partner with “strike mitts” is even better, because it allows you to get used to movement. Practice striking with your hands, elbows, shoulders, head, and knees and mix up “Hi-Line” shots (at the head and chest) and “Lo-Line” shots (at the stomach, ribs, groin and legs).
  • 5.) Get a “Battle Cry” – As I just discussed, this does a couple things. First it throws off your adversary for a couple of crucial seconds at the beginning of your action sequence. His brain will be burning up valuable seconds trying to process what all the yelling is about (“what the hell…”) while your attack is under way. Very effective.The second function of the battle cry is to prompt your brain into action. There’s a big difference between thinking about taking action and actually taking action, and it’s easy for most people to get “locked down” in planning. Your brain needs a kick in the butt to transfer its energy from the thinking and planning mode into the action mode.

The battle cry is a verbal “go” that’s imperative to getting yourself moving forward. It’s nothing new, soldiers have been using this for thousands of years as a way to overcome freezing and to strike fear in their enemies. But you’ll want to use this verbal battle cry in training ONLY when you launch into an attack so that it holds power and is an “internal trigger.”

The next training principle is proper execution. Few moves require better execution than weapon disarms. In the following video, you’ll learn the correct technique to disarm an attacker with a gun. A situation we all hope to god we never find ourselves in, but one where the right technique is the difference between life and death.


  • 6.) Always practice proper execution: Watching countless videos of actual street fights as they happened has only cemented what my research has already strongly suggested that real-world fighting is sloppy. It is the rare exception for a fighter to properly execute a complex martial arts move.This is why it’s important to practice proper execution as you’ll be more likely to retain a percentage of it when “crunch time” hits. As expert shooter Bennie Cooley points out, if you can group your shots with 3 inches of each other during practice, you may just retain a grouping the size of a paper plate in real combat (which is considered excellent shooting in the real world). Or as Bruce Lee once pointed out: “I do not fear the man who has practice 1000 kicks one time… I fear the man who has practiced one kick 1000 times.”But Bruce was a little off in his numbers. Studies show that it takes about 2,000 repetitions of a move before it’s actually “implanted” into your brain’s neural pathway for easy recall even under stress. Now 2,000 sounds like a big number, but it’s not. The key is to practice a move correctly.Here is a proven method for developing your skills.Level 1:
    1. Practice a move in front of a mirror slowly. This allows you to “self correct” anything you’re doing wrong. Keep practicing until you are satisfied that your technique is correct.
    2. Practice the same move in front of mirror at full speed. Again… this allows you the opportunity to self correct.
    3. Try it again… this time in slow motion with your eyes closed. You’ll want to periodically sneak a peek in the mirror to see if you’re still on track with your technique.
    4. When your satisfied with your technique, perform it at full motion with your eyes closed. This will start hardwiring the move into your muscle memory.

    Self Defense Training Heavy BagLevel 2: Get your hands on a heavy bag… they’re not expensive and the exercise value alone that you’ll receive it is worth every penny.

    1. Now practice the same move on heavy bag – slowly. Use a mirror again if you can to periodically check your technique. If you see that it’s flawed, go back to Level 1.
    2. Practice the technique on heavy bag at full speed. Try to visualize how you’d use the move on specific target areas.

    Level 3: Practice with a partner. Now I realize not all of us have someone willing to act as your punching bag, but for those who are committed to taking their skills to an expert level, having a live person to practice on is important. For any specific move you want to:

    1. Practice with partner slowly… then when you’re both comfortable….
    2. Practice with partner at full speed.

Of course this is only a brief description of how to train. The DVDs will take you through specific moves and techniques in detail. But it’s important to remember to always be careful with your partner, especially if you’re just getting started. Make sure your partner understands how to “tap-tap-tap” on your side whenever they feel uncomfortable.

Most of the moves you’ll discover are ones that can be used “straight out of the box.” They’re almost always simple, easy to learn, and devastating, so you must use care during any practice. Avoid “showing off” your new moves to unsuspecting friends or family members as it’s easy to put them in the hospital or permanently injure (even kill) them.

That’s it for the free Self Defense Mini Clinic, but don’t worry I’ll still be in touch. I’ll be sending you chapters of the full length fight guide (this Self Defense Mini Clinic was a condensed version) and video tips from my blog every week. So keep your eyes peeled for more free fighting instruction.

