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. Hey everyone at Fight Fast,best stuff in the world. As an experienced person in self-defence and martial arts,i have to say your assembled team of the best of the best has put the icing on the cake! God bless you all,stay safe! Robert Braun.

  2. Five months prior to watching this video I had three people attacked me by mistake was one was a girl so I didn’t observe her as a combat she did the most damage I wish I had known these techniques things would’ve been a lot worse for all three of them. Good news is I still prevail and cause the most damage .

  3. These videos are good but they’re definitely not designed with any disability in mind. Mainly able-bodies folks are going to utilize these videos. Im a disabled vet in a wheelchair & I’ve just watched lesson 5 & nothing in either of the 2 videos will help me protect myself. I’ve searched around everywhere & there is not very much in the way of online/DVD/books etc on how folks in wheelchairs can protect themselves. There’s classes available for X amount of dollars but I prefer to spend that money on handguns! Develop something for folks like me who need to know how to protect ourselves with or without a weapon!! Lots of us younger disabled folks down here in South Florida. Lots of folks to reach if you see where I’m coming from. Florida=lots of disabled folks=lots of CCW folks down here!!

  4. Very informative and delivered in a easily understandable way. I am 70 years old and disabled… but by no means am I an easy mark. Unfortunately, I live on a very tight budget and simply cannot afford to join what looks to be a must-have course. Wish you all the best, and sorry I can’t participate!

  5. This was awesome I really enjoyed it and I’ve learned a lot from it and I’m going to practice it I thank you very much it was something that I really needed the videos were awesome and so descriptive they were just spot-on thank you fast fight you rock!!!

  6. I like it and learned a lot of stuff i did not know. And I want to learn and know more about this. Please keep sending me more of this alot more of this please so i can learn more and know more about this stuff please.

  7. Thanks a lot for the simplicity and clarity of your fighting videos. I am a bit more confident to meet head-on any eventuality on our rough streets.

  8. Great stuff. As an ex student of JKD, seeing all this material was a great refresher, particularly the Chin na material. I am not a stranger to your web site and have purchased products from you in the past. I think the stuff that you produce is the best and and most practible real self defence out there in the market right now. Keep up the good work.

  9. It is truly amazing how easy the steps, are to follow. The USMC gave me out standing basics in hand, to hand. Over years some was retained, and naturally some forgotten. Lessons I can do confidently as well as pass it on to my loved ones. I am eagerly awaiting the next installments. Thank you sincerely; Mr. Vandy B. Youngstown OH.

  10. I got my first video on line and in the mail fast within a few days and i can fight like a champ but when i watched this i learned something that i didn’t even know this is great and i will keep watching thanks fight fast!!!!

  11. Dear Bob. I like to said you thank you for the 5 lessons of the self defense mini clinic. I had practice Karate-Do since 45 years ago and for me is very important have ever “open mind ” to have the knowledge of new techniques of fight. Really your method is very good and effective.

    Thanks a lot.

  12. You have provided some good stuff. My issue is that I am 63 year old person. a retired doctor by profession, suffering from a autoimmune disorder causing flexion contratures of my both hands wit limitation of my joints and body movements. I look apparently ok except for the visible deformity of my hands .. i also have muscle wasting and weakness. Recently i have been harassed intimidated by on a number of occasions by people who would have been no match for me had i been fit.

    Is there any thing for a handicapped person like me to protect myself from a physical attack . Can i be suggested a hand gear to like leather gloves etc to wear to protect my knuckles and fingers in case i have to self defend myself.
    Sorry for the out of routine query. I need your assistance

  13. Working security for my church. Need to learn techniques to take a person down without endangering others. My concerns are always guns and knives; but most confrontations will be one on one without weapons. What can you recommend? I am armed with an ankle holster 380 and a 9MM in a side holster, plus two switch blade knives and a boot knife. I work out at the gym, but frankly-I need to be trained!!! I worry about weapon retention in a physical fight. The last thing I want to do is shoot my gun and hit a an innocent person in the congregation. I believe that it is more likely a hands on fight then a gun or knife fight, but I’ve got to be ready for any situation as it unfolds. I have to protect these people and their counting on me, God give me the strength and skills to do so!!! Thanks, Daniel Wood

  14. These videos are very helpful. Thanks for your dedication to helping the everyday person be a little more prepared to avert danger.
    God bless.

  15. Thanxx f the most appreciated insider tips, as a woman I perceive them very useful. And thanxx for giving the gift of self defence so generously.

  16. I would like to learn how to disarm someone that has a knife in their hand and without getting cut in the process and I would like to learn how to get up off the ground when your opponent is bigger and heavier than you

  17. Good stuff through and through. I still practice martial arts after 35 years and as always the, simple, non-flashy moves work the best. Bruce Lee was also know to have said to either Chuck Norris, the actor James Coburn or his close friend/sparring partner Dan Inosanto, I can’t remember who anymore to be honest, that “The street stuff, just doesn’t look good on film. I would never use the flashy dramatic techniques I use in my films in an actual street fight.”

  18. I love this I have learned so much and I’m just getting started.
    This purchase was so worth it. Thank You

  19. Thank you for the free videos as they are very helpful with many different scenarios for real life situations
    God bless

  20. Thank you. Very real. Very simple. Very effective. Physically doable, even for a 67 year old small person. Also, assertive mind training, learning how to fall and experience physical strikes are important. I see how you mention that as well. steve

  21. Nice. Just the right number of moves to execute the movement. Eased years away while watching these different practices. Very effective if done correctly and with speed and confidence. Thank you
    Will these videos in a separate file.

  22. An invaluable exercise throughout ! May thanks I shall go over this course again and again and look forward to the next stage! Everything andevery move are clearly explained and demonstrated on the videos. I hope that I never come up against anyone who has more experience than me in putting the same moves into practice against me but I plan to put up a good fight- which I could not have done before I took this course.

  23. Lesson five
    Another great technique.
    Provided there is not more than one attacker. I have used this method during my time in enforcement, but opted for my Mag torch same technique. The aggressor was subdued quickly.
    However, interestingly the area of the neck used here has other striking capabilities which I have explored.
    You might be able to expand on the following in time.
    Carotid Sinus Reflex or syndrome where the (vagus nerve) is stimulated and can cause dizziness or unconsciousness.
    The No9 strike is interesting because it is so near to the blood flow to the brain. It seems there are three target areas to consider I won’tgo into detail. It is clearly an important defensive area and would be interested to know your thoughts or see more footage of this area.
    Thank you for the video and information within this email fantastic for defensive technique.

  24. A remarkable lesson with a smart way of saving your life within split seconds! It is worth millions compared to your life and all for free!

  25. I’M interested in the 5 day course. Please send me more information. Your lessons were very helpful. Thank you

  26. I could have used lesson number 1 – I think without practice in a situation yesterday 🙂 and prevented a jacket getting ripped !
    Also with some practice the neck grip. Comment 21 is applicable to me also, with non-incapacitating arthritis, usually no problem
    though I shall need to select the preferred approach in the light of this.
    Bob, blessings and thanks for your help as always – these videos are worth their weight in gold as a starting point for me.
    EXCELLENT !!