Basic Fighting Concepts/Stratagems
1. Protect yourself at all times by keeping your guard up, being alert and using simple and effective techniques.
2. Keep your eye on your opponent at ALL times.
3. Use kicks for long-range striking and use hands for short-range striking. Generally, the kicks can serve to close the distance between you and the opponent to set up for your hands, elbows and head-strikes.
4. Duck or evade rather than block if possible.
5. Use Primary Weapons of Attack first (quick strikes that are closest to the opponent...like jabs, front leg kicks, etc.) then follow-up with Secondary strikes or power blows (like Rear Hook punches or Rear-leg Roundhouse Kicks…)
6. Take away the opponent’s mobility (attack the knee with stomp kicks, etc.)
7. Use Straight strikes to counter circular wild swings
8. If you want to strike the opponent high, attack low first (and vice-versa)
9. Don't telegraph your moves (i.e., looking at the target before you strike, shoulders turned or feet offset or adjusted just before kicking, etc.)
10. In boxing, the old adage "Speed Kills" is true... work on fighting techniques at full speed and with full power... you may not get a second chance
11. Become the dirty fighter... nice guys/gals may not always win
12. Short and simple tactics should prevail; fighting is actually simple... don't over- think
13. You absolutely Must have both solid Defensive Techniques and solid Offensive Techniques...don't be one dimensional, work on Both Blocking and Striking
14. Timing is a key element in fighting... know when to attack and when to retreat...usually attack immediately when opponent begins to cease his attack...also try to be off-rhythm
15. Always, always have a backup plan (i.e., "if he grapples me to the ground, I will immediately bite and gouge him, elbow, claw, etc."... or note a possible route to run and get backup/weapons, etc.).
16. Be relentless. NEVER GIVE UP
Quick Tips for Winning a Street Fight
1. Be Aware-try to perceive the attack before it happens, so you can plan
2. Look quickly for weapons lying around - sticks, rocks, etc.
3. Keep fighting techniques simple - think elbows, knees, short punches
4. Strike vulnerable targets fast - groin, eyes, throat, kidneys, knee, etc.
5. Kick Low- stomp kicks, groin kicks
6. Become Offensive - take over the fight with ferocity (see above article)
7. Follow up - one technique may only anger the opponent... take him out
8. Escape fast - even if you "win".... Run (more enemies may be on the way)
Keeping your "Eye of the Tiger"During a Real Encounter
During a "Real Encounter" or a "Real Fight,” you absolutely must take on a different persona and mindset if you are to win or even survive the threat. You must have the ferocity of a tiger in all sense of the word, no matter how passive or meek you may be in your regular "calm" state of life. This kill-or-be-killed attitude must be instinctive and summoned instantly when a real danger to your life (or your loved one’s life) is seriously threatened. It can't be taught. However, we will do regular combative drills and situational drills that make you more aware of the dangers in the world outside our kwoon. We provide order to chaos. But understand that drills mean nothing if your mindset doesn't switch to an animal-like aggressive state... and quickly when being attacked or if you perceive the eminent attack. Remember, during a real fight there are no rules or referees to stop your adversary from doing whatever he wants. There are bad people in the world. Like the Tiger, you must be relentless in your attack/counterattack. If you must fight, you absolutely MUST win. Keep your "Eye of the Tiger" within you. Your life could depend on it.