Interested in learning brutal self defense right away?
As a graduate of my 5 Day Course I’ve Arranged A One-Time Killer Deal For You!

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543 thoughts on “Lesson Five of the Self Defense Mini Clinic”

  1. Simple + effective = devastation to the enemy
    This will defenately work in any fight for any person thank you so much for sharing.
    My wife and I will sign up at our local Krav Maga dojo, Alberton South Africa to learn and practice more.

    Kind regards
    Lukas and Sandra

  2. Lessons , 1to 5 very informative especially in situations of close quarters engagement and the lessons to get your mind condition to be effective , like always Thanks for the info.

  3. This video was very complicated and so easy for the average joe to do! This video was for more advanced fighters.
    I hope you will do more videos that are simple and easy to do. What I mean is I don’t want fight anybody. If someone is approaching that is wanting to harm me I want to be able to retaliate with one quick easy thing so I can get away from them. I know I can kick a man in the groin, but if I have to lift my leg that high I will probably fall on my butt and be his victim right off. I don’t want to get to close, like trying to put my arm around his neck. He’s going to be much stronger than I am and will probably just laugh while he grabs me and again I am him victim.
    Please do some videos for us older female ladies than can help us just get away and be safe!! Thanks!

  4. Thanks,Technics are continuely changing and no you have provided excellent training to sharpin one’s skills in. Again by Thanks..
    S.C.Lawrence ARMY Veteran, 82Airborne

  5. Ì guess the big question I would have is if there is more than one attacker would you go for the biggest threat or the one that looks like they don’t want any part of fighting to maybe scare the others off. Hopefully that wasn’t a stupid question.

  6. Hello, just wanted to say thank you for making all this information available. I’ve been involved in some kind of martial arts since I was a young teen. I boxed Golden Gloves, studied karate, American kenpo, and others. problem is I’m older, slower, not as strong and just all around tired from working construction these last 30 plus years. I know what I’ve watched so far will make up for some of whatever I lost in my youth should I ever need it. I’ve taught some of this to my wife as well. I think your lessons are fantastic.
    Thanks to the production team and a special thanks to all the instructors, especially those who served our country.
    God bless and keep safe.

  7. I just want to say thank you in a huge way !! These all are all very helpful lessons to apply and execute when you feel violated.. And your right !! Most people don’t view a situation in a click and ready to defend themselves … I WILL practice these methods Because self greed for MY LIFE could save it…
    .A HUGE THANKS TO YOU BOB AND EVERYONE INCLUDED IN THE VIDEOS!!!!!

  8. Well good lessons but needs some practices – seemed very simple and practical… every guy should learned them specially the female gender and elderly and
    ordinary law abiding citizen….

  9. Thank you Bob Pierce , and everyone else in these video’s , for the tips and instructions!
    I will practice these tips ,and lessons!
    Hi my name is Kenny. I am an older gentleman of 48 . I only have my left eye , and to say the least , it not so great ether. This really messes with my depth perception, and balance !
    It seems to the best of my nolage. The 3 or 4 fights I couldn’t avoid in my life.
    I’d get hit in my good eye , and I was a hurt man after that !
    This in turn made me almost paralyzed from fear . My nerves got so messed up ,from the rush of mental fear , of remembering the other times !
    This makes me feel weak and ashamed, almost not a man !
    I will get your book , and I will take a training course with you , if that is possible?
    Who knows maybe I will find my nuts , regain my conference, and walk with my head up , for the first time in a long time !
    I’m really not making excuses. I’m just stating facts , from my past experiences!
    Signed. ( Healed but still broken )

  10. Thank you Bob, I am a law enforcerment officer (PNP)for many years but the school never taught this. I am from the Philippines

  11. These lessons are extremely helpful and I appreciate them. as soon as I am able to i will get your package.

  12. I luv all your videos they East to learn and practice.They are useful and efectve. I was atacted and left for dead in my door way wished I new what I do know.Stuart.

  13. Yap, I would like to start by Thanksgiving. Indeed the current situations in my country needs such talents/skills on self defense. Robbery, rapes,attacks etc are common here. Now I’m Lucky that I’ve got some concepts only that am left with practice and perfection. Am from Uganda

  14. Thank you for sharing all of this great information,I look forward to seeing this stuff.I ordered the Krav Maga DVD,so hopefully if the need arises I will be prepared with this info and the info from the DVD.Thank you again.

