A quote that changed my perspective on fights, "Whenever you are in a street fight, you've got one foot planted in jail, and the other foot in the hospital". I'd like to avoid both.
You might be the toughest guy in town. But one day you might meet the meanest man in town. Mean beats tough every time. Oh your a 5th degree black belt? I have a 357, bye bye😂😂
@@theboyisnotright6312 True, they're always things that can't be foreseen you need to keep that in mind. There is always an unknown factor in any potential street, confrontation and you may not be equipped to handle it, irrespective of what training you have had, if you have had little or no street experience. Experienced street fighters, can be very dangerous as they can sense when the right time is to attack and what to do and can easily catch you off guard.
@@theodoreconstantini2548 I wasn't even trying to fight one time, just heard a peculiar sound, and looked behind me. There was a length of heavy chain snaking on the sidewalk. I stepped aside, my memory goes blank after that. Though, there had to be some skill in throwing that chain.
I always found that the taxi ranks and fast food takeaways after the nightclubs had closed were trouble. Everbody's tired, pissed, drugged up, hungry and sexually frustrated.
@@not_much_of_a_talk better bored than beaten up, however I take your comment as an act of volunteering to be my substitute in case of violence... so thank you ever so much! 😜
I tried to explain this to my ex-girlfriend that you absolutely do not want to get in a street fight if you can avoid it. I think she thought I was a p****, but I'm not. If someone attacked us, I would defend us, but I'm not going to go fight someone because my girlfriend is an idiot and wants to start shit with people. I think her father used to road rage and start shit with people. What she doesn't realize is he always started shit with people smaller than himself that he didn't think were carrying a weapon.
You raised an important point here: some women do incite violence between their man and other males, that's a fact. Rare possibly, but I've seen it from both ends .... Being the b/f or being the other man. As soon as you get that vibe from a woman you need to put them on the spot quickly with a dose of reality (as discussed in this video).... And if that's a problem for her.... Bye bye. And a g/f who will disrespect other men in public because they think your there to just automatically back them up are just horrific people to even know or be associated with. I dated a beautiful girl who was like this. Sad. Dated her for about 2 weeks lol
"Girls aren't impressed by having their outfits covered in blood and spending six and a half hours in A&E and then another six hours waiting for you to get bailed out" LOL there's some truth
Absolutely great advice, speaking as someone who has lived in the most deprived area in England, where these kind of people will leave you alone if you're from there but if you aren't, you are getting mugged, no doubt about it. The best protection is to get a taxi home, to not engage with these kind of people and overall be safe!
Situational awareness is your number 1 defence. Don't look like a victim, Don't hang around dodgy places, be in unavoidable places (underpasses, parks, unlit, etc). Keep off your phone. The good thing about any form of stress testing, realistic sparring will at least give you body conditioning to have the fitness to at least not gas out (and leg it!) It's easier to walk away and preserve your face, body and psychology from injury. Your phone or wallet are replaceable, physical and mental trauma are not
I spent years working in corrections and law enforcement and your advice holds true. I tell everyone to just walk away. I dealt with so many guys who went to prison for alcohol and drug-related violent incidents. You can ruin your life for nothing and have a lifetime of regret over one bad night. It's why I never go out anymore because I hate being around drunk idiots. This is why training in martial arts is important because it teaches you the self-discipline to walk away.
I did too and I agree with your advice and everything you said. My addition to that would be that 9/10 times, there was a woman involved in one way or the other. Bar fights that I was in was always because there was a big shortage of women around to keep men occupied
@@big_red_machine3547 the kind of woman who gets a thrill from a guy being tough will ruin your life and move onto the next tough guy, I had a girl who would talk shit to random guys because she loved it when they saw me and my size and backed off, I dumped her the third time she did it because it is not worth the cost
I only ever had one friend who liked to fight. He trained for it and was absolutely fearless. When he was 18 or so he got hooked on heroin and speed. He went through rehab but kept slipping. One time when he was 21 or so he was up on speed for a few days and drinks too. He murdered the most important person in his life. Fast forward nearly 30 years and this guy summarises your point. One act of violence and that's it. Your life is literally ruined. I see this guy now and then. He's a broken man. Every day is guilt and grief. I can't imagine the weight of grief compounded by guilt. A friend of my wife. Her brother was punched out of the blue. He was standing with friends watching a band at a town festival. Daytime. Families everywhere. A drunk angry guy walking past him punched him. No warning. No altercation. Nothing. He died because of the injuries from his head hitting the concrete. The guy who killed him got three years. This was also around 30 years ago and sometimes I wonder how this man feels. Consequences. Violence is the worst we can do.
I’ve been attacked when I was young and small, attacked when I was a 2 meter tall body builder, and now I expect to be attacked because I’m in my 60s and look grey and vulnerable….and I am because my body and joints aren’t what they used to be. Fortunately in the States we have defense options, but still best to just avoid if at all possible.
As a UK citizen, I agree with your first point but regarding the "we have defence options" part, unfortunately one person's defence is another person's offence. If the UK had similar gun laws to the US, I personally would ensure I was very highly trained to responsibly use such weapons for defence, and I think that I would be safer as an individual as a result. However, I think most lawful people would not invest the time and money to achieve that level of skill and therefore would become a liability. Add that to the unlawful people who have easy access to guns and the net effect is a more dangerous community as a whole. I don't expect you to agree because our cultures around gun laws are so different, but I respectfully believe that society as a whole is safer here in the UK with the gun laws we have than if we adopted the US model. Gun violence is very rare here and I hope it remains that way. We have other issues such as knife violence which can be just as deadly, but thankfully we don't tend to have nutcases running around with AR-15s. I'm not saying the UK model is perfect but neither is the US model in my opinion. btw, I hope you are wrong about fearing being attacked as a 60+ year old and I wish you a healthy and peaceful future. I'm only 10 years younger so I find it unsettling to think of myself as a "soft target". Take care. 🙏
We need non-lethal weapons like pepper spray legalised. It would save a lot of victims of violent crime without the downside of lethal means of self defence like guns.
@@craigchamberlainunfortunately as we get older we do become that little bit more closer on the Menu for predators. Predators pick on the young and the old. Your 20,30,40 and in shape 50 year old won’t be attacked compared to our 70 to 80+ year old self. Not my words but words of Rory Millar and that statement has stayed with me even though I’m in shape and 51 . It doesn’t ever mean it’s going to happen to us as we get older but if it does it’s when we are way older than we are now it’s just a horrible fact. And if forbid we do get attacked in our older age in years to come very good chance our attacker is not born yet 🙄. Don’t mean to give a such a doom and gloom out look it’s just how it is at times for us humans and animals .
Just move to an area that has few blacks and problem solved. My city has like 5% blacks. You can drop your walled with $500 and people will go out of their way to find and return it. If you’re assaulted for some reason, the city will spend millions to find the perpetrator. A few miles east, however, is Washington DC, with 50%+ blacks. It’s a 3rd world country out there
My group of friends was really cocky, as i stopped a lot of confrontations for them with a smile and good word ("c'mon mate, they're just drunk idiots, have a beer with your friends and don't waste your time"). One time they go to the club without me being loud and tough and they meet someone tougher all of them getting knocked out. One good thing is it humbled them, so i don't think it's always a bad thing getting your ass kicked.
I totally agree with this. I've been great at diffusing situations. One time I was with some guys and they immediately talk back to someone. granted. It was him against all of us but still the situation started to get out of hand until someone spoke Some reasoning about the numbers And he walked off. It made me realize how Many guys tend to Escalate a situation.
Same. Talked my way out of getting stabbed twice and a few fights as well. Saw quite a few, but only had to engage in a few because there wasn’t really an option. Most situations were diffused verbally though. I second the idea that it’s more about who you surround yourself with, as once I changed my friend group up after realizing they were unhealthy for me, all of that stuff stopped.
Most of the fights I got into (30+), were squared up. Others involved alcohol or arrogance but they were one on one. The ones I talked my way out of were with total stranger(s). You don't know what kind of weapon they have or how many of their friends will help them.
Excellent advice, I just dont go to places where i know there is a history of violence and tend to stay in after 7pm, nobody is bulletproof but common sense will always keep you mostly safe..
TY *so* much for all of your *great* advice! When I was 28, I was @a club w/my friend/roommate & had a good time. My friend had met a guy who was with his friend. The 3 of them met up w/me & I immediately had an unexplainable bad feeling about it-obviously was my intuition. It was so strong that I knew I didn't want to go w/them. They were all upset @me for saying that I wouldn't be going home w/all of them. I called a taxi(this was b4 Uber) I went to & crashed @a nearby friend's place. Unfortunately, those 2 guys robbed my friend @knifepoint b4 they all got in her car, thank God they ran off w/only her wallet & phone. She wasn't injured physically. They were caught & each did 3 yrs. in prison on a plea deal-bc they both already had similar criminal convictions. I lived w/her for a few more yrs & she never questioned my intuition again. It's *imperative* for everyone to always trust their gut feelings(intuition) in every situation, even when it seems trivial at the time.
