🤔 Would You Commit BOTH Limbs to Defend Against a Single Arm Attack? 🤔 It’s one of the most controversial strategies in RBSD: committing BOTH of your arms to block or defend against a SINGLE limb attack. Some say it’s essential for controlling and neutralizing the threat. Others argue it’s risky, leaving you vulnerable to a wide range of dangers. In this latest video, I break down the Best Defense Technique for Street Fighting and explain why committing both limbs can get you a one-way ticket to the morgue. But it’s not as simple as it sounds-there are risks, timing considerations, and HUGE tactical trade-offs. 💬 What’s your take? Is committing both limbs ever worth it? Or is it a rookie mistake that leaves you exposed? Watch the video, and let’s settle this debate! 🛡
Big believer in assuming everybody has a knife . During a seminar with my Silat instructor a student asked if he'd ever seen somebody get stabbed . He said no. But he had seen people that had been stabbed . When asked to clarify he said if they know what they are doing you'll never see the knife . After hearing that from enough people that would know I take it to heart . I think it was MMA fighter Guy Metzger that got his forearm fileted after a "minor" street incident and he didnt know until he looked down . Done it to myself several times at work from a putty knife in my back pocket . Deep enough to need stitches yet there was no pain , just looked down and saw blood on the floor and thought "Who's bleeding ??"
Brad, you’re absolutely right, and your comment highlights one of the most critical truths about edged weapon attacks: the most dangerous strikes are the ones you don’t see coming. The reality is that knife attacks are incredibly deceptive and often happen at such close range that victims don’t realize they’re being stabbed until after the fact. The story your Silat instructor shared aligns with what I’ve emphasized in my teachings for years-criminals skilled in knife use don’t brandish their weapon like Hollywood villains; they conceal, distract, and strike with precision. Your mention of Guy Metzger’s experience is a powerful reminder of this, as even highly trained fighters can be blindsided due to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of real-world violence. The lesson here is simple but often overlooked: always assume your attacker could be armed, and never underestimate the dangers of an unseen blade. This mindset, coupled with proper training in awareness, distance management, and realistic combat techniques, can significantly enhance survival chances. Thanks for sharing such valuable insights-this is the kind of real-world experience that adds depth to these discussions!
Brad, I mean no disrespect to your instructor, but I feel that's what's wrong with the martial arts these days. Very VERY few instructors have ever been in real combat. That's the difference between the military and law enforcement. Those guys have been in the shit and knows what works from their own first-hand experience, not from learning from books and videos. I have seen people get knifed. It's not pretty. And like Sammy said, in the real world, you'll never see it coming. When I was in my 20s (I'm 60 now), I frequented the neighborhood tavern after work. I always had my back to the wall and enjoyed my drinks quietly, while observing the room. I would often test myself by scanning the room and sizing each guy up. Then I'd wait to see if anything happened, and if it did, was I correct? One evening I noticed a small older man drinking alone in a dark corner of the tavern. Every once in a while he'd get up and go to the bar to order another drink. On one such trip, he looked over at me. I offered him a nod and a smile. He nodded and smiled back. As he walked past my table, I noticed he had a sheathed linoleum knife hanging from his belt. Have you ever seen a linoleum knife? If not, google it. They are wicked. Clearly, the man was a flooring tradesman and was here after work. He kept to himself and wanted no trouble. Well, long story short... a loud group of belligerent guys came in and after a few drinks they started to get rowdy. Why they set their sights on the guy with the linoleum knife, I'll never know. But needless to say, he was the wrong guy to pick on that night. Before the confrontation could escalate, in one seemingly smooth move faster than the eye could see, the guy drew his blade and cut his antagonist horizontally from hip to hip. A bloodcurdling scream emitted from the man as he grabbed his stomach. Chaos erupted as those in the rowdy crowd started screaming and tried to help their friend. He had fallen to his knees, and I could see the pale whitish pink ropes of his bloody intestines entwined in his hands! In the pandemonium than ensued, the older guy vanished in the crowd. That entire scenario took less than 15 seconds to play out. How can you defend against an attack you can't see and didn't know was coming? Bottom line is you can't! From a guy who's been in the trenches for over 40 years, I can say that the best defense is to go proactive and strike first. The old saying holds true... a good offense is the best defense. I wish more martial arts instructors had real world experience.