  15. The Self Defense Mini Clinic is a typical example of the detail that Bob Pierce and his team put together to provide the viewer with a meaningful
    opportunity to observe and learn the the physical dexterity a person can apply in order to avoid a serious injury from an individual hell bent on inflicting
    serious bodily harm.

  16. I liked this very much. I will share it with my Granddaughter before she goes off to college in the fall. Would it violate any copyright restrictions for me to let her access this training under my name to review the materials after she leaves?

  17. this was better than my military training and more real and do able…I do not have anyone to practice with or a punching bag but i size up potential attacks and defenses while in the streets daily…

  18. These Techniques finish up and complete the basics I have learned, over the years. Thanks. Gerard Zillen

  19. Excellent tips, Im a former Marine, still active in practice. There were many explinations that were explained in a way to make them adaptable to individuals not experienced in hand to hand combat. Much appreciated!

  20. Very informative. Everyone should know this stuff. Makes me wonder how I got to 66 yrs old just being a defensive though effective (I think) street fighter. Would have been so much more stress free growing up k owing just a fraction of the stuff available from Fight fast.

  21. Ive been involved in tae kwon do and hapkido since i was 6 yrs old and i can attest that the fancy spinning kicks and flashy moves get you nowhere but on your back in a real street fight. These techniques are simple and very effective, so much so that ive been going through the videos with my girlfriend who has no fight experience at all and shes quickly learning to put me on my ass. Lets also mention i have 100 lbs on her. Cant wait to see whats next, great job, keep up the good work.

  22. interesting and in fact, i have learned a lot from it, i haven’t been in an any kind of trouble and its very deceiving to be a martial artist once you applied this to any person most especially to your opponent, i have been practicing those kinds of choke and its very effective… and i have leaned quickly…
    thanks for giving us this thing…

  23. Thank-you so much for this. It’ s was an eye opener. I have learned so much. Now o have confidence and skill not only to defend myself but my family as well. God bless you guys…

  24. “Fight To Win” by Jim West is one of the best and most comprehensivecourses for seriou beginners and tune up or add-ons for experienced.

  25. Thanks for the great job with showing us to defend & protect us! But im disabled ruptured 4 lower discs in back! Is their any other way to defend myself than what you shiwed me ? Thanks again!

  26. I’ve had contact with someone who has mma training and he tried it on me not for show he actually wanted to hurt me. South paw side kick I turned to take the kick to my belly then he threw a looping left hook, I blocked with my right for arm then snapped a short left jab into his solorplex. I was bringing my daughter home from a car accident she had a broken bone in her neck, my wife and 5year old son where In my car. I didn’t want to fight when I went down a different road he turned and got behind me. I wasn’t going to take him to my house so I stopped got out of the car, I did box in the Marine Corp he was about 6 inches taller then me and much younger but because I took his kick and blocked his punch he didn’t expect a hit in the solorplex to put him down. I drove away. I didn’t want to hurt him just separate him from my family. Thanks I’ve watched a few of your videos as a younger man I would have fought on the older me said leave now when he was on the ground

  27. Thanks i apreciate all knowladge. Its so true knowing is half the battle and this is real life in the moment information. This is actionable once again ty.

  28. These are excellent videos and written tips on survival moves short sweet and to the point very impressed.

  29. They were excellent refresher courses that gave me the motivation to “dust off” these old bones.
    Thanks a bunch,

  30. During my LEO career I was always considered a Maverick because my mindset considered ur type of moves and mental set as normal & to be practiced every day…was always a salmon swimming upstream, but I’m still alive 2 tell about it…thanks for reinforcing my beliefs,& giving me new insights as well as new skills& techniques…

  31. I am impressed with the simplicity of the moves to end aggression almost instantly. I am looking forward to training and learning new moves.

  32. Thank you for the lessons, and thank you for providing a mailing address… Shortly, I’m going to go get a M.O. 👍

  33. These techniques are very practical and easy to learn of course I know that practice and repetition or necessary for muscle memory and for them to come as instinct or natural. I will be wanting more of these helpful training techniques. I cannot afford them now for I am homeless and being homeless you get picked on and threatened sometimes. Some even get get beat up and some even killed. Help me to help ourselves. Some of us work but just don’t make enough for housing. Just because we are on the streets does not mean we should be harassed.