Understanding Combative Combative Psychology Psychology
By Close Combat Instructor & NLP Practitioner
Lee Morrison
2
Contents & Overview Preface: The Psyche in the Fight!
4
What is Neural Based Learning & NLP?
14
Introduction
18
How can we use it for Combatives?
21
The 4 key principles of NLP
26
Application to dissuading a Combative subject
29
Enhancing Communication skills
32
Internal/External Internal/External Representational Representational Systems
39
Cultivating a Confident BL Profile
48
Situational Awareness
54
BL Cue Acuity
67
Time Distortion
78
Belief systems
81
Perspective and Reframing
85
Visualisation/Mental Visualisation/Mental Imagery & Crisis Rehearsal
93
Modelling Excellence
105
Accelerated Learning
111
Strategy Elicitation
117
State Access & State Management
122
Anchoring States
128
Manipulating State in Others
132
State Access & Management Drills
138
Artifice, use of Deceptive kinesis
158
Creating a Supra State
165
Recommended Reading
177
3
Preface
4
My
search
for
Combative
functionality
began
some
thirty
years
ago,
inspired by one of many school bullies whose very name dumped adrenaline through my body like the like the fear express on express on rails. This was the perspective of the typical uninformed and inexperienced ten year old that I was at the time. Like many, it wasn’t so much the physical
part of getting
bullied
happening
that
bothered
me
so
much
but
more
what
was
on
an
emotional and psychological level, inside my own head. Anticipation was often a lot harder to deal with than any physical event during that time. Like many in search of a solution I turned to the Martial arts and so the journey began for the next thirty years, bringing us up to the present
day.
I
have
continued
to
train,
learn
and
evolve
as
both
a
combat athlete and as a person. Having had the fortunate opportunity to train and work with some of the best people in the world within the realms of Martial Arts, Self-Protection and Close Quarter Combat via a huge
variety
of
martial
systems
both
Eastern
and
Western
and
I
have
learned many things. Every person and every experience that I have had on
this
journey,
conclusions experience
of
has
all
gained
given
came on
me
from
the
something. But without doubt the best the
acid
inevitable
test
of
journey
the from
street,
via
adolescence
the to
maturity. Yes the worm did turn during my school days and I did find it within myself to stand up to bullies and yes it got physical, bloody and snotty at least from a youngsters perspective, back in the days when
5
punching, hair pulling, shin kicking and wrestling to the ground before punching or getting punched into submission, was what two lads having a fight
in
the
school
playground
looked
like.
From
that
time
onward
I
found myself not just standing up for myself, but if I’m honest standing taller than maybe I should have on more than one occasion. I was a bit of a hot head growing up; it must be the fiery family streak. I’m sure there’s some Latin in there somewhere. Anyway action, creates reaction and I found myself partaking in more than the odd street fight and bar brawl like many of my generation. Add to this the experience from some fourteen
years
working
as
a
pub
and
nightclub
doorman
from
my
early
twenties, the conclusions via experience started to accumulate. Not only was I actively training with anyone who was anyone around this time but I found myself, although by now a lot calmer and confident in demeanour, still actively pressure testing what I was practicing, both in the gym and ( (when when verbal dissuasion failed, leaving NO other option available ) on the street and on the door. It was here that my best conclusions were formed. Like many before me, a lot bigger and better I had merely come to
certain
similar
conclusions
via
similar
experience.
Instead
of
detailing those experiences I would rather talk more specifically about some
of
those
conclusions.
It’s
now
common
knowledge,
in
a
physical
sense that the combatant who hits first and maintains constant offensive
pressure
until
the
opposing
threat
subsides,
offers
the
highest
probability of success in terms of strategy. As long as you can manifest
significant impact and employ it with attitude! This is now a given and if you didn’t know this already well, consider yourself informed. The conclusions I want to talk about in this book come from a psychological point
of
view
and
I
will
begin
by
posing
this
question.
In
regards
specifically to traditional martial arts, combat sport and to a fair degree of Reality Based Self-Defence material on offer today; what is the main area, left either completely unaddressed or at least, shall we say
less
attended ? Answer?
confrontation. In here;
my
opinion
State Management
The
Psychology
there
and State
are
two
Access.
In
relating main
to
elements
laymen
terms
any
violent
of
concern
the
first,
refers to the ability to control our emotions during the stress of any violent confrontation, to a significant enough degree that will allow us to access our skills so that we can effectively deal with the problem.
6
The
second
refers
to
cultivating
the
ability
to
access
the
most
resourceful state/s of mind and body before, during and after, within the time frame of the full spectrum of a violent confrontation. Both of these
elements
Combative
training,
perspective
to Mindset.
relate
will
from
know
either
that
the
Anyone a
on
the
civilian
current
cutting
or
addition
active
to
edge
of
Operative
physical
training
comes from the advances of certain learning technologies, relating to
Neural
Based
Learning and NLP (Neural
Linguistic
Programming)
in
relation to Combative and Self-Protection related training. First allow me to briefly define the term “ State” this refers to our current thought patterns and associated physiology and demeanour at any given moment. Examples include
include
a
excited,
happy
state,
agitated,
a
tired
angry,
horny
or
lethargic
and
state.
inquisitive
and
Others so
on.
Throughout our average day we slip in and out of various states without giving too much thought to where we are at any given moment. But imagine if
we
cultivated
applicable to
the
ability
to
the
access
most
resourceful
state
any of our daily events. How useful would that be? Now
let’s take this idea and apply it to the task specific event of counter violence.
The
fact
individuals
who
can
athletic
is, do
endeavour,
a
if
you
take
something, method
any
individual
anything,
really
actor/actress
or
well
playing
a
group be
of
it
any
a
top
role,
musician performing on stage, someone successful in business or as in this
specific
dealing
with
excellence,
related
example;
violence.
shares
a
You
anyone
will
certain
who
find
is
that
commonality.
extremely each
There
capable
example
are
of
certain
of
such traits
exhibited in all successful people within all fields of endeavour that can
be
construed
as
the
difference
that
makes
all
the
difference
in
terms of the results they get. Anyone who has any familiarity with NLP will know that this was the basis from which the founders of NLP Dr Richard
Bandler
excellence.
I
am
and
John
not
going
Grinder to
go
created
into
the
the fine
idea details
within this preface, such details will be explained during
forth
coming
chapters
I
do
however
whole
of of
modelling NLP
here
in greater depth
heartedly
recommend
further study on the part of the reader via any of the many hundreds of books
and
courses
available
world-wide.
One
major
point
worthy
of
mention is that of commonality in regards to obtaining excellent results
7
and that of State Management. This refers to cultivating the ability to access
and
control
the
most
resourceful
mental
state/s
required
to
operate, the most effectively during any Combative event. We all know that the best preparation of all comes from “ experience” of the event. Looking
back
on
those
times
when
I
was
most
active,
in
terms
of
accumulating “live experience” I know that I gained a good degree of Combative functionality years ago. I guess like anyone else exposed to such experience, you’ll be amazed at what you get used to and pretty proficient at. But outside of the physical stuff that we have all come to know, in terms of what works; such as hitting first, with plenty of impact, following up as appropriate or in short taking initiative then exploiting the same until the job was done. I never really stopped to analyze why? I was consistently effective. I knew there was more to it than the just the physical. I knew about the need to understand fear and adrenaline and that you had to get control of your
own emotions and
self, before you had any chance of dealing with anyone else. At the time I just put it down to getting my mind right, just as I did when I dealt with my first bully at school. Like many people within many fields of endeavour, you may not necessarily know the whys and how of what you do well; you simply know that you can do it. Then as I started to actively teach a lot more, particularly on the International seminar circuit I realized
that
Psychological part
the
of
the
equation
was
what
most
people struggled with. As I started to research Psychology in relation to
Combative
material
was
efficiency quite
under
thin
on
fight
the
stress,
ground,
at
I
realized
least
from
that a
research
commercially
available point of view. Then I discovered Neural based learning from some
of
the
guys
within
my
own
field
of
Combative
training
and
I
discovered that a lot of the background ideas relating to this topic were
coming
from
these
guys,
who
were
also
NLP
practitioners.
Fast
forward a few years and such ideas are now starting to gain momentum. I have been experimenting and applying such ideas in both my teaching and training with a lot of success and I am now an NLP practitioner myself. In regards to management of emotions and state during fight stress, the starting point of course begins with accessing the right Mindset. Any resourceful state begins with the way you communicate with yourself, via the way you think and talk. ( Internal dialogue) This affects the way you
8
feel which in turn affects the way you act, which of course ultimately affects the results you get. It is a dynamic and synergist process: Any internal or external change to any of the components involved will have an impact on the whole. I want to apply this concept specifically to the full
spectrum
of
a
violent
confrontation,
i.e.
what
during and after such an event. The main element of
happens
before,
concern here is
“perspective” or your outlook during such an event, both before and as it unfolds. The simple fact is that, the reason that some people freeze up in the face of confrontation or in anyway allow themselves to get derailed
via
the
affects
of
adrenal
stress;
is
because
they
fear
consequence, particularly the consequence of injury. Fact is if you fear getting injured in any potentially violent confrontation then you won’t do anything to deal with the situation in a physical sense, just in-case you get injured. If you enter into any potentially violent confrontation worried about the outcome or consequence be it getting hurt, fear of comebacks, police involvement, litigation or possible imprisonment then there
is
no
way
that
you
will
be
able
to
access
your
skill-set
regardless of how much martial study you have undertaken. Control of negative emotion leads to the access of skill under pressure and this starts and ends with the way you think, or your perspective. This, as I said
before
affects
the
way
you
feel,
the
action
you
take
and
the
results you ultimately get. If I walk into a potentially violent event thinking “man look at the size of that guy, he’s gonna kill me!” Do you think
such
a
resourcefulness
perspective that
will
will
allow
ultimately
me
to
bring
access about
a a
state
of
successful
conclusion? I can tell you most honestly it will not. The commonality that any individual who is capable of dealing with violence well, will all share regardless of whether it’s a seasoned street thug, a hard man of reputation, a violent sociopath or a Special Forces Operative; is
Mindset or in short, their perspective of the pre-fight event. This will be the same or very similar. In short their mindset will be
Combative
and focused one track on what they’re going to do to the subject in front
of
them, NOT on
the
consequences
of
what
the
subject
they’re
facing could do to them. Perspective is just one part of the Combative mindset
or
the
psyche
in
the
fight; it
is
the
doorway
to
efficient
Combative psychology. NLP is based around the modelling of excellence
9
within any field of study; this study is about developing the ability to counter violence well. Anyway you cut it, violence is negative and antisocial behaviour but sometimes it is a clinical necessity. The sociopath capable of hurt and hate or the Spec Operator capable of de-humanizing a subject to nothing more than a target or a piece of meat, is not someone I’d desire to be 24/7 but it is most definitely the ideal state of mind and body to model for the ten second duration of any potential threat to life event. Particularly if it allows me to Win! The objective of course is state management, which is defined as the ability to control state; that is access; use and control it at will and like anything; repetition is the mother of mastery. A book such as this can only introduce such a concept,
hence
the
recommendation
for
further
study,
practice
and
training. The point of this preface is to discuss conclusions, so here are some of mine. The compressed curriculum that I teach and train comes from
a
minimal
toolbox
of
functional,
pressure
tested
hard
skills
adaptable and task specific, built from the power base of Mindset. The key to Mindset begins with you perspective of the forthcoming event. Mental “crisis rehearsal” or visualisation to map in; “how you will win” via
mental
imagery
is
just
perspective and Mindset and practiced to a level of
one like
key all
tool
for
good
the
cultivation
preparation
it
of
must
be
unconscious competence before any such event
might manifest itself in a physical sense. Within our
Urban Combatives
curriculum Mental Conditioning gets as much, if not more flight time in training as does Physical Conditioning and Tool Development. So, Mindset and perspective is all about cultivating the mentality and preparation; that if this situation is going to “kick off”
I am prepared to fight
until there’s nothing left to fight about! The focus that accompanies such thinking is all about, “what I’m gonna do, NOT what he or they are gonna do.”
The very root to all such thinking comes from your values
and beliefs. What is your belief system? We have all heard about the power of belief. Martial culture has many examples to offer, for example the old Filipino knife masters would often settle disputes and pressure test
their
art
through
challenge
matches
or
judicial
combat
from
anything from first blood to death. Such individuals believed that the outcome
of
such
combat
had
already
been
pre-decided
by
a
higher
spiritual order and they would often wear an amulet or a talisman that
10
reflected
such
a
belief.
This
would
allow
them
to
overcome
any
psychological boundary such as he fear of consequence, injury or death allowing them in turn to access their skill level to the very best of their ability, thereby giving them a higher probability of success. The Thai
fighters
tattooed
would
somewhere
often
on
have
their
a
body
prayer by
a
for
their
Buddhist
safe
Priest
well
as
being,
he
burned
incense and prayed over the fighter. This installed the belief that the boxer
was
leaving
being
his
mind
looked free
upon from
by the
a
higher
clutter
presence of
during
consequence
conflict,
to
operate
effectively. Similar examples can be found from historical culture both Eastern and Western from the ancient Samurai to the Knights Templar. The latter believed that if they fought bravely in the name of Christianity that each Knight would be cleansed of all sin on the Day of Judgment.
I
offer such historical examples, both out of interest and as relevance to cultivating the Will to STEP UP and DO.
