What is OG Self Defense?
Tell me if you liked it, didn’t like it, loved it, or think I’m too old to be grappling! Whatever you type is fine with me, I just need you to let me know that you’re alive and someone’s watching this video and the others to come!
Also, I’m going to be giving away some FREE COPIES of the NEW OG Clinic: Self Defense 101 Training Course and if you want a chance to win a FREE copy, all you have to do is post your comment below.
January 29th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Great video
Can’t wait to see the rest of it. As a 31 year old BJJ student, I don’t actually plan on getting in a fight, but I’m curious to see where the rest of your video serious goes!
Thanks!
January 29th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
looks like fun stuff!
January 29th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I liked this one..it is very interesting topic how fights happens in real life.. it is true that you can never know what “rules” your opponent is using, if any!
One thing I’d like to know is, that when is the right time to attack when someone is acting like he is up to something?
I’ve been in fight, where in dance floor this punk pushed me, then I turned and confronted him by asking what is his problem but then he hit me…
January 29th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
I was trapped in that martial arts mindset for a number of years myself. On the street, there are no rules, there is only violence. You have to strike first and be prepared to disable or kill in order to save yourself or your loved ones. Glad to have Paul teaching a class like this. If it’s only half as classy as his other programs, then it’s a “must have” in your DVD collection!
January 29th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
nice!!
January 29th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
I THINK THIS WILL BE REALLY HELPFULL COURSE. PLEASE USE SOME JUDO MOVES WHICH ARE GOOD FOR THE STREET.
January 29th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
I love the video. You raise some serious and often overlooked questions for “street” fighting vs. sport grappling, or even MMA fighters.
In the street there are no rules, and I’m not gonna kick for your head in a street fight. I’m kicking a knee out to end the fight, or a chop to the throat to drop you. Why should I break my knuckles on your skull?
Usually a fight starts out with a guy yelling, “I’m gonna kick your ass” then after you break his arm with a simple armbar from mount it always turns into “My lawyer blah blah blah.”
I like the idea that you show in this clip of “get out of the way.” The only real advantage you have if you train is the ability to stay calm when all your instincts tell you to fight or flight. The ability to control your adrenaline and execute can be the difference between getting your ass kicked and walking away relatively unscathed.
As always Paul you have great insight and great advice.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
As always MP, you give us something to think about. There is a difference between fighting and fighting for your life. Rule number 1 when fighting for your life, there are no rules.
You and Ryan sure do have a strange love – hate relationship. He did look like he enjoyed pounding on you a bit to much, which is probably why he took one to the groin. Great stuff!
January 29th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Dear OG,
Thank you for posting these videos. I eagerly anticipate future videos on self defense as this is the areas I feel I am sorely lacking. Thanks also for your regular emails as I have found them very informative and have already improved my training.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
I wouldn’t say that there is nothing wrong with the guy that bites or punches low. I would say there is something wrong with whomever thought that just because the other guy said something he didn’t like, he could touch him, whether to punch, kick, bite, grapple, whatever.
That said, I agree with your larger point that if you train to compete under rules, that you have to adapt your technique if you are defending yourself against someone who is not going to be following those rules.
Triangle on pavement? Maybe not.
Shooting in in a way that could you leave trapped underneath taking repeated knees to the dome? Ill advised.
Pulling guard and assuming he will not punch the boys as they are a more or less stationary target, or that breaking his posture will keep that short punch to the gonads from hurting? No thanks.
January 29th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Just googling around and I came across your website about a year ago. Since I am a somewhat small, 55 year old, it caught my attention. I am a 5th degree black belt in Kajukembo, with 20 years of training.
I have started training in Krav Maga and studying Tony Blauer’s Spear System. While I enjoy the beauty and skill of the traditional styles, I have become a believer in reality-based training. There is a difference that can be seen by watching sport martial arts and watching prison attacks on cable television.
I enjoy your website, DVD’s, and look forward to your new video.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Excellent demo — you’re not too old! In fact, from personal experience I can say this: The two last times I’ve been in a verbal (never became physical) confrontation was by someone my age or older! In the two cases I got in their face after they became very beligerant and raised their index finger towards my face. They did the typical thing “last go outside” bullshit, but never touched me, and I never followed them “outside”. These were bullies that failed to intimadate me, but tried to. Chances are good the one can be attacked by an old punk too, not just the young ones.
