Modern Self Defense: Closing the Distance
In the world of mixed martial arts, mastering effective self-defense techniques is a constant evolution. In a recent video shared by MMAShredded—run by renown athlete and trainer Jeff Chan—he focuses on a key aspect of self defense: closing the distance. Uploaded on August 22, 2023, the video garnered an impressive 58,354 views, exhibiting the sheer relevance of this topic in modern MMA. Chan, in his concise and focused video, introduces us to a pivotal aspect of self-defense techniques. He starts with a simple command: “please”, which can be seen as a say-so to instantly trigger your readiness. His emphasis is on the effectiveness of staying seconds away from your opponent. By maintaining this close-yet-safe distance, one can establish better control over their movements, thus addressing the frequently observed issues of blinking, freezing, or flinching during a fight. <Note: The precise length of ‘seconds away’ will depend on several factors including the combatant’s reach, footwork skill, and overall fighting strategy. The rhythmic music accompanying the video mirrors the metronomic repetition required when practicing these critical self-defense techniques. Music, beyond being a mere auditory embellishment, is an essential element that helps fighters establish a rhythm, enhancing their timing and synchrony during drills. Drawing on traditions from various martial arts forms – MMA training includes an array of drills to ensure readiness in real-world defensive scenarios. Herein, the video underlines the effectiveness of 70 live drills mentioned in the description. These drills, when incorporated into the regular training routine, steadily build agility, responsiveness, and confidence when closing the distance. Closing the distance is not merely about moving closer to the adversary. It is a strategic action, requiring timing and precision. Successfully executing it can shift the tide of the encounter remarkably, offering opportunities to disable the opponent. Furthermore, this tactic is integral when the objective is to leverage close-quarter combat techniques, underscoring its significance in the MMA context. One crucial point echoed through the video is the importance of overcoming fear and hesitation often experienced by fighters in high-pressure situations. This aspect reverts back to the initial command of “please”, establishing the necessity for mental readiness in tandem with physical preparedness. Those inclined to further their knowledge and skill in MMA can connect with Chan through his mentioned social media channels. He extends his expertise to enthusiasts across the IG platform, his official website, the FB community, and even through crowd-supported platforms like Patreon. In summary, closing the distance, as presented in Jeff Chan’s video, is a potent tool in the contemporary self-defense repertoire. With constant practice, mastery over these drills can empower individuals—novices and professionals alike—with enhanced fighting capabilities, resilience, and confidence in self-defense situations.MMA Block
MMAShredded is a popular YouTube channel, owned by Jeff Chan. It offers insight into mixed martial arts through instructional videos and fight analyses. Jeff is a professional MMA fighter, renowned coach and an inspiring personality. His infectious passion for martial arts resonates through each video, making them informative and engaging.
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Awesome! 😎
Kinda reminds me of a Thai hop with a right body roundhouse at the end…with head off centre-line(of course) 😂🙏💯
Dope shin kick👏👏👏👏👏👏
I'm gonna have to add this one to my arsenal. Looks snazzy
Kyoji Horiguchi is a master in this kick; he is able to cover a huge distance throwing this kick
The Jeff Chan suprise!!!
Reminds me of Saenchai's jumping low kick.
Damn i need to work on that one
when you have to make a quick decision, guard high or low. lmao
Thanks goodness you pull it or it's broken ribs!💯
You mind if I use and practice this technique bro.😂😂
That's a certified mortal combat classic
That is taboo in self defense … you need to clarify you use some of these techniques in sport.
That is a sport technique only.
In kickboxing you take it for granted that no meaningful consequences exist if you go to the ground youre taken down.
You also knlw your opponent has tendencies to shell you test them see them know they might not desire a low gate block.
That is a sport technique like a lot of techniques on this page and i think we should be clear which techniques are which when its like that.
Do not do that in self defense.
That is super tricked out for sport.
For self defense … just as an idea for an idea … try a skipping front kick if they attempt to block question mark kick or crescent… or change the kick.
You do not throw mid body roundhouse by itself in self defense.
Jump kicks create a path you cant change and are easy to counter.
If your opponent is getting away a skipping kick is a good idea a jump kick is so so … a roundhouse can prevent a side step
I get it.
Just not in self defense.
In self defense id consider a skipping not jumping low or mid front kick with an option of changing the line of the kick.
In self defense getting your kick caught can lead to being taken down then objects weaponized on prone defender bad idea in self defense … cool in sparring and maybe i dont have an opinion in ufc i am not ufc.
I mean you can try it in self defense just be willing to get smacked across some pavement and bewak bones and get taken down for a hopeful crack rib scenario.
You are crazy … i like that go you.
This is not a self defense move for clarity?
bro you cant do this to lyoto machida style (in his fight against jones)
Flying low side kick is better than flying roundhouse because it leads to grappling: double leg, single leg, anklepick up, etc. Sakuraba used that as an opening.
I think its the same kick kaoklai used to ko mighty mo, a 50 kg heavier fighter than him. One of the best kos ever.
Forward-forward-kick 🕹️ ➡️➡️🦶
Straight out of senchais book!
Diving into the ropes like that could potentially put more power in it from the look of it
Looks like an old-school Taekwondo move. Very nice!
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Why isn't this blocked? The distance covered is so great that a kick is unexpected?
Its like the kick version of the Gazelle Punch.
I have one like that but it’s straight kick
How would you defend such a kick?
Love this idea. Would you see this as useful if you drive the shin across the thigh too?
Gazelle kick
In TKD, thats a very great move to use. But often get countered by Spinning Back Kick if telegraph. But since Jeff is non-telegraph and very fast, its effective. Love it!💪🏻💪🏻
Cool, now i can flying kick in my sparring❤
I swear to God, I love how you can tell this dude has basically trained almost everywhere.
Beautiful "Gazelle Kick" 🙌
🫸🤛
Everyone is doing the entry a bit differently which is kinda cool to see, the gist being jumping into the kick
This is advanced level, not for beginners 😉
How would you counter this or avoid it?
Would u still recommend this for mma sparring with takedowns? Or only muay thai
Could this be altered to aim for a low kick instead?