My own Belief System and Values allow me to access and manage the most resourceful mindset needed to prevail within any Combative event that I train for.
My Belief System is based upon a framework of self Value and
Self Importance. I don’t mean that in an egotistical sense that says I am the
greatest,
I
simply
mean
that
too
many
people
in
my
life
( my
children, my wife and family ) need me, rely on me and I need and rely on them. Therefore I am
too important to be taken away from them.
prevail, I must Win! The next layer of mindset comes from
I must
focusing my
indignation. “How f**king DARE YOU step into my world and compromise all that I love! If you step up to me, I will smash you to pieces!” focused,
determined
attitude
allows
me
to
control
fear
and
11
This
utilize
adrenaline. It’s common knowledge that no one fears when angry. Instead adrenaline important
is to
now
the
fuel
understand
for
that
the
such
fire
a
to
fight
mindset
is
the
fight.
merely
a
It’s
necessary
resource, called upon only in times of great urgency. This is not a place I want to hang out. Think of it a one of my peers Richard Grannon calls it, a Supra State; the wilful creation of a split in the personality to
CAN deal effectively with violent confrontation.
create a persona that
This is like a shotgun under an overcoat that would only be called upon worse case scenario, outside of that it remains tightly covert and boxed away. The control of such a mindset will allow anyone to control their emotions
during
the
full
spectrum
of
a
violent
Pre-fight;
event.
the
ideal state, is highly observant, calm, collected and confident with my indignation quietly bubbling under the surface just waiting on cue. My confidence
comes
from
pressure
testing
my
training,
previous
experience and crisis rehearsal that is, mentally visualizing how
live
I will
win! The bottom line to confidence in ability comes from knowing you WILL assault
with
foundation where
massive
of
Combative
possible
accompanied whatever
impact
from
by
the
reason,
I
and
functionality,
exploited access
find
attitude.
of
myself
Impact
initiative voluntary having
That
with
i.e.
react
is
the
Attitude
be
clinical
to
really
first.
employed This
aggression.
now
to
very
is
If
something
for that
someone else is doing to me ( never the ideal) then I will operate from an acid tested support system in order to regain the initiative, again with Impact and Attitude. The late U.S.M.C Hand to hand combat instructor John Jasper Styers; summed it up best via the following quote: “CONFIDENCE in yourself, the Self-Assurance that YOU CAN DO IT, is the first requisite, the rest is a matter of know how and practice! This confidence allows you to stay loose both mentally and physically, until the moment that necessitates the application of your chosen plan of attack. Then hit FAST and HARD, pressing the attack to its successful conclusion!” John Styers, Cold Steel 1951 With that in place, if the physical becomes inevitable and the potential threat is significant that is, one that has scope to end you; then our game
plan
is
to
hit
first
sustaining
the
offensive
until
the
threat
subsides. Such a response should allow you to turn down your offensive as
12
appropriate as, when and if a lower level of force to threat parallel
conflict phase of the event. The visual
becomes necessary. This is the representation
of
explosive
aggression
is
contained
only
within
the
skill-set of your physical response for the brief duration of the event. It is fuelled by guttural determination and offensive forward pressure. Such
aggression
is
controlled
and
cultivated
and
comes
with
an
accompanying Big Red STOP button that can be hit at any point during the fight, as soon as my objective is met. Just as before the event, post-
conflict you need to be collected and in control of emotion. You are now looking to break state, back into one of collected observation in order to re-instate a higher level of brain function in order to make sensible decisions, such as finding an exit, driving a car safely, administering first-aid or talking to a police officer without incriminating yourself. This
three-fold
approach
to
Combative
functionality
is
the
difference
that makes the difference. The physical part of the equation is easy, this
is
where’s
commonality
it’s
shared
by
at. all
Such
access
and
the
people
that
control I
have
of
mindset
met,
is
the
studied
and
interviewed who can well and truly, DO IT for real. It’s only when you break it down so specifically that you can find such shared commonality, which in-turn can then be structured studied and modelled. In closing, like I said earlier the people that can effectively operate within any field, do not necessarily know the whys and how of what they do, they simply know that they can. I hope this preface has given some of you food for thought and whet your appetite for what is to come. Perhaps it will enlighten some of you who have such efficiency already, as to why you operate so effectively. Either way I believe that equal focus should be given to mental conditioning as well as all aspects of physical training, I hope this book encourages some of you to move in that direction.
Peace LM.... www.urbancombatives.com
“If you think you can, or you think you can’t you’re probably right.”
Henry Ford
13
What is Neural Based Learning & NLP?
14
What is Neural Based Learning & NLP? This
information
comes
from
a
variety
of
related
resources
and
is
based on my own personal study along with additional research material from
a
variety
information
is
of
like
minded
totally
individuals
specific
to
within
Combative
this
field.
All
functionality.
The
overall concept of Neural-Based Learning applied to Combatives is to provide students and instructors with state of the art in specific techniques
from
performance. within
the
related
Neural
This
concepts
information
Combatives
material.
instructor
Based
As
Dennis
comes
fraternity well
as
Martin
designed
from
who
are
myself,
via
a
his
variety also
such
CQB
enhance
to
of
individuals
familiar people
Services
combat
with
NLP
include
CQB
Instructional
Enhancement Program along with data from Law Enforcement officer and Combatives
instructor
Darren
Laur,
researched
input
from
martial
artist/NLP Trainer Bob Spour, Master NLP practitioner Richard Grannon as well as influence from Tony Blauer, Richard Dimitri, Marcus Wynne, Dave
Spaulding,
Use
of
Force
expert
Bruce
Siddle,
hypnotist/writer
Paul McKenna and many more. Again its purpose here is to enhance our personal
grasp
of
NLP
concepts;
specific
to
methods
of
Counter
Violence. Here I am looking at the subject from both a personal point of view as well as from a teaching perspective.
Neural Based Learning My own interpretation of Neural Based Learning or training refers to the installing the application of any skill-set under some degree of physical and psychological stress, requiring the application emotional
content from
the
trainee
in
order
to
succeed.
In
relation
to
Combatives training this relates to the use of Simulation and Scenario Training
along
with
various
Spontaneity
and
startle
reflex
drills,
acclimatisation drills along with other forms of stress inoculation training.
The
instructor’s
variables
disposal
for
creating
include
pain;
stress
fatigue;
that
are
at
any
disorientation
and
adrenal stress. In addition to this we can add the healthy doses of peer pressure via performance under pressure in front of class mates, along
with
the
manipulation
of
the
immediate
environment
and
implementation of physical restrictions to the trainee.
15
the
NLP Neuro-Linguistic-Programming
or
NLP
is
often
referred
to
as
the
“Software for the Brain ” it is a model for being able to duplicate human excellence. NLP is now widely recognised as a powerful strategy designed for maximising your potential in any field of endeavour by allowing
us
to
learn
a
new
behaviour
at
an
accelerated
pace.
NLP
focuses on the workings of the mind ( Neuro) and how it represents the world around us via our five senses; both internally, to ourselves and externally,
to
others.
It
also
refers
to
how
we
communicate
our
experiences ( Linguistics) again internally and externally, along with the patterns ( Programs) that we employ, that in turn govern the ways we form and operate within our individual worlds. NLP can enhance the way you feel and act in all areas of your life, business, social, emotional, physical and spiritual. NLP is a way of thinking about how the world works and analysing how excellence can be achieved in any field. It’s about finding the difference that makes a difference. NLP was developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the early 1970’s as the two of them set out to identify the patterns used
by
outstanding
therapists,
who
had
achieved
excellent
results
with their clients within certain specific fields. What
they
discovered
was
a
number
of
processes
and
commonalities,
which they then fitted into an accessible model in order to enhance effective
communication,
personal
change
and
personal
development.
Through their study they began to understand how such great people actually achieved such levels of excellence and in addition to that, how they could reproduce their skills for others to learn. Bandler and Grinder used their path of discovery as a way of showing others how to achieve similar success by modelling similar excellence. NLP has grown in
popularity
field
of
since
mid-1970.
communication,
It
now
commerce,
has
many
applications
personal
in
development
psychotherapy and is ever evolving.
16
the and
Neuro-Linguistic
Programming
provides
a
model
that
enhances
our
understanding of;
Neuro; Your thinking processes, the way you use your senses of sight, hearing, feeling, taste and smell to understand what is happening around you.
Linguistic; Your words, body language and communication skills, along with the way you use language and how it influences you internally and those around you externally.
Programming; Your behaviour and the way you organise your ideas and actions, which in turn produce expected and unexpected results.
The
main
ways
in
which
we
can
use
NLP
come
from
enhancing
our
communication skills in order to achieve certain outcomes, also from modelling the excellent achievements of others in any field, in order to develop a template to achieve similar results. This can lead into the area of accelerated learning by installing a physical or emotional skill-set to a level of great competence, very quickly. The scope for which NLP can change the quality of our lives is limitless. It is my suggestion that you look further into the basic fundamentals of NLP and
Neuro
based
learning,
by
further
reading
and
perhaps
consider
taking a basic NLP study course just to get a deeper grasp of the basics in general. From here on in, our interest in NLP, Neural based training
and
other
methodologies
relating
to
accelerated
learning,
refer to their usefulness related to Combative efficiency.
17
Introduction
18
Introduction Right
off
the
bat
I’d
like
to
talk
about
my
own
knowledge,
understanding, experience and qualification within the subject of NLP and
Neural
umpteen hope
based
training.
certified
to
be
subject.
qualifications
taken
This
These
seriously,
is
days on
it
A4
whenever
particularly
so
seems
that
heavyweight we
in
talk
must
cardboard
about
relation
we
to
a
have if
we
specialised
the
field
of
Psychology. Well here’s the deal, first off my experience, along with my
presentation
of
NLP
are
Combative functionality in within
this
volumes
for
field
as
itself.
a
geared
toward
application
one
and
area
teaching.
Self-Protection/Combatives
My
experience
of
real
only,
world
My
that
of
reputation
instructor
violence
on
speaks both
a
physical and psychological level comes from the real flight time of experience, years of training and cultivation of what works along with the elimination of what doesn’t. In regards to my study of NLP or (more
specific
training;
to
comes
Combat-efficiency
from
hours
and
under
hours
stress )
and
hours
Neural of
based
study,
of
practically all available literature, books, audio programs, DVD’s and live instructional lesson time with any and all, who have had anything to
say
on
the
subject.
All
were
either
certified
Master
NLP
practitioners and/or Hypnotherapists, some specifically familiar with the field of Close Quarter Combat and methods of counter violence. From here I put into practice everything I took from this study. I tested,
adapted,
applied
and
cultivated
into
the
physical
manifestation of training drills, scenario stress training and real world
incidents.
This
accumulation
of
feedback
and
experience
has
produced demonsratable results (in terms of control of emotions and effective
access
of
physical
skill,
under
fight
stress )
for
both
myself, along with numbers of my operational and civilian students. I have a sound knowledge and understanding of NLP and Psychology and have since become certified as an NLP Practitioner by Richard Bandler. I also apply NLP to additional fields of study outside the context of this subject. But for now I am looking to apply it in relation to the Psychology
of
violence.
So
if
it
makes
you
feel
better,
I
have
credentials and experience. Now open your mind, for you are about to embrace something brilliant. NLP applied to the field of Combatives is
19
becoming more and more interesting to many within this field. It is considered by many of us to be a cutting edge tool in the quest for martial excellence. LM 07/09
20
How can NLP & Neural-Based Concepts Apply to Combatives?
21
NLP & Neural Based Learning; Can be applied to Combatives via the following formats:
•
Modelling Excellence
•
Anchoring state
•
Mental Imagery
•
Enhanced Communication Skills
•
Enhanced Situational Awareness
•
Improved Body Language Cue Acuity
•
State Access
•
State Management
•
Installation of Skill-Set (quickly)
The sole objective of using any method, principle, tactic or drill be it physical or psychological is pure and simply for the purpose of functionality in relation to real world use. Ask yourself how is this useful? Question everything by developing an attitude of curiosity.
•
Modelling Excellence: The term Neuro Linguistic Programming roughly translates to
“the
language
of
the
brain” .
It
is
a
system that allows a person to employ the brain’s capability to copy the correct performance of another and incorporate it into your
own
personal
performance,
hence
the
term
modelling
excellence. We have already touched on this during our preface and introduction, but the idea of NLP and similar Neural Based concepts
is
all
about
Strategy
Elicitation.
This
is
a
construction of all the elements that make something work well broken down, studied then reconstructed and installed into a workable format in order to duplicate a similar result.
•
Accelerated Learning: From an instructor to student point of view NLP offers some excellent methods for installing skillsets
quickly
and
efficiently
to
a
point
of
unconscious
competence.
22
•
Enhanced Situational Awareness: This can come from our ability to refine and develop our skills of observation, via peripheral
enhancement,
faster
orientation
via
a
deeper
understanding of pre-attack indicators and body language cue acuity. This translates to our ability to process information much quicker thereby employing a faster solution.
•
State Access & Management: The process of getting your mind
right
in
terms
of
dealing
with
violent
confrontation
effectively comes from a psychological as well as a physical foundation.
This
relates
to
controlling
negative
emotions
during conflict such as fear, learning to utilise adrenaline as well as access and management of our most resourceful fight state/s. This is the crux of what most people, who train hard, are
after
and
Neural
Based
learning
offers
demonsratable
results regards to these objectives.