So, I love your self defense approach, since I’m too old for competition.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Paul,
Great video. I am looking forward to the next ones! I am very much into the self defense and street aspect of jiu-jitsu and you nailed it right on the head. When I am training I always say let’s not stay too far from the self defense and do too much of the sport part. You said it- things don’t always go as planned and we must react to the constant changing of the situation. I am really excited to see more!
January 29th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Good Video Paul, It’s a great word to the wise concerning bar room reality. We’re kidding ourselves if we believe anybody is going to play fair. Outside of the gym, anything goes!!
January 29th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
What you are saying is absolutely true. I have heard and met several well trained BJJ guys who have been owned in altercations mostly in bars with belligerent individuals. There is this sense of delusion that what you can pull of on the mat can also be pulled off in the street against anyone. You must distinguish between the sociopath that wants to kill you for fun and then rape or kill your children and wife and the asshole who just wants to show off in front of his equally deserving friends…Social violence is about dominance….asocial vilence is about survival-life or death….A sociopathe will pull out a knife and cut you up before you even realize there was a knife involved and you start bleeding prufusely and have only minutes to live while your blood shoots out from your femoral artery after your arm barred broke his arm….and you let him go….you need to make a distinction between the two because they are very different….Just my two cents my friend…look foward to your comments and video…
January 30th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Yes, the days of getting a “fair one” are long over. I think you are absolutely correct in making everyone aware and to expect the dirty tactics. Takedowns are excellent strategy, especially if you can remain standing (and stomping).
January 30th, 2010 at 1:43 am
Nice, just a taste to whet our appetites, the truth is most people take a martial art to protect themselves. A lot of us love the sport but understand that rules don’t apply in a brawl. Thanks for sharing.
January 30th, 2010 at 3:18 am
Awesome advice as always Paul.
January 30th, 2010 at 3:59 am
Fantastic job, Paul! Thanks very much for the time and effort that goes into posting these videos, they are a Godsend as I’ve very little time to get to the gym because of my long work hours. Great food for thought, straight to the point and very well articulated. Thanks again, I look forward to the next one!
January 30th, 2010 at 4:43 am
Dear Sir, that’s an interesting point of view, as you said, it’s exactly what’s happens…with men, and the ritual attitude of pushing and so on. With agression towards women (for men too anyway), the most important thing, I guess, is the survival instinct, as this fighting ritual does not occur. Hitting, biting, slapping, moving and running combined with easy ground technique, is a good combinaison. I mean, most women will be intimated, think it is not possible and so on, and will be pushed on the ground in a few seconds, therefore spirit and a few simple, easy, ground techniques are important to train. Survival instinct is important too and should be a part of self-defense training for everyone. I have been training in JJB for more than two years now and I love it (I am an OG:-)), anyway, this part of training is not in program…and should be…I am looking for your following videos about this subject.
Regards
Caroline
January 30th, 2010 at 4:45 am
The last real fight I saw on the street (or, in this case, parking lot) was very instructive to me. Here’s what happened: As I was walking from my van to the entrance of our local Shopko store (kind of like Target or Walmart), I heard yelling down at the other entrance. I looked that way, and saw a man and a woman yelling at each other. There was another guy who was walking toward the two.
Then, the man “belly bumped” the woman. She was knocked back, but not off her feet. The guy walking up right then yelled, “Don’t you touch her, you f-er!” and took a wild swing at the belly-bumping guy. The punch missed, the two guys clinched for a moment, and fell to the ground.
At that point, the fight was over. For both of them. Both of the guys were injured, though I found out later they only experienced some bumps and bruises. I also found out later that the original argument was over a parking space.
Anyway, the woman helped her guy up and he limped back toward his vehicle. The other guy laid on the pavement for a bit, then slowly got up and limped into the store. Yes, both of them were literally limping.
So, what did I learn? Real fights do go to the ground. But, in a parking lot, that doesn’t seem like the best idea. Much better to be standing with the other guy hurt on the ground, I think.
I’m really looking forward to seeing more of these videos!!!
January 30th, 2010 at 5:00 am
This is really an aspect that all schools need to adress in order to be credible. BJJ really exposed a lot of the other martial arts as being ineffective in a fight, but too many schools then turn around and only teach or spar ’sport’ jiu-jitsu. Sport BJJ has it’s place, but it does not prepare you for the street. If a student is taking your BJJ class for self-defense or MMA, then the coach needs to present and spar with that in mind. This is really a good idea, and actually a return to the pure roots of Brazilian\Gracie Jiujitsu. Keep it up.
