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”

  2. Great job ! When in grade school, I started learning Judo and by High school Tae Kwon Do and it has help me many times against the bullies. Now most of my years have been calm and had no trouble but now at 63 years of age…I realize that times have changed…more and more
    Aggresions take place and streets are not as safe anymore so its back to learning again and this time your courses are the best ones to learn…not only does it build confidence it
    Can actually save your life if in trouble. So thank you and keep up the good work,

    Reply

  3. In all the years I have spent looking for THE product that would attract buyers, yours’ is absolutely the best I have ever seen. I have never before clicked one of those moving ads on a web page, but I saw the topic, and that was that. And I’m going to have a bunch of fun going through as many of the titles as I can. Congratulations on having a great product, that is going to help and enhance the lives of everybody that takes advantage of it. Best moving ad too; you only needed a couple of seconds to get people to check you out. I’m jealous, and glad for you.

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  4. Its refreshed my WWII ROTC hand to hand combat training at Cornell U. in 1941 & 42. Thanks for the refresher course.

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  5. Having wrestled for almost 20 years, out of pure instinct I learned to take my opponent to the ground and basically from there it was “ground and pound”. I was then fortunate enough to teach both freestyle and GR at a place designed for strength training and kick boxing.
    But after beginning to watch Bob’s videos years ago, I no longer need to treat my forearms for up to thirty degree burns (after the confrontation) and wondering why everyone watching “the fight” considered me to have WON!
    Don’t get me wrong….under the right circumstances “ground and pound” is sometimes still very effective. HOWEVER, you must be very skilled and have trained for MANY years.
    “BOB’S techniques” are FAR MORE EFFECTIVE AND SIMPLE TO LEARN. (also, I no longer need to take my opponent to the ground and make sure I have the proper mount to completely disable my opponent) THANKS BOB!

    Kevin Holland

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  7. Considering our options become more limited the larger the opponent, this video is very informative if attacked by a much larger person. It’s a good strategy for neutralizing much stronger attackers.

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  9. It has been said in order to turn a learned technique into a reflex action it must be practiced 2000 times, I believe this to be a true statement… in the area of martial arts the first notable different between a white and black belt (on average)is the amount of times a host of techniques have been practiced. If the truth be told most first degree black belts are actually proficient color-belts. Sorry guys not trying insult anyone’s ability…just relating a demographical statistic based on the facts I’ve gathered over 20 some years in training. BOOH-YAH!! keep on training the next life you save may be your own. Fight the good fight!!

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  10. That was a good way to disarmed someone, that women in the news might of save her baby if she would known that technice.

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  11. I liked the standing triangle choke that was shown.It shows a good practical use for it although they use it in MMA but on the ground most of the time. I’m glad to see a good on the feet use of it for self defence. Also the part 2 of it, the take down. Goood. Hey, you finally had a lady in there.You go girl.

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  12. all these vids are nice while never showing the Counter-Moves of your attacker…
    meanwhile you should NEVER push the gun outside, must always push gun (or knife) Inside and always try to put your thumb skin into and between the hammer and fire pin…then make sure you clamp the Action so as to prevent it from reloading….these vids are nice to veiw but your attacker already knows most of these ‘moves’…that is why they think they can attack you, because they know how to defeat you…knowing how to defend yourself is very good…knowing how to create Peace is even better!

    Reply

  13. Great to know a way out of a life or death situation. Thank you for showing it to us! One quick question how much damage should we expect to the hand grabbing the receiver and slide when the weapon discharges?

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  14. Thank you for exceptional tapes on the quick way too end a confrontation
    as u said not more then 3-4 seconds well executed is the key.
    a Great course, I’m 75 a disabled Vietnam Vet. Don’t have the agility
    I once had, but these moves do not require a great deal of that.
    The best way too end a fight is too avoid it or control it quickly
    Thank you again… your videos are great..

    Reply

  15. I took boxing when I was 7grade and karate. Kick boxing in college. and wing chun martial arts at age 30. Your videos is a great summary for what technics work and use them when is time to defend and counter strike.