Situational awareness: in the street, especially after dark, never walk and talk on a phone in the street. If you must use the phone find somewhere with good all round view, STOP, speak and keep it brief. Never cross a road or street while on the phone. It's common sense but I see plenty of examples everyday where people are Cooper Code White.
There was a young woman walking the opposite direction to me, she was talking on her phone, as she got within earshot she said into the phone "Oh, you can see me? Ah yes, there you are!" My first thought was she was pretending to be on the phone, but I still think it was a good strategy.
The Active Self Protection guy distills it down to “don’t go to stupid places with stupid people at stupid times “ . You can usually get away with violating one of the rules and be ok.
Great video. Its self protection not defence. If you can get gone ,get gone. It takes a bigger man to walk away, only fight when you cant get gone, its about going home safe as Barry Drennan says.
Just like when you're carrying protection, you can't just use it Willy-nilly when you feel like it. You wait until you have to use it when there's no other option. Which means retreat if at all possible. There's very few times you're allowed to stand your ground. So don't feel like it's a bad thing to walk away.
nonsense 99% great thangs happens, u took d 1% bad 🤦♂ i do it daily for 16 years actually, only bad thang dat ever happened is my subs keep blowing up 🤦♂🤦♂ bitches broke my bed a couple times too
I come from a place in england with the highest knife and gang crime in the EU at one point, and I've never had trouble, I don't drive, and I walk the streets. Not because I'm hard or tough, but because I don't give off a victim vibe, predators don't usually attack others whom they think will give them a chance of causing them harm. Fights are never equal. There's always someone who thinks he's superior, you don't have to be superior to others, you just have to appear tough enough to not be worth the effort. 99% of avoiding being a victim is your body language and how you hold yourself. Not to mention your intuition for unfolding events
@johnnychopping3655 exactly my friend, alot people don't realise they give off a victim vibe and persona, it takes a level of self awareness to carry yourself in any moment with relaxed readiness, your always being watched and sized up, if you know this you can appear alot more dangerous for what it's worth to others even if it isn't entirely true. It's all psychological
This is so true, i´ve walked around on the streets in colombia, mexico, brasil etc. I always walked around whith high self confidence as if was ready to fight. I never had a bad altercation, because its a mental psychology game. If you walk around scared without confidence, you are an easy target!!
When I see someone looking at me as if they want to approach me with violence I put on my evil smile and start looking around like I'm checking for witnesses and walk like I'm ready to crack at any moment
In the median then, neither shrinking, nor looking for it. I call it "not getting snagged on the undergrowth" haha - works for women too, nondescript and purposeful.
Mobility is important, I do like to walk in the city at 3 or 4 am, been doing it since I was a teen and I'm in my 50s and I don't plan to stop anytime soon. I take a bike or escooter for a walk, I stick to the backstreets, I wear dark clothing and avoid lighting so I don't get spotted. I try to spot others first, and then I use my mobility to avoid them from several blocks away. I don't care who they are, I don't stick around to see what kind of people the silhouettes are, I see them a long way off and I take a different route. An animal will just avoid all humans and try to stay undetected. Even predators behave this way to avoid unnecessary injury.
A wise man. Being a DJ for over 25 years and spent many nights with bouncers and people in clubs everything you said is right on point. People needs to understand these basic things. Great video.
I do like your take on reality bud, proper down to earth guy, thank you, i have been following you for a few months now and you really do know your stuff and what you have experienced during your security work and door work, you're a good guy to listen to for wisdom when it comes to the gritty situations most of us will get into by no choice of our own! i have been i a few situations you describe in your videos with knives, bats, gangs etc but to be able to do as little as possible and try and walk away and do self defence is a hard pill to swallow for a lot of people, ego can be the killer and all it takes is common sense and move on, the drunkards wont even know what they said the night before and are mostly apologetic if you see them again when they're sober, thanks again for your wisdom and life experience, take care 😊😊
You are so right about the 'walk away' strategy. Much less dangerous or expensive or embarrassing - or all three. The other problem with you responding is that even if you are doing well in the altercation, if one of them has a knife or a gun all of a sudden it's a different ballgame. Your life can change forever over some ridiculous insult by a person who you'll probably never see again.
Great advice not just for me as a 47 year old man but something I'll teach my family about the dangers of life. Thank you for this honest information yet again. You're a star ✨
As someone who has a long history of boxing, been in a LOT of street fights, and also worked “security” for a while..my advice is never get involved in things that have nothing to do with you, don’t hang around places close to closing time, and avoid fights at all costs. I was PAID to be there, hence it was my “responsibility” to handle the problems. In my personal life, I avoid it all like the plague. Only time I got involved was a guy hitting a woman and that was just because as a son and brother I feel a “moral” obligation to protect the defenseless BUT I also possess the SKILLS to reasonably do so.
Used to live in a council estate. After getting mugged a few times I started walking around with one hand in my pocket making a fist sometimes with my thumb out. Didn't get mugged once after that.
Same here man. Boxer for 21years. I'm not a big guy at all(5'11",175lbs) but I can handle my own in every hand to hand street beef if no weapons are involved, but I still know better and choose to not fight unless absolutely forced to. Turns out you get into very few situations if you don't go out drinking or hang out with idiots.
This must be the first video in 20 years where no MMA or BJJ types have jumped in to say boxing is useless in the street and / or all fights go to the ground? Long live the sweet science.
@@carltoncotter2614 absolutely adore the sweet science. I got into it as a young boy because of my uncle who boxed and watching Tyson fights with him and my folks as a “child”. It is amazing but I will admit it is “limited” in the bar environment. When I worked security there were still plenty of times things ended up on the ground but there was also plenty of times a few quick “jabs” had a drunk guy decide he’d rather throw in the towel before I had to get real serious lol. Any of the times it went to the ground was because of being in a tight spot. I’ve never had a guy take me to the ground in the actual street regardless of their size since I had the room to move and actually utilize the real “art” of our sport which is the footwork.
I have been in several street fights, bottle fights, stone fights, fist fights and these were the stupidest thing I did in my life. I hate the "street fight self defense" gurus on UA-cam. The only time you should probably fight and not run is if you are defending your woman, girlfriend, mother etc.
I fell for the old chestnut - took a shortcut through a quiet alley in an unfamiliar part of town when I was a student; net result was getting jumped by three locals and having my jaw broken in a couple of places - my wing chun, fencing lessons etc. etc. didn't help all that much when two guys basically clothesline-d me from behind... Good advice yet again 👏 👍
The best thing that I’ve gained from years of martial arts, is that, I can stay calm in an escalated situation and walk away, or if I can’t, then I have the confidence to de-escalate the situation. Fighting and restraining isn’t fun, especially when people are tanked up on alcohol or drugs. But this gentleman has quite rightly said that self defence classes aren’t going to work from doing them for a few years, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t, because there is a lot to learnt, i.e discipline, exercise, self and spacial awareness, just naming a few.
I appreciate how you report your direct observations, qualify the information with how you found it out, and don't interject a bunch of assumptions without telling the viewer. I think it adds to the extreme clarity of your communication and also gives the viewer more freedom with how to apply it
One of the most sensible and realistic videos on the subject on UA-cam. I have decades of martial arts training (sports and self defense) under me at this point and my advice to everyone who asks me about defending themselves is "if you can leg it, leg it!" No need for heroes, just get safe and enjoy tomorrow. Great content, big man. Much respect.
A couple of points you talked about reminded me of an Asian guy on UA-cam recommending what to do if you encounter street violence: he said 1) get out of there, 2) if you have to fight, do not punch. Use an open hand to try and smack the s#!+ out of your attacker, then run. His point was always to gtfo there as quickly as possible. As far as martial arts or fighting techniques, I’ve always heard that unless you are fighting someone using the same techniques and following the ‘rules,’ it’s probably not going to work. And blaming the victim: I’ve had women tell me that they will dress any way they like, NO MAN will dictate what they wear. I tell them that the people they have to worry about aren’t ‘men,’ they are predators. They don’t care about your ‘rights’ or ‘feelings.’ They will assault you and go about their business like nothing happened. The girls just get mad at me. It always puzzled me that a woman will clutch her purse in a parking lot with a death grip terrified that someone will try to snatch it, but then put her body on display and get made if someone says something. Oh well. Great video.
3 male young men attacked me from behind Not just in one occasion but in two different occasions and I had my headphones on so I didn’t hear them approaching me from behind . I think walking alone while with headphones on can be dangerous because not being aware of the surroundings can be fatal .
