There is one critical mistake made when practicing methods of defense against someone trying to grab or mug you. This glaring mistake is seen EVERY where by every expert. No matter how accomplished an instructor may be or how hardcore or "on the money" his or her method. From the person who is the real deal to the person who is the bum deal, they all make this massive mistake.

It doesn't have to do with what they do but it has everything to do with how they do it. No matter what grab, hold, mugging, weapons defense they do, ALL of them train a response that teaches you to do execute EXACTLY THE WRONG REACTION that is the difference between your survival or your demise.

The problem is so obvious and the solution even more simple that you are going to kick yourself for training THE WRONG WAY.

No matter whether it's a grab situation or a mugging situation with a knife, gun, club or a brick – EVERYONE who has ever practiced a defense in any of these situations has made this critical error.

For example, let's take the most common and marginally ridiculous assault defense practiced in every dojo and self defense scenario, the single wrist grab (yes, the dreaded and feared wrist grab!). Now we all know specific defenses don't work. But let's use the wrist grab as an example.

What do you do when your training partner grabs your wrist…..YOU WAIT!!! You sit there and wait for him to invade your space, put his hands on you and begin his assault! You have already wasted valuable time, critical time to attack. You chance of survival goes down the gutter when you wait for an attack. What are you waiting for? Hit him, attack, attack, attack.

What happens is, when you feel someone get into your personal space you relax and wait for them to make a move. This is the time you should panic! That wrist grab is only the BEGINNING of the ASSAULT. It will be followed by a barrage of assaults.

The real "technique" you should be practicing is if someone pops into your personal space you should be unloading all over them (elbow spikes, forearm shivers, the works) .

When you sit and wait for them to put there hands on you- it's over, if the person is determined and capable, you’re in trouble- no matter how many videos, certifications or ranks you have are going to save you. By training to wait, while the assailant positions himself in a hold or gets close to you with a knife or a gun – it makes things more difficult for you.

The next time you practice, try this "test". Have your training partner assault you with anything. Let's start with the old wrist grab. As soon as they move toward you, attack!! No waiting, no sticking you hand out, just attack. Then try a bear hug, a knife or a gun assault. And just attack your training partner. You will be amazed at what you will be able to do. You will be more impressed that your level of awareness and personal space becomes more defined. You will also train your self to react aggressively and that is what the whole point of all of this stuff. Don't wait, don't think, just react.


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