Any sane person knows that violence should always be avoided wherever possible. But when there is no way to
retreat, and no way to avoid violence, you may need to give someone a good ass-whuppin' in order to defend yourself.

No amount of articles or books are a substitute for training from a qualified instructor, but here are a few pointers for your mind-sword:

1. The use-of-force continuum (meaning: Force Equal to Threat). Only use the least amount of force necessary to neutralize a threat.

For example: a drunken haymaker gets thrown at you by Big Joe the Drunk, you don't need to smash his face in. You can simply slip under, come up with an uppercut and wind him, and maybe a swift shin kick to give him something to think about while you make a graceful exit.

Anything beyond reasonable self-defense could unecessarily harm someone end you up with your ass in the slammer, so don't over-do it!

2. The Flinch Factor. If you've ever been punched in the face and had that flash of pain and tasted your own blood, along with the adrenalin rush and fear, you know what I'm talking about.

It's in this moment your fate is decided - will you succumb and be defeated, or will you press forward and overcome? The flinch moment is the moment of truth, because all plans and daydreams go out the window when you get hit hard. You will either succumb to fear and pain and be torn apart, or you will use your pain as a weapon, motivating you to press forward and prevail!

Sparring in training is great to prepare you for this, and makes you a stronger person inside and out.

3. Never stop moving, never stop thinking. Don't freeze up like a deer in the headlights the moment you feel some pain or feel the overwhelming threat of an attack. Move, move move! And hold on to your mind-sword: fall
back on your training and knowledge!

4. Hit hard where it counts: A smash to the nose and a swift hard snap kick to the balls can end it quickly, even if your oppononent is bigger and stronger.

5. KEEP YOUR HANDS UP! I've seen so many people leading with their face, it makes me wonder if they trained to use their face as a weapon to hurt the opponent's fist. Keep your hands up, and your chin tucked (tucking
the chin protects the throat)

6. ATTACK! Once you are attacked, your defense becomes and attack. Treat it that way with stopping the opponent as your objective. Your objective is NOT to avoid getting hurt! Your objective is to HURT your opponent enough to STOP HIM!

7. Keep Your Emotions Out of the Game! Don't ask "why" is this happening?" Instead ask "How" can I prevail?!"

8. Be Relentless! Don't stop until the threat is neutralized, and don't freeze up when you feel pain or fear!

Well that's enough for today. Tomorrow I'll show you how to destroy fear and get it out of your life for good.

Best Always,