Yes, situational awareness is the number one tactic for self defence- you can have a 7 dan blackbelt in half a dozen martial arts but if you don't see an attack coming they will rarely help. Muggers and random attackers look for people who are unaware and easy targets.
Charlie Munger once said “I wanna know where I’m going to die and avoid going there” A metaphor for finding where the trouble is / bad decisions are and avoid them.
My concealed pistol license instructor advised; 1) Don’t go to stupid places with stupid people at stupid times. 2) Don’t go anywhere armed that you wouldn’t go if you weren’t armed.
I absolutely agree with you on basically all of this. Even when dropping off my guy friends home, I would sit and WAIT for them to get in their door before I’d pull off. You never know what might happen, ten seconds to wait is worth not having to live with the knowledge that someone ran up on them and harmed them. I don’t personally “ask” for people to escort me places BUT I have a high level of awareness from my training and prior profession and I carry a firearm on me at almost all times. Luckily I’ve never had to use it, but I have had to draw it on more than one occasion in my life.
ive been all around the block multiple times. rode freight trains, all that. your best weapon, your best defense, is your mind, your intellect. your intuitive essence is important as well, as is your heart. if you ever *have to* engage you have failed to train yourself properly
A friend of mine owns a gym. The young men that go are mostly on steroids, I have spoken to some of them and weekends they go out on the town to literally injure as many people as possible. Some are kick boxers and similar sports but they boost their ego by fighting easy targets. The problem is lots of people are maimed for life.
Thats just horrible, Ive been chased down the road a few times after gobbing off to Gym Monkeys, not been caught, if one of them had a coronary chasing me, would I get done for aggravated injury or causing a really bad deth?
@@keifer7813 not great is it taking money from the roid addicts but he’s a millionaire they will take money from any idiot just like our government so is that really wrong.
Wish things like this were taught at school. My son is almost 4 years old. The amount of life lessons ive learnt from this video ill make sure to guide him. Thank you for your content 🙏
Being a small bloke, it’s a different world. You learn to get by smiling and making people laugh and diffusing situations. Of course it’s a perpetual concern if you come across proper psychopaths. We all gotta be aware.
Thank you, here's my thoughts on street violence: Don't wear an expensive watch or flashy clothes or be seen getting out of a flashy car. I look like a tramp, smell like one too and when I had a big hand placed on my chest and was asked for the time, I said looking at my Casio F91W... Yes Guv here you go, and then asked if Matey could spare some change for a cuppa. And another thing: Always wear a good pair of running shoes and make sure your laces are tight. Over.
An excellent video with really wise advice from someone who has been there and seen it all, about how to avoid unnecessary violence. As a teen I remember occasionally doing things, like answering back to people, ( though I never tried to pick fights, and no violence ever took place) that put me at greater risk of violence, and seeing this makes remember why it's always important to try to defuse and de-escalate as you do not want to be hurt or risk hurting someone else.
Another great video. But just to throw my two cents in as someone who got my tae kwon do Black Belt and then has trained for the past 12 years in Muay thai and had a handful of fights. You are absolutely right that no amount of training will save you from someone coming out of nowhere and attacking you. Even if they attack you from the front and you do see it coming and have a second or two to react you could well freeze. Having no build up of adrenaline to that moment leaves you very vulnerable as even us that train and compete build up to fights or even a hard spar and our body gets ready to fight. BUT, training still carries some huge benefits. Someone who trains seriously will have the physique and carry themselves with a confidence that tells would be attackers they are not an easy target. They are almost always looking for victims, not someone who looks like they are capable of fighting back. This alone will likely save you from most potential escalations. And if you do find yourself in a violent situation, been a trained martial artist (be it thai boxer, BJJ, boxer, wrestler, karate etc) will put you in a 100% better state to defend yourself than if you had no such training. I think like you say though, its never like in the movies, getting into a fight is always going to ruin youre day, whether you win or lose. You win, great, now youre likely facing legal ramifications. You lose, you could have a couple of sore weaks ahead if youre lucky. If you aren't so lucky you could have life changing injuries or worse. Its never worth it and as you quite rightly said, almost all situations are avoidable, jist our ego that sais otherwise.
This is the best video I’ve ever seen on this topic. This is a guy who obviously can take of himself. But, his advice on keeping safe, walking away and not being embarrassed to ask for help is gold. Mate, there are probably a few people’s lives you might have saved if they’ve taken the message to heart. Well done.
This is obviously in England. We defend ourselves differently here in the States. Also as a male African American, I AM ALWAYS expecting someone to want to do me harm based on almost 60 years experience. My antennae are up ALL the TIME.
Everything I do is based on whether it will result in me getting money, women, or healthier. Nothing else interests me. Why would I do anything but de-escalate, avoid, evade, when it comes to some type of street conflict? There's always ZERO upside to fighting someone. And I've been in a few fights.
Great video, with sound advice! Living above a shop in Romford town centre for many years, from Thursday to Sunday each week, I watched a lot of fights out of my window - in fact there are some on my channel - it was always the same routine. You're 100% correct.
Got blasted on FB years ago when that girl from Stanford and her sister went to a frat party and was roofied/ almost assaulted. I stated that nothing like that should ever happen but this is the real world. Girls should be able to go drink but don't put yourself in that position. Always have your crew watching your drink or take it to the restroom and always get your own drinks. If you do get trashed, have your posse get you home safe cuz thats what friends/ family does....but oh no ppl online think they should be able to do whatever they want, oblivious to the dangers of the world.
This is wise advice and it even applies to the US when carrying a concealed handgun. Even in a situation where there is a clear threat to your life, there is no telling how the evidence will look to investigators -- or a jury. The best way to avoid legal problems and a heavy conscious is to avoid trouble.
I agree, the only fights I've been in are the ones I had no choice, I go out to have fun, not fight, I will be whatever and walk if you let me, no matter how drunk I am, If I said something you don't agree with, explain why, open my mind?
Awesome video. Should be compulsory viewing to any young adult contemplating going out for their first pint. So much of your advice puts me in mind of a great book I read as a young man on this topic - Dead or Alive by Geoff Thompson. A great read.
Growing up and even now living in some of the toughest areas in London has definitely given me self awareness and being able to spot potential trouble gives me time to avoid the situation. And when not avoidable, carrying yourself through body language has and still does help. I’m no tough guy by any stretch, but putting those elements together, plus being fairly big guy (over 6’1 and around 260lbs) has definitely been an advantage. Great content as always
I can't remember who said it, but the quote "avoid places with obnoxious and aggressive people and don't be an obnoxious and aggressive person". I think Geoff Thompson's advice about situational awareness is very important- I see people walking at night, alone with headphones on and totally unaware of their surroundings. Admittedly, I sometimes wear headphones walking alone at night. but with the volume so I can hear around me and I use my eyes a lot more and avoid groups of guys and dark alleyways. I have also carried a "mugger wallet" (decoy wallet with five quid and some dummy credit cards in it). You're right about martial arts training- there are no rules, no mat and no polite and controlled attack sequence in the street. Most training doesn't include the level of aggression and randomness and surprise that a street attack often contains. However, street self defence should be practiced realistically- situational awareness is number one, then training against someone screaming in your face and attacking with full force so that you train against freezing under attack. But a big part is learning verbal de-escalation and walking away, but mostly, avoiding danger by being aware of it.
What if I immediately help you but ALSO talk shit while we go about the business? This is one of the best videos on the topic of "self defense" I have ever seen. And I 100% advocate being ready to respond to violence, armed self and home defense, the whole 9. The real bottom line is that while being prepared for an actual emergency is a good thing, most of the dumb shit that people get themselves wound up in wouldn't have ever become an emergency if they applied their brain for a minute as things started to unfold. Thanks for having this dose of sanity out there.
So seems like overall good advice would to be aware of your surroundings in general and if you see something dangerous or bad happening to avoid it at all costs
Great advice! I would also add that there is significant danger of lifelong injury or paralysis from just even being near a fight that other people are having. You could easily get pushed, lose your balance, and fall on a bar stool, concrete, etc. I used to work in manufacturing and had a similar passion for safety that you do. Fights weren’t the issue but just carelessness. Everything in a factory is made of steel and concrete. One slip and fall could mean lifelong injury.
Street Brawls are risky at best. When I did Lyft/Uber I've seen at least 4 gunfights less than 25 yards away. One I was involved in because some jerk tried to shoot me in the back. Don't expect honor or courage from your opponents if you are attacked. Best advice, avoid fights if you can and if cornered and you can't escape, fight like a wounded rabid honey badger that hasn't eaten in 4 days.
