Mastering Modern Self Defense: The art of striking first
When it comes to self-defense, one key question always emerges: “How close do you let people get to you?” It’s a question explored at length by YouTube channel Hard2Hurt, run by Icy Mike, in a recent video titled “The Best Self Defense Technique for Striking First”. In an enlightening discussion featuring expert analysis and step-by-step demonstrations, Mike elaborates on the dynamics of distance management and the principles guiding the first move in a potential confrontation. Too close for comfort? then it’s time to move As Mike explains, the initial step for robust self-defense is determining how close a potential threat can approach before it’s time to act. Drawing from the masterclass in self-defense by Cha Sunnon, the importance of understanding personal and situation-specific thresholds is paramount. In a precarious standoff, like the one explored on the video between Cha Sunnon and Vanderlay Silva, the assertion of space with a simple two-handed chest push can prove highly effective. The key takeaway is the need for preemptive steps rather than reactive ones in self-defense situations. However, deploying a push comes with a level of nuance. It is typically employed as an international signal for “I don’t want to fight”, but it requires the right form and right timing. More importantly, it is not a foolproof technique against all aggressors. Mike advocates for using the push to maintain distance rather than expecting it to halt an antagonistic interlocutor altogether. Furthermore, the approach underscores the significance of adopting a real fighting stance and preparing mentally and physically for potential danger. Ignoring warning signs can prove detrimental, whether that looks like someone encroaching on personal space, verbal threats, or physical aggression. Punch, Push, or something else: What’s the first move? Self-defense is indeed a complex art, often presenting a variety of defensive and offensive techniques to choose from, whether that’s a push, a punch, a kick, or even an elbow strike. Icy Mike discusses these options in great depth in this video, encouraging viewers to consider the legality, morality, and tactical reasoning behind each possible move. A recurring theme throughout the video is the necessity of having a defined exit strategy or follow-up plan after initiating the first move. But, as Mike emphasizes, this should not discourage individuals from using powerful strikes. Instead, it prompts the brainstorming of potential self-defense scenarios and responses to determine the most effective technique applicable in an actual situation. One of the most compelling strategies explored is the “darting cross”, illustrated and explained by Jeff Chan. This technique hinges on a specific right-hand punch combined with accurate footwork for both closing in and creating distance from the opponent. With the darting cross, proper balance, impact, and a well-thought-out exit strategy are crucial. The Art of Anticipation and Preemption There is an alternating rhythm of preemption and anticipation at the heart of self-defense, a musical flow between action and reaction. Being able to read situations, establish firm grips and maintain space, or recognizing when to dart in with a punch or a kick—these are the beats of effective self-defense techniques that safeguard personal safety. In a world where conflict can manifest at any given moment, understanding and mastering self-defense is more than a survival skill — it becomes an act of empowerment. Icy Mike’s excellent dive into the intricacies of striking first in self-defense scenarios is a testament to this truth and a must-watch for anyone — novices and adept fighters alike — seeking practical, effective techniques for self-preservation.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a Youtube channel run by Icy Mike, a former law enforcement officer and current tactical training instructor. Icy Mike’s channel provides insightful self-defense strategies, personal safety tips, fitness advice, and first-hand reviews on gear. His videos feature a unique style, combining humor with practical knowledge.
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I don't think it is to advanced! If you learn how from day 1, it becomes second nature just like everything else. Great video! Want to send me that clip from that seminar?
'you have one free shot' hilariously telegraphed overhand right
I teach BJJ I use a collar tie club pull underhook to the clinch, or the crash to the clinch. I like that darting and committed cross. That looks awesome! I’m not that great at striking so I probably couldn’t pull that off. Haha
Because of boxing my first shot on the street would always be a jab; for distance, for shot.
If it came down to it… I seem to go to a kick first.
I've been in a couple of fights now (outside of training). None of them lasted very long. I was able to stop a fight that was coming with a roundhouse to the knee, I find an untrained aggressor has no clue what to do about it and since I have conditioned shins, it takes people out.
And one time I was able to stop a fight with a teep kick (modified). He was a bigger guy and I used it to make some space, I kicked him low in the hip and used the push to push myself back (almost like what Jeff was describing early). The kick folded him over a little, he called me a coward and moved on.
Someone approaches me, my feet are already where they need to be until I know their intent. My first strike has typically been a jab. I've pushed people, I really like using a push if they're small enough. The odd move is a single leg.
However this is likely a case of "my single leg" is effective vs the single leg being the most effective. I spent probably a decade perfecting it.. so that might not count.
It's a good counter set up if you don't want to hit someone. Like if Grandma takes a swing at you.
I think it could work, but like with all self-defense stuff it's situation dependent. If you know when it's appropriate to use it most likely it will do the job.
1, 2
I can hear Jesse Enkamp standing in the back of the car park, talking about stability and rigidity or something and losing balance on purpose
In a self defense situation I either want to disengage or really hurt them. If they want to make it an issue where I have to defend myself, oblique heel kick to the knee is my go to because I can hit it from different ranges and angles and I can defend myself at the same time. If I hit it right, it means that my ability to get away is heightened because having them screaming in agony on the ground unable to follow is something that can happen with that kind of kick. It's also not fancy and it's easy to execute with a little training.
Man, my answer is almost always, "it depends."
As a bigger guy, I think my go-to opener would be a telegraphed forward step into a full force, uncontrolled outwards swing with the leading arm. Not because of it being practical, but because it communicates that "I'm angry, I don't want to fight you but will do my best to hurt you if you don't stay back", as well as pumping myself up, since I'm usually quite aloof and I need to get some adrenaline going if things escalate. It's not a strike I want to actually land, it's mainly to scare people off. IF they try to go in afterwards I'm a judo guy so I'd mainly rely on grappling. But I've noticed that when pressured this seems to be my most primal "Get off me" response so I think I can sell it better than any other potential strike.
Headbut, my friends sister had the best headbut I've ever seen (Glasgow kiss). It would destroy men because they had no idea it was incoming from such a good looking girl. Not that I'm a fan of that DK Yoo fella, but he does do some interesting fast shoulder pushes/strikes. Like all pushes these always work much better if you are heavier than your opponent.
Do you know where I've learned that kick? KRAV MAGA xD (of course you aim the 🍆)
Still can’t beat pocket sand.
Peter Consterdine, the British Combat Association guy and ex bouncer, teaches a sliding/overcommitted straight right, similar to Jeff's, to intercept an incoming opponent, immediately followed up by hooks, slaps, or crosses, using the momentum and alternating left and right strikes.
Martial Arts Journey has an episode with him, you should check it out, he's excellent, especially when he explains the double-hip mechanic for short-range strikes and how to flow through for a subsequent combination.
The greatest gem from him, though, is the use of a trigger word with your strike so that you condition yourself to say something and immediately throw, helping break that freeze response or overthinking under adrenaline.
Having hip arthritis, I am so filled with envy watching you get up and down in the first part of your video.
I'm gonna call you on this video, but it's not personal, it's more like a take on "Self Defense Youtube Industry"
Let's look at the situation from the view of the "Matrix of Violence" or "Matrix of Force", this is something I crystalized for myself after watching your video on the levels of force for US police.
The chance of an actual fight in many situations is LESS then 1%, but for the sake of an argument I'd put it at 3%
"Self Defense Youtube Industry" is creating an impression that it is close to 300%.
But!!!
The actions, prescribed for self defense in this industry, do increase the chances of a fight by more then 300%.
Striking someone who is not yet striking you, will just raise the situation up on the Matrix of Violence and increase the chance of you being "Knocked The Fuck OUT".
Learning some safe-ish take downs is a Much better option then throwing punches.
Anything Chael does is goated, so that whole sequence is what people should aim for whenever an angry Brazilian is near.
Depends on the actions of the attacker. Are they charging at you or slowly inching closer? What are their hands doing (weapons?)? How much space do you have? How are they responding to verbal de-escalation ?
I have already done a right cross-right foot front kick combo on one guy (bigger) and a collar grab and choke/push on the other one (smaller). I was bigger and stronger than them, it worked although we were on ice so were sliding all around😀