You Don’t Know How To Fight - Self Defense Techniques 

Been training martial arts for 15 years and this is the best advice I have seen on the internet. God bless

I love it when instructors recognise and put it out there that fighting and self defence are two totally different skill sets. Well done and carry on the good work my friend.

Some people train to fight, and others train to stop a fight! This is exactly what true self-defense is! Great video! Good stuff!

THANKS FOR YOUR COMMON SENSE . GREETING FROM A JUDOKA IN SWITZERLAD. ❤😊

My brother, you are so right. I ran a Kung Fu school in Columbus Ohio for 10 years. I focused on self-defense. You can't turn an average person into an accomplished fighter in a few short months. I was an amateur boxer and the people wanted me to sparr a few rounds with their professional fighter because I was the biggest guy in the gym at that time. Jesse Burnett hit me so fast and so ofter, I felt surrounded. That's when I learned that professionals are in a class by themselves. Keep on preaching the truth my brother. I just subscribed.

Another lesson in human survival, thank you. It took me decades of training and trying to learn how to fight, when it dawned on me that, I'm not trying to fight. I'm trying to stop the fight. I want to neutralise the threat as soon as possible in the most efficient, sometimes brutal way possible, using such force that is reasonable in the circumstances. I don't want to fight a fighter, this is their arena. I just want to go home in one piece.

The best way to win a fight, is not fight, Thank you sir !!! You just taught me a life savings skill

I enlisted in the US Army Military Police Corps ,when I was 18.I had trained in Kenpo and Shotokan since I was 14. I absorbed the "Combative" requirements well enough to be a "peer instructor" for trainees that could not fight. At my first duty station ,I was talking with a group of co workers who said words to the effect " Nobody ever kicked my ass". Granted ,back then the MP's had a height requirement , I'm 6'5", most of my co workers were 6' or better . I remarked ,"If you never got your ass kicked ,you got one coming. No man gets out of life with out at least one ass wippin". I like to to think I have taken my last ass wippin' when I was a teenager, that's why I train.

27 years retired law enforcement you are spot on. Great stuff😊

I trained with the professor for 60 minutes in London in1999. I will never forget. This is the kind ok instructor you NEVER forget. A creative genious.

" I may not have experience but I am qualified'", Amen to that man!!!

Great teaching! I've had one fight in my life against a class bully that i couldn't believe i won! 😂 But my dad always said never be afraid to defend yourself because if you're scared that's 50 percent of the fight!

Correct 💯 ego and pride don't mix.

He's the real deal. This the first time seeing this instructor and I can already tell that he's been in hundreds fights both in and out the ring.

I am glad to see someone like you with years of experience as a trained fighter helping to enlighten people who don't know the difference between street fighters, professional fighters, and people just learning some self defense.👌😀

Thanks for your complete HONESTY. THIS NEEDS TO BE HEARD. PEACE BROTHER

IMHO, this is yet the BEST self-defense teaching out there. And for ALL it is FREE. Please consider sharing this content. Thank you.

One of the best actual self defense lessons I've ever seen

Your exact technique was trained to me by an older brother. I said teach me to Fight. He took me to the front yard and asked are you ready to learn? I said yes! He kicked me in the nuts. Crawling into the house afterwards and locking myself into the bathroom to cry alone…he knocked on the door, “You okay?” I said in a strained whisper “yes”. He then taught me how to fight. Get the first punch in make it count and don’t stop hitting until the man is down and out. Your technique is exactly the way I started every fight since, a lot of fights, that I never started, but finished always as the winner. Great advise. Thanks. I taught my children and now grandchildren if you learn how to fight you will never have to fight. What I meant is when the fight comes to you don’t be afraid to take it to the bully. Be ready, be prepared, know yourself and what you can do. You said go for the eyes…I tell my kids in a street fight “the eyes have it” if you go for the eyes then they can’t see you to hurt you. After that attack, run. Get help or just get away. Great advise. It worked for me my whole life!

Im glad you exist, im not a fighter but i do believe in putting a person down when necessary and im a 30 yr old black man appreciating you teaching this. Been in 3 fights/altercations gave up 1 to a female at a young age , and won 2 via circumstances. I appreciate watching you and learning how descalate a situation when necessary

I absolutely love the video as someone who doesn’t know how to fight I’m a runner. It almost brought tears to my eyes. Furthermore, I appreciate your simple no nonsense at the same time. Commonsense approach. I wish you guys nothing but continued success peace and blessings and maybe one day if I’m able to leave the DC metro area I can get some lessons. Stay blessed.

Man, gotta give it to you, this is one of the very best self defense videos I've ever seen. When you're out in the streets, it's not about skills, it is about survival. The streets dont play, the streets want to destroy...period! Much respect #4 for your Olympic success (being #4 in the world is an amazing feat), and thanks for this video and mind set that it presents. Great presentation guys...GOD Bless.