Mr. F. Just subscribed to your channel sir. Frist, your analysis makes so much common sense. Particularly, favoring one side. Also, thinking it would be just a punch and not include a knife. Very real sir. Keep up the good work.
Welcome to our community, Paul! I’m glad the content resonates with you and that you find it practical and insightful. Feel free to share this video with like-minded individuals who might benefit from it. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on future content-stay tuned for more real-world self defense concepts and strategies!
Hey Sammy just a worst case scenario I have visualized, if you are confronted with an assailant with a knife and you are unarmed, what would be your first instinct and how would you react to this situation? Thanks
Great question. 👍 When faced with an attacker wielding a knife, the safest and most logical first response is to run away if you can. Distance is your best defense against a blade, and escaping the situation drastically increases your chances of survival. Engaging with a knife-wielding attacker should only be a last resort if escape isn’t possible, and it requires specific skills to survive such a dangerous encounter. Always prioritize your safety and remember that no possession or pride is worth your life. Thanks for watching and welcome to our community.
Off topic unrelated question, War Machine Combat Conditioning: In addition to your War Machine book (which is Excellent, I have it on my Kindle), are there any other resources or books you can recommend on the topic of Weight and Strength Training? Arnold's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, Joe Weider's Ultimate Bodybuilding, etc
Glad you’re enjoying War Machine! I don’t have specific recommendations off the top of my head, but I’ll give you some advice-be very careful who you let into your head. The fitness industry is flooded with unqualified grifters who have no business publishing books on fitness as well as self-defense. As a certified NASM trainer, I’ve seen it all: so-called 'experts' who’ve never lifted a weight in their life, have terrible physiques, or are even obese, yet somehow think they’re qualified to teach because they hold a certification. It’s a massive problem in the fitness industry, so always vet your sources carefully and look for those who practice what they preach.
Excellent advice! Just a quick question: Let's say you're in an area where knife attacks are not common or that you're 100% confident your attacker isn't likely to use a blade, and he's also three times your size and is built like some NFL linemen or has the bone structure of some prehistoric Hominid. Can we use the two handed block in that case?
Good to hear from you, Jack. Knife attacks are highly unpredictable, and assuming that a knife isn’t in play simply because the odds or your "confidence" suggest otherwise is an extraordinarily dangerous mindset. A blade can be concealed in an attacker’s waistband, pockets, or even in unconventional places, and they can deploy it faster than most people realize. This is why I always train my students to expect the unexpected. I don’t take the luxury of assumptions-my survival mindset doesn’t allow it. Additionally, defensive techniques should always be considered a last resort. I emphasize striking first as a fundamental principle of combat because it allows you to retain the initiative, eliminates the risks of hesitation, and prevents being caught in a reactive mindset. In the time you waste attempting to "block" or "counter," your attacker could have already overwhelmed you. Striking first aligns with my First Strike methodology that is taught in my Contemporary Fighting Arts (CFA) system, where overwhelming the opponent with decisive, preemptive force is paramount. Now, regarding your hypothetical adversary-someone built like an NFL lineman with prehistoric bone structure: if I were to allow such an individual to attack first (which, let me reiterate, I wouldn’t), I would employ either my Shielding Wedge Technique from my FERAL FIGHTING program or the Webbing Strike from the Widow Maker Program. These are designed to bypass the conventional mechanics of blocking entirely. The Shielding Wedge capitalizes on forward momentum and structural reinforcement, enabling you to crash through an opponent's centerline, intercepting and neutralizing attacks in a single motion. The Webbing Strike goes a step further, obliterating the centerline by overwhelming the opponent’s cognitive capacity to respond, effectively "short-circuiting" their ability to launch subsequent attacks. These two unique fighting methods align with the combat-proven principle of occupying the centerline aggressively, ensuring you control the engagement rather than react to it. It's a total game-changer! Finally, while your scenario is intriguing, I hope this detailed response makes one thing crystal clear: allowing an adversary to initiate the attack places you at a significant disadvantage-one that you may not recover from. Unless you are highly trained, action often beats reaction. Always assume the worst, strike preemptively, and employ techniques that ensure dominance in both the physical and psychological arenas of combat.