    Thanks for the video help me built and organized my arsenal tool box. Learning to apply different range of defends and counter strike from standing/kicking to boxing range to trapping is very crucial to be ready and protecting yourself at all time.

    Reply

  16. I’m an 84 year old female with my daughter living with me. I have enjoyed
    the series and think I can do a few when necessary. Keep up the good work.

    Reply

  17. thank you for passing this information on , i’m very glad i followed the course . when i was young i dida bit of boxing and martial arts , i then took up power lifting so i’m stronger than the average man . as i’m getting older and less physically capable i’m starting to feel vulnerable , i still work out but i’m past my peak (52 years old) so these simple and effective techniques are a great asset , once again ….thank you .

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  18. Thank you for sharing these ideas with me, they are very nice, in Kenpo we apply it a little different, not close to the opponent because it is kind of dangerous. The name of this technique in kenpo is called capturing the rod, from right hand pistol hold up against your chest. And the other technique is the sleeper, from right step through punch.

    thank you.
    Sincerely, Eduardo. 8th degree black belt master instructor in the of American kenpo Karate.

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  20. yeah baby. This is just what the doctor ordered. I am in my thirties and I am a mother of 6 young children. I have no previous training or “knowledge”, just an inner drive to be Ready, Willing and Able to defend myself and my family in any situation. I want to say that I am convinced that this 5 day course is the start of something good for me and mine. Thankyou very much for sharing your gifts and talents and time and skills. Be blessed with success in all that you put your hands to. Lovelove from Queensland, Australia

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  22. If the weapon is aimed at the center of your body why would you have a greater chance of being shot clearing the weapon to the outside than to the inside?

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  24. I like the weapon disarm method, however it it does discharge I can see the slide messing with your hand if everything is not exactly right on. But still better than getting shot.

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  25. What about the gun attacker’s other hand ?

    Should you use grappling techniques and walk in closer to avoid the deadly shot to your right temple from his left hand ?

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  26. I never saw the disarming techniques for an attacker from the rear with a gun also here’s a note if you’re grabbing an automatic try not to grab the ejection port if the weapon goes off and cycles the slide it will take a nice chunk of meat out of your finger or hand

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  27. Thank you so much for this course! I will now feel safe taking walks alone around my town (I just think better that way). As a complete klutz living in a rural area where help (and the county sheriff) could be too far away, I am much more confident in my ability to protect myself (and others).

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  28. I toke a little jitsu once and that triangle choke was the first thing i learned ,so this guy i worked with let me show him this new move!After cough once and turning bright in the face ,i seen he wasnt going down and carried me around hanging on to that choke i let him go!Will someone check on the two CD’s I paid for on 15 brutal fight moves to end a fight I did not receive them !
    Ronnie Bradford
    804 Bluff Creek Lane
    Apartment 223
    Arlington,Tx 76006

    Reply

  29. The gunman always has the advantage. He can negate any move you may have learned. By standing far enough away from his victim he can injure you when ever he wants. Best to stay calm, speak softly and comply with demands. You’ll live to fight another day and karma always catches up to the bad guys.

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  30. I have reviewed your video course and I think that you offer some good knowledgeable techniques that would be beneficial to both the beginner defense student and the black belt plus. Another thing good is that you keep saying is for the student to practice these moves. I feel that that is essential…even for easy techniques. In my opinion you should have an excellent idea what is necessary to make the move and make it work right and the goal you are trying to achieve. Even in simple moves, if you are under stress – you may forget certain aspects of making the move thus causing complications in executing this move properly and maybe even hurting yourself. Knowing many moves is a benefit for yourself. The goal is to be able to think of a proper technique for the proper defense and being able to apply this technique without fail. It seems only logical to me that the more techniques you have available in your war chest to use means you have more of a selection to choose from for the same defense situation. Easy, simpler moves would seem to be better to use in order to keep your defense uncomplicated. Remember you are under stress in a rape or hold up situation and you must try to stay as calm and clear minded as possible. My opinion is some defense training is better than none. What I mean is that knowing a technique that you can apply to a given situation is better than not knowing any. I think that this video series appears to be a very good start towards this goal. I really liked the distraction section. I’ve personally seen much of this. Flipping the cigarette etc. also the section on what and when a aggressor is about to attack and how to avoid it. I have taken some martial arts in the past and I think that if a person understands when, where, and how to apply these few various techniques they are at least giving themselves some chance whereas without them they would not have near the chance of getting through the situation. I would recommend this for a beginning skill set. As mentioned above, it is better to have a little self-defense knowledge than non at all. Thank you for sending me this course I enjoyed it. The best thing I would like to add to people is just try to be aware of any potential dangers that you may be confronted with and if you do see any it may be a good idea to try to avoid it and take a different route to get where you are going.