•
Anchoring State: The techniques of NLP allow us to anchor, that
is
to
recreate
a
desired
mental
state
conducive
to
combative functionality i.e. an instantaneous fighting mind, on demand.
Such
intensity
and
emotional
content
effectiveness
adds
of
much
any
more
battle
focus
skill.
to
the
NLP
can
specifically provide the combative student with effective tools in which to recreate, emotionally anchor and access the most resourceful hostile
emotional
environment,
states or
conducive
threat
to
to
life
prevalence
scenario.
in
any
Anchoring
codifies and provides a strategy to systematically access those states rather than, as we always have relied on in the past, stumbling into the right state of mind by sheer blind luck, or not,
as
is
more
probable.
This
will
provide
a
shortcut,
to
effective, immediate results in terms of combative congruence that
is,
physical,
the
ability
emotional,
to
bring
spiritual
about and
all
of
mental
your to
resources,
bear
on
resolution of a combative problem.
23
the
•
Mental Imagery/Visualisation: Every action begins its life as a thought take a look around you, every man-made thing you see, started as a thought in someone’s head. We can make real physical changes by thinking because our body responds to our thoughts. Our thoughts affect our muscles directly by enhancing our Neuro-muscular pathways.
Mental rehearsal or visualisation
really means, seeing mental pictures. these
pictures
by
using
any
or
all
Mental Imagery enhances of
our
representational
systems. Employed together, visualisation works because we can use our thoughts to programme our muscles. Mental imagery mimics real physical action and provides us with a blue print for the successful application of that action. Remember the person attacking you has already made the decision in regards to what they are going to do and how they are going to do it. In order for you to catch up and surpass them you need to move instantaneously and with violence of action, in a way that they do not anticipate. This defines the combative state of mind. By anchoring this state of mind along with the appropriate physical response in your head, via the practice of mental imagery and crisis rehearsal or visualisation, you can program yourself to access fight state almost instantaneously.
24
Mental Imagery uses the pictures in your brain to pre-set a particular situation., it is a good idea to play out high-risk situations by using mental imagery at least three times a week. What is meant here is to put yourself into a situation that you are likely to encounter. Play it out in your brain like you are watching a VCR, not losing but WINNING the particular confrontation. By pre-planning, using mental imagery, it is totally possible to be able to reduce your lag time because you have actually experienced the event in your head. No, you haven’t experienced it in real life, but you have played out the scenario or like-type scenario in your brain so an end result is already pre-programmed.
This will allow you to
respond instantly without having to think through it. Remember, that most people don’t plan to fail; they just fail to plan …
Handgun Combatives; Dave Spaulding
Crisis rehearsal via visualisation of violent incidents, ‘ ’how you will WIN ’’ is what will create the correct MINDSET to respond, in
addition to a
mental attitude that will overcome the fear of injury
to take extreme risks, coupled with a physical response that is immediate, direct and explosive…
Defensive Living; Sanford Strong
25
The 4 key Principles Of NLP
26
The 4 key principles of NLP 1. RAPPORT: Establish rapport with yourself and others. 2. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT: Define your goal or outcome. 3. SENSORY ACUITY: Using your senses, or your internal representational systems to guide. 4. BEHAVORIAL FLEXIBILITY: Keep changing what you do, until you get the result you want. These four principles can be employed effectively, in practically any situation where you desire a particular outcome. Or to put it another way, we can use these principles as tools that will at least allow us to influence the situation in the direction of our desired outcome. You could say that NLP is about manipulating the other party in order to
get
what
you
want.
The
term
manipulation
may
sound
a
little
clinical, or even harsh. But I’m not referring to manipulation in a negative sense. I can recall an incident that I was told about by someone else, where an old lady, who was starting to show signs of senility, was coerced, or manipulated if you like into signing over power of attorney to her fortune to a rather greedy little relative with selfish intentions. This of course would be an abuse of the use of these principles and is clearly not what I’m talking about here. But
people
do
manipulate
others,
often
in
favour
of
their
own
or
mutual ends and that is really just part of getting by in life, as an example, if I go for an interview for a job that I really want, I want to influence (manipulate) the person conducting the interview, in the nicest way possible, in order to get what I want i.e. the job. Another example might be if I want to talk to a girl in a bar, let’s say I like the way she looks and I would like to maybe, get to know her a little better, chat for a while and maybe ask her out on a date. This would be the outcome objective. In order to give myself the highest probability of success, I first need to establish
rapport, first with
myself by getting into a frame of mind that favoured a confident, light
hearted,
easy
going
attitude,
as
opposed
to
a
tongue
nervous blithering idiot. My next objective would be to get
tied,
rapport
with the girl. Assuming that after the initial eye contact, there was
27
something that at least showed a potential click and I managed to strike up a conversation, I’d aim to get rapport with her by making soft eye contact, paying attention and listening to what she had to say as we interacted. To get rapport with anyone, you must pay them attention
and
listen,
letting
them
know
that
their
opinions
are
important. You don’t have to agree with them but you do have to pay attention. In this same scenario then, I would at all times be sure to employ the next principle of sensory acuity this would give me a good indication as to whether or not I am on the right track. In other words
is
what
I’m
currently
doing,
working?
Or
do
I
need
to
do
something else? If I’m making her laugh and we are both getting on really well, then my sensory acuity would tell me that what I’m doing, is working just fine. In which case I’d continue on the same track and get my date. If not then I need to employ behavioural flexibility. This refers to having the flexibility in my behaviour to try something different. Hence the common NLP saying; ‘’if what you’re doing isn’t working, then try something else!’’
Freedom is all about having lots of choices. If every hurdle looks like a nail, then your only solution will look like a hammer. I need the flexibility to change what I’m doing, in order to get closer to a
outcome, does that make
solution more in line with my objective i.e. sense?
Each
and
every
one
of
us
employs
behavioural
flexibility
through out our daily lives; this is in a sense basically switching roles to different areas of relevance. In my own example; throughout my daily life I will interchange between the role of a father when I’m with my children, to partner when I’m with my lady. In addition to this
I
switch
roles
to
a
teacher
when
I’m
with
my
students
and
instructors within the context of class. There is scope to switch to a diplomat if I need to dissuade a hostile situation, to a warrior if I need to deal with it in a physical sense, get the deal? We all have the ability to be flexible with our behaviour just as we have the ability to manipulate behaviour in others. So how do these principles relate to the Combative psychology of violence? The following offers a real example.
28
Application to Counter Violent Objective Here is just one possible example of using the 4 key principles in an attempt
to
verbally
dissuade
an
aggressive
individual.
In
this
scenario a nightclub doorman who is working on the front door of the club,
is
approached
(Incidentally
Most
by
really
a
man
good
who
door
was
refused
supervisors
entry
earlier.
also
naturally
are
very good NLP communicator’s, without any training in the subject .) In this
example
refused
entry
nothing due
to
major a
has
dress
happened, code
other
issue,
he
than
was
a
not
guy
being
happy
when
initially refused and started to get a little stroppy as he left. He’s now come back ten minutes later, but his demeanour
is now leaning
towards escalating aggression. The man is now in a heightened state of agitation, shouting and using profanity. He sees the doorman, who in this example is a veteran of the job, very capable and confident in a physical sense and an excellent communicator, as an extension of his agitation i.e. the club that he was refused entry into earlier. So now, he starts shouting the odds. If the doorman is to have any chance of talking this man down from his heightened state, which of course is his desired outcome; he must first get rapport with himself. If the doorman enters into this situation, impatient and in-dignified that this idiot has had the cheek to come back after being told NO, then his attitude might clearly escalate the situation to the point of a physical confrontation. So the doorman must first select a state of patient
observation,
calm
and
confident
in
demeanour
but
fair
and
willing to listen to the subject’s argument, at least, at first ( this is rapport with himself. ) Next he must strive to get rapport with the subject,
who
heightened
at
state
this of
point
is
agitation
shouting
and
previously
swearing
mentioned.
in For
the
same
sake
of
argument the man’s pitch and volume of voice is set at 10. Now if the doorman’s
first
response
is
to
tell
the
man
to
‘ calm
down’
at
a
slower, quieter volume pitch of say 5, then chances are he won’t get anywhere.
In
fact,
there
is
a
good
chance
that
he
might
create
a
power-play and even escalate the situation further. Part of gaining rapport with another individual comes from what we call matching and
pacing. This includes matching in terms of body language, though not in an obvious sense, and pacing in terms of volume pitch and voice
29
tonality, and in some cases, breathing. By pacing the individual, you place
them
into
a
more
receptive
state,
whether
they
consciously
realise this is happening or not. From this method of matching, it is now possible to lead the situation towards your desired outcome. This is behavioural manipulation. So back to our current example; the best way the doorman can create rapport with the aggressive subject, is by influencing
him
to
see
and
humanise
the
doorman
as
a
person,
as
opposed to a symbol that represents the club or the source of his frustration.
The
suggestion
is
that
he
enters
the
conversation
himself, with a loud and assertive ( though not aggressive) pitch of volume tonality. If the subject is at 10, then the doorman should come in at 8 or 9, slightly below the subject but close enough to match him. Of course body language and what you say must be congruent, as this will also play a part in terms of the result you’ll get. Here’s an idea of how the dialogue in this scenario might play out:
Subject; “FUCKING DOORMAN, YOU’RE ALL THE SAME; YOU’RE BANG OUT OF ORDER NOT LETTING ME IN, WHAT’S HE ON ABOUT, DRESS CODE, WHAT’S WRONG WITH THESE FUCKING TRAINERS?”
Doorman; “EASE UP MATE, LISTEN YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN. I CAN SEE YOU’RE PISSED OFF, BUT I CAN’T HELP YOU IF YOU SHOUT AND SWEAR AT ME. LET’S Just see if we can find a suitable solution for everyone concerned, ok?” Here
the
doorman
has
started
at
a
similar
pitch
( matching)
and
pacing) to a level that, along with gradually brought the pitch down ( the chance of a solution, should start to de-escalate the subject’s previous state to a more manageable level ( leading.) The conversation could go either way from here depending on a multiple of variables, but
sensory acuity with now tell the doorman if he’s on the right
track in terms of talking him down. If the dialogue continues along the lines of;
30
Subject; “YEAH FFFu….k alright, look mate I know it’s not your fault…BUT THEY Are stupid rules, these are smart trainers… bla bla bla”
Doorman; “Listen bud rules are rules, stupid or not, I tell you what, see if you can go home and change, come back and be nice and I will let you straight in, you won’t even have to queue up, how’s that sound?” Chances are now; at least with the majority of reasonable people that can be talked down and reasoned with, the doorman should achieve his outcome of verbally de-escalating the problem in a non-physical sense. If
not
and
our
doorman
finds
himself
dealing
with
one
of
the
gratuitous violent minority, who often mistake kindness for weakness, then his behavioural flexibility will provide an option toolbox of choices
so
emptively
the
doorman
restrain
or
can
strike
now
do
if
the
something situation
different should
i.e.
pre-
justify
such
action. Remember flexibility gives us freedom of choice. Conversely to the above situation, if the hypothetical doorman in this example had limited himself to a pre-emptive strike as his only option, then he would be employing a hammer as if every problem was a nail, that not being
the
case
you
can
clearly
see
the
problems
that
such
inflexibility might cause. The two quotes below sum this up nicely. “If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’re keep getting what you’ve always got!” “The definition of insanity is to keep repeating the same mistake and expecting a different result!”
31
Enhancing Your Communication Skills
32
Enhancing Your Communication Skills Communication
should
be
approached
from
two
stand
points;
first
internally or how you communicate with yourself via internal dialogue and thought. Internal communication is probably the
most important
think
element in relation to everything you do. The fact is how you
affects how you feel, how you feel affects what you do or the action you take. Finally the action you take has a knock on affect to the
results you get. This applies to anything you do with the view of reaching a successful objective. Our topic here of course relates to dealing
with
violent
confrontation
(outside
confrontation of
an
ambush
effectively. attack )
will
Any
potential
often
begin
with
some kind of pre-fight interview or dialogue. This is often brief and direct, but it is here that internal communication with yourself must
confidence and self-
be constructive. Working from a perspective of
belief that YOU CAN HANDLE THE PENDING SITUATION! We will talk about pre-fight perspective and Management of State in detail shortly but for now remember; how you think affects how you feel etc. The second element relates to external communication. This is
of
course
directly
how
relates
you
to
communicate
to
and
with
others.
This
also
how you are being perceived by those you are
communicating with. The ideal; is that you communicate effectively enough
to
manipulate
the
situation
to
your
advantage.
A
direct
example of this is given in the 4 key NLP principles applied in the previous section.
Effective communication skills: Good communication skills are absolutely vital to defusing conflict. You
need
to
understand
how
we
communicate
and
you
also
need
to
recognise the blocks that get in the way of effective communication. We
communicate
communication
in is
other very
ways
apart
important
in
from
speaking.
emotional
and
Non-verbal threatening
situations.
33
The basics of communication: The basic elements of communication are: in
his/her
usually
head
made
up
to
pass
of
to
words,
you, tone
When someone has something
he/she
creates
a
and
non-verbal
coded
message
behaviour
–
(body
language) You then have to decode the message and reply with one of your own.