I worked the door in Bournemouth a few years back..Could get a bit tasty on a Saturday night with the stag do's. We had a new lad start who was a Wing Chun instructor, he was a fair old size too. It kicked of on the dancefloor so I called on coms to front door and I leaped In first, head doorman busted through the main doors to help, I clocked the Wing Chun fella on the stairs bricking it and couldn't move, 'Flight' mode had taken hold of him as he had never been in a real confrontation before only controlled environment. ..Door work wasn't for him. I'm only 5ft8.
I agree, I have trained in different styles of martial arts, but it has to reflexive, I've been bar fights I didn't start and have broke my hand, I grew up smaller than most and that taught me to scrap, situational awareness and resolving conflict is best, I'll walk if you let me
Great video. Once I was at a movie theatre and a few rows up there was a group of kids constantly talking. I made the mistake of asking them to please keep it quiet. Big mistake because I guess one of the adults who was there was giving me the "eye" on the way out. As I was approaching the exit, I noticed him waiting there, most likely for me. I knew this was going to be trouble, especially since any 85 year old grandma could probably kick my ass so I immediately casually turned around, pretending to purchase another ticket and then head back upstairs to the theaters. It was late and there was no one at the entrances. So I snuck back into a large theatre that still had a movie going and waited about an hour. By then he was gone. But it was definitely scary. Now, I just keep my mouth shut in the same situation or just get up and move somewhere else.
I think it’s all about awareness. You always have to check your six. I don’t go to bars, etc., or crowded places where there are trustees of modern chemistry.
I totally agree with everything you have said. I have recently experienced other men try and attack me in the street. I acknowledge to myself that I felt scared, however I did not blame them for how I was feeling, and I did not take their harassment personally, as it did not have anything to do with me. I had compassion for them and myself. I stopped talking to them and sprung over under a cctv. They followed me and kept huffing and puffing at me, until they got tired of this and they decided to walk away from me. So it was a victory for them and myself. Peaceful interactions with my fellows, is the acme of military victory and it is available to each and every single one of us, at a very reasonable price. Thank you for this timely wise advice. 🙂 👍
Yes, alcohol is for the intermediate state between adolescence and adulthood, we all should grow out of it. For many reasons, spiritual and philosophical and biological.
That’s the thing: You can be the victim, but by choosing to retaliate physically, you can be the one who’s arrested because (for example) the aggressor phoned the police first ! It happens all the time.
Knew a lot of guys in the military that found out the hard way; 1) in the streets/bars most likely, no one is going to step in and help, 2) it’s not high school anymore, 3) their is always someone or a group that are tougher than you.
All i know is the blackout drunks i was raised around in northern vermont inthe early 80's were VERY VIOLENT PEOPLE. It translates later in life when you get into similar situations but you have been down this road sadly 1000's of times
No, tough people make tough places. Tough places make DEAD people. Dead people make room for smarter people. Smarter people invent more destructive, powerful weapons. Repeat ad nauseum. Now the world is full of people that are brilliant at being wasteful and destructive, hence the whole "fighting culture"!!!
I was jumped in Edinburgh by four of a group of five guys. They were harrassing a lone guy in an alleyway on my way home so as i approached I told them to calm down and leave the guy be. They put their attention on me after a brief exchange. Two held my arms and another pinned me against the wall by leaning on my front, while the fourth lay hit after hit into my face. He probably only stopped because he hurt his hand. I had dropped my coat when the attack and the fifth guy cam up to me afterwards apologised, handed me coat and pressed a piece of my torn tshirt on my face to stop the blood flow. He then turned around and disappeared. It was totally surreal. My cheekbone was shattered but the funnily the thing that pissed me off the most that night is that it took about 30 mins to get a taxi because well over a dozen refused to help me out. In the end, one let me aboard suggested I go to hospital right away but I was so exhausted I just wanted to go to bed so off I went home. It still all seems so bizarre!
@thatgearguy I wrote this mid way through your video and then you explained when you might be most at risk. I had a few drinks in me, I was young and I was walking home alone. I noticed a potentially dangerous situation ahead but I didn't take a different route. I then had an argument with the ringleader of the crew and that led to me being jumped. They were out for a fight and I blindly walked into it like the dope I was. If the same situation were to happen now I might approach, but I would choose my words a more carefully! If I had watched your videos 15 years ago I would have saved myself some bother. In the end, I wasn't badly hurt. I have titanium mesh in my face now but that's it. I count myself lucky. I learned a valuable lesson too!
@@phoenixh87Not badly hurt?! Mate, you got a smashed cheekbone. 😬 I'm so sorry about what happened to you. I was involved in a slightly similar situation (also in Scotland). A friend of mine got his teeth smashed in after a drugged-up guy got angry his drugged-up girlfriend asked my good looking friend for the time. I let out some kind of sound of shock/horror and got a punch in the face from another one of the druggies. Luckily, it ended there but I got a tiny insight into what you poor guys sometimes have to go through (I'm a butch lesbian). Anyway, just like you it took us ages to get a taxi (first to the police station then the hospital)... ☹️ I think that it's appalling that we're not even allowed to carry mace etc. Ideally, I'd prefer a gun but... 🤷🫤
A quote that changed my perspective on fights, "Whenever you are in a street fight, you've got one foot planted in jail, and the other foot in the hospital". I'd like to avoid both.
Or both feet in the grave. Just don't.
When you are young and pumped up with testosterone, and ego, you never realize how true, that is.
You might be the toughest guy in town. But one day you might meet the meanest man in town. Mean beats tough every time. Oh your a 5th degree black belt? I have a 357, bye bye😂😂
@@theboyisnotright6312 True, they're always things that can't be foreseen you need to keep that in mind. There is always an unknown factor in any potential street, confrontation and you may not be equipped to handle it, irrespective of what training you have had, if you have had little or no street experience. Experienced street fighters, can be very dangerous as they can sense when the right time is to attack and what to do and can easily catch you off guard.
@@theodoreconstantini2548 I wasn't even trying to fight one time, just heard a peculiar sound, and looked behind me. There was a length of heavy chain snaking on the sidewalk. I stepped aside, my memory goes blank after that. Though, there had to be some skill in throwing that chain.
I always found that the taxi ranks and fast food takeaways after the nightclubs had closed were trouble. Everbody's tired, pissed, drugged up, hungry and sexually frustrated.
Very true, my friend.
True indeed
Yeah, but also sometimes alone cold, wet and feeling rejected.
💯
My personal strategy is simple: don't be where trouble is, get away from as soon as you can smell it coming.
That's boooring 🤣
@@not_much_of_a_talk better bored than beaten up, however I take your comment as an act of volunteering to be my substitute in case of violence... so thank you ever so much! 😜
@@prettyundefinedrightnow8963 I precisely followed your strategy all my life. Booring 🤣
I tried to explain this to my ex-girlfriend that you absolutely do not want to get in a street fight if you can avoid it. I think she thought I was a p****, but I'm not. If someone attacked us, I would defend us, but I'm not going to go fight someone because my girlfriend is an idiot and wants to start shit with people. I think her father used to road rage and start shit with people. What she doesn't realize is he always started shit with people smaller than himself that he didn't think were carrying a weapon.
I see the reason why she’s an EX GF … good for you mate …
Glad to hear she's an ex-girlfriend, she sounds like trouble.
"I think her father used to road rage and start shit with people."... She was a keeper.
You raised an important point here: some women do incite violence between their man and other males, that's a fact. Rare possibly, but I've seen it from both ends .... Being the b/f or being the other man. As soon as you get that vibe from a woman you need to put them on the spot quickly with a dose of reality (as discussed in this video).... And if that's a problem for her.... Bye bye. And a g/f who will disrespect other men in public because they think your there to just automatically back them up are just horrific people to even know or be associated with. I dated a beautiful girl who was like this. Sad. Dated her for about 2 weeks lol
Indeed, fist fights are less likely than being st-bbed in cities these days- starting trouble can be fatal.
"Girls aren't impressed by having their outfits covered in blood and spending six and a half hours in A&E and then another six hours waiting for you to get bailed out" LOL there's some truth
toxic ones are
@@soulflame5635and toxic partners indulge them. Easy to blame the other person sometimes.
The normal ones aren't and I have been lucky and avoided the crazy ones.
Lol comment deleted. Takes 2 people to do stupid shit usually. I wish everyone a very happy not enabling insane partners or friends. Truly
@@soulflame5635 Only if you're fighting over them. Some girls get off on that.
Absolutely great advice, speaking as someone who has lived in the most deprived area in England, where these kind of people will leave you alone if you're from there but if you aren't, you are getting mugged, no doubt about it.
The best protection is to get a taxi home, to not engage with these kind of people and overall be safe!
What area of england?
'When you argue with a fool, two fools are arguing!'
Situational awareness is your number 1 defence. Don't look like a victim, Don't hang around dodgy places, be in unavoidable places (underpasses, parks, unlit, etc). Keep off your phone.