January 30th, 2010 at 6:49 am
that was funny! funny cuz it was real and funny cuz it does happen! i”ve been following your blog and newletters for some time yet this is the first time i felt i had to comment
you got me on this one… great job, stating the obvious yet blurred reality! you are the man 
January 30th, 2010 at 8:19 am
You are right on with this. We have a GOOD multi-art school, I am the oldest guy by far, and have tried the BJJ, but stick with the striking classes. I have asked many times, what about the phase where either you take someone down or they are trying to take you down, can we practice that. We have, it was very PRACTICAL (like what I see you doing), but we could spend a ton more time on it. Keep up the good work. And you are bang on with the sloppiness of the fight. I like this.
January 30th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Loved the video
January 30th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Hey Paul,
I enjoyed the short video on self defense. I started training in a self defense style of jiu-jitsu for a few months before moving to Florida, where there seemed to only be BJJ. I love BJJ and train as often as my older, beat up body allows, but still have the desire and feel the need to have the self defense training as well. Looking forward to seeing more of your program. Take care. Bret
January 30th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Seems good from what I saw.
I can only speak for me, but I think street fighting is very instinctual.
Especially jamming an opponents attack & then neutralizing & going for takedown. I always like to see how it’s applied in a teaching situation.
Thanks & have a great weekend!!!
January 30th, 2010 at 9:30 am
pretty good.i agree with your comments on the formular of a fight. the out of range verbal exchange followed by the space invasion leads to shoving ,long range kick or long straight punch or even lunging headbutt.clinch range, hooking style slug out,grab and kick, throw to the ground kick, kick, kick usual to the face and head. In my experiance the first strike is from behind or the side ,maybe even when distracted for a moment [most of the blackeyes i got from punches i never saw].sometimes another less confident would-be thug will sieze the chance to join in and kicking.
January 30th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Awesome! People are often entirely ignorant of gross motor skills involved in survival situations, not to mention the importance of “Violence of Action” to overcome (or prevent from being overwelmed) a hostile aggressor. It saves lives.
January 30th, 2010 at 10:24 am
All of us who are studying martial “arts” or combat “sports” should learn more about what real fighting is. I appreciate your putting these videos together, and I look forward to watching and learning from them. Thank you very much!
January 30th, 2010 at 11:30 am
You are so right, why everybody is so worried about getting points?, Why to learn three way of scaping a triangle choke? there are no points in a street fight only the crude reality of a fight but they do not teach you that in the academies.
January 30th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Brilliant Paul!
I was lucky enough to be a part of Peyton Quinn’s RMCAT courses back in the 90’s. He was adamant that sport rules don’t exist in the street. As a bouncer and Harley guy, he has been in and seen hundreds of altercations.
Well, I’m a 49 year old who started grappling 3 months ago and my frustration with the mindset is boiling over. nobody responds to my questions about being sucker punched, blindsided or attacked by multiple opponents. They just say, “well that wouldn’t be fair.” I’d rather be alive than fair!
January 30th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Great video (as usual)! The problem with many Martial Arts schools is that they forget exactly why the Martial Arts were created. Martial Arts were not created for sport, exercise, or self discipline. These are definitely some of the secondary benefits of training in the martial arts, but not the main reason. Martial Arts were created to learn how to fight or defend yourself…period! The problem is that some instructors or disciplines have watered down their arts in order to make them into a sport or work in a sporting competition. Obviously, this is safer for the participants and there is less chance of injury. The problem is that some things that work in sport competition, will not work on the street. Instructors are doing a disservice to their students if they don’t teach the self defense aspects of their art.
January 30th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I agree 100% since getting out of the Marine Corps my training has evolved into the sport asspect of Bjj and striking in general. I agree when ever your back is to the wall there are “NO” rules and if you dont have that mind set your already behind the 8 ball. Great topic and general senses that really is real world violence. Look forward to hearing more on this topic.
January 30th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Thank you for delving into this area. We all need reminders that sparring/rolling and fighting are very different things. Martial arts training needs more emphasis on REAL world self defense
January 31st, 2010 at 1:07 am
I am looking forward to seeing more of these. I wrestled in high school and I feel those skills are very useful off the mat. But, say I get control.. what’s the next step? Thank you for doing a seminar like this. I think it will help any “pure grapplers” win when it counts.
