Street Fight Philosophy 

Pat hits it perfect here. Career LEO here, and he is right, there is so much inane psychology in a street confrontation, much more of it instinctual from cave man days than we realize. Watch two alley cats squaring off and they do exactly what he says here-- circling. The hardest part is not showing fear, and practice in some kind of martial arts, boxing or whatever, will help with that. I know there was a huge difference in how I felt in confrontations my first year on the job, when I was frequently apprehensive, and scared, and five years later when I pretty much started to immediately understand how every confrontation was going to go and knew how to counter it. The other thing is, I worked in some pretty dangerous hoods a lot, and we were plainclothes so they didn't always know we were the police. Street guys first strategy is always to try and instill fear and intimidation, and when it doesn't immediately work, they do often stand down and non-agress. . Sometimes it was as simple as just meeting their stare, and not looking away. In the wild, and on the street, looking away immediately is also a form of submission. One of my favorite techniques to deal with that, was to simply say, "Hey, come here." And, it was amazing how just being invited to come closer by someone, shows that person has no fear of a confrontation. Often they would turn and walk away. If they do come closer, my favorite move was just to ask an innocuous question, that they didn't want to answer, or couldn't answer, "Where does Benny live? Are you a friend of his?" He may have no idea what you are talking about, but you have established yourself as a potential predator, hunting someone in the hood, whether as a cop, a bail bondsmen, or worse. Most street guys just aren't going to want to be part of that developing situation. And, it gives him an out, he's not Benny, he's not a player in this and can leave with his street dignity intact.

Dan's anecdote took 7 minutes, Pat Mac shortened it to 6. I love efficiency

I did this "step move" at a concert I attended a few months ago and it worked! immediately the guys posture changed. Thank you!

Went through the Sentinel course with Pat a number of years ago. It's the most positive life altering class a dude can take... you'll walk away with a better perspective on damn near everything... Seriously, if you can pick/ afford only one class, that's the class!

Found myself in a tough, dangerous situation walking to my hotel in D.C. It was after midnight, I was unfamiliar with the city, took a wrong turn and continuing in the direction of the hotel I found myself on a quiet, empty, narrow street with four guys walking toward me. My instinct told me the worst thing I could do was to turn around and walk away quickly or maybe start running. Instead I kept walking directly towards them at the same quick pace I was already walking. Two of them moved slightly left of my path, two moved slightly right and continued towards me. As we got closer, about thirty feet away, I put my right hand in my pocket and kept walking, looking straight ahead. As the distance closed they gave me a wider berth and I walked right through and past them. Keeping the same pace, I took my hand out of my pocket and kept walking without turning around. I was very scared… and very lucky. My takeaway is to never put myself in a situation like that again.

"The mind is the final weapon", is such great advice. One must know when and how to engage, and like Jocko said, to detach oneself from the situation. I really love these little clips you've been releasing. It's incredibly helpful to (probably) the majority of the viewers. You're a great instructor and teacher, one of these days I'll be able to grab a spot in a class.

I’d never want to hear Pat say “look I’m sure we could work this out”

It's rare that I see a YT video with someone who has such a strong comprehension of legitimate street fight psychology. Well spoken Pat.

Good points Pat, for keeping it real. Anybody who says “I’ve never been knocked out!” I’ve always told them, “You haven’t fought enough.” Everybody gets caught.

good info

Loved the info that you provided in this video Pat. You are a wealth of information brother!

Yup 2 daughters myself…Priceless info. Thank you for everything you’ve contributed to the good guys over the years. Keep it up!

as a guy who grew up in the slums of Los Angeles fighting all the time, collegiate wrestler, professional kickboxer and trained with LEO and military, I will be sending everyone to this link. Pat has perfectly surmised what I've said to hundreds of people throughout the years. This was pure gold. If you know, YOU KNOW.

Once again, great presentation. Just enough to get you to think…protect what is your’s, stay in the fight and maybe even stay alive!

Thanks for sharing all the info you do. Appreciate everything Pat.

The last armed gig i worked was basically either verbal confrontation to physical, immediately physical, or we were intervening in some form of altercation. Some days we were fighting with people from the moment we clocked in, til the momment we clocked out. And the women were just as violent as the men. One thing i learned going from 0 to 160 like that is is the power of the mind game. What Pat says about getting in someone's head is absolutely priceless. How you carry yourself is more important than looking jacked physically. Learning how to flip the tables on someone being aggressive and stopping something from being physical isnt hard, but you get better at it the more you do it. However, it's a perishable skill. Temperament needs honing like any sharp skill. Especially if you work in a place where folks will try to get into your head space to find ways to manipulate you. Consistency and unpredictability do often go hand in hand.