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  31. One more item. I think this is very important to. Don’t do or say anything that would agitate someone into aggression. – GDH

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  32. Jim West you are a legend. Love your stuff man. Do you do any personal dvds of your own techniques please and if so what are they called and where can we get them. The disarmament video was valuable but I’d prefer to make sure the gun discharges into the other persons face,fatally & going to court with or without witnesses the self defense plea using such force would stand because it’s up to the prosecution to prove you exceeded reasonable force. Difficult if you had a gun pointed at your face.

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  33. The gunman doesn’t always have the advantage coz if he ain’t got the balls to use it, it’s useless. Plus, keep your “war chest” simple, learn to be comfortable knowing you can take another life when you must coz if somebody really wants to shoot you, you won’t even know. Somebody threatening to shoot you probably won’t. I’d know, I’ve had one shoved down my throat and I’m still able to write……

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  35. I have purchased many of your Fight Fast DVD’s and NEVER been disappointed. This free five day class was also exceptionally done. If the full length course is available in the near future, I plan to buy it. Thank you, Sir.
    Finally, I missed the Cane Fighting DVD with a cane. I hope you’ll offer that again soon. I would like to gift this item to some WWII Vets….I wrote you about this but didn’t get a reply…I know you’re busy, but I don’t want to miss it again…

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  36. Hi Bob=Ed here.The more I read your words of wisdom the more i am really impresed.It’s like getting a chefs ten course meal for the price of a griled cheeze sandwich.Thanks a bunch=ED.

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  37. Yet another excellent video, especially for someone who is disabled. Thanks again guys, Kudo’s to you all much appreciated. Sincerely James

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  38. g,day , the gun move was awesome ,i have always put my arms up in the stance that was shown ,i was taught to fight with a news paper under my arm pits , this keeps you tucked in ,ready for a direct punch , its that quick , the poor basted has not got time to see the throw coming , if i am wrong this advice , would like to be pulled up on this , BUT , it works for me , ,chow ,len

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  39. My partner and I stumbled over here by a different website and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.

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  41. I have spent last 20 year’s in a global MC club and the last ten years in a pit fight club. I was inducted into the elite 100as a fight member. I have since given that life up completely and now train others to defend themselves.u are spot on and absolutely can’t wait to hear more from u.I use the 4 Ds in teach abused women self defense class . For everyone who has completed ur 5 day course it works just practice repeatedly and u will stay alive.

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  46. again the moves seem to be framed so the average person can use and perfect them in a shorter time than it would be taking a full course in martial arts again thanks for the help will be looking for any future help you may offer. thanks Bob

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  48. As a 26 yr Disabled American Veteran, and 17 yr Law Enforcement Veteran, I’m amazed at the level of expertise. I wish I had some of this training during my careers. Maybe I would’ve come home with less bumps and bruises, LOL. Good job! Eric

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  49. This is excellent stuff. I had learned this weapons disarm before, but when you don’t practice it, it will go away. I had also learned several others before, like the two handed slap, where the weapon goes flying, but that is so dangerous as the weapon could end up in anybody else’ hand. But if you think you’re about to die, it will save your butt.

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  50. The Jim West stuff on this page is also great stuff. It’s easy to learn and goes a long way toward saving you, with little effort, and just about anyone can do it. Thank you so much for re-familiarizing me with it. After my back injury I haven’t been able to do much in the way of practicing these techniques, but with it in your mind, you’re armed with it. Visualization is very important in all of this, almost as good as working it. Not quite as good, but almost.

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