The good thing about any form of stress testing, realistic sparring will at least give you body conditioning to have the fitness to at least not gas out (and leg it!)
It's easier to walk away and preserve your face, body and psychology from injury.
Your phone or wallet are replaceable, physical and mental trauma are not
women have more social awareness than men and still they get attacked. you can be as socially aware as you want, in some cases its not enough.
I spent years working in corrections and law enforcement and your advice holds true. I tell everyone to just walk away. I dealt with so many guys who went to prison for alcohol and drug-related violent incidents. You can ruin your life for nothing and have a lifetime of regret over one bad night. It's why I never go out anymore because I hate being around drunk idiots. This is why training in martial arts is important because it teaches you the self-discipline to walk away.
Best comment. I agree with all.
Jesus bless you 🙏🏻
I did too and I agree with your advice and everything you said. My addition to that would be that 9/10 times, there was a woman involved in one way or the other.
Bar fights that I was in was always because there was a big shortage of women around to keep men occupied
@@big_red_machine3547 the kind of woman who gets a thrill from a guy being tough will ruin your life and move onto the next tough guy, I had a girl who would talk shit to random guys because she loved it when they saw me and my size and backed off, I dumped her the third time she did it because it is not worth the cost
Thanks iv been saying what you said. To NY nephew's for 30 yrs
I only ever had one friend who liked to fight. He trained for it and was absolutely fearless.
When he was 18 or so he got hooked on heroin and speed.
He went through rehab but kept slipping.
One time when he was 21 or so he was up on speed for a few days and drinks too.
He murdered the most important person in his life.
Fast forward nearly 30 years and this guy summarises your point.
One act of violence and that's it. Your life is literally ruined. I see this guy now and then. He's a broken man. Every day is guilt and grief.
I can't imagine the weight of grief compounded by guilt.
A friend of my wife. Her brother was punched out of the blue. He was standing with friends watching a band at a town festival. Daytime. Families everywhere. A drunk angry guy walking past him punched him. No warning. No altercation. Nothing.
He died because of the injuries from his head hitting the concrete.
The guy who killed him got three years.
This was also around 30 years ago and sometimes I wonder how this man feels.
Consequences. Violence is the worst we can do.
I’ve been attacked when I was young and small, attacked when I was a 2 meter tall body builder, and now I expect to be attacked because I’m in my 60s and look grey and vulnerable….and I am because my body and joints aren’t what they used to be. Fortunately in the States we have defense options, but still best to just avoid if at all possible.
As a UK citizen, I agree with your first point but regarding the "we have defence options" part, unfortunately one person's defence is another person's offence. If the UK had similar gun laws to the US, I personally would ensure I was very highly trained to responsibly use such weapons for defence, and I think that I would be safer as an individual as a result.
However, I think most lawful people would not invest the time and money to achieve that level of skill and therefore would become a liability. Add that to the unlawful people who have easy access to guns and the net effect is a more dangerous community as a whole.
I don't expect you to agree because our cultures around gun laws are so different, but I respectfully believe that society as a whole is safer here in the UK with the gun laws we have than if we adopted the US model. Gun violence is very rare here and I hope it remains that way. We have other issues such as knife violence which can be just as deadly, but thankfully we don't tend to have nutcases running around with AR-15s. I'm not saying the UK model is perfect but neither is the US model in my opinion.
btw, I hope you are wrong about fearing being attacked as a 60+ year old and I wish you a healthy and peaceful future. I'm only 10 years younger so I find it unsettling to think of myself as a "soft target". Take care. 🙏
We have defence options in the UK too, they just don't involve using a gun to kill the person you're defending against.
We need non-lethal weapons like pepper spray legalised. It would save a lot of victims of violent crime without the downside of lethal means of self defence like guns.
@@craigchamberlainunfortunately as we get older we do become that little bit more closer on the Menu for predators.
Predators pick on the young and the old.
Your 20,30,40 and in shape 50 year old won’t be attacked compared to our 70 to 80+ year old self. Not my words but words of Rory Millar and that statement has stayed with me even though I’m in shape and 51 .
It doesn’t ever mean it’s going to happen to us as we get older but if it does it’s when we are way older than we are now it’s just a horrible fact.
And if forbid we do get attacked in our older age in years to come very good chance our attacker is not born yet 🙄.
Don’t mean to give a such a doom and gloom out look it’s just how it is at times for us humans and animals .
Just move to an area that has few blacks and problem solved. My city has like 5% blacks. You can drop your walled with $500 and people will go out of their way to find and return it. If you’re assaulted for some reason, the city will spend millions to find the perpetrator. A few miles east, however, is Washington DC, with 50%+ blacks. It’s a 3rd world country out there
I've talked my way out of more fights than I've even seen the biggest liability to this is the people you hangout with.
My group of friends was really cocky, as i stopped a lot of confrontations for them with a smile and good word ("c'mon mate, they're just drunk idiots, have a beer with your friends and don't waste your time"). One time they go to the club without me being loud and tough and they meet someone tougher all of them getting knocked out. One good thing is it humbled them, so i don't think it's always a bad thing getting your ass kicked.
I totally agree with this. I've been great at diffusing situations. One time I was with some guys and they immediately talk back to someone. granted. It was him against all of us but still the situation started to get out of hand until someone spoke Some reasoning about the numbers And he walked off. It made me realize how Many guys tend to Escalate a situation.
Same. Talked my way out of getting stabbed twice and a few fights as well. Saw quite a few, but only had to engage in a few because there wasn’t really an option. Most situations were diffused verbally though. I second the idea that it’s more about who you surround yourself with, as once I changed my friend group up after realizing they were unhealthy for me, all of that stuff stopped.
That is so true.
Most of the fights I got into (30+), were squared up. Others involved alcohol or arrogance but they were one on one. The ones I talked my way out of were with total stranger(s). You don't know what kind of weapon they have or how many of their friends will help them.
Excellent advice, I just dont go to places where i know there is a history of violence and tend to stay in after 7pm, nobody is bulletproof but common sense will always keep you mostly safe..
@@RaveyDaveyyea that’s extremely inappropriate
Reminds me of a famous quote over here:
Don't go stupid places,
With stupid people, &
Do stupid things.
• Masaad Ayoob
Kinda limiting. I don't know where you live. Whatever you gotta do to think you're safe.
@@dc4lcorkscrewpatdaGIGADave's comment?
Mate…7pm..?
TY *so* much for all of your *great* advice! When I was 28, I was @a club w/my friend/roommate & had a good time. My friend had met a guy who was with his friend. The 3 of them met up w/me & I immediately had an unexplainable bad feeling about it-obviously was my intuition. It was so strong that I knew I didn't want to go w/them. They were all upset @me for saying that I wouldn't be going home w/all of them. I called a taxi(this was b4 Uber) I went to & crashed @a nearby friend's place. Unfortunately, those 2 guys robbed my friend @knifepoint b4 they all got in her car, thank God they ran off w/only her wallet & phone. She wasn't injured physically. They were caught & each did 3 yrs. in prison on a plea deal-bc they both already had similar criminal convictions. I lived w/her for a few more yrs & she never questioned my intuition again. It's *imperative* for everyone to always trust their gut feelings(intuition) in every situation, even when it seems trivial at the time.
100% and glad you listened to your inner voice.
BinaryFairy: Very sensible of you. I'm glad you listened to that inner voice. I'm surprised your friend didn't listen to you.
@@StevenKeeryYes she broke the go out together get home safe together rule,
and 2 onto 1 ...
We are all born with it and it is imperative that we use it. And being drunk immediately dulls the senses.
Situational awareness: in the street, especially after dark, never walk and talk on a phone in the street. If you must use the phone find somewhere with good all round view, STOP, speak and keep it brief. Never cross a road or street while on the phone.
It's common sense but I see plenty of examples everyday where people are Cooper Code White.
There was a young woman walking the opposite direction to me, she was talking on her phone, as she got within earshot she said into the phone "Oh, you can see me? Ah yes, there you are!"
My first thought was she was pretending to be on the phone, but I still think it was a good strategy.
This video should be seen by teenagers every year of high school
The Active Self Protection guy distills it down to “don’t go to stupid places with stupid people at stupid times “ . You can usually get away with violating one of the rules and be ok.
The guy who taught our concealed carry class said the same thing. If you are armed, you really need to walk away if at all possible.
@@ianclose123you and your children will be well prepared if you go to South America! 😁
I shudder when i remember being in my twenties, absolutely no fear, walking or often stumbling around Dublin on my own late at night.
it used to be fine
Great video. Its self protection not defence. If you can get gone ,get gone. It takes a bigger man to walk away, only fight when you cant get gone, its about going home safe as Barry Drennan says.
