Close Combat - Military Fitness Blog

Self Defense Groin Kick Secrets

September 17, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

The self defense groin kick is without a doubt a valuable technique in close quarters combat! (Any guy who's ever racked himself on the crossbar of his bicycle knows that!)

But there's a bunch of mistakes that many martial artists make when executing a groin kick for self defense...

...mistakes that can actually end up hurting YOU as a result if you don't do pay close attention to these aspects of your technique.

Self Defense Groin Kick Secret #1: Use In Close Quarters Combat!

Don't go for a groin kick from far away!

As men, we have a subconscious radar that register when someone is going to hit our groin. This makes it harder to deliver an effective groin kick because he's more likely to turn to avoid the kick as an instinctive reaction.

Self Defense Groin Kick Secret #2: Beware The Headbutt!

Self defense groin kicks, when used as taught in most "traditional" training settings, use a "linear" approach that places the martial artist directly in front of their attacker.

But the way the body naturally reacts when hit with a groin kick is to instantly bend forward.

If you attempt a groin kick for self defense when you're right in front of your attacker, this places you right in the way of your attacker's head as it comes crashing down in an involuntary reaction.

Needless to say, you don't want to transform your groin kick against your attacker into a "headbutt" that takes YOU out of the fight.

This IS for "self defense" remember! ;-)

Self Defense Groin Kick Secret #3: Attack HIGH First!

You can stop the natural "headbutt" reaction by first striking high to your attacker's body.

This also makes sure that he doesn't see the groin kick coming and you can deliver more power in your technique.

Self Defense Groin Kick Secret #4: Shift Your Body!

The secret to proper execution for a self defense groin kick then is to kick while shifting your body slightly to the SIDE as you kick.

When you execute this technique in this way, you can actually deliver more power AND make sure you're out of the way should your attacker's head lurch forward.

Consider all of these techniques the next time you train for the self defense groin kick!

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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Unleash Bone Crunching POWER in Your Kicks!

September 1, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

Are your kicks powerful? Oh sure, you may be able to smack the hell out of a heavy bag with a well placed front snap kick or your favorite roundhouse.

But I'm talking real organ-churning POWER!

Unfortunately a lot of kicks work far better in TRAINING than they do in a real life street attack scenario.

This is because real "power training" that takes place in many martial arts schools is done with repeated motion against a striking pad.

The intention of this type of training IS to "kick hard"...but to also follow up with ADDITIONAL kicks as part of a drill.

But when done correctly - with real power - you should only need ONE SINGLE KICK to finish the job or give you an open target for an easy fight-ending follow up strike.

Here's how to do it...

First, it doesn't matter WHAT type of kick you're launching...it's the PRINCIPLE OF POWER that is most important.

You see, in close quarters combat, one of the methods I hold as a foundation is to constantly be in FORWARD MOTION as you fight.

This ensures that YOU "own" the offense and your attacker is focused on defending himself rather than striking you.

Understanding this principle, when you deliver your kick, you should focus on kicking THROUGH your attacker and dropping your foot down where HE is (was!) standing.

This goes against many training drills which have you retract your kicking leg back into your "ready stance" to prepare for the next kick.

In addition, driving your foot THROUGH your attacker and dropping down, projects the momentum of your foot, deep into his guts or smashes through bone much better than "static" kicks that instill the instinct to retract the kick.

So even when training with a heavy bag, train one kick at a time and focus on kicking and stepping straight down (with the kicking leg) to INCREASE POWER...maintain FORWARD MOMENTUM...and OWN the offense!

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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The "Clinch" and Defending Against Multiple Attackers

July 13, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

When you're facing a situation where you have to use self defense against multiple attackers, getting locked up in the "clinch" with one of your attackers is a bad, bad place to be.

The clinch is where you and another person are head-to-head with your arms locked onto each others' upper body, fighting for position and an opening to quickly defeat the other.

The problem versus multiple attackers is that while you struggle for position, you're an easy target for your attacker's buddies who are quickly coming to his rescue!