You 100% right. My last boy is not a fighter but he needs to learn how to defend himself. Papi Can't be there to talk the situ down all the time. Great Video Sir ❤

Another gem. This one will definitely help someone build their confidence and self defense techniques. You both are great teachers. Thank you!

"But i'm not gonna fight" Excellent lesson.

Loved the energy and the COMPLETE honesty about the reality of real self defense.

Not just a professor of self defense, but more importantly, a professor of life skills.

Aces! Straight to the point. Oss

Brooklyn Stand up!! So real. Thanks Prof. James. There are a lot of people putting info out, perhaps with good intention, but not with a common sense self-defense mind set.

"I may not have experience, but I'm qualified to do what I need to do."

Great stuff! A simple tool kit for those of us who just want to be left alone.

Yes, yes, yes! I worked out on martial arts for a long time, BUT I never did become a good fighter. You just gave very good advice in this video!

Very interesting. I am one of those guys with 50 years experience. I've been teaching martial arts for 35 years, training since I was 10. I worked as a bouncer in tough bars for 10 years and had been in plenty of violent encounters. I used to box and kickbox also. I still cross train in other martial arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Hapkido) because there is always something to learn. The biggest thing I see with respect to the subject of this video is that people sometimes freeze up. I know a woman who trained martial arts for years and when she was assaulted she simply froze up. You can teach the moves (techniques) but developing the mentality and all that goes with that many people simply don't want to go there.

This is 100 percent principles of wing chun, always moving forward never backwards. Win fights by not getting into a fight to begin with. But train to be prepared for the most unexpected.

You're absolutely right! There is a big difference between fighting and self-defense. More people really need to see this video!

Brilliant I love it! I'm a musician not a fighter. However I've kept in shape my whole life exercising everyday and Dunn martial arts since I was 12 on and off. I knew it was just for exercise mainly. In taekwondo I would win all the time in sparring. I knew that was not actually fighting. One of the best things you said here was how ridiculous it is for these people to say well I've been doing this for 45 years! I've met so many seasoned decent musicians who say that and I see them performing and I'm like why don't they know the guitar is out of tune?! Doing something for 45 years does not indicate the level achieved only the time spent...

New subscriber here! I'm 53 and definitely not a fighter. Just want to be able to hold my own IF I have to. GREAT video!

It's nice to see someone demarcating self-defense from fighting.

Your way is far better for anyone in a situation like that u taught me something . Thank you

I love this. Principles, concepts and thinking for yourself is super important. I also like how you emphasize fighting and self defense are two different things. Well done.

Somebody has been reading my mail . The amount of times I hear " Would that work in the UFC ?" or "That won't work in a real fight " . Dude I'm not trying to get into a ring, I'm trying to go home. Those Cats know who, when , where , how , and how long they are going to fight. They got people there to stop things from going too far . I'm just trying to get my students ready to hurt somebody bad enough they stop what they are doing. I want them to feel more prepared walking out of my class the first time then they did walking into it the first time . I want them to remember it all, and be able to play it over and over in their mind until they feel like "Ok, now I have a plan ." I got females that weigh 85 pounds, dudes that can't do a single pull up , elderly , you name it. NONE of them could square up against the average construction worker that has a heavy bag in the garage let alone an actual trained fighter. But they do have some tools and a plan .

Best approach to defending and surviving on the internet! Do not let your ego fool your brain.

Love this guy. Spot on advice. Practice self defense. I still do it now at age 61, and try to stay fit. Retired street cop. I fought because I had to, not because I wanted to. I hated it, but it was part of the job sometimes. It was about survival, not ego. I knew I wasn’t the toughest, the best, the brightest. But I knew I could not afford to lose. I grew up boxing, but was always average. In my day we trained in boxing, chokes, kicks, hand strikes, holds etc. and Cardio, cardio, cardio. Our police trainers purposely tried to cause pain, knock us to the mat or out. We knew we wouldn’t become a fighter in a matter of 6-9 months. They taught you how to get knocked down and the importance of getting back to your feet. Your life depended on it. Many had never experienced a punch to the body or head. I will say God took care of me. I never ran into a trained fighter or professional. Because fortunately most of these people don’t fight the police. They are taught respect, honor, discipline etc. It was street thugs, drunks, drug addicts, mentally ill or desperate people. Nowadays it’s about knowing your basic skillset, mental mindset, fitness, awareness and avoidance. It isn’t like the movies. Punches and kicks hurt, you and them. So listen to this man. It can save your life. There is always someone meaner, better than you. And they don’t always look the part either.

Evangelical-Educational-Entertaining-this is what we used to learn at Krav Maga: f-ck fighting fair,fight dirty.

Love it! Talks and teaches real life lessons that many instructors miss when trying to teach any fighting art. They focus more on the striking and blocking than a simple common sense techniques. One of the questions I ask my students (and take them through) is what do you do once you get hit? You can stand there and cry, you can put your hands up to fight and trade shots, you can curl up and take the licks or trade blows, you can turn and run away, or put your hands out just as you've shown taking a defensive, non aggressive posture and when the opportunity arises, use your best tactic to survive the situation. That may be running, or defend and strike as described. Self defense is self defense and fighting is fighting. The two should not be confused. Thank you for clearing that up and reconfiming that lesson. Great video!

what a great explanation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This guy knows his stuff.

He's the realistic and most sensible instructor I've seen yet. He keeps it 100% and makes it easier for someone who may be intimidated or confused about defending themselves.to me his approach is for the non-fighter who just wants to gain confidence and survive if approached or attacked. Good stuff. Ous

There are 3 concepts I learned which I found useful: 1) Hard-on-Soft: Punches are hard, so hit soft targets (such as the throat). Palm strikes are soft, so hit hard targets (such as the skull or the jaw) and you won't injure your hand. 2) Life Support system: Strike the weakest areas on the opponent: Eyes, throat, carotid arteries (side of neck), ears (clap on them) and groin. 3) Diminished Fighter theory: Your opponent is at 100% health, and you must wear him down, so strike multiple times.

You’re absolutely right and you make absolute sense. I would just add that I would encourage people to be ready for these type of situations by practicing eye pokes, kicks to the groin and knees, strikes to the nose, ears, neck. Anyone can do these but if you never practice, it will not become natural to you. Great lesson sir. I have just subscribed to your channel.

I do BJJ and I’ve always questioned “self defense classes”. Buuuuut, after watching this, I may want to learn some of what he’s teaching. Well done.

Thank you so much for showing your classes you have no idea how many of us are watching. just wanted to let you know God love you....

I usually do not comment on this videos. Mannn his teachings and humor is absolutely amazing!! Thank you for this video.

Always enjoyed Prof. James' comments and ideas. Very practical and simple. As an aside, I remember watching videos of him back in the early 2000s. Wow, he hasn't aged a day! You go Prof. James!

You make a lot of sense. I'm 45 been in MMA for the past 15 years and been in many street fights in my younger days. It takes a certain mind set to be a fighter. If you can't fight then don't fight is the best advice I've ever heard for self defense on a RU-vid channel. I'm sold and will subscribe to your channel. Thanks for keeping it real and keep up the good work.

Professor, you are 100%!! I didn’t know growing up that I had innate fighting skills, something I had not been taught, nor successfully taught anyone else. An average man would have been badly injured or worse in the streets I fought in-perhaps, even a trained fighter. If you’re in a fight with a naturally good fighter-and, you cannot de-escalate-follow what this gentleman says. Whether it’s stumping the aggressor’s toes, kicking his knee or ankle, or nuts, you must debilitate him quickly. But, to do this right, you have to have BALLS. If this is new to you, the courage to hurt someone (person or animal) is easier said than done. Ask anyone who has been through this experience and you’ll see that they would agree. So, you must win the fight, first, in your head and then in your heart to thrust you into rightful action. End.

I love this man's teaching energy. I wish we had a self-defense dojo like this around my town.

Real Talk!!! Much much respect for keeping it 💯!!!!

Respect! Thanks again for the wisdom.

That's the most important and moreover the most sensible information to use in self defence.

You are a true-to-life friend of people.

A great example that demonstrates the difference between 'fighting' and COMBAT.

Now that is real knowledge and wisdom that needs to be taught to survive in the streets the right way.

Best information for untrained peoples defense that I've seen. Most of them try to get you to do some complex moves or goofy stuff that would get you killed. Or they show you moves it would take years to master. This was good for even the seasoned fighters that are caught off guard. Thanks. ✊🏾

I love this guy! It’s easy to spot authentic.

This is very true...i have been in Fights and it ended well for me because i Simply waited for the other Person to attack me..its Dangerous but it keeps the other person open to be hurt especially because i appear meek and let the other person think am scared..they get over Confident and walk 13:13 right into a trap... Fighting is also Mental .

Thank you !!!

Just stumbled across this channel and it caught my eye. Great presentation and it made so much sense! I'm a 52 year old man and I learned something that will last, just from this short video. Thanks!

Spot on! We need more people showing truthful vids like this.👍👍👍

Valuable lesson for life.

I love Vee he is awesome....that other creator is awesome too in my opinion!!! The chances that a very experienced fighter is going to bully you is not even 5%. I agree you don't know who you're fighting but we can make up scenarios all day to improve a channel views. No one instructor has all the answers just tools to help you prepare for a violent attack. Most of us aren't even with training!