Just like when you're carrying protection, you can't just use it Willy-nilly when you feel like it. You wait until you have to use it when there's no other option. Which means retreat if at all possible. There's very few times you're allowed to stand your ground. So don't feel like it's a bad thing to walk away.
Thank you! Dad always said "nothing good ever happens in a bar after 10."
Grandma said 12am but I work nightshift and have seen crazy things going to work at 11pm on back roads😂
@@charlesclawson3445 My mum would say the say thing.
I don’t know which bars your dad frequented, but I’ve had quite a few good experiences at bars after 10.
nonsense
99% great thangs happens, u took d 1% bad 🤦♂
i do it daily for 16 years actually, only bad thang dat ever happened is my subs keep blowing up 🤦♂🤦♂
bitches broke my bed a couple times too
@@wulf67😂
I come from a place in england with the highest knife and gang crime in the EU at one point, and I've never had trouble, I don't drive, and I walk the streets. Not because I'm hard or tough, but because I don't give off a victim vibe, predators don't usually attack others whom they think will give them a chance of causing them harm. Fights are never equal. There's always someone who thinks he's superior, you don't have to be superior to others, you just have to appear tough enough to not be worth the effort.
99% of avoiding being a victim is your body language and how you hold yourself. Not to mention your intuition for unfolding events
@johnnychopping3655 exactly my friend, alot people don't realise they give off a victim vibe and persona, it takes a level of self awareness to carry yourself in any moment with relaxed readiness, your always being watched and sized up, if you know this you can appear alot more dangerous for what it's worth to others even if it isn't entirely true. It's all psychological
This is so true, i´ve walked around on the streets in colombia, mexico, brasil etc. I always walked around whith high self confidence as if was ready to fight. I never had a bad altercation, because its a mental psychology game. If you walk around scared without confidence, you are an easy target!!
If you look broke crooks leave ya alone😂😂.
When I see someone looking at me as if they want to approach me with violence I put on my evil smile and start looking around like I'm checking for witnesses and walk like I'm ready to crack at any moment
In the median then, neither shrinking, nor looking for it.
I call it "not getting snagged on the undergrowth" haha - works for women too, nondescript and purposeful.
Mobility is important, I do like to walk in the city at 3 or 4 am, been doing it since I was a teen and I'm in my 50s and I don't plan to stop anytime soon. I take a bike or escooter for a walk, I stick to the backstreets, I wear dark clothing and avoid lighting so I don't get spotted. I try to spot others first, and then I use my mobility to avoid them from several blocks away. I don't care who they are, I don't stick around to see what kind of people the silhouettes are, I see them a long way off and I take a different route. An animal will just avoid all humans and try to stay undetected. Even predators behave this way to avoid unnecessary injury.
Creepy bastard 😳
A wise man. Being a DJ for over 25 years and spent many nights with bouncers and people in clubs everything you said is right on point. People needs to understand these basic things. Great video.
Rational, ego-free advice, clearly based on real-world experience and not on Hollywood fantasy. Subscribed!
I do like your take on reality bud, proper down to earth guy, thank you, i have been following you for a few months now and you really do know your stuff and what you have experienced during your security work and door work, you're a good guy to listen to for wisdom when it comes to the gritty situations most of us will get into by no choice of our own!
i have been i a few situations you describe in your videos with knives, bats, gangs etc but to be able to do as little as possible and try and walk away and do self defence is a hard pill to swallow for a lot of people, ego can be the killer and all it takes is common sense and move on, the drunkards wont even know what they said the night before and are mostly apologetic if you see them again when they're sober, thanks again for your wisdom and life experience, take care 😊😊
Thanks bud really appreciate you watching the channel! Yep I saw ego cause a lot of problems. Ego and alcohol .. A bad combo!!
I've never lost a street fight.
Because I instantly run away at the sight of danger.
Pro tip, Situational awareness
Make that a 3D picture.
proximal awareness.
I could never understand how the OODA loop would even work against multiple opponents.(especially if those opponents simply appear behind you.)
You are so right about the 'walk away' strategy. Much less dangerous or expensive or embarrassing - or all three. The other problem with you responding is that even if you are doing well in the altercation, if one of them has a knife or a gun all of a sudden it's a different ballgame. Your life can change forever over some ridiculous insult by a person who you'll probably never see again.
Exactly.
Great advice not just for me as a 47 year old man but something I'll teach my family about the dangers of life. Thank you for this honest information yet again. You're a star ✨
A pleasure Malcolm. Check out the book "gift of fear" by Gavin De Becker. Probably the ultimate read on the psychology of threat avoidance.
@@thatgearguy Great book. A German female ex bodyguard lent me it. Blackwater was trying to recruit her for Iraq at the time.😂
As someone who has a long history of boxing, been in a LOT of street fights, and also worked “security” for a while..my advice is never get involved in things that have nothing to do with you, don’t hang around places close to closing time, and avoid fights at all costs. I was PAID to be there, hence it was my “responsibility” to handle the problems. In my personal life, I avoid it all like the plague. Only time I got involved was a guy hitting a woman and that was just because as a son and brother I feel a “moral” obligation to protect the defenseless BUT I also possess the SKILLS to reasonably do so.
Used to live in a council estate. After getting mugged a few times I started walking around with one hand in my pocket making a fist sometimes with my thumb out. Didn't get mugged once after that.
Same here man. Boxer for 21years. I'm not a big guy at all(5'11",175lbs) but I can handle my own in every hand to hand street beef if no weapons are involved, but I still know better and choose to not fight unless absolutely forced to. Turns out you get into very few situations if you don't go out drinking or hang out with idiots.
This must be the first video in 20 years where no MMA or BJJ types have jumped in to say boxing is useless in the street and / or all fights go to the ground? Long live the sweet science.
@@carltoncotter2614 absolutely adore the sweet science. I got into it as a young boy because of my uncle who boxed and watching Tyson fights with him and my folks as a “child”. It is amazing but I will admit it is “limited” in the bar environment. When I worked security there were still plenty of times things ended up on the ground but there was also plenty of times a few quick “jabs” had a drunk guy decide he’d rather throw in the towel before I had to get real serious lol. Any of the times it went to the ground was because of being in a tight spot. I’ve never had a guy take me to the ground in the actual street regardless of their size since I had the room to move and actually utilize the real “art” of our sport which is the footwork.
Every 18 year old lad needs to watch this!
I have been in several street fights, bottle fights, stone fights, fist fights and these were the stupidest thing I did in my life. I hate the "street fight self defense" gurus on UA-cam. The only time you should probably fight and not run is if you are defending your woman, girlfriend, mother etc.
This is a great, sane video. All of your content seems to be really solid. Thanks.
Glad you think so!
I fell for the old chestnut - took a shortcut through a quiet alley in an unfamiliar part of town when I was a student; net result was getting jumped by three locals and having my jaw broken in a couple of places - my wing chun, fencing lessons etc. etc. didn't help all that much when two guys basically clothesline-d me from behind...
Good advice yet again 👏 👍
Don't think wing chun would've helped even if you had a whole day to prepare for a fight lol
MMA/Boxing would get you better results than Wing Chun. Be aware.
Fencing? How is that going to help other than fencing?
@DG-EditsYT fencing teaches you to get in to the red zone and out again very quickly. And I found it did help when boxing as I'm quite tall.
@@RIPbob Ok I guess I learned something new lol
Great advice as always, a man's ego is not his friend.
The best thing that I’ve gained from years of martial arts, is that, I can stay calm in an escalated situation and walk away, or if I can’t, then I have the confidence to de-escalate the situation. Fighting and restraining isn’t fun, especially when people are tanked up on alcohol or drugs. But this gentleman has quite rightly said that self defence classes aren’t going to work from doing them for a few years, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t, because there is a lot to learnt, i.e discipline, exercise, self and spacial awareness, just naming a few.
Self control is your best weapon and greatest survival skill.
I appreciate how you report your direct observations, qualify the information with how you found it out, and don't interject a bunch of assumptions without telling the viewer. I think it adds to the extreme clarity of your communication and also gives the viewer more freedom with how to apply it
Thanks!
Good comment 👍
One of the most sensible and realistic videos on the subject on UA-cam. I have decades of martial arts training (sports and self defense) under me at this point and my advice to everyone who asks me about defending themselves is "if you can leg it, leg it!" No need for heroes, just get safe and enjoy tomorrow.
Great content, big man. Much respect.
Thanks for watching and for your experienced opinion.
A couple of points you talked about reminded me of an Asian guy on UA-cam recommending what to do if you encounter street violence: he said 1) get out of there, 2) if you have to fight, do not punch. Use an open hand to try and smack the s#!+ out of your attacker, then run. His point was always to gtfo there as quickly as possible. As far as martial arts or fighting techniques, I’ve always heard that unless you are fighting someone using the same techniques and following the ‘rules,’ it’s probably not going to work. And blaming the victim: I’ve had women tell me that they will dress any way they like, NO MAN will dictate what they wear. I tell them that the people they have to worry about aren’t ‘men,’ they are predators. They don’t care about your ‘rights’ or ‘feelings.’ They will assault you and go about their business like nothing happened. The girls just get mad at me. It always puzzled me that a woman will clutch her purse in a parking lot with a death grip terrified that someone will try to snatch it, but then put her body on display and get made if someone says something. Oh well. Great video.
3 male young men attacked me from behind
Not just in one occasion but in two different occasions and I had my headphones on so I didn’t hear them approaching me from behind .
I think walking alone while with headphones on can be dangerous because not being aware of the surroundings can be fatal .
Yes, situational awareness is the number one tactic for self defence- you can have a 7 dan blackbelt in half a dozen martial arts but if you don't see an attack coming they will rarely help. Muggers and random attackers look for people who are unaware and easy targets.
Great video 👍. I also see a lot of people walk around staring at their phones with ear buds in, not even aware of their surroundings. Not good.
Jolly good advice that man. Most fights I've been in or seen are over very quickly and sheer speed and aggression trumps skills and belts.
Charlie Munger once said “I wanna know where I’m going to die and avoid going there”
A metaphor for finding where the trouble is / bad decisions are and avoid them.
My concealed pistol license instructor advised;
1) Don’t go to stupid places with stupid people at stupid times.
2) Don’t go anywhere armed that you wouldn’t go if you weren’t armed.
with me being in a wheelchair if im out i always put my back against a wall and sit places where i see all round me but im never out alone
I absolutely agree with you on basically all of this. Even when dropping off my guy friends home, I would sit and WAIT for them to get in their door before I’d pull off. You never know what might happen, ten seconds to wait is worth not having to live with the knowledge that someone ran up on them and harmed them. I don’t personally “ask” for people to escort me places BUT I have a high level of awareness from my training and prior profession and I carry a firearm on me at almost all times. Luckily I’ve never had to use it, but I have had to draw it on more than one occasion in my life.
ive been all around the block multiple times. rode freight trains, all that. your best weapon, your best defense, is your mind, your intellect. your intuitive essence is important as well, as is your heart. if you ever *have to* engage you have failed to train yourself properly
Spot on. Lessons on how to have street smarts. Everyone should watch your videos!
A friend of mine owns a gym.
The young men that go are mostly on steroids, I have spoken to some of them and weekends they go out on the town to literally injure as many people as possible.
Some are kick boxers and similar sports but they boost their ego by fighting easy targets.
The problem is lots of people are maimed for life.
Why doesn't your friend ban them?
@@keifer7813 because he would have no customers left or very few.
Thats just horrible, Ive been chased down the road a few times after gobbing off to Gym Monkeys, not been caught, if one of them had a coronary chasing me, would I get done for aggravated injury or causing a really bad deth?
@@chox2001 So money over principles. Not someone I'd have as a friend, just saying...
@@keifer7813 not great is it taking money from the roid addicts but he’s a millionaire they will take money from any idiot just like our government so is that really wrong.
Listen to this man, boys and girls. All very, very sound and real advice.
Wish things like this were taught at school. My son is almost 4 years old. The amount of life lessons ive learnt from this video ill make sure to guide him. Thank you for your content 🙏
🙏
I can tell from the first few minutes that you really know your stuff and are one of the few honest educators in self defense.
Being a small bloke, it’s a different world. You learn to get by smiling and making people laugh and diffusing situations. Of course it’s a perpetual concern if you come across proper psychopaths. We all gotta be aware.
Excellent info here.
Thank you, here's my thoughts on street violence: Don't wear an expensive watch or flashy clothes or be seen getting out of a flashy car. I look like a tramp, smell like one too and when I had a big hand placed on my chest and was asked for the time, I said looking at my Casio F91W... Yes Guv here you go, and then asked if Matey could spare some change for a cuppa. And another thing: Always wear a good pair of running shoes and make sure your laces are tight. Over.
An excellent video with really wise advice from someone who has been there and seen it all, about how to avoid unnecessary violence. As a teen I remember occasionally doing things, like answering back to people, ( though I never tried to pick fights, and no violence ever took place) that put me at greater risk of violence, and seeing this makes remember why it's always important to try to defuse and de-escalate as you do not want to be hurt or risk hurting someone else.
Another great video. But just to throw my two cents in as someone who got my tae kwon do Black Belt and then has trained for the past 12 years in Muay thai and had a handful of fights. You are absolutely right that no amount of training will save you from someone coming out of nowhere and attacking you. Even if they attack you from the front and you do see it coming and have a second or two to react you could well freeze. Having no build up of adrenaline to that moment leaves you very vulnerable as even us that train and compete build up to fights or even a hard spar and our body gets ready to fight.
BUT, training still carries some huge benefits. Someone who trains seriously will have the physique and carry themselves with a confidence that tells would be attackers they are not an easy target. They are almost always looking for victims, not someone who looks like they are capable of fighting back. This alone will likely save you from most potential escalations. And if you do find yourself in a violent situation, been a trained martial artist (be it thai boxer, BJJ, boxer, wrestler, karate etc) will put you in a 100% better state to defend yourself than if you had no such training. I think like you say though, its never like in the movies, getting into a fight is always going to ruin youre day, whether you win or lose. You win, great, now youre likely facing legal ramifications. You lose, you could have a couple of sore weaks ahead if youre lucky. If you aren't so lucky you could have life changing injuries or worse. Its never worth it and as you quite rightly said, almost all situations are avoidable, jist our ego that sais otherwise.
This is the best video I’ve ever seen on this topic. This is a guy who obviously can take of himself. But, his advice on keeping safe, walking away and not being embarrassed to ask for help is gold. Mate, there are probably a few people’s lives you might have saved if they’ve taken the message to heart. Well done.
Thank you very much for your kind comment. Appreciated.
This is obviously in England.
We defend ourselves differently here in the States.
Also as a male African American, I AM ALWAYS expecting someone to want to do me harm based on almost 60 years experience. My antennae are up ALL the TIME.
Sorry to hear that friend. Wishing you safety and happyness from across the pond.
Very good advice. I won't say about the situations I've been in. but knowing and thinking about this advice would have negated a good few of them!
Hi I’m con from Ireland done security for 10 years got out of it know what you’re talking about man well said and great youTub content.
Everything I do is based on whether it will result in me getting money, women, or healthier. Nothing else interests me. Why would I do anything but de-escalate, avoid, evade, when it comes to some type of street conflict? There's always ZERO upside to fighting someone. And I've been in a few fights.
Good video. Helpful
Great video, with sound advice!
Living above a shop in Romford town centre for many years, from Thursday to Sunday each week, I watched a lot of fights out of my window - in fact there are some on my channel - it was always the same routine.
You're 100% correct.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for supporting the channel. It is really appreciated. Have a great day!
Got blasted on FB years ago when that girl from Stanford and her sister went to a frat party and was roofied/ almost assaulted. I stated that nothing like that should ever happen but this is the real world. Girls should be able to go drink but don't put yourself in that position. Always have your crew watching your drink or take it to the restroom and always get your own drinks. If you do get trashed, have your posse get you home safe cuz thats what friends/ family does....but oh no ppl online think they should be able to do whatever they want, oblivious to the dangers of the world.
Some people refuse to acknowledge reality, sometimes, to their own detriment.
First minute I learned as a martial art study... Walk away from trouble!
Pretty much the only thing you need to know in life 😂
This is wise advice and it even applies to the US when carrying a concealed handgun. Even in a situation where there is a clear threat to your life, there is no telling how the evidence will look to investigators -- or a jury.
The best way to avoid legal problems and a heavy conscious is to avoid trouble.
I agree, the only fights I've been in are the ones I had no choice, I go out to have fun, not fight, I will be whatever and walk if you let me, no matter how drunk I am, If I said something you don't agree with, explain why, open my mind?
Awesome video. Should be compulsory viewing to any young adult contemplating going out for their first pint.
So much of your advice puts me in mind of a great book I read as a young man on this topic - Dead or Alive by Geoff Thompson. A great read.
Growing up and even now living in some of the toughest areas in London has definitely given me self awareness and being able to spot potential trouble gives me time to avoid the situation. And when not avoidable, carrying yourself through body language has and still does help. I’m no tough guy by any stretch, but putting those elements together, plus being fairly big guy (over 6’1 and around 260lbs) has definitely been an advantage. Great content as always
260! You should challenge Bradley Martin to a match..
@@thatgearguy 😁
Brilliant film sir ❤
I can't remember who said it, but the quote "avoid places with obnoxious and aggressive people and don't be an obnoxious and aggressive person". I think Geoff Thompson's advice about situational awareness is very important- I see people walking at night, alone with headphones on and totally unaware of their surroundings. Admittedly, I sometimes wear headphones walking alone at night. but with the volume so I can hear around me and I use my eyes a lot more and avoid groups of guys and dark alleyways. I have also carried a "mugger wallet" (decoy wallet with five quid and some dummy credit cards in it).
You're right about martial arts training- there are no rules, no mat and no polite and controlled attack sequence in the street. Most training doesn't include the level of aggression and randomness and surprise that a street attack often contains. However, street self defence should be practiced realistically- situational awareness is number one, then training against someone screaming in your face and attacking with full force so that you train against freezing under attack. But a big part is learning verbal de-escalation and walking away, but mostly, avoiding danger by being aware of it.
Fantastic video. Thank you!
Brilliant, knowledgeable, valuable.
Glad you think so!
What if I immediately help you but ALSO talk shit while we go about the business?
This is one of the best videos on the topic of "self defense" I have ever seen. And I 100% advocate being ready to respond to violence, armed self and home defense, the whole 9.
The real bottom line is that while being prepared for an actual emergency is a good thing, most of the dumb shit that people get themselves wound up in wouldn't have ever become an emergency if they applied their brain for a minute as things started to unfold.
Thanks for having this dose of sanity out there.
So seems like overall good advice would to be aware of your surroundings in general and if you see something dangerous or bad happening to avoid it at all costs
I had the worst scenario. In a relationship with a girl that would attempt to get me into fights with idiots. Just a tremendous turn off.
Ex girlfriend. Ex girlfriend.
Curious, did you ever ask her why she did that?
Yeah, she denied doing this...... She was oblivious of how unattractive it made her!
Great advice! I would also add that there is significant danger of lifelong injury or paralysis from just even being near a fight that other people are having. You could easily get pushed, lose your balance, and fall on a bar stool, concrete, etc. I used to work in manufacturing and had a similar passion for safety that you do. Fights weren’t the issue but just carelessness. Everything in a factory is made of steel and concrete. One slip and fall could mean lifelong injury.
Another good, interesting and helpful video, Thank you.🌷
Glad it was helpful!
Street Brawls are risky at best. When I did Lyft/Uber I've seen at least 4 gunfights less than 25 yards away. One I was involved in because some jerk tried to shoot me in the back. Don't expect honor or courage from your opponents if you are attacked. Best advice, avoid fights if you can and if cornered and you can't escape, fight like a wounded rabid honey badger that hasn't eaten in 4 days.
I worked the door in Bournemouth a few years back..Could get a bit tasty on a Saturday night with the stag do's. We had a new lad start who was a Wing Chun instructor, he was a fair old size too. It kicked of on the dancefloor so I called on coms to front door and I leaped In first, head doorman busted through the main doors to help, I clocked the Wing Chun fella on the stairs bricking it and couldn't move, 'Flight' mode had taken hold of him as he had never been in a real confrontation before only controlled environment. ..Door work wasn't for him. I'm only 5ft8.
It's not worth it I heard of this happening to a military police man Defending his wife from comments he got beaten up the gang and was left in a coma
"...like Steven Seagal, but without the shitty jacket and the big fat belly..."
Made my day 😂
Those one punch kills are lethal
And when the police arrive and say “He’s dead. Who hit him?” It will be your testimony vs the testimony of the deceased friends.
Superb advice, thanks for sharing your experience.
I agree, I have trained in different styles of martial arts, but it has to reflexive, I've been bar fights I didn't start and have broke my hand, I grew up smaller than most and that taught me to scrap, situational awareness and resolving conflict is best, I'll walk if you let me
Great video. Once I was at a movie theatre and a few rows up there was a group of kids constantly talking. I made the mistake of asking them to please keep it quiet. Big mistake because I guess one of the adults who was there was giving me the "eye" on the way out. As I was approaching the exit, I noticed him waiting there, most likely for me. I knew this was going to be trouble, especially since any 85 year old grandma could probably kick my ass so I immediately casually turned around, pretending to purchase another ticket and then head back upstairs to the theaters. It was late and there was no one at the entrances. So I snuck back into a large theatre that still had a movie going and waited about an hour. By then he was gone. But it was definitely scary. Now, I just keep my mouth shut in the same situation or just get up and move somewhere else.
I worked security at a hospital for a short time and my boss always told me “Men can’t talk and fight, so men who talk won’t swing or act”.
I think it’s all about awareness. You always have to check your six. I don’t go to bars, etc., or crowded places where there are trustees of modern chemistry.
"Can you identify your аttасkег?"
Nah mate, I don't have eyes in the back of my head 😂
I totally agree with everything you have said.
I have recently experienced other men try and attack me in the street.
I acknowledge to myself that I felt scared, however I did not blame them for how I was feeling, and I did not take their harassment personally, as it did not have anything to do with me.
I had compassion for them and myself.
I stopped talking to them and sprung over under a cctv.
They followed me and kept huffing and puffing at me, until they got tired of this and they decided to walk away from me.
So it was a victory for them and myself.
Peaceful interactions with my fellows, is the acme of military victory and it is available to each and every single one of us, at a very reasonable price.
Thank you for this timely wise advice. 🙂 👍
I CANT stress it enough, “walk” is the only word to describe how you get away in the escapable stage. Don’t challenge them and don’t be a “freebie”.
Yes, alcohol is for the intermediate state between adolescence and adulthood, we all should grow out of it. For many reasons, spiritual and philosophical and biological.
A quote I use frequently is "Absence of body is better than presence of mind."
As told to me in the early eighties by a tutor constable.
That’s the thing:
You can be the victim, but by choosing to retaliate physically, you can be the one who’s arrested because (for example) the aggressor phoned the police first ! It happens all the time.
Knew a lot of guys in the military that found out the hard way; 1) in the streets/bars most likely, no one is going to step in and help, 2) it’s not high school anymore, 3) their is always someone or a group that are tougher than you.
All i know is the blackout drunks i was raised around in northern vermont inthe early 80's were VERY VIOLENT PEOPLE. It translates later in life when you get into similar situations but you have been down this road sadly 1000's of times
Brilliant advice.Stay safe people lookout for eachother and enjoy life..
Thanks for the insight into UK culture. Tough places make tough people.
No, tough people make tough places.
Tough places make DEAD people. Dead people make room for smarter people. Smarter people invent more destructive, powerful weapons. Repeat ad nauseum. Now the world is full of people that are brilliant at being wasteful and destructive, hence the whole "fighting culture"!!!
Great advice thanks, always remember you have nothing to prove.
Self control is your best weapon and greatest survival skill.
I was jumped in Edinburgh by four of a group of five guys. They were harrassing a lone guy in an alleyway on my way home so as i approached I told them to calm down and leave the guy be. They put their attention on me after a brief exchange. Two held my arms and another pinned me against the wall by leaning on my front, while the fourth lay hit after hit into my face. He probably only stopped because he hurt his hand. I had dropped my coat when the attack and the fifth guy cam up to me afterwards apologised, handed me coat and pressed a piece of my torn tshirt on my face to stop the blood flow. He then turned around and disappeared. It was totally surreal. My cheekbone was shattered but the funnily the thing that pissed me off the most that night is that it took about 30 mins to get a taxi because well over a dozen refused to help me out. In the end, one let me aboard suggested I go to hospital right away but I was so exhausted I just wanted to go to bed so off I went home. It still all seems so bizarre!
Sorry to hear that.
@thatgearguy I wrote this mid way through your video and then you explained when you might be most at risk. I had a few drinks in me, I was young and I was walking home alone. I noticed a potentially dangerous situation ahead but I didn't take a different route. I then had an argument with the ringleader of the crew and that led to me being jumped. They were out for a fight and I blindly walked into it like the
dope I was. If the same situation were to happen now I might approach, but I would choose my words a more carefully! If I had watched your videos 15 years ago I would have saved myself some bother. In the end, I wasn't badly hurt. I have titanium mesh in my face now but that's it. I count myself lucky. I learned a valuable lesson too!
@@phoenixh87Not badly hurt?! Mate, you got a smashed cheekbone. 😬
I'm so sorry about what happened to you.
I was involved in a slightly similar situation (also in Scotland). A friend of mine got his teeth smashed in after a drugged-up guy got angry his drugged-up girlfriend asked my good looking friend for the time. I let out some kind of sound of shock/horror and got a punch in the face from another one of the druggies. Luckily, it ended there but I got a tiny insight into what you poor guys sometimes have to go through (I'm a butch lesbian).
Anyway, just like you it took us ages to get a taxi (first to the police station then the hospital)... ☹️
I think that it's appalling that we're not even allowed to carry mace etc. Ideally, I'd prefer a gun but... 🤷🫤