Verbal communication: We communicate with words, tone and body language: In a face to face interaction with someone, the message is sent using three types of communication. These are:
Words- the actual words spoken Tone- the way words are spoken and…
Non-verbal body language: Many studies have been done about communication and it is generally accepted that in a face-to-face situation the meaning of a message is gained by the receiver as follows:
WORDS NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION BODY LANGUAGE
7% 38% 55%
34
Congruence: Match your body language and voice; including the tempo, pitch, volume and tone; to the words you say. This is known as Congruence. It is clear that your words will make little impact unless your tone and body language match what you are saying, so put your physiology and dialogue in line with your successful objective. Remember effective communication influences behaviour and good communication skills will allow you to take control of situations and people.
What is my body language saying? Some body language can make people feel threatened. Any gesture that can be interpreted as aggressive whilst trying to de-escalate should be avoided. These include:
•
Finger pointing: or finger wagging gestures usually go with “being told off” can be humiliating.
•
Crossing your arms: standing with your arms crossed make
you
natural
look
and
defensive
you
non-aggressive
should
looking
keep
whilst
your still
can
posture allowing
you to control the Proxemics.
•
Sudden or quick movements of your arms: if the person you are talking to is jumpy or nervous, they might misinterpret any sudden movements as an attack.
•
Rolling your eyes upwards: this gesture combined with raising your eyebrows and rolling your head back is a sign of irritation and impatience.
•
Looking down on people: lowering your eyes rather than your head to look at someone can make people feel you are “looking down on them” or suggesting they are stupid.
•
Frowning or scowling: if you look unfriendly, fed up or miserable, it will affect the people you are dealing with.
•
Remember; strive to match and pace to gain rapport, then lead to a useful conclusion.
35
Verbal dissuasion: Defusing a potentially dangerous situation by means of talking is known as verbal dissuasion or de-escalation and sometimes as ‘verbal Judo’ the goal of de-escalation is to try and resolve a potentially hostile situation without having to resort to any physical action. De-escalation highly
skills
agitated,
are
useful
frustrated,
when
angry,
dealing fearful
with or
people
who
intoxicated.
are This
might be someone that you know whose normally a peaceful individual but is simply responding to unusual or extreme circumstances with negative aggression. Or you may have to work with members of the general public on a daily basis in which case verbal dissuasion can come in very handy when dealing with an agitated person. Understand that
de-escalation
skills
are
a
non-physical
option,
if
you
find
yourself in any situation where an attack on your person is apparent and
obvious,
sexual
such
assault
as
for
a
mugging
example
response,
preferably
following
principles
attempt,
then
pre-emptive should
be
attempted
obviously
an
would
the
be
observed
and
abduction
or
immediate physical
put
best
option.
into
practice
The
if
verbal dissuasion is to be the most appropriate tool of choice and used effectively. •
Project a confident and attentive demeanour: Maintain eye contact and try to avoid averting your gaze as this could be taken as a lack of interest or regard, or rejection.
The idea is to try
and find the source of their agitation and to quickly gain a rapport with the individual.
So be sure to stay attentive but at the same time try
and avoid staring which can appear threatening.
Mirror calm:
•
Control your own level of arousal.
Emotions can interfere with your own
mental and physical function as well as those of the person that you’re dealing with. A low to moderate level of arousal will keep you alert and ready to take action should the need arise.
Correct breathing will help
you to control anxiety under stress. A lot of people tend to hold their breath or breathe very shallowly during times of stress which only serves to
increase
their
anxiety.
Instead
try
to
breathe
deeply
into
diaphragm and not your chest.
36
your
A good cadence is to breath in for 3 seconds, hold for 2 seconds then breathe out for 3 seconds. This will help you to lower your heart rate and keep you calm. Don’t make this obvious instead try to keep it as natural looking as possible. •
Positive self-talk: People are also likely to allow negative thinking and self-doubt to creep in,
sending
now’’
themselves
undermining
messages
or I can’t handle this situation.’’
such All
as such
‘’I’m
in
thoughts
trouble
must
be
ignored and erased from your thinking. One way is to counter them with positive self-talk.
Tell your self that
‘’you can handle it, for better
or for worse, you will handle anything.’’ again this clearly relates to
your
perspective
on
entry
into
the
event.
If
you
practice
deep,
slow
breathing and positive self-talk regularly in response to any form of stress or anxiety in your daily life you will be more likely to respond this way when dealing with a potentially hostile individual. In other words
this
calming
behaviour
will
become
your
conditioned
response
to
danger which will in turn allow you to project confidence and can also have a calming effect on the subject your dealing with.
•
Protect your personal space: Make
sure
that
you
use
a
non-aggressive
looking
fence
or
a
similar
natural stance that will also act as a launch pad for your pre-emptive strike should a physical option become necessary. On the outside your posture should be communicated as non-aggressive and unobtrusive. Your internal representation however, is one of readiness. Your fence should serve to act as a standby trigger that will awaken
that warrior part of
your persona as an immediate support system should de-escalation fail.
37
Stay calm and strive to match your body language to your confident demeanour.
The hands high de-escalation fence is more compressed and is usually employed from a closer range.
38
Internal/External Representation
39
Representational systems Every person’s brain has the same neurological wiring from the moment we are born. Right from birth, your upbringing and environment begin to
develop
a
program
that
is
unique
to
you
alone. We
take
in
information through our five senses and process this information in a way that is unique to each individual on the planet. In doing so, we create software programs that run on automatic until we learn a new program.
Our brain relies on our senses to bring them information.
We see, hear, touch, taste and smell things in the world.
Once we do
this, these sensory experiences are turned into a picture, a sound, or a
feeling
on
the
inside
of
our
language of the subconscious. majority
of
people
are
minds.
This
is
referred
to
as
the
In terms of receiving information the
Visual/Kinaesthetic,
or
those
who
learn
by
seeing and doing/feeling. As Combative instructor’s and as a student interested in the psychological side of things; it is important to involve
as
many
Kinaesthetic/feel circumstances
of &
our
senses
touch,
as
possible;
Auditory/hearing
(visualisation
for
example)
Visual/seeing,
and
in
certain
Gustatory/taste
and
Olfactory/smell. Practice the following drill to help you get more in tune with your senses.
Self Representation drill: It’s a good idea to get in tune with all of your own senses in order to gain an understanding of your own representation of the world. Take the
time
getting
to
in
environment
go
tune
through with
around
each
your
you.
of
these
internal
Regular
in
turn.
representation
practice
of
this
Spend of
time
the
drill
really
immediate
will
really
heighten your environmental awareness. Start first by asking yourself; What can I see right now? What can I hear right now? What and how do I feel right now? What can I smell right now? What can I taste right now? In regards to problem solving and making decisions; it’s important to remember
that
the
brain
is
a
question
and
answering
machine;
the
quality of the answers you come up with, have direct correlation with
40
the
questions
you
ask
and
how
you
represent
that
information
to
yourself. Strive to involve all of senses in the following way.
Making Decisions & Problem Solving: Auditory Strategy- ask yourself what your best options are Visual Strategy-Imagine and visualise the possible option/solutions Kinaesthetic Strategy-Notice your gut reaction and feelings about those options/solutions.
Verbal Predicates: We
can
also
predicates mean?’’
or
in
employ a
the
spoken
‘’can
you
use
of
visual/auditory
presentation
grasp
what
I’m
such
as;
getting
or
‘’do at?’
kinaesthetic
you
see
From
a
what
I
teaching
perspective it’s important that all auditory communication is clear, so
avoid
the
use
of
jargon.
As
instructors
it
is
important
to
communicate from a visual, auditory and kinaesthetic perspective and to
pay
attention
to
the
preferred
learning
style
of
individual
students where possible. Be mindful of the way others use language via the feedback of verbal predicates, as this is a clear indication of an individual’s preferred method of receiving information, more on this later.
Combatives
are
90
percent
attitude
and
10
percent
skill;
Mindset is the platform or powerbase for our said attitude, as long as this platform is in place then whatever it is we do WILL WORK. The best structure to implement this into the trainee is to work the BIG pieces first then refine the SMALLER pieces; in other words get the experience by DOING IT DYNAMICALLY first don’t tell the trainee, show them (visual/kinaesthetic.) Give them an example to model, chunk down the skill then give them the experience, install the BIG piece first then refine it, start where you want to end up. As an instructor use the student’s own motivation and responsibility to learn as a resource in your teaching.
V.A.K Model: NLP teaches us that there are three basic ways that learn a subject. you
may
find
a person will
Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic with some individuals
that
all
three
representational
systems
overlap,
with
that said you will often find that one will be the primary language of the
subconscious.
For
accelerated
learning
it
is
important
41
to
learn/teach from a 3-Dimensional perspective, employing at least all 3 of the main senses Visual/Auditory/Kinaesthetic and where applicable (during
mental
Imagery/Visualisation
for
example)
the
additions
of
smell and taste.
Characteristics of Visual People: Visual learners understand what you are communicating by what they are seeing. They turn your words into pictures and images inside their heads. Their minds work like a movie camera and are happiest when you paint pictures for them.
Visuals talk about seeing, how things appear
from their perspective via visual predicates. Visual people are also fast acting, sometimes moving at a fast and erratic pace.
Characteristics of Auditory People: Auditory learners are sound based learners. They listen to how you say things. They take in more information from the way you say things than by what you show them. The auditory learner responds best to concise articulate
dialogue;
therefore
the
volume,
tone
and
pitch
of
your
voice are equally important as the content relating to the subject. Their
mind
works
like
a
tape
recording
device. It
plays
back
recordings to get an idea of what you are talking about.
Characteristics of Kinaesthetic People: Kinaesthetic learners primarily learn or grasp a skill-set by feeling and doing. They make decisions by how they “ feel” rather than by what they see or hear.
Their information comes predominantly from touch,
feeling, emotions, gut instinct hunches and attitude more than from what
they
memory
hear
and
or
need
see. to
Such
“feel
individuals have
it”.
Conversely
a to
good
kinaesthetic
visual
learners,
kinaesthetic people are usually more slow acting, that’s not to say they will move at a slow pace when practicing a physical skill, just that they will usually take their time to learn and grasp a new skill at a slow pace first, before taking it to full speed once competence is
gained.
A
good
instructor
will
learn
to
study
his
student’s
in
order to pick up on the language of their subconscious. If a student is giving you a picture using visual words (predicates) then he/she are
giving
you
an
unconscious
cue
of
how
they
best
receive
42
information. If the student is talking about how things sound or feel to them, then the instructor should be speaking in similar terms. Thus the listener receives the message that the instructor hears and understands them.
This is a big step towards developing “ rapport” and
understanding between
the instructor
and the
student. Conversely to
that, if you treat a visual student like a kinaesthetic the visual student will have trouble understanding, then frustration will build and
learning
is impaired.
To
the subconscious, you
are
speaking
a
language that it does not understand. When teaching Combatives to a group class or within a workshop/seminar context, it is important to demonstrate and communicate via the VAK principle; or in a way that covers all of the three main communication styles. If an instructor only teaches via his own preferred specific language pattern, usually because that is how he has come to learn and understand.
Then
communicating instructor student
his
may
can
the
subject
not
have
said
a
instructor to
know,
will
converse
because
different
of
experience
learners lack
learning
of
curve
when
problems
teaching.
knowledge
based
in The
that
each
the
said
around
representational systems. You need to remember that not everyone learns/communicates in the same way. By
employing
the
VAK
principle
within
a
group
setting,
then
listening carefully to the way any individual student may communicate with you on a one to one basis then you really are doing all that you can as an instructor to install the skill-set/concept or principle to the best of your ability as a teacher.
Use of language/terminology in teaching/training: One
thing
I
would
like
to
talk
about
from
a
teacher
to
student
perspective and also from a student learning point as well; and that is how we actually use language via the terminology we use during our Combative training sessions. Remember how you think/talk affects how you feel, which in turn affects what action you take and the results you get. In relation to dealing with violent confrontation this is extremely important. As I said in the preface article, it all begins with your Combative perspective pre-conflict. How you communicate with yourself before the event goes physical will have a big impact on you
43
bringing the said event to a successful conclusion. In my UC classes we use language in a very distinct way. The first term we completely eliminate
from
our
vocabulary
is
“Defence” if
you
find
yourself
defending, then you are in all probability losing! Defence indicates that you have lost initiative and are now reacting to something that someone is doing to you, never the ideal. Instead of Self-Defence we use the term Self-Protection which indicates there is plenty of scope for
you
taking
the
initiative
attacked and needing to now
before
you
find
yourself
getting
“defend” yourself. Examples of this are
avoidance and escape; made possible via our observation and awareness. Also verbal de-escalation as you protect personal space still keeping the subject at bay and of course clinical pre-emptive attacks if the situation is about to go physical. Such tactics relate to our primary Game Plan but of course anything that can go wrong Murphy’s
Law
can
and
will
often
enter
the
will go wrong,
equation.
We
all
make
mistakes and have the capability of getting caught unaware. In which case you will find your self now reacting to someone’s actions. In such a case we must of course implement contingency plans to deal with that. Within my own curriculum we do trust me, under the most spontaneous and non-compliant conditions our training will allow. But even
under
such
conditions,
we
are
not
thinking
about
this
as
defending; in your Combatives training your mentality should be such that you are either Offensive and first or Counter Offensive that is, you default to deal with the other guy’s initial entry, then take the fucker apart period!