January 31st, 2010 at 8:07 am
I’ve been a certified Krav Maga instructor and a I’m a long time martial artist and I can certainly see the value in what you’re teaching. Good and practical stuff! You’re right. There are no rules in a street fight. Once biting, eye gouging and groin punching (or, worse, grabbing) come into play, sport martial arts have to be adapted if you plan to use them for real self-defense. And a person fights like they train, so that adaptation had better not first be considered under fire. I will say that 99 out of 100 times, you should just walk away. I read somewhere once that a good test of whether or not you should be in the fight is if you can exactly and honestly state the situation and what lead up to it and then finish with, “so I ripped out his eye,” and not sound like a psychopath. If some one is trying to kill or maim you or a member of your family then taking out his eye is perfectly justifiable. Doing it to a neighbor at a cookout because he insulted you or even slapped you probably isn’t. Still, there are times when a person needs to defend himself with less than lethal force. And, even when lethal force or permanent damage is called for, it seems that these techniques will help. I’m looking forward to getting a copy of the course.
January 31st, 2010 at 10:07 am
Reality vs. Sports…
Often “insane” violance(!) from someone feeling no pain (drugs/insanity) unimaginable brutality & “weapons” vs. sportsmanship…
Two different worlds…
Living in Rio de Janeiro… no streets are safe… always be a “lert” outside the dojo…
GOOD subject… too many great sports martial artists have a false sense of “security”… truth is there is none…
Looking forward to more “reality-based” posts – might save one life and it’s all worth it!
Keep up the good work Paul!!
January 31st, 2010 at 11:37 am
I enjoyed the video. I look forward to seeing more.
January 31st, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Yeah very intresting video, in fact, ive been in situtions where real fights have taken place, not involved myself but seen it first hand.
Very good subject look forward to seeing more
January 31st, 2010 at 3:58 pm
I think it’s great that someone is focusing on the practical aspects of fighting instead of concentrating only on the sport. Both have their place but I have seen trained individuals get injured in fights with thugs just because they thought everyone played by the same rules. Looking forward to the next video.
January 31st, 2010 at 5:29 pm
This is a great video. and no you aren’t too old. I look forward to seeing more. Also it great to have a lloyd irwin gym here on guam now. can’t wait for the next email.
January 31st, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Loved the video. BJJ must stay true to its roots which is street self defense. I look forward to the rest of the videos. Great Job Paul!
January 31st, 2010 at 10:02 pm
its a very true statement There are no rules outside a ring.
January 31st, 2010 at 11:43 pm
would love to have this dvd…but unfortunately i’d like a full tank of gas a little more.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:00 am
Look forward to the information you have to share, think I was one of “those guys” who thought my jiu-jitsu was enough.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Reality check!
I’m 35 and I have been looking for a good BJJ gym where I live so I can begin training for the first time. But, I really hadn’t given SELF DEFENSE a thought. I had the idea to just find a gym that had a tournament winning reputation and I thought for sure i would learn all I needed there. Now with this video and *reality check*, the very first thing I am going to concentrate on is self defense training and “sport training” AFTER I learn how to truly protect myself and my family.
THANKS A LOT FOR THIS GREAT INFO PAUL!
February 1st, 2010 at 1:03 pm
your style of teaching is impressive.In real sense you are real teacher of your style.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Cannot get the thing to play easily. Perhaps Youtube would be a more reliable way for you to get your videos out.
Also, why not make some disclaimers that it is only the very last resort to fight. Like walk around/avoid that idiot in the parking lot of the convenience store, before he slaps you in front of your loved one. Like be more aware to situations. Or use a great sense of humor to diffuse confrontations before they escalate.
Ultimately only only fight when you are completely cornered or ambushed. If you have gotten into a barfight you are in the wrong bar, or ignorant to what is happening around you. If you lay with fleas, you’ll get fleas! What about discussing ‘backing down’ and getting away?
Pride heals painlessly compared to a knife wound…
Also I do not find it completely appropriate that you would choose to write a*hole in your emails. Lots of kids could read that and infer it’s ok to freely use that word. Coming from a teacher such as yourself.
Finally something which happened to me. I was monkeying arund , in a 25% serious fight with someone at work. I mounted him in the parking lot, and he attacked my groin! He totally had me and the fight was over, we quit playing. “That’s not fair & that’s DIRTY” lol
Something useful for me to learn, was we always use a cup in practice. We always have that groin protector in place during mma & BJJ and furthermore, the groin is not a legal target as we practice .