Yes I a older man that's around this generation that knows nothing about honor, respect and loyalty,yes that's very helpful,thank 🙏 you .

The ALGORITHM got one RIIIGGHHTT!!! I instantly liked and subscribed!!! Awesome instruction my Brothers!! Keep up the excellent work! I definitely look forward to more of you guy’s content!!!👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾

First off the Vee Arnis Ju Jitsu is Great stuff my son many years ago was learning it with a gentleman that was teaching Goshin Jitsu that did some work with Prof Vee. I also had learned this exactly the way you show it through some Krav Maga training that I was doing for a short period or time. So I definitely appreciate the lesson and awareness you guys are putting out there. If I lived closer I’d love to train with you. Peace and Blessings 😎✌🏼🙏🏼

Love your video man. You're doing the LORD'S work. Really solid reasoning and tactics. I'm 53 years old and been around the fight game most of my life and I'm a cop. I'm no beginner. But I have to admit I learned something and know a lot more than I knew 15 minutes agi. Great job! Can't wait to check out your other videos.

This is amazing stuff. Keep doing what you do and protecting innocent people. Very important to realize the difference between winning a fight and staying alive or protecting people you care about.

BRAVO! Brilliant! Thank you!!!!!

I feel that if someone is concerned about being attacked in the street that they should learn some basic skills-boxing, wrestling, judo, Jiu jitsu or a good kicking martial art. It will take several years to become proficient but it is better than not being able to fight at all. I don’t agree that fighting and self defense is different but rather a different application. I have spent years learning useless martial arts systems and now I’m 58 years old and learning how to fight for the first time in my life. I am learning basic boxing skills (including the footwork) so that I have a solid foundation to build on. I decided to stop carrying a gun because it gives me a false sense of security-I can’t shoot an unarmed man no matter how much of a badass he is. I can use pepper spray but I may have to fight my way to it. At the end of the day if you can’t fight and you have to face a skilled fighter you will take a beating. Try and de-escalate the situation by talking to him. I talked my way out of being robbed by acknowledging that I could not beat the offender. I played on his ego and told him that if he took my money I could not feed my family. He had a sense of decency and let me go. I was lucky then but I don’t want to depend on luck if this happens again.

Facts.

You have helped more than know. Be blessed .😊😊😊😊😊

YOU ROCK! I admire your honesty, and.... this is something for people of all walks. I tip my hat to you, sir!

Great reminder for myself as an instructor… Me personally I like to train both how to fight and defending myself… And I do my best to teach the students the difference between the two and knowing when to apply it… I could be wrong about that approach but I believe in versatility when it comes to this… Knowing when to fight and knowing when to engage in self defense… Balance (again I could be wrong) 🧘🏾‍♂️🌊🍃☯️

Good advice. I took a year or so of TKD, which doesn't mean shit, I know. I did learn balance and pressure/breaking points, though. Just look for the most vulnerable parts and attack them mercilessly until you can get away. Hopefully, you have injured them enough for them not to want to or not be able to pursue. Yeah, don't try to "fight" if you don't know how. You gotta be crafty and use anything and everything to protect yourself.

This is ABSOLUTE GOLD.

Thanks for the pointers!

Razors and knives had done plenty of damage to fighters in nightclubs, too. Good information, though.

This guy yells to much! That's all i know!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Not in the streets anymore and I definitely need a mental advantage. THANK YOU AGAIN.

Bless you for making this video! With so much information out there, it is easy to get lost. Thank you for a very healthy dose of truth!

Thank You for your honesty

Solid advice coach, good to see people keeping it real, subscribed!

Absolutely amazing!

Preach. You have given the best true perspective of self-defense. May God continue to bless you.

Man when you get a good video your way it’s appreciated. Great teaching, a student learns very quickly.

A SINCERE THANK YOU!!! I've considered both approaches to answering/addressing the problem and it seems that the wisdom which comes from experience and age is the best solution. I'm confronted with physical assault on a regular basis and my habit of avoiding conflict gets reinforced because of my inexperience and lack of confidence. I was able to follow Mr.Fourth Place's arguments and instructions. Again, THANK You!

REALITY!!! I LOVE IT. Practicing all my life.

You are the only self defense teacher yet! You make it look so simple.

I love this instructor

You Are full of it, COMMON SENSE, THANK FOR THE LIFE LESSON.

Always been a fan, for forty years plus teaching. Absolute truth. They are teaching people that martial arts are about fighting in a ring, rolling... sparring... new names same things. These routines are important but know what real self preservation is! There is a difference. Just correct understanding of the difference as Mr James so well points out, could mean the difference between "crushed velvet" and life.

Love how you defined "FIGHTING AND SELF DEFENSE"!! AWESOME TECHNIQUES 👌!!