Brilliant strategic advice (the side-step) Pat. I'm 65 and still learnin'. Thank you for this practical street-level demo.

I remember around 1988 or 1989, while at DLI, in Monterey, CA, the “Mac Attack”! Probably the best workout ever!

Love Pat Mac videos but this one is one of my favorites. Great amount of knowledge transfer in just a handful of minutes!!

Love the fact you used the Tem "Fear Management" It's real. Im in the executive protection field and we/I use it all the time. Thank you for showing not just you talking but the reactions to those hearing your words. Reactions are important in the learning process. AIM FOR KNOWLEDGE is key in everything. Pat thank you.

You always impart the best wisdom when dealing with potential conflicts! I commend you for all you do and thank you for it! It is all about the mind and tactics-kinda like ‘work smart!’

This is spot on brother! My buddy/ business partner and I instruct Fairbairn based Gutter Fighting Combatives, and you are 110% on freaking point-- stance, movement, the mental manipulation game, and a boxing foundation are fundamentals/ staples apart from the direct and straight up nasty lethal techniques that give the upper edge in winning the fight or taking out the threat. Keep up the fire!

This guy is just too satisfying to watch!! Great stuff!!

So always avoid MLK boulevard. Got it. 😆

Geoff Thompson has taught these concepts for decades. Invaluable stuff.

I like this type of knowledge & approach to situations. Thanks for producing such a channel of good & real stuff ! 👍

This was incredibly great advice! Thanks for posting!

Great stuff Pat! This is excellent info.

This reminds me of the story of the tea master vs the ronin. A Japanese tea ceremony master was traveling and came across a ronin samurai. He was a famous duelist and had killed many men. He asked the tea master to preform the ceremony for him. The man was frightened and tried to decline. The ronin was a bully and toke this as an insult. He challenged the tea master to a duel when the party reached the next town. Traveling with them was a great sword master. The ronin feared him and had stayed away. The tea master asked the sword master for help. The sword master said there was no way to teach him the sword in time. So he lent him a small sword. He said as you draw this, I want you to preform the tea ceremony in your mind. Go through each exacting step. At least then you will die at peace. The day of the duel came. The tea master faced off against the ronin. He drew the small sword as the ronin drew his katana. They faced each other and the ronin saw none of the usual fear he was use to seeing on his opponent's face. In fact the look of calm and obvious calculation began to unnerve the ronin. Before a single blow was struck, the ronin withdrew his challenge and left the field. The tea master went to the sword master to describe what happened. The master said by drawing the small sword rather than the katana you told him he wasn't a great threat. Then the look of calm and deliberation on your face as you mental prepared the tea convinced him you weren't scared. It also convinced him you were prepared for him and had a plan to deal with him. The ronin went from an easy kill to the realm of the unknown. The tea master returned the borrowed short sword and lived a long and happy life.

Excellent content! De-escalate is always the best option. As Pat pointed out. Always stay out of the zone. Thanks to my training I always change angles to give me the advantage of position. If they are intent of fighting, the more they have to move or reach to get to you, the better you can effectively react.

Hell yeah. My dad taught my brothers and I this exact same mindset. Diffusing the confrontation!

Pat is a gem! Incredible man.

Such AWESOME instruction, from one of the best in the biz!

Great analogy, and thought process to out wit your opponent without throwing a shot, badass

Pat Mac helping shape the younger generation. I’m a 20 yo civilian and man the things I’ve learned from these SOF guys

That left step when they’re coming at you at the sametime leaves them wide open for you to put thier lights out cause you’re off thier centerline I’ve binged serval of this guys videos he knows his shit

Thanks that is a really interesting break down! I've done this but just from years of training how to change angles/circle without retreating or changing striking distance/range. I never stopped to think about the psychological affect that this simple movement can have on someone.

Bladed stance to protect the center line, and hands up, really good pointers you gave.

Great video. Thank you for serving and all your advice!

I like this super simple and can help people from getting into unnecessary situations but also prepared.

Great video! Things I've used growing up and as a grown up. The mind is a powerful thing!

Love these more frequent videos. Thanks Pat.

Beautiful, many thanks.

Dude that was so simple it was awesome. I’m a fan. Instantly.