Other terms
we
tend
to avoid and reframe are
“Aggressor ” or “Assailant” or “Attacker ” save such terms for a police statement if you ever need to make one along with the preceding term “Self Defence” this is where such terms belong. In my mind I will not use language in this way as it tends to empower the other guy and disempower the student doing the drill. For instructors you should never set up a drill in class saying something like; “OK you are going to be the VICTIM and this guy with the pad is the ASSAILANT, you need to deal with his ATTACK and then DEFEND yourself
with such and such…”
44
Do you see just how disempowering that sounds for the guy or girl who is now about to do the drill? What pictures or perspective has that installed into the student’s head pre-conflict? and is that at all useful as a Self-Protection strategy? NO! So instead of ASSAILANT and the
like
there
is
a
definite
need
to
de-humanise
such
individuals
under such circumstances, so we prefer the term MEAT! MEAT PUPPET! Or simply SUBJECT! The person doing the drill can also be referred to as SUBJECT, or as “the one who is about to Win!” Or you could of course simply use the student’s
name.
training.
All
Below
of
them
are are
a
short
geared
list
of
toward
words
that
manifesting
we
that
use
in
WINNING
MINDSET right from the start. Remember all conflict resolution begins and ends in your head and that starts with how you communicate. In short, instead of thinking of anyone you face as a potential problem, think
of
them
as
the
one/s
who
are
about to have one
big
fucking
problem, ME! •
Offence/Counter Offence instead of Defence
•
Self-Protection instead of Self-Defence
•
Meat Puppet/Meat/Subject instead of Aggressor/Attacker/Assailant
•
Subject/Victor instead of Victim
•
Avoid the word Instead use
try as an instructor such as
“try it again.”
“ do it again”
Master Yoda ( : “Do or do not, there is no try”
45
Constructive thought patterns: The brain is a question and answering machine; questions change the focus
and
direction
of
your
thought
patterns.
They
get
the
brain
focusing on the solution. An affirmation in the form of a question will literally train your brain to translate the affirmation into your behaviour. This
takes
us
back
to
our
perspective
before
the
event
again. For example if during the pre-fight build up to a potentially violent confrontation, you allow yourself to get intimidated by the hostile subject/s your facing by saying something to yourself along the lines of;
“This guy looks really mean, I’m fucked!” then guess
what? You will be. Instead ask yourself a more resourceful question such
as
“how
will
I
smash
through
this
fucker
in
3
By
seconds?”
challenging the brain with such a question it will do its utmost to adapt, overcome and improvise to give you a constructive answer. Another example of constructive thought patterns come from Combatives Instructor
Tony
Blauer;
who
said
ask
yourself
the
question
“ am
I
threatened, or am "I challenged” If you answer “ threatened ” then you are setting yourself up to think along derogatory lines. If on the other hand you think of yourself as “ challenged ” then your brain will now
start
to
look
at
constructive
ways
in
which
to
rise
to
the
day;
use
challenge at hand.
Positive self-talk/affirmations: Write
down
positive
positive
verbal
affirmations
mantras
and
and
recap
self-talk
on
to
them
every
re-affirm
your
goals.
Remember positive affirmations, internal dialogue and representation direct your physiology and mental state. Positive tells you what TO DO not, what not to do. Also use positive quotes and inspirational visual representations on the walls of your training area in order to help create
the
correct
state required for training and scenario events.
Draw from any of your past positive experiences and also from those of others. Affirmations that suggest gradual manifestation as opposed to completed change will prevent power play from your subconscious. So instead of “I am strong and capable” affirm along the lines of “ every day I am becoming stronger and more capable”.
Practice the principle
of Acting as if and you subconscious will soon get with the program.
46
“Don’t empower an assailant by using such terms, their just human like you; they do all the things that you do. During an altercation they are just in a different state. Reframe yours, so that when they face you they are MEAT! A TARGET! A VICTIM!” Bob Spour “Don’t place boundaries on yourself by empowering others, that won’t help you. Modelling is having the attitude; if they did it and I can duplicate that, then so can I!” Bob Spour
47
Cultivating a Confident Body Language Profile
48
Cultivating a Confident Body Language Profile ‘’if you look like food, expect to get eaten.’’
Hard Target: The thing to remember in regards to making yourself a harder target (or less likely to be selected as a potential victim in the first place) is that
your
physiology
or
body
language
profile
representation
to
the
rest
of
the
world,
representation
to
yourself.
If
you
walk
as
along
directs well with
your
as
outward
your
your
inward
shoulders
slouched looking at your feet, then you are telling yourself along with everyone
else
around
you
that
you
are
nervous
and
submissive
in
demeanour and therefore potentially, a soft target. Conversely to that if you straighten your spine and stand tall, as you walk at a brisk pace with a confident gait you are telling the outside world that you are a switched on self asserting individual. Your own personal inward representation (to yourself ) will also feel a lot more confident to act out such a role. Therefore one significant key that needs to be in place; is to put your physiology where you want your mind to be. In reality there are really only two reasons that you might find yourself on the receiving end of a potentially violent attack, outside of a personal vendetta or revenge attack or as a result of a miss-handled argument that spirals out of control. The only reasons that you might come across such trouble, is if; •
You have something of value in your possession that someone wants to
take
away
from
you
i.e.
your
wallet/handbag,
jewellery
briefcase or car keys or even your body. In such an example the potential assailant knows that he/she needs to use violence or the threat of the same in order to gain compliance from the potential target. •
The second reason comes out of gratuitous violence for violence sake. In other words someone, for whatever reason equates to logic in their tiny little brain (usually miss-placed aggression ) just wants to pick a fight and you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time so you’ll do.
49
In either case, the potential assailant will have made a pre-assessment from
visual
a
perspective before
this
takes
place.
If
you’re
body
language and demeanour depict an easy target to such an individual or group of the same, then you can bet it will progress to the physical pretty quickly. In a lot of cases particularly if it’s obvious that you are aware of their approach or general encroachment ( as you should be)) then the assessment or probe, will continue with some kind of verbal entry or interview just to confirm that you are the soft target, they initially perceived you to be. The main point to gather from this is that it’s pretty consistent to say that the potential assailant is not looking for someone that may come under the category of a challenge. The last thing such ilk want to stumble across is someone that will create
unnecessary,
unwanted
attention
by
causing
a
scene
and/or
someone who may have the capability to hurt them . Attention gets them caught, pain gets them hurt neither figures into their motivation to attack you. In short they want
an easy target,
someone who will capitulate then comply, not someone that could turn them into a fucking grease spot on the pavement. Why would such an individual problem,
select
when
all
someone it
that
takes
is
looks to
like
wait
a
they little
might
give
longer
for
them
a
easier
pickings to come along? There are many things that you can do in order to make yourself into a harder target. The first two main requisites can be employed by anyone young or old, male or female regardless of physical ability, size or prowess and they are in order of importance; awareness along with the development of a confident body language profile . This is not someone who stands out
with arrogance and cockiness, to the contrary it is preferred to be, what Bodyguards and Close Protection Operatives call the grey-man this is someone who blends into their environment relatively unnoticed, but on a closer scrutiny appear to be switched on and motivated. Everything about their demeanour suggests that they know what’s going on around them and there is a purpose to their agenda. Additional factors to consider may relate to physical appearance at the end of the day in order for you to appear outwardly confident, you must at least do all that you can to feel inwardly so. Don’t feel that physical size or
50
shape must dictate
whether
or
not
that
is
the
case,
because
true
confidence comes from your own inward perspective and being happy in your own skin. But with that said some people do ( rightly or wrongly ) feel that their own physical appearance is often relative to the way others treat them. If you are lacking in confidence because you feel a little over weight then get a diet and join a gym. If you feel a little underweight then hit a productive strength training program and pack on a few pounds of functional muscle. Regardless of which, take the action
habit
and
do
something
about
it.
Quite
often,
the
newly
acquired
confidence gained by changing ones physical appearance, even in some small way can certainly make all the difference to how you feel and in turn, represent yourself to others. The knock on effect from this comes from the effect that such outward representation will have on others. This can indeed lead to a reduction in the chances of us being singled out as a potential target. The fact is that people only treat you, the way you let them.
Physiology and State: Posture affects physiology and mental state, for example the ability to get angry is impaired by employing a posture that has your upper body and head leaning backwards and looking upward. This is because predatory body language and mental state is focused forward, somewhat hunched and leering. With confident and assertive body language and mental state, the physiology needs to stand tall, erect and outward not
cocky
as
physiology
we’ve
where
it
already needs
said
to
just
be
and
confident. Put your body and your
mind
(mental
state)
will
follow it.
Non-Target: To close this chapter on body language in relation to making yourself a harder target, I’d like to introduce you to the idea of presenting yourself Blauer
a
as
a NON-TARGET.
Canadian
This
Combatives
conceptual
and
idea
Defensives
is
unique
Tactics
to
Tony
instructor
of
exceptional reputation. Tony should be given credit for employing many psychological
tactics
applicable
to
combat
as
well
cutting edge ideas long before many of us. A lot of
as
many
other
Tony Blauer’s
ideas have influenced many likeminded instructors, me included. Here
51
we will discuss his idea of presenting yourself as a Non-Target; via two examples from Tony’s own experience and that of his student’s.
Scenario one: A guy is jogging through the park and suddenly spots three guys paying him too much attention. He has perceived via their demeanours that he has just been targeted and selected as a potential
“victim.” At this
point escape is not an option and the three men move onto the path a short
distance
in
front
of
him
blocking
his
thoroughfare.
Thinking
fast on his feet, he keeps a cool head and maintains his jog pace on the spot, just to the flank of one of the men and says to one of them; “Hey man! Have any of you seen two guys walk this way? One of them, a really big guy, body builder, wearing a red shirt walking a Rottweiler? Have you seen them?” This was met with a confused, somewhat stunned look from all three of men
a
clear
indication
that
their previous
pattern was
clearly
. Obviously thinking TWO GUYS, REALLY BIG GUY, ROTTWEILLER? interrupted All of a sudden the odds might NOW get stacked in their previously perceived target’s, favour thus now making him a NON-TARGET. Taking quick advantage of this temporarily stunned state, the jogger simply said “never mind fella’s, they must be up ahead!” and jogged on out of there.
Scenario two: A guy walks into an out of hour’s bank entrance in order to use the indoor ATM. On stepping up to the cash point and placing his card into the
machine,
the
guy
suddenly
realises
that
two
men
of
very
shady
looking appearance have now followed him into the building. Both men stand either side of the main door entrance leering in our subject’s direction. Again thinking fast on his feet, he hits the cancel button which
returns
his
card
and
gives
off
the
following
Oscar
winning
performance: Our man suddenly steps back from the machine and shouts “WHAT???!!” As he kicks the front of the ATM machine with the sole of his boot, BOOM! “THAT FUCKING BITCH!” “SHE’S CLEANED OUT ALL MY FUCKING MONEY”…”BIITCCHH!!!”
BOOM! As he kicks out again. Now, how will this body language display (bearing in mind that the performance was Oscar winning ) now change or
52
reframe the perception of how these two potential predators, now see their
previously
verbalisation, congruent
perceived
pitch,
aggressive
tone
soft
target
language
facial
and
expression,
subject?
Note
profanity
along
salivation
that with
and
the the
explosive
outburst of physically violent action all point to the fact that this guy
is
now
extremely
PISSED
OFF!
In
short
his
mental
state
and
physiology is now fucking aggressive, not forgetting of course that he is also now, flat broke; seeing how his woman has obviously cleaned out his bank account. He has now portrayed himself as a NON-TARGET. Both guys instantly picked up on this and moved out of his way as he stormed out of the bank. Great concept, give it some thought.
Physiology: Obviously if your demeanour portrays you as meek and mild, insecure with
absolutely
no
outward
indication
that
you
are
aware
or
your
surroundings then you may increase all likelihood that at some time in your life, you may come across those who are looking to take advantage of such a person. As opposed to creating an outwardly positive self image;
that
individual.
clearly Just
states
standing
that
tall
and
you
are
a
walking
at
confident and a
brisk
confident gait is an immediate indication to anyone
pace
alert with
a
that you are a
switched on individual which will in turn make you less likely to be selected as a victim of attack in the first place.
Here we can clearly see the difference between a slouched insecure posture, compared to standing tall and walking will more assured and confident gait.
Remember, your physiology directs your mind, which directs your mental state which directs your actions.
53
Situational Awareness
54
Situational Awareness Our goal here is to enhance Situational Awareness by focusing on the enhancement of our vision skills, for faster observation and pick up of pre-violent behavioural indicators, along with the enhancement of peripheral vision.
vision transferable
under
stress
i.e.
inhibiting
tunnel
Such enhancement will increase our reaction time, along with
the effectiveness of our OODA LOOP see below. In addition to improving pattern recognition via behavioural cue acuity, for a faster response to a potential threat, such skills will allow you to spot before it turns into
attention
intention. All elements presented here towards
this objective will bring out our baseline skills.
The O.O.D.A loop: This observational enhancing model was designed by Col. John Boyd of the US Air Force. OODA is an acronym for ction. Decision, and A
Observation, Orientation,
When you are in a state of relaxed alertness or
Condition Yellow you are constantly observing ‘O’ your environment. If you spot a potential problem, you would then orient ‘O’, that is focus your attention on whatever it is that you’ve observed and determine whether or not it is a threat.
At that point you make a decision ’D’
as to how you are going to act on this information, which then takes you into action decision.
‘A’, where you put into effect the result of your
You act, then you go back into the Loop of ‘O’, observing;
you observe how the situation has now changed as a action.
The
cycle
becomes
a
continuous
loop
result of your of
observation,
orientation, decision, and action. Here is a hypothetical example of how the OODA Loop can be applied to your Self-Protection game plan.