Here's one technique that will help you quickly defeat the clinch and even help you gain an advantage over defending against multiple attackers:

First, in the clinch, you ALWAYS want to have the "inside" position where your arms and hands are on the inside of his arms.

If his arms are on the inside, your attacker can easily upper cut you or strike any number of other targets along the "center line" of your body.

For this technique, while your attacker's clinch has his hands on the back of your neck, fighting for superior position, you'll reach up with one hand and reach over the same side arm of your opponent.

Reaching high over his arm, swing your arm out and down in a circular motion, trapping his arm in your armpit.

As you continue this movement, you'll naturally put an elbow lock on your attacker and defeat the clinch.

As the elbow lock takes effect, you'll also notice that his body reacts by opening him up and getting him on his toes.

From this position, while you have him locked up, reach up with your other hand and grab his throat in a choke hold.

You now have full control over your attacker and can easily look around for multiple attackers.

If needed, you can throw your attacker into another attacker...

...you can snap his arm to quickly take him out of the fight

...you can use his body as a shield against multiple attackers

...you can throw him over a chair or against a wall and escape

...your self defense technique options are practically unlimited!

Practice this clinch and multiple attacker defense technique with a training partner and you'll easily see how effective it can be!

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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How to Read a Knife Attack

June 15, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

There is no "bluffing" in a knife fight!

When the knife comes out, you have to assume that it's "go" time.

But how your attacker HOLDS his knife can give you insight into his mind...and how to plan your attack!

First, understand that this is NOT a "be all - end all" assumption of how an edged weapon attack goes down. There's no such thing as a scientific response to any attack and especially so when it comes to defending against a knife.

But after reviewing hours of real street fight edged weapon attacks, I've discovered some common characteristics in HOW men attack based simply upon how they're holding the knife.

I break these down into 3 different categories:

1. The "Show-er" - This knife grip, where it's held with the point up or facing out with the thumb forward, is the common grip of the street punk who wants to "show" the weapon and threated, but typically isn't looking for blood.

The hope is that just by showing you the knife, you'll comply with his wishes and hand over your wallet. Do so and keep your distance.

2. The "Hider" - This grip can either be with the point up or down but is most often held close to the body as a way of hiding the weapon, both from you (maybe) or bystanders (definitely).

This is a more dangerous position because this most often reveals that he's ready to attack if needed, but it's more of a "wait and see" mode. Your reaction may determine whether or not he attacks.

Diffuse the situation as best as possible and be even more ready to defend yourself should he attack and not accept your apology or submission.

Finall, there's the most dangerous...

3. The "Psycho" - This is the grip where the point of the knife is facing down as the hand is held out in front...the typical overhead stab position!

The only reason for this grip is to draw blood and as humans, we instinctively know this yields us the most force and hits the most vital targets: the head and neck.

If someone is holding the knife like this, be fully prepared to not be able to talk your way out of it.

Look for an "equalizer" such as a chair, branch, etc. that will allow you to keep them at bay and plan your escape!

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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Strengthen the Rotator Cuff for Excellent Military Fitness

May 29, 2009 by SGT Volkin

In the military, why would you want big bulky muscles? To get in shape for the military (and basic training), try strengthening your rotator cuffs. Most people think that big bulky muscles equal strength, when in fact the opposite is true in the military.

Extra muscle means extra weight, and you don’t want extra weight. You want defined muscles capable of repetitive movements. Your goal is to have enough muscle to push and pull your body weight repetitively with the least amount of resistance (extra weight) as possible. Extra weight will only wear you down. Leave the beach body for later, this article will allow you to increase your repetition counts for upper body movements considerably.

The rotator cuff is the supporting structure of the shoulder which consists of the muscles and tendons that attach the arm to the shoulder. Basically, it allows the arm to move. A strong rotator cuff is great for being able to do repetitive push-ups. Rotator cuff exercises are a part of my daily workout routine and I can easily do 100+ push-ups in a row without stopping. Take a look at this video for some great rotator cuff strengthening exercises, which has increased my push-up count considerably.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival.

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Hockey Fight Close Combat Technique

May 19, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

Every fight in a hockey game is a close quarters combat scenario.

In fact, it's made even more difficult to do any real damage to the other opponent due to layers and layers of padding and you're trying to launch an attack on two thin blades of metal on a slippery surface.

Given these conditions, these guys have had to learn some pretty nasty (and EFFECTIVE!) techniques to get their licks in before they're broken up by the refs.

And there's a LOT we can learn from these experienced fighters!

Here's a self defense technique that works just as well in the street as it does on the ice...

Close Quarters Combat Hockey Fight Trick

It's very typical to get wrapped up into a "clinch" in a real street fight.

In this position, you and your attacker are struggling for dominance and you may only have seconds to either gain an offensive position before he either gets in a good shot or his buddies come up to give him a hand.

In hockey fights, one of the best ways that players gain dominance is by using the other player's clothing.

Here's how it works...

When locked up head-to-head in close combat, reach over your attacker's shoulders with one hand (preferably your non-dominant hand) and grab the back of his shirt as far down as you can.

Next, simply pull it up and OVER his head and once you have it covering his face, twist it around to the side of his neck to wrap him up tight.

This will give you control over his body because you now have full lateral control over his head, and as we know...where the head goes...the body will follow!

This makes it possible for you to throw your attacker over a chair or into another attacker if you're fending off multiple attackers.

But your biggest advantage is that yoru attacker won't be able to see anything and this gives you some pretty easy targets to strike with your dominant hand.

Do your damage...then get away!

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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Bar Room Fighting

April 27, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

After a good hour long shower to scrub off the gunk and camo from our two week stay in the field at Ft. Drum, my buddy Mike and I had set out to the local watering hole to relax with a cold one.

Now Mike was one of those all-around "good old boys" from Texas and had a strong sense of right and wrong and standing up for people was in his blood.

Admirable, yes...but was seriously put to the test that night and some hard lessons were learned.

Sitting at the bar, I could sense Mike getting a little agitated. When I asked what was bothering him, he said that he had been listening to the guy behind him giving the waitress a hard time and making sexual comments that she had been trying nicely to avoid.

I told him to let it go but Mike was always ready to put on his "white hat" when the need was there. He turned around and finally asked the guy to "cut the waitress some slack and just enjoy his drink." Well, anyone as drunk and obnoxious as this guy would be hard pressed NOT to puff out his chest and, while telling Mike to "mind his own f*&%ing business!", started advancing.

Mike saw it coming and it wasn't hard to meet the stumbling idiot halfway and land one on his chin to send him reeling backwards over a chair.

It looked like the guy was out of the fight and Mike had decided he had taught him a good lesson, one that he'd never forget.

That was until a glass of beer missed Mike's head by about 2.7 inches as he was turning away! The fight was on and the guy's adrenaline had kicked in...HARD!

He tackled Mike at the legs and the two of them were soon tangled up on the floor as people were scrambling to get out of the way.

The fight didn't last long because the bouncers were already on the move and were able to pull them apart. In the end, we were all escorted out of the club, slightly bruised, one damsel out of distress, and some valuable lessons learned by Mike.

Here's my view (and I'd like to hear YOURS! Leave a comment on the blog!)

1. Be sure your decision to START a fight is based upon "need". That is, to stop an actual attack on an innocent person or to defend yourself in a serious "beat-or-get beaten" or "kill-or-be killed" scenerio.

2.) Don't start something you're not fully prepared to follow through on. If you're not completely committed to leaving someone in a crippled mess at your feet, then you're not yet prepared to fight. You may start out trying to do "minimal damage" but the other person (as well as 2 or 3 of his friends) may be MUCH more committed to teaching YOU a lesson in return!

3.) Once you make the fateful decision to strike, DON'T STOP!

Using the techniques many of you have learned from whatever style of fighting system you're training in, it only takes 5-7 seconds to strike 5 devastating targets on an attacker's body. Assume you need to USE THEM ALL, but don't be surprised if he's completely out of the game after 1-3.

Just BE SURE he's out of the game! Be aware enough to tell when he won't get back up and when one more strike would be "excessive".

You don't want to kill someone unless it's a life-or-death situation.

4.) Remember these rules: STRIKE FIRST - STRIKE HARD - STRIKE REPEATEDLY!

5.) Don't stand around to admire your work!

You never know when the attacker's friends will reach out and give him a hand by hitting you over the back of the head.

Immediately scan the entire area for other attacks heading in your direction. If there are...take them out! If not, know where the exits are and get the hell out of Dodge!

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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The Secret to a Devastating Elbow Strike

March 24, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

One of the most devastating strikes you can use in close quarters combat is the elbow strike.

However, many people don't understand the dynamics of this powerful move and end up getting it completely wrong, resulting in a missed target and insufficient power at the point of impact.

Let me explain...

Striking someone with your elbow requires you to be very close to their body because you don't have as long of a reach as you do with throwing a regular punch. Because of this shorter range, the farther away you are from your attacker, the more your whole body has to move in order to hit your target (in this example, the head).

Many people who try to throw an elbow strike from "punching range" (about 3' from your attacker) therefore end up signaling their intentions too early as the person they're trying to hit picks up their movement with their eyes and instantaneously flinches backward.

This creates a "moving target" for you that's harder to hit and because their head is moving back in the same direction as your elbow strike, less force is generated at impact.

Does that mean that you can't take advantage of the elbow strike unless you're right up in someone's face?

Not at all. Here's the secret to overcoming this obstacle and still be able to land a devastating elbow strike at further distances...

The answer is in your "lead hand", or the hand that is closest to your attacker.

Assuming that you're going to strike with your right elbow, you would first bring your left hand up, under your attacker's line of sight, and grab the back of the neck/head.

At the same time as delivering your elbow strike, you're going to pull his head, trying to get your left hand to meet halfway with your right elbow.

This accomplishes several things...

1. Your lead hand is closer and quicker so you can control your attacker much faster and easier by quickly grabbing on and pulling him in.

2. By pulling and striking at the same time, you shorten the distance it takes for your elbow strike to hit it's target by 50%.

3. Because his head and your elbow strike are traveling toward each other, you greatly increase the amount of force at the point of impact (think about a head-on collision in your car vs. rear ending a car going in the same direction as you)

Learn to use your lead hand to your advantage and you'll quickly master the elbow strike.

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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Beware the Sucker Punch!

February 4, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

I've been "sucker punched" two times in my life and learned first hand just how this strike got its name.

The "sucker punch" is when someone strikes you when you're not looking and you have no idea it's coming.

There's little you can do to defend against this type of an attack once it's in motion so your only hope is to be more aware of your surroundings so you're not a wide-open target.

Let me share with you the warning signs I DIDN'T notice so YOU don't get "suckered":

Sucker Punch Tactic #1: The "Post-Conflict Punch"

This was the first time I got knocked upside the head.

I was in a verbal conflict with a guy at a bar that, to me, appeared it was going to end peacefully. Thinking the exchange was over, I turned away to go back to my beer and as soon as my head was turned, I took a right cross to the jaw.

Fortunately for me, he thought that would be all he'd need to take me down and didn't throw a follow up. His overconfidence gave me an opening to quickly respond, but you may not have that option.

Sucker Punch Tactic #2: The "Bodyguard Punch"

When you're in an argument with someone who has his buddies around, realize that you're already in a potential "multi-fight".

Normally, the "friends" will line up to his side in front of you and then, when one of them has had enough, he'll "take over" for his buddy you've been arguing with and reach out and punch you.

His advantage is the tunnel-vision you face when adrenalized and focused on the person you THINK is your main threat.

Realize your main threat can come from ANYWHERE!

Sucker Punch Tactic #3: The "Ambush"

There's no such thing as a "fair fight"...and the "ambush" from behind is the most cowardly, and potentially deadly attack of all.

The back of the head and neck is a very vulnerable area of the body and like the "bodyguard punch" above, I've seen some guy's buddies take advantage of someone's blind spot by attacking from behind with a punch or even a chair.

First lesson is to again, be aware of your surroundings. Who or what is behind you? Can you back yourself up against a bar or get closer to a wall where you can limit the ability of someone to sneak up on you or stay out of your peripheral vision?

Also, pay attention to the other guys in the group you're dealing with. If one of them "breaks off" from the pack, chances are he isn't going to the bathroom when he could stay and watch the "action", right?

Most likely, he's circling for a blindside attack!

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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Quantity vs. Quality in Martial Arts Training

January 6, 2009 by Jeff Anderson

When most people think of "martial arts training", they envision rows of students dressed in white karate uniforms, yelling, punching and kicking into the air in front of a mirror.

Pacing between them is their "sensei" or teacher, stopping periodically in front of a student to turn their outstretched hand a millimeter or two in a different direction to make sure their form is absolutely perfect.

In fact, "form" is stressed so much in traditional martial arts training that I’ve been told by some of my instructors in the past that the goal was to practice a single move 1,000 times in order to perfect it!

It’s this "quantity vs. quality" approach that’s one of the key differences that make up the thin line between "martial arts" and "self defense".

If you’re going for your black belt, you’re going to have to learn a gazillion different punches, kicks, blocks, counters...step-by-step.

Indeed, in the end, you’ll have amassed a giant toolbox of "moves" you can pull from in order to pass your training tests and yes...even draw from if you’re confronted by an attacker.

And that can be a problem!

The reality is that not many people have the time to invest in their training to the point that they can practice ALL of the techniques that are taught within a fighting system to stay proficient...unless you’re the teacher and practically live at the dojo or school.

Even at your peak of training, where your form is "perfect", applying it to a street scenario wipes away most of your "form" benefit because your strikes were perfected in a relaxed environment where "losing" just meant a couple of sparring points.

On the street, there are no "points" to lose...just your life!

So if you were confronted by a larger, stronger attacker armed with a knife in a parking lot, would you rather have in your mind a gazillion different "options" for how to defend yourself? ("If he stabs overhand, I can step back – block up – counter with my right hand – follow through with punch #2 – flip him over my shoulder and then...etc")

Or...

Would you rather pull out a .357 Magnum and put one bullet dead center?

Now this ISN’T an advertisement for the superiority of guns as a self defense tool (I can hear you NRA guys hooting and hollering from within my office), but the point is that when it comes to having a self-protection plan of action, you’re much better off having just a FEW very powerful strikes that you’ve perfected than to put together a vast arsenal of moves that you’re "somewhat proficient" in.

To really shut down an attacker, your form doesn’t have to be "pretty" and your fist being a millimeter or two off in one direction or the other isn’t going to matter.

Remember, you don’t WANT to have to pull out 5-30 different techniques in a real street fight! 2-3 "moves" are all it should take if you’re doing it right!

Through your training, discover what moves you find easiest and most powerful to deliver and train with THESE, in as realistic environment as possible, until you have 1-3 devastating moves you know you can launch without even thinking about them.

This will be different for each person. You may find that a palm-heel to the face works best for you while someone else, perhaps a shorter person, may see a low-line attack to the feet or groin is more practical. Whatever it is, practice just these first few moves you see yourself using and once mastered, only THEN is it time to move on to other supporting techniques.

Related Articles:

- Mixed Martial Arts vs. Street Fighting
- Is Your Martial Arts Training BACKWARDS?
- The 12 Inch One Punch Knockout!
- Can You Block A Punch?

Jeff Anderson is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a Master Fitness Trainer, and Master Instructor of Close Quarters Combat self defense. A full time fitness and self defense author, Jeff has trained thousands of men and women in the practical application of advanced military fitness methods as well as close combat tactics for "real life" self defense.

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