@@SammyFrancoTV However I do wanted to say... I would definitely employ your Webbing Strike technique against a gargantuan attacker, HOWEVER I'm not sure I'd follow up the Webbing strike with Razing techniques. I'd prefer impact strikes to knock the SOB out cold if the Webbing strike doesn't get the job done.
First things understand what theory and reality means, I swear most of you use halfassly. There is no such thing as thing as absolutes that is real truth. No answer works all of the time but I give a sample idea tan/ pack the shoulder and punching arm I.e wing chun . Shoulder roll and catch from boxing
@ASMRcigarlounge1865 Mark, exactly! If someone can’t even structure their thoughts coherently, why bother posting a comment at all? Communication is key, and if nobody understands what you’re trying to say, it’s a waste of everyone’s time. Makes you wonder what the point was in the first place.
Such you all morons. Theory has a specific definition and reality has definition. No martial arts move you can think of from the jab to single me to arm bar to kotegashi to pack da to a teep to question mark kick or chasse to a ippon seoinage works all the time. There are no absolutes hence why they are hundreds of different techniques from hundreds of arts. They all work and don't work at same time. A firearm is a potent weapon but is does misfire and give you a stove pipe or double feed. You are talking about a subject Thousands of years old. Yet I am guessing none of you are actual masters
🤔 Would You Commit BOTH Limbs to Defend Against a Single Arm Attack? 🤔
It’s one of the most controversial strategies in RBSD: committing BOTH of your arms to block or defend against a SINGLE limb attack. Some say it’s essential for controlling and neutralizing the threat. Others argue it’s risky, leaving you vulnerable to a wide range of dangers.
In this latest video, I break down the Best Defense Technique for Street Fighting and explain why committing both limbs can get you a one-way ticket to the morgue. But it’s not as simple as it sounds-there are risks, timing considerations, and HUGE tactical trade-offs.
💬 What’s your take?
Is committing both limbs ever worth it?
Or is it a rookie mistake that leaves you exposed?
Watch the video, and let’s settle this debate! 🛡
Big believer in assuming everybody has a knife . During a seminar with my Silat instructor a student asked if he'd ever seen somebody get stabbed . He said no. But he had seen people that had been stabbed . When asked to clarify he said if they know what they are doing you'll never see the knife . After hearing that from enough people that would know I take it to heart . I think it was MMA fighter Guy Metzger that got his forearm fileted after a "minor" street incident and he didnt know until he looked down . Done it to myself several times at work from a putty knife in my back pocket . Deep enough to need stitches yet there was no pain , just looked down and saw blood on the floor and thought "Who's bleeding ??"
Brad, you’re absolutely right, and your comment highlights one of the most critical truths about edged weapon attacks: the most dangerous strikes are the ones you don’t see coming. The reality is that knife attacks are incredibly deceptive and often happen at such close range that victims don’t realize they’re being stabbed until after the fact.
The story your Silat instructor shared aligns with what I’ve emphasized in my teachings for years-criminals skilled in knife use don’t brandish their weapon like Hollywood villains; they conceal, distract, and strike with precision. Your mention of Guy Metzger’s experience is a powerful reminder of this, as even highly trained fighters can be blindsided due to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of real-world violence.
The lesson here is simple but often overlooked: always assume your attacker could be armed, and never underestimate the dangers of an unseen blade. This mindset, coupled with proper training in awareness, distance management, and realistic combat techniques, can significantly enhance survival chances. Thanks for sharing such valuable insights-this is the kind of real-world experience that adds depth to these discussions!
Brad, I mean no disrespect to your instructor, but I feel that's what's wrong with the martial arts these days. Very VERY few instructors have ever been in real combat.
That's the difference between the military and law enforcement. Those guys have been in the shit and knows what works from their own first-hand experience, not from learning from books and videos.
I have seen people get knifed. It's not pretty. And like Sammy said, in the real world, you'll never see it coming.
When I was in my 20s (I'm 60 now), I frequented the neighborhood tavern after work. I always had my back to the wall and enjoyed my drinks quietly, while observing the room. I would often test myself by scanning the room and sizing each guy up. Then I'd wait to see if anything happened, and if it did, was I correct?
One evening I noticed a small older man drinking alone in a dark corner of the tavern. Every once in a while he'd get up and go to the bar to order another drink. On one such trip, he looked over at me. I offered him a nod and a smile. He nodded and smiled back. As he walked past my table, I noticed he had a sheathed linoleum knife hanging from his belt. Have you ever seen a linoleum knife? If not, google it. They are wicked.
Clearly, the man was a flooring tradesman and was here after work. He kept to himself and wanted no trouble.
Well, long story short... a loud group of belligerent guys came in and after a few drinks they started to get rowdy. Why they set their sights on the guy with the linoleum knife, I'll never know. But needless to say, he was the wrong guy to pick on that night.
Before the confrontation could escalate, in one seemingly smooth move faster than the eye could see, the guy drew his blade and cut his antagonist horizontally from hip to hip.
A bloodcurdling scream emitted from the man as he grabbed his stomach. Chaos erupted as those in the rowdy crowd started screaming and tried to help their friend. He had fallen to his knees, and I could see the pale whitish pink ropes of his bloody intestines entwined in his hands!
In the pandemonium than ensued, the older guy vanished in the crowd.
That entire scenario took less than 15 seconds to play out.
How can you defend against an attack you can't see and didn't know was coming? Bottom line is you can't!
From a guy who's been in the trenches for over 40 years, I can say that the best defense is to go proactive and strike first. The old saying holds true... a good offense is the best defense.
I wish more martial arts instructors had real world experience.
Thank you!
You are most welcome.
Mr. F. Just subscribed to your channel sir. Frist, your analysis makes so much common sense. Particularly, favoring one side. Also, thinking it would be just a punch and not include a knife. Very real sir. Keep up the good work.
Welcome to our community, Paul! I’m glad the content resonates with you and that you find it practical and insightful. Feel free to share this video with like-minded individuals who might benefit from it. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on future content-stay tuned for more real-world self defense concepts and strategies!
Hey Sammy just a worst case scenario I have visualized, if you are confronted with an assailant with a knife and you are unarmed, what would be your first instinct and how would you react to this situation? Thanks
Great question. 👍 When faced with an attacker wielding a knife, the safest and most logical first response is to run away if you can. Distance is your best defense against a blade, and escaping the situation drastically increases your chances of survival. Engaging with a knife-wielding attacker should only be a last resort if escape isn’t possible, and it requires specific skills to survive such a dangerous encounter. Always prioritize your safety and remember that no possession or pride is worth your life. Thanks for watching and welcome to our community.
Off topic unrelated question, War Machine Combat Conditioning: In addition to your War Machine book (which is Excellent, I have it on my Kindle), are there any other resources or books you can recommend on the topic of Weight and Strength Training? Arnold's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, Joe Weider's Ultimate Bodybuilding, etc
Glad you’re enjoying War Machine! I don’t have specific recommendations off the top of my head, but I’ll give you some advice-be very careful who you let into your head. The fitness industry is flooded with unqualified grifters who have no business publishing books on fitness as well as self-defense.
As a certified NASM trainer, I’ve seen it all: so-called 'experts' who’ve never lifted a weight in their life, have terrible physiques, or are even obese, yet somehow think they’re qualified to teach because they hold a certification. It’s a massive problem in the fitness industry, so always vet your sources carefully and look for those who practice what they preach.