Lovin the new video style

Outstanding

The most important lesson my trainer taught me is that there are no rules in street fighting...

Thank you pat you have my gratitude.

Bravo Pat! Love all you do. Great, solid information. Bruce Lee's " way of no way", has served me well also.

Great philosophy Pat and glad you mentioned the Boyd's OODA loops. I had been in so many street fights in my younger days, our preferred style will go out of the window in street fights. The bad guys usually don't care if and they just tried to jump you when they think that you were not paying attention, be aware and keep a safe distance. Keep training, stay healthy and stay in shape, so you can be ready at anytime.

All my love to you and your Family*** Always be you, because that's what we love about you Pat :)

I'm always learning shit when I watch your videos!

Watching this is getting me pumped for the upcoming sentinel course in a few weeks.

I like your content, Sir. Some very valuable, real world information here!

Great advice. Thank you.

Outstanding video

Always excellent ... keep it coming.

Great stuff. As always.

Shifting focus is the key, I appreciate videos like this. Use your mind.

Really impressive videography great work

Never underestimate short guys either. Years ago I ended up in a confrontation with this short Mexican dude. I made the mistake of approaching him with a “what are you going to do about it short stack” attitude and casually approached him as if my height advantage alone would intimidate him into backing down. He quickly shot in with a double leg and picked me up and held me there for about 2/3 seconds then sat me down on my feet. He could have easily dumped me on my head on the concrete and stomped me but lucky for me he showed me mercy. I shook his hand and apologized for being an ass. We both walked away and I learned a valuable lesson. I saw another short guy at a bar a few years later do the same thing to someone except it didn’t end well for the guy getting the double leg pick up

Just saw this..............liked, subscribed and about to go on a binge watch.

Thank you for sharing

The man right here !!!!

GOOD, USEFUL SHIT!! Thank you! You gave half a day's seminar in 7 minutes. Excellent!

This is so spot on.

Excellent and spot on. I have subscribed.

Some gospel right there! Thanks for sharing as always!

As ALWAYS SUPERIOR INFORMATION!!

Been in and out of law enforcement and different gyms my whole life and can not believe - I have never heard of this guy. He really seems to know his shit. I'd love to hit up one of his seminars. Glad he has an easy name to remember.

Good teachings. Thank you

Excellent advice

Former LEO, been in a lot of stuff, this was some great info

Nice Solid advice always be aware of the boxers

Earned my subscription, great video

Good sensible advice Pat Mc👍☘️! And may I add(when necessary) if u see someone edging/creeping closer,then remind them that ur hearing is o/k&they can stay where they are!(u demonstrates ur paying attention for the sneak attack!)

It's all about knowledge, thankyou for my kickass FREEDOM Sir

Wow, talk about putting it in a nutshell. Every word of that was solid advice.

Spot on brother. I like it!!

Yes, hands up. I like that side step. Great advice.

Great advice.

love the explanation, coming from a martial arts background and a control tactics instructor perspective.

Hell I'm definitely going to keep this in mind never know when this advice can come in handy.

Absolutely love this block.

Bruce Lee said not to get attached, but he also said more than once that a good boxer would win most real fights.

Great information here.

You can tell by just your small movements in the start of the video that you can throw some hands for sure. Spooky. Thanks for the lesson. 🤙🏼🐆

Damn straight up bro! I grew up on the streets at first i thought is this just another chump talkin crap but u nail it every time! 🤟 Respect from aussie!

Great point about which fighting style to use, the one that suits you best! Would add to his point about seeking a boxring gym/camp and that is kick boxers IMO are the most versatile fighters for street or competition!

Great street tested advice. Thanks Pat, I know a realist when I see one.

Taught this same concept for years brother. Little bit different wording but same concept. Stay strong everyone. we will need each other before to long it seems.

My first go to is footwork. These feet working on getting out of there!

Excellent stuff Mr Macnamara, thank you. Craig Douglas says some of the exact same things only in great depth and a variety of scenarios on his series at the Warrior Poet Society Network.

My Man! Well put.

Keep your distance, disrupt their decision-making. Damn good advice.

Thanks, great stuff

Hits the mark. I am a prior LEO and now doing Executive Protection and Contract Security. Cant pull a weapon out unless imminent death is present due to public relations and news media. Thanks, Pat. Great video!

Its all about understanding distance, that's the way I think about it!

Mac is an American treasure..

Great advice! The best fight won is the one never happened!