But this guy did not train. He did not have years & years of ‘no groin shots’ instilled in him. I just thought, wow, that’s the way it would be. I’m trained to fight clean & fair & sport ju jitsu, but completely out of my element , in many ways, on the street.
You hit on it, as the video plays in choppy splurts. Nothing wrong with him, as he punches your groin. He just doesn’t play by any rules like you do.
I wish I could watch you video, but it’s all broken up! 5 seconds of sound, then 1 minute of nothing, then wait 60 secs for a little more sound byte.
In closing, just avoid avoid avoid. Don’t go to the skeevy convenience store . See the thugs before they prey on you. Be nice and harmonious and don’t add to an argument.
SO that’s my comment!
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:38 am
Nice video! Covers previously “uncovered” ground! Can’t wait to see the rest!
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Paul, this is an awesome video!
I like Tony Forbis-Stokes’s phrase: “reality-based training.” At the age of sixty-three, I don’t think that any guy is too old for reality-based training.
Hey, man, keep up the good work!
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Quality!
With BJJ slipping more into the mainstream its easy to forget the gentle art’s true begining.
Thanks, can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Take it easy
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Yes combat jujitsu is different from sport jujitsu.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:11 am
Good video.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:13 am
I liked all the info, very practical on how people engage eachother usually.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Great video, a lot of training misses the reality of a fight, and that reality is that ANYTHING can happen.
I hope to see more of your OG Self Defense.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Great video and comments regarding real world fighting, I am on day 3 of my training BJJ/Muay Thai and everytime we drill a move or situation I always wonder how it could be applied in the real wrold not just competition, looking fwd to more videos like this!
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Master P,
This video is right on with everything you said. Interesting video.
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Very very good thoughts in this video. Too many times people say I am taking martial arts to learn self defense. In the class you learn proper techniques, but it the street techniques goes out the window. My Sensei has always trined us to expect the unexpected. I agree with everything said in this video. More Senseis meed to address this issue and train in OG self defense. Thank you for this video. I do have one question. Do ou ever do seminars in or around South Carolina?
February 5th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Jiu Jitsu was developed to be street effective. If you watch the “old fights” between the Gracies and various opponents, kicking and punching were used to set up chokes, armbars etc. There were no time limits or points. Sport jiu jitsu same as sport Karate does a diservice to the art in that participants worry about getting points and stalling to win matches. Jiu Jitsu can be street effective but too many schools limit the techniques because they are not legal in tournaments or “too dangerous.” Even MMA
has “evloved” to make it spectator friendly. Most organizations to not allow kicks and knees to the head of a downed opponent. Some do not even allow elbows to the head of a downed opponent. You must practice “dirty jiu Jitsu” (controlled to an extent) so that in a real situation the technique will not be foreign to you. Too many school have become McDojos and care more about keeping students paying monthly fees than training a person to protect himelf/herself. These schools (in my experience) , produce the least effective fighters. TRAIN LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT–SOMEDAY IT MAY.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
I am on old guy trying to learn MMA. I am also a State Trooper, I have to train like my life depends on it…because it does! I am learning all I can as fastas I can …which never seems fast enough. This video was a good start for me and any help I can get is greatly appreciated. Some of the floks I deal with know this stuff and some just act like they do but can still get lucky. In my work your closest back up may be 100 miles away, not good! I need to know everything I can to go home safe!
February 5th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Looks good. Keep up the good work.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Looks awesome
February 12th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Very true, when training for self defense you need to stay aware of what is not allowed in competition.
When doing an arm bar what keeps the person getting arm barred from biting the leg that is laying in front of their mouth. Modifications need to be considered.
February 16th, 2010 at 5:00 am
Greets from over the pond! Nice to see another teacher recognise and more importantly, deal with the “sport/rules” mind set. Many moons ago (22 years in fact!) I was attacked quite randomly from behind in a public bar. My sin and provocation? I ordered a beer. Incensed, I threw him to the deck with a lovely Kubenage (neck throw), then held him there for a few “quick hits”. Fantastic! Then his mates realised and tried to kick the hell out of me. The moral has already been made clear, but let me add this:- Martial Art training gets me into the competition, Martial “reality” training gets me home.
Keep it going guys!
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February 18th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
i thought you made perfect sense of what actually goes on during a typical street fight, would like to see more of your vids!
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