Excellent advice! Just a quick question: Let's say you're in an area where knife attacks are not common or that you're 100% confident your attacker isn't likely to use a blade, and he's also three times your size and is built like some NFL linemen or has the bone structure of some prehistoric Hominid. Can we use the two handed block in that case?
Good to hear from you, Jack. Knife attacks are highly unpredictable, and assuming that a knife isn’t in play simply because the odds or your "confidence" suggest otherwise is an extraordinarily dangerous mindset. A blade can be concealed in an attacker’s waistband, pockets, or even in unconventional places, and they can deploy it faster than most people realize. This is why I always train my students to expect the unexpected. I don’t take the luxury of assumptions-my survival mindset doesn’t allow it.
Additionally, defensive techniques should always be considered a last resort. I emphasize striking first as a fundamental principle of combat because it allows you to retain the initiative, eliminates the risks of hesitation, and prevents being caught in a reactive mindset. In the time you waste attempting to "block" or "counter," your attacker could have already overwhelmed you. Striking first aligns with my First Strike methodology that is taught in my Contemporary Fighting Arts (CFA) system, where overwhelming the opponent with decisive, preemptive force is paramount.
Now, regarding your hypothetical adversary-someone built like an NFL lineman with prehistoric bone structure: if I were to allow such an individual to attack first (which, let me reiterate, I wouldn’t), I would employ either my Shielding Wedge Technique from my FERAL FIGHTING program or the Webbing Strike from the Widow Maker Program. These are designed to bypass the conventional mechanics of blocking entirely.
The Shielding Wedge capitalizes on forward momentum and structural reinforcement, enabling you to crash through an opponent's centerline, intercepting and neutralizing attacks in a single motion. The Webbing Strike goes a step further, obliterating the centerline by overwhelming the opponent’s cognitive capacity to respond, effectively "short-circuiting" their ability to launch subsequent attacks. These two unique fighting methods align with the combat-proven principle of occupying the centerline aggressively, ensuring you control the engagement rather than react to it. It's a total game-changer!
Finally, while your scenario is intriguing, I hope this detailed response makes one thing crystal clear: allowing an adversary to initiate the attack places you at a significant disadvantage-one that you may not recover from. Unless you are highly trained, action often beats reaction. Always assume the worst, strike preemptively, and employ techniques that ensure dominance in both the physical and psychological arenas of combat.
@@SammyFrancoTV Okay that makes perfect sense. Thank you.
@@SammyFrancoTV However I do wanted to say... I would definitely employ your Webbing Strike technique against a gargantuan attacker, HOWEVER I'm not sure I'd follow up the Webbing strike with Razing techniques. I'd prefer impact strikes to knock the SOB out cold if the Webbing strike doesn't get the job done.
@JackL-n4w You’re most welcome, Jack. 👍
First things understand what theory and reality means, I swear most of you use halfassly. There is no such thing as thing as absolutes that is real truth. No answer works all of the time but I give a sample idea tan/ pack the shoulder and punching arm I.e wing chun . Shoulder roll and catch from boxing
Unfortunately, your comment doesn’t make sense. If you’d like a meaningful response, please clarify your point.
@@SammyFrancoTV
I thought the same thing, Sammy. I'm assuming English is not his native language. His comment was incoherent at best.
@ASMRcigarlounge1865 Mark, exactly! If someone can’t even structure their thoughts coherently, why bother posting a comment at all? Communication is key, and if nobody understands what you’re trying to say, it’s a waste of everyone’s time. Makes you wonder what the point was in the first place.
Such you all morons. Theory has a specific definition and reality has definition. No martial arts move you can think of from the jab to single me to arm bar to kotegashi to pack da to a teep to question mark kick or chasse to a ippon seoinage works all the time. There are no absolutes hence why they are hundreds of different techniques from hundreds of arts. They all work and don't work at same time. A firearm is a potent weapon but is does misfire and give you a stove pipe or double feed. You are talking about a subject Thousands of years old. Yet I am guessing none of you are actual masters
@SammyFrancoTV
There are lot's of crazies in RUclips comment sections. LOL