55
You’re in a pub stood at the bar.
You’re switched on, in tune and
Observing your environment. You notice that two lads at the other end of the bar are starting to get loud and abusive to the surrounding
Orient that
patrons, they look over in your general direction and you
they are looking for trouble with whoever makes eye contact with them and are therefore a potential threat.
You then
Decide what you are
going to do, in this case you take A ction by making your way to the nearest exit with complete preparation to motor should the need arise. You then move back into Observation to see how the situation has now changed, is there going to be a new Orientation?
If they noticed you
leaving
Orient
and
attempt
Decision/Action further
to
cycle,
develops
then
follow, which you
then
you
that
would
would
will
then
simply
go
a
into.
carry
on
different If
nothing
with
further
Observation of your environment.
Remember OBSERVATION leads you into ORIENTATION, so half of the OODA loop is about perceiving threat, DECISION and ACTION are based on what you perceive. ‘’Awareness is the most important component here; it doesn’t matter how great a shot you are or what a great fighter you may be if you don’t see trouble coming soon enough to prepare for it.’’
Marcus Wynne A state of general alertness will cue you in to what’s happening and give you the time and options whether to fight or not. But if you are going to fight, you need to have all your mental attributes lined up and ready to go, and that is what we call fighting state.
I am pre-
supposing that anybody reading this book has made a conscious decision that if necessary, they will fight with everything they have up to and including deadly force. Marcus Wynne from Dave Spaulding’s book
Handgun Combatives.
Vision and Observation skills: Spec Op’s guys always pay attention to the little things out of place within their operational environment; these are the things that could kill
them.
criminals,
360
degree
Police
Situational
Officers
and
Awareness is
Operatives
but
employed far
less
by
career
so
by
56
Jo
public,
as civilians we should strive to employ this skill as a daily
practice, making it as natural as walking down the street. What do you pay attention to? As CQB practitioners, regardless of whether we are operational
or
civilian,
we
need
to
develop
the
same
level
of
awareness, then take this skill and place it on top of everything else we already do.
Ask yourself how can I apply this to the full spectrum
of an encounter from pre-fight to conflict to post-event? •
Relaxed alertness: OODA LOOP/Condition yellow
•
Focused Intention: Alarmed state/Condition orange/Orientation
•
Access
fight
state:
Deal
with
the
threat/Condition
red/decision/action •
Check state: Actively scan/tactical decisions
•
Stay
in
Ooda
loop:
Continue
to
assess
situation/deal
with
aftermath
Peripheral enhancement drill one: Calibrate your peripheral vision and then have a partner massage your shoulders and neck as you elongate your spine into a relaxed state. Re-check
and
calibrate
your
vision
for
an
obvious
improvement.
This
shows how a relaxed state can enhance peripheral scope, conversely to that an alarmed state can cause a closing of peripheral scope, often referred
to
as
tunnel
vision.
Enhanced
Peripheral
Vision
is
an
essential Combative skill. How many times a day can you check your own vision? As many as you want and need is the answer. It takes 21 days of consistent practice to change a habit or to make a skill habitual.
Check the scope of his peripheral vision during a relaxed state…
57
Peripheral enhancement drill two: Calibrate
Peripheral
Vision
from
a
relaxed
state.
You
can
do
this
either by using your own hands or employing 2 partners to stand either side
of
you
on
the
fringe
of
your
peripheral
scope.
An
partner will now add stress to the drill by offering you role-play
and
dialogue
depicting
raw
naked
aggression.
additional
face to face Or
via
the
sudden introduction of a large knife held a few inches from your face can also work in addition to the sudden and explosive verbalisation
(I
personally like to use a big f**k off Bowie knife.) Continue the drill several
times
until
de-sensitisation
starts
to
occur;
this
can
be
measured by the ability now, to maintain a good degree of peripheral scope
in
comparison
to
the
first
scope to close or tunnel some what.
true
test
which
should
lead
your
If you notice that one side tends
to close down more so or in advance of the other, ask yourself, how might your body compensate for such a weakness?
Check vision again after the introduction of stress…supplied via some sudden aggressive dialogue and the unexpected presence of a fuck off BIG Bowie knife, needless to say tunnel vision was present.
58
Peripheral enhancement drill three: Calibrate Peripheral Vision from a relaxed state; again you can do this either by using your own hands or employing 2 partners to stand either side of you on the fringe of your peripheral
scope. Have a
partner with a striking pad/shield stand in front of you.
Check peripheral vision then access an aggressive state… Now blitz a frontal target for a timed duration. ..Note how everyone tends to fixate on a frontal stimulus closing peripheral scope in the process.
On your partner’s signal which will be offered intention from him/her, blast
into
the
pad
with
an
all-out
attack
(access
state) on
the
instructor’s signal; stop your assault and re-calibrate your vision, break state then spell your mother’s maiden name or give your vehicle registration
number
in
order
to
re-instate
a
higher
level
of
function.
59
brain
Peripheral enhancement drill four: Calibrate
Peripheral
Vision
from
a
relaxed
state,
by
holding
your
hands out to the fringe of your peripheral scope. Have one partner with a striking pad/shield stand in front of you, and another wearing 2 focus pads and stood behind you. On your frontal partner’s signal, which will be offered intention from him/her, access state and blast into the pad with multiple palm heel strikes for 30 seconds, pace this don’t rush. At some point during the drill, the feeder behind you will feed either focus pad high or low, left or right within the scope of your peripheral vision.
Your ideal response is to turn and throw in a single palm strike to that pad and then turn back to your frontal threat. Try and resist the temptation to turn and look for the pad, instead the idea is to try and pick up the cue in your periphery. The feeder’s objective is to determine the limits of you peripheral scope in an attempt to help you broaden it. If however you don’t pick up on the feeder’s cue after 3-5 seconds he will hit you with the pad, which in turn will help install a learning curve.
On instructor’s signal stop your assault and re-
calibrate your vision, check state then recount your phone number out load quickly.
60
Accelerated learning: learning: From
here
it
is
important
to
accelerate
drilling
into
enhanced
enactment, peripheral vision is just another piece to assemble, put it all together by bringing this into other aspects of your training such a regular regular pad work, scenario scenario training training etc. etc. tasking. visual
The
previous
intention,
drill
state
gives
change,
in
you;
Remember it’s it’s about about multi target/impact
addition
to
its
acquisition,
main
focus
to
enhance peripheral vision. As an instructor there’s what you think you are teaching and what you’re actually teaching we multi purpose to accelerate the learning. The student may not know all the elements that make up the end objective; this is an instructor need to know only.
All the student requires is t the he en end d res result. ult.
How can I employ this skill in the real world? When striking a pad or a person, most people will tend to fixate on the intended target, there are of course pro’s and con’s to this. If I focus on the central threat once I’ve received the stimulus to access state
and
eliminate
the
threat,
my
central
focus
may
make
me
vulnerable to an additional threat from outside of my periphery. By habitually
checking
vision
I
can
broaden
my
peripheral
scope
to
a
degree where even under the stress of a critical incident, it will close down a lot less than if I didn’t have the skill. This can be a huge tactical advantage in a fight. Also by habitually checking my vision after accessing the fight state, I am also checking my current state, to a degree of calm where it is now possible to make a tactical decision
based
on
any
new
Orientation.
This
will
keep
within
realms of my functional OODA Loop.
Average Peripheral Scope:
Enhanced Peripheral Scope:
61
the
The
four
diagrams
depicted
here;
first
show
average
and
enhanced
peripheral scope during a relaxed state of body and mind, followed by a
depiction
incident.
of
What
peripheral we
can
see
scope from
under this
the
is
stress
just
how
of
a
critical
useful
such
an
enhanced scope can be during any threat to life incident, hence the benefit to the Combatives trainee as a potentially life saving skill .
Peripheral tunnelling under stress:
Enhanced Peripheral scope under same stress:
Instructor’s group drill/Vision skills: The following drill was developed by part of the instructor/student group, including myself who took part in the Liverpool Neural Based Learning seminar with Marcus Wynne in Sept 2006. To demonstrate our grasp of Marcus’s material the entire group was divided into smaller groups
and
given
the
task
of
developing
a
new
and
unique
drill,
specific to the main topics covered during the course. Our topic/drill related specifically to the enhancement of vision skills. The drill we came up with employed the following resources; •
One trainee/recip trainee/recipient. ient.
•
One aggressive role-player.
•
3-5 additional partners.
•
An array of weapons, live or practice.
•
One coach/safety man.
One of the main objectives within NLP is to install a workable and demonsratable frame.
The
improvement object here
within was
to
the
student
improve the
in
a
very
short
time
recipient’s observation
skills along with gaining an improved understanding of Body Language cue acuity, in relation to the carry and accessing of a weapon/s.
62
We called out a volunteer from the crowd and told him that nothing in a
physical
sense
was
required
from
him,
nor
will
anything
in
a
physical sense happen to him. For the purpose of this drill, he will remain relatively static and the focus will be on what he observes within the scope of his current peripheral vision. He was not told anything
more
specific
than
that,
until
his
second
opportunity
to
repeat the drill which will come after enlightenment. From here one person will role-play a deceptive ruse that will quickly escalate into aggression,
in
an
attempt
to
distract
the
recipient
and
make
him
fixate on what’s going on in front of him. Depending on the level of stress offered will depend on the degree of tunnel vision he receives. Whilst this is going on, the rest of the group of 3-5 people will move in
and
out
within
his
potential
peripheral
scope,
as
they
display
certain subtle and gross motor weapon carry and access cues, which may or may not be picked up within the student’s potential line of sight. What this showed on several volunteers was just how easy and fast a potential weapon threat, could be brought into play, particularly when engaged in dialogue from the front. From a Self-Protection point of view, we all know that we should assume two things,
one; a weapon
might be involved and two; there is probably more than one aggressor. We should also understand the M.O of a street attacker and their use of the Pincer Approach within the context of a criminal assault. Under such
circumstances
we
would
of
course
strive
to
move,
in
order
to
obtain Situational Control and improve our positioning for increased observation and awareness of threat, this would be our transition to the above drill and how we’d translate it in a combatively functional sense.
This photo clearly depicts the danger of frontal fixation, in this example missing the gun to head threat.
63
The focus and context of this drill is simply enlightenment to the possible
dangers,
within
any
confrontation
and
the
importance
of
gridding each potential contact within the immediate vicinity, into the said quadrants as we apply focus to the hands of each one, as quickly as possible. Of course, to do all this while still maintaining situational control and soft focus on the guy in front, is no easy task.
The first time round saw each individual miss the majority of
potential weapon threats, which were to be called out as they were picked up. For
the
drill
any
weapon
man
spotted
and
called
out,
for
instance
‘’knife’’ ‘’gun’’ etc would then remove themselves from the drill, the object is to spot them visually nothing more. The second repeat of the drill
saw
an
immediate
and
demonstrate
able
improvement,
with
the
majority of cues and weapons getting picked up on, whilst controlling the man in front. Like I said the transition of movement, situational control, active scanning and pre-emptive action would be implemented to
make
part/s
of
the
said
drill
functional
and
applicable
to
the
operator in a real world sense. The main transition from the previous Peripheral Enhancement drills is Active Scanning which is employed by actively turning the head left to right, within 360 degrees of mobility in order to break tunnel vision. Keeping the hands in an active guard and regaining and maintaining your mid-line. Now the skill has been combatively applied. You need to take this skill and place on top of what you are already doing i.e. in training during pad drills, partner work and simulations as well as any live confrontational situation that you might find yourself in. Plug this into your overall game plan then ask yourself, how could I apply this to the full spectrum of an encounter, right from
pre-fight
to the conflict phase, through to post event? •
Relaxed Alertness:
•
Ooda loop/Condition Yellow.
•
Focused Intention:
•
Alarmed state/Condition Orange.
•
Access State to deal with the threat:
•
Employ action/Condition Red.
64
•
Check and break State then Scan the environment:
•
Switch state to observation for Tactical Decisions.
•
Re-orientate and assess:
•
Deal with aftermath post event.
•
State change according to events:
•
Be
prepared
to
State
change
in
order
to
sustain
the
event.
Tunnel Vision: With regards to Peripheral Vision from an intervention or team tactics perspective, we can make this work for us when dealing with a fixated frontal threat. The next two examples come from live experiences via door work. Southnarc
We know that during the context of a criminal assault as calls
it,
that
part
of
the
street
aggressor’s
M.O
is
to
employ the pincer approach, that is distract the target from the front to create fixation, as another aggressor attacks from the flank or behind,
taking
peripheral
full
closure.
advantage We
can
of
also
the
use
target’s
this
tunnel
against
any
vision Combative
and or
hostile subject as a means of intervention. The following accounts are true, and depict a clear example of this. One guy smashes two bottles and wields them one in each hand
in a threatening manner to two door staff. The aggressor is suffering
the
effects
of
severe
adrenal
stress
including
tunnel vision, making him completely fixated on his intended target/s. doorman
This
working
enabled at
a
a
student
nearby
of
venue,
mine, to
also
approach
a
veteran
from
his
flank, get right up behind him and employ a text book face
take
down,
followed
by
a
knee
drop which
rear
pinned
him
effectively in place as the 2 original door staff stepped in to restrain. Another
example comes from my own term on the door, when a
big fight kicked off in a local venue, the catalyst to the affray was one guy who was stood up on a table swinging what appeared to be a crutch. This guy had already hit several people with the makeshift club including 2 door men and he
65
was
successfully
keeping
others
at
bay
with
it.
Employing
team tactics we had 2 guys get him to fixate from the front as I
moved
through
the
crowd
behind
him
in
order
to
approach from the rear. With one sudden movement I was able to get close enough to whip his ankles out from under him as I shoulder barged him face first into the table he was stood on, from here we upturned the table and pinned him down with it until his attitude subdued.
66
Body Language Cue Acuity
67
Body Language Cue Acuity Pre-cues
or
predatory
precursors
behaviour.
to
There
violence are
are
obvious
physical examples
manifestations
such
as
people
of who
appear to have no reason for being in a particular place or doing what they appear to be doing. One example is the guy in the car park who appears to have no car, is carrying no keys or shopping bags yet is hanging around without any obvious purpose. Such behaviour by itself may
mean
nothing
but
as
additional
cues
accumulate,
perhaps
the
obscurement of the hands, looking around frequently as he starts to create barrier to your movement, then you’d better pay attention. A single cue by itself may mean nothing, but the presence of two or more presented in a cluster deserves your full attention. In addition to such behaviour are some of the less obvious precursors that take place just before the physical assault; such as a definitive shifting
of
bodyweight,
hand
obscurement
as
the
opposite
hand
misdirects your attention. Then we have the even more subtle facial cues such a facial tightening of the jaw, narrowing the eyes, dropping the brow etc. These will cue the observant to the moment
attention
becomes intention giving you in turn, the earliest opportunity to take action. frame
We
into
can 4
assess
quadrants;
physiology in this
is
a
others
useful
by
in
gridding
order
to
the
human
observe
any
innate pre-assault body language cues. The objective is to be able to notice
someone’s
Attention
of
you
before
it
becomes
Intention.
The
transition from one to the other is in what’s happening to the body, hence the need to develop BL cue acuity as we shall see. Being able to spot
subtle
pre-incident
cues
is
referred
to
as Attack
Recognition
Skill.
Facial expression: Feelings and emotions are often reflected in the face. It is possible to learn much about another’s current mood and feelings from their facial
expressions.
represented
include;
Some
basic
happiness,
expressions
sadness,
fear,
that anger,
are
clearly
surprise
and
disgust. These can occur in a variety of combinations and can vary in intensity. Because these expressions are universal they are valuable non-verbal
cues.
They
can
warn
us
of
impending
danger
(by
outward
68
signs
of
fear)
or
help
us
prepare
for
aggression
against
outside
attackers (through facial signs of anger). If a subject is looking to encroach
on
witnesses,
a
potential
weapons,
target
friends
to
he
will
help
look
and/or
around
escape
possibly
routes
for
( rearward
glance). In addition to this the widening of the eyes, exposing a lot of white are often signs of loss of control which can be followed by an
immanent
attack.
Aggression
can
also
be
identified
if
someone’s
eyes are staring or bulging, this can be due to the tunnel vision that accompanies adrenal stress and/or if the person is in a drug induced state.
Posture: The way we stand and hold our body will often communicate the way we feel
as
well
as
our
outward
intentions.
A
relaxed
upright
posture
expresses a confident demeanour. Students of Self-Protection are often taught
to
Walking
manifest
at
a
a
brisk
confident,
pace
with
positive
a
body
confident
language
gait,
profile.
looking
around
frequently, taking in your environment so that everything about you says you are a switched on individual. This in itself will create what we call Target Hardening , making you much less likely to be selected as
a
victim
someone fists
of
standing
would
posture,
be
an
attack
with
their
perceived
reluctant
to
in
first
chest
as
make
the
place.
out,
arms
aggressive,
eye
contact
splayed
while
and
Conversely with
someone
submissive
to
that
clenched
stooped
in
in
demeanour
will be perceived as a soft or easy target option for a potential aggressor.
Gestures: Finally the way that someone moves and gestures with their head, hands and arms will also offer valuable information on mood and intention, a clenched fist will be deemed as aggressive, a finger pointing gesture, as
rude
accompany
this the
kind
of
prodding
interview,
part
gesture of
a
is
often
potential
a
probe
that
confrontation.
will
Such
a
tactic is often employed as a means to read the recipient’s reaction to aggression so the aggressor can determine whether or not it is a safe bet to continue or progress the verbal assault into the realms of the physical. Fidgeting hands can be perceived as nervousness while
69
open palms are interpreted as a calming influence when dealing with aggression.
We
need
to
start
looking
at
various
ways
that
we
can
enhance the speed in which we receive information from another person. The area of particular concern here is of course, associated to preattack cues and precursors to violence. Here we’re looking at going beyond
more
shifting looking
obvious
signs
of
any
kind
of
for
the
subtle
before Attention turns things;
employ
olfactory
and
all
of
such
as
aggravated pre-pre to
are
Strive
visual,
attention
movement,
expression;
cues that
senses
Pay
motor
facial
Intention.
your
gustatory.
gross
often to
here
we
exhibited
notice
the
Kinaesthetic,
to
weight
details,
are just
little
auditory,
these
are
the
things that may get you hurt.
Behavioural Cue Acuity Drill: Pair up with a partner for a static drill, facing each other. One person will now start to while
the
other
will
visualize bad intention to his/her partner
try
to
pick
up
on
that
at
the
earliest
demonstrated cue. In spite of the fact we should all try to mask our intention in the physical sense, the commonality amongst us all that may be exhibited is usually very similar. Subtle pre-pre-cues such as tightening
of
the
jaw/facial
muscles,
slight
coloration
changes,
flaring of the nostrils etc are all quite common. Any of these
subtle
pre-cursors to violence, can offer us a faster reaction time during a potential variety
incident,
of
drills
hence can
the
be
relevance
employed
to
along
Combative these
efficiency.
lines
all
A
equally
useful, designed to enhance this essential combative skill.
Behavioural Cue Acuity Drill two: Have
a
trainee
unbeknown
to
walk
him
2
along
pairs
of
as
if
going
pre-arranged
about
his
students
business.
will
walk
Then
in
the
general direction toward the trainee at two separate intervals. One pair may be engrossed in their own conversation and simply walk right by the trainee. The next pair may approach in the same manner, only this time different body language cues will be displayed. Attention may
be
facial
suddenly expression
pockets,
along
directed may with
to
the
accompany a
display
trainee that. of
i.e.
The
eye
hands
agitated
contact, may
be
intent
in
their
nervousness,
i.e.
70
rearward/flanking encroachment
glance.
preventing
The
most
forward
obvious
movement
cue
of
will
the
be
trainee
current path. Stop the drill here and ask the trainee did
he
notice
indication
of
a
difference?
attention
Then
turning
coach
to
it
back
intention.
an
along
his
at what point
to
From
obvious
the
earliest
there
install
counter measures.
Behavioural Cue Acuity Drill three: Line
up
a
group
of
students,
facing
a
candidate.
Have
them
all
offering different Body Language cues and projections of intent. Tell the candidate to turn around, then mix up the line but have them all project their original demeanour. Turn the student to face them again and get his/her feed back from what they see and feel. A potential aggressor may also display certain deceptive or even aggressive body language cues that may be more obvious and easier to pick up.
It is
important that we gain an understanding of such human behaviour as this, is our criterion for pre-emption in the physical sense.
A lot
of work has been done in this area by veteran ex-doorman, author and film
maker
Geoff
Thompson
from
the
UK
another
in
the
States
is
Southnarc who was a US narcotics cop and Combatives instructor there. SN
studied
a
huge
amount
of
police
cam
&
video
depicting
criminal
behaviour and activity. SN told me how he obtained a lot of visual feedback via such footage whilst working as a cop in the US. This in turn provided valuable information by showing certain commonality amongst criminals, via a variety before
of a
body
language
situation
turned
cues
that
violent.
were Any
commonly
doorman,
exhibited,
police
just
officer
or
operative of any kind who has had experience of working with violence, will all have developed, an almost instinctive understanding of such body language. The thing to remember is that this is your contextual framework action
for
can
be
noticing taken.
a
As
threat
early
civilians
we
enough, must
have
so
that
criteria
pro-active for
Pre-
emption or for taking the initiative. This comes via the information obtained
and
from
knowing
and
recognizing
certain
pre-attack
indicators exhibited by our potential aggressor. This may indeed, need to be related to a court of law in an attempt to help justify our
71
actions post-event. During my time training with SN, he proceeded to demonstrate 3 common cues that are often performed in a cluster, along with one stand alone cue that would indicate attack is immanent.
Grooming Cue: This
is
demonstrated
as
some
kind
of
gesture
towards
the
face,
such
as
scratching the nose or ear, covering the mouth or running the hand through the hair. All of which could indicate deception.
Glance to the flank/rear: Looking behind or to the left and/or right indicates looking around to see if the
coast
is
clear.
People
don’t
just
look
around
without
any
apparent
reason.
Definitive weight shift: This could be subtle or very gross motor in action. Weight is shifted in order to gain traction just before launching an attack.
Attempted weapon access:
The final stand-alone cue is any kind of hand
movement towards the waistband area. This indicates an attempt to access a weapon from the most common carry place, along with pockets and inside a coat etc. Of course such behaviour can integrate together in a cluster
real fast
if not simultaneously, hence the need to avoid fixating on what is said (the ruse) and observe the cues unfolding.
Here are several examples; one hand behind the back/one hand concealed by clothing in this case placed inside his coat/one hand reaching into the front of his waist band, obscured by his t-shirt as the other attempts to clear the garment for access/both hands obscured by the pockets.
72
The
two
overleaf
pictures
depict
below
show
two
common
methods
of
hand concealment, namely palming and cupping. Either may be employed if you are approached by a subject with premeditated intent, in which case the knife is already in his hand on approach.
Hence the reason
it is so important to be aware of where all the fingers of both hands are, all the time. Palming is a little easier to spot on approach as the weapon is palmed flat and held against the thigh.
Palming the blade…
Cupping the blade…
This makes the weapon bearing side of the body appear a little stiff and unnatural, but only if you know what to look out for. In either case if you spot this kind of body language from a distance then leg it, if this is displayed inside your personal space then shut the fucker down straight away and be quick about it.
Picture sequence depicting the definitive weight shift along with hand concealment to weapon access, also possible weapon concealment via the pockets. Illustrations courtesy of Fred Perrin’s combat a l’arme Blanche
73
Understanding aggressive body language: More
aggressive
body
language
during
the
interview
or
pre-conflict
stage of a possible altercation is a lot more demonstrative and easy to
notice
than
the
more
deceptive
kind
of
behaviour
we’ve
already
talked about. Such demeanour will also include an array of aggressive body language cues such as puffing the chest out and splaying the arms in an innate attempt to appear larger, neck pecking, bulging eyes, salivation, protruding veins in the neck and temples are some of the more obvious cues.
Here are a few physical examples of aggressive body language; showing arm slaying along with the classic neck pecking like a cockerel and aggressive facial expression.
Remember, the subject will probably only display one or two of these cues. Which ones he displays will depend on the individual.
But any of
these are a clear indication of aggression and will indicate that a physical attack is imminent therefore an awareness of aggressive body language is essential.
Verbal Cues: Offensive and insulting language. Loud screaming and shouting (threats). Disjointed and unintelligible speech (Abnormal stuttering). Rapid Speech (high pitched voice). Single syllable answers to questions (such as yeah, so, and)
Physical Cues: Red face from blood surge. Increased breathing. Vein protruding from face/neck. Clenched fists (extreme body tension) hunching of shoulders
74
Wide-eyed stare. Finger pointing (prodding) Hand concealment (shift of body). Chest puffed out, hands/arms splayed. Neck/head pecking. Finger beckoning.
The key to body language cue acuity be it obvious aggression or the more subtle deceptive kinesis; is to catch attention before it turns into intention. Get the early heads up via observation and pick up on the earliest cue that presents itself.
This all relates to the Ooda
cycle again, the quicker you observe and orientate the faster you can decide and act.
Unknown Contact Management drill: When awareness is in place you will see any unknown individual/s on approach. It is important to understand the M.O of a street attacker; if an ambush via surprise is unavailable as a tactic then we know that they will either employ some kind of deception, via the use of a
ruse
in order to distract the subject before the attack or threat of attack takes place or they will try and dominate the subject from the off intimidation and aggression. Our response must be ingrained and prerehearsed in order to not fixate on what the agitator is saying, so that we can stay focused on events as they unfold.
Unknown Contacts
Selected target
The figures in the following diagrams depict an overhead or bird’s eye view of a potential pincer approach set up. The grey figure depicts the potential target and the 2 red figures depict 2 street criminals worked together, their objective is for one to distract the intended target from the front, while the other gets behind for a blind side attack; this is commonly referred to as the Pincer approach.
75
Fig 1 shows left side unknown (leaning against a wall) whilst acting as a scout, who then gives the signal to his mate (top right) as the potential target passes to initiate proceedings, by engaging the target with a ruse;
Fig 2 shows the conclusion of a successful pincer approach with one unknown from behind now about to employ an ambush attack or to hold up and threaten. From here both may join in the assault, or the first unknown may now act as a scout for the police or some similar disturbance.
76
Fig
3 depicts
referred
to
a
as
successful
Contact
countermeasure
Management;
by
to
moving
the past
above and
tactic,
around
this
is
man
in
the
front, then turning to face him allows you to maintain hard focus on him whilst bringing the 2 nd man previously behind the intended target, into his now
wider
scope
of
peripheral
vision.
This
acts
in
conjunction
with
a
physical and verbal fence. Here the subject depicts a counter measure to the pincer
approach.
He
flanks
the
mouth
keeping
both
individuals
in
a
whilst creating a verbal and physical boundary…
77
line,
Time Distortion
78
Time Distortion We each have our own internal representation of a time frame, our own internal clock if you like. me more effective?
Ask yourself how can I use that to make
Under stress our perception of an event can speed
up, giving the impression of the event unfolding in slow motion. Here is
one
example
of
time
distortion
that
comes
from
my
own
personal
experience. I once had a minor car accident and lost complete control of
a
car
as
the
vehicle
spun
out
of
control
after
hitting
a
patch of oil in the road. The car did a complete 360 degree turn before colliding with the kerb side on, which completely sheered the wheels inward on impact.
The car proceeded to
veer into a lamp post which smashed down onto the roof. The strange thing is that although, I could not regain control of the
car
in
a
physical
sense,
the
whole
event
appeared
to
happen in slow motion. The 360 spin in particular seemed to take ages, so much so that I had plenty of time to brace myself for the impact by jamming myself into the door frame, dropping my head and raising my shoulders. Of course it was only the fact that this was a minor crash that my degree of preparation had prevented an injury. Any worse than this and it probably wouldn’t of help in that particular incident. My point is the way everything appeared in slow motion and how this seemed to somehow, increase my reaction time. In a Combative sense during the verbal pre-fight stage of a potential confrontation, where say the subject may now seize the initiative, there have actually been documented
reports
where
the
recipient
has
experienced
this
side
effect of adrenal stress to such a degree where they have seen a punch coming, as if in slow motion giving ample time to employ a default response
followed
objective
intention;
is at
to
by
an
become
the
immediate aware
earliest
of
counter
assault.
Of
course
our
attention before
it
turns
into
opportunity
so
that
we
can
exercise
avoidance or pre-emption. Any default response is only a contingency plan employed until we can re-gain the said initiative in the worse case scenario. But the above example does demonstrate how time can be
79
distorted to your advantage by speeding up your perception of events, making everything appear to happen in slowed time. Time Distortion and manipulating our internal representation of time is useful in order to accelerate
our
perception
of
own
reaction
events,
which
time . can
This
appear
is to
done slow
by
enhancing
down
giving
tactical advantage.
80
our
us
a
Belief Systems
81
Belief Systems In the preface article of this book we talked about the power of belief within
past
history
and
Martial
culture.
We
talked
about
the
old
Filipino knife masters settling disputes and pressure testing their art through judicial combat from anything from first blood to death. Such individuals believed that the outcome of such combat had already been pre-decided by a higher spiritual order and they would often wear an amulet or a talisman as a physical manifestation of that belief. This allowed
them
to
overcome
any
psychological
boundary from
fear
or
consequence allowing them in turn to access their skill level. We talked of how the Thai’s would have a prayer for their safe well being, tattooed somewhere on their body by a Buddhist Priest as he burned incense and prayed over the fighter installing the belief that the boxer/warrior was being looked upon by a higher presence during conflict,
leaving
his
mind
free
from
the
clutter
of
consequence
to
operate effectively. Similar examples can be found from historical culture both Eastern and Western from the ancient Samurai to the Knights Templar. The latter believed that if they fought bravely in the name of Christianity that each Knight would be cleansed of all sin on the Day of Judgment. I offer such historical examples, both out of interest and as relevance to cultivating the Will to STEP UP and DO.
Your belief system: What
is
your
own
personal
belief
system?
As
a
minimum
you
should
surely believe that you have a right to live your life without fear of assault and injury from others? You should surely believe that
you
have the right to do what’s needed to protect you and yours when under threat? If you just take a moment right now I want you to think about the
possible
consequences
of
not
( when
given
no
other
alternative )
exercising that right. What are the possible consequences of that in a worse
case
scenario
event?
Chances
are
if
you
allow
yourself
to
be
victimised then either you are going to be taken from those you love, or those you love are going to be taken from you! How does that make you feel? Doesn’t that make you feel angry?
82
Well it should if you’re worth your salt! Now imagine focusing on that
indignation and attaching it to the strong belief that you and those you
love
do have the right to live your lives free from harm from
others. You now have the powerbase for a pretty good belief system . If
such
a
notion
induces
emotion
falling
more
on
the
side
of
indignation than it does on the side of fear of consequence; then you have something really workable from a psychological point of view that will allow you to take ACTION or stand up and do if and when the time ever comes! On Dennis Martin’s CQB Instructional enhancement program for Combative instructors; Dennis related two examples of belief which help re-instate the key points during a critical incident. ‘’Two police officers are shot during a bank heist, in the ambulance on route to the hospital, the one with the least threat to life injury says; ‘’I’ve been shot I’m gonna die!’’ The other says I’m shot, my wife, my kids… I must live!’’ The first guy died on arrival at the hospital, the second guy lived,
BELIEF ‘’Two operatives on 2 different occasions get sprayed in the face with O.C,
the first guy had always believed that pepper spray will
incapacitate, even the most determined criminal, he gave up after being sprayed and allowed himself to be beaten psychologically. The second guy witnessed a training exercise where operatives get sprayed in the face with O.C from a close range, then sprint
and negotiate
their way through an intense obstacle course, then deal with a padded assailant in a FIST suit before reaching a sink to wash their face and eyes, who do you think kept fighting through his encounter?
BELIEF Reality is what you imagine it to be! Real or not, if you believe it, it’s operational. Examine your beliefs, if you think you can, or you think
you
can’t
you’re
probably
right.
Self-belief
is
vitally
important for success in any endeavour. As an instructor, a good coach will unlock your potential to new levels and allow you to operate to the level of your potential.
83
A change at your BELIEF level WILL enhance your CONFIDENCE and unlock your POTENTIAL. This WILL in turn increase your
PERFORMANCE which in
turn WILL again re-enforce you’re ATTITUDE and maximise your
BELIEF
further. The whole process will continue to build upon itself with each new positive experience; as the following model depicts.
The Confidence Loop: BELIEFS & ATTITUDE
ENHANCE PERFORMANCE
INCREASE CONFIDENCE
UNLOCK POTENTIAL “From ability comes confidence, confidence minimises fear and apprehension and that is essential to the birth of the desire to win!
Gabe Suarez: From his book The Combative Perspective Reality is what you imagine it to be, real or not if you believe it to be
true
within
hypothetical
the
timeframe
example
could
be
of
the
that
event;
you
it’s
believe
operational! One
yourself
to
be
the
badest mother fucker in this situation; as you play with this idea in your head, you’re conscious mind may jump in disagreement but this is totally irrelevant, as the conscious mind has absolutely NOTHING to do with anything DURING the event! The
simple
reason
for
this
is
that
during
such
an
incident,
the
physiology and mental state is governed by the SUB-CONSCIOUS anyway. I repeat, the way you think affects the internal and external language you use, which in turn affects the way you behave. In short the way you think affects the way you communicate, which in turn affects the way you feel and the way you act, which of course affects the results you
get.
It
is
a
dynamic
and
synergist
process:
Any
internal
or
external change to any of the components involved will have an impact on the whole. “Your beliefs are your reality!” “Believe and you WILL act out the role!”
84
Perspective & Reframing
85
Perspective & Reframing When
I
talk
fronts.
about
The
first
perspective relates
to
I’m our
really own
looking
at
perspective
it
or
how
from we
two
think
particularly before any pre-fight event. Remember if you will; how you think ( perceive an event) affects how you feel, which in turn affects what you do and the results you ultimately get. In relation to my prefight perspective; how I think from the onset is absolutely crucial if my overall objective is to prevail in combat. The
second
reframing
way
the
of
looking
other
guy’s
at
perspective
perspective
relates
of
me;
to
from
changing
a
soft
or
target
(potential prey ) to either a hard target or non target option. This might come from employing a combination of assertive body language, dialogue
and
perceived
by
dissuading
demeanour the
his
aggressively
in
in
a
subject.
way
This
attitude
or
order
psyche
to
which could
talking him
changes be
anything
him out
the
down and
way from
to
make
I’m
now
verbally
posturing him
bottle
as it.
Outside of that, looking at it from more of an urgent and physical sense; I might need to totally incapacitate him, thus removing his ability,
opportunity
and
intention
subject’s perspective from
to
hurt
me.
Nothing
changes
“he’ll do as my intended target” to
fuck… I’ve made a big mistake”
a “oh
faster than hitting them with a shot
that their dead grandmother would feel! In
terms
of
how
“perspective” or
we
perceive
outlook
before
events and
the
during
main any
concern
here
potentially
is
violent
confrontation. We talked about this in the preface to this book but it’s
certainly
worth
repeating
here.
Fact
is,
if
you
fear
the
potential consequences of any confrontation such as; getting injured, arrested or having to deal with come backs then you won’t do anything to deal with the situation in a physical sense, just in-case you have to deal with those consequences. If you enter into this thing worried about
the
comebacks,
outcome police
or
consequence
involvement,
be
it
litigation
getting or
hurt,
possible
fear
of
imprisonment
then there is no way that you will be able to access your skills to deal with the problem, regardless of how much martial study you have undertaken.
You
must
first
get
over
such
psychological
hurdles
86
and
gain a handle of control over such negative emotion and this starts and ends with the way you think, or your perspective. If I walk into a potentially violent event thinking “man look at the size of that guy, he’s gonna kill me!” Do you think such a perspective will allow me to access a state of resourcefulness that will ultimately bring about a successful conclusion? The commonality that any individual who is capable of dealing with violence well, will all share regardless of whether it’s a seasoned street
thug,
a
hard
man
of
reputation,
a
violent
sociopath
or
a
Special Forces Operative; is their perspective of the pre-fight event. This will be the same or very similar. In short their mindset will be
Combative and focused one track on what they’re going to do to the subject in front of them, NOT on the consequences of what the subject they’re facing could do to them. As I said before the violent sociopath capable of hurt and hate or the Spec Operator capable of de-humanizing a subject to nothing more than a target or a piece of meat, is not someone I’d desire to be 24/7 but it is most definitely the ideal state of mind and body to model for the
ten
second
duration
of
any
potential
threat
to
life
event.
Particularly if it allows me to Win! So Mindset and perspective is all about
cultivating
the
mentality
and
preparation;
that
if
this
situation is going to “kick off” I am prepared to fight until there’s
nothing left to fight about! The focus that accompanies such thinking is all about, “what I’m gonna do, NOT what he or they are gonna do.” The very root to all such thinking comes from your values and beliefs. What is your belief system? My own Belief System and Values allow me to access and manage the most resourceful mindset needed to prevail within any Combative event that I train for.
My Belief System is based upon a framework of self Value
and Self Importance. I don’t mean that in an egotistical sense that says I am the greatest, I simply mean
that too many people in my life
(my children, my wife and family ) need me, rely on me and I need and rely on them. Therefore I am too important to be taken away from them.
I
must
prevail,
I
must
WIN! The next layer of mindset comes from
focusing my indignation. “How fucking DARE YOU step into my world and 87
compromise all that I love! If you step up to me, I will smash you to pieces!” This focused, determined attitude allows me to control fear and utilize adrenaline. My confidence comes from pressure testing my training,
previous
live
experience
and
crisis
rehearsal
that
is,
mentally visualizing how I will win! The bottom line to confidence in
impact and
ability comes from knowing you WILL assault with massive
attitude when shit and fan meet! “Focus on one thought “snap this fucker’s jaw!” ‘’For the duration of this situation you must cultivate a thuggish mindset! Richard Grannon
Psychological Strategy: In any potentially violent confrontation or threat to life critical incident you need to reframe your thought process towards
“attacking
the attacker” change your psychology toward the old adage
“the best
defence is a
great offence ” as
this is a more effective model for
strategy elicitation. We talk about modelling such strategies in great detail throughout this book, infact every subject in this book relates to this overall objective.
Physical Strategy: In
a
physical
significant.
The
sense
your
ideal
is
initial
to
be
entry
FIRST,
offensive response must make the subject
into
combat
FERROCIOUS
and
must
FINAL!
be Your
doubt his ability and fill
him with fear. It must make him instantly regret that he selected you and dread the outcome of his mistake. This will clearly reframe his perspective of the event and of you. The following quote from Kelly McCann who is one of the best guys in this business; comes from his excellent new book Combatives for Street Survival: this quote sums up this
notion
beautifully
as
he
talks
about
the
concept
of
taking
immediate offensive action; “It will brutally, efficiently and immediately change the confrontational dynamic ; from being attacked (prey) to attacking him
(becoming the predator) unexpectedly and so explosively, so violently, he suddenly and completely understands he’s the one at risk; his
88
safety is in jeopardy and you WON’T stop. He becomes your prey and importantly, behaves like it!” Kelly McCann
Perspective quotes: I WILL DO, WHATEVER IT TAKES, TO WIN THE FIGHT I WILL FIGHT FAST, I WILL FIGHT HARD, I WILL FIGHT SMART AND I WILL WIN.
I MAY BE HIT, I MAY BE CUT, I MAY GO DOWN, I MAY FEEL PAIN, I
MAY FEEL FEAR BUT I WILL TURN FEAR INTO FIRE AND I WILL TURN PAIN INTO POWER. I WILL KEEP FIGHTING AS LONG AS I HAVE A BREATH IN MY BODY AND BLOOD IN MY VEINS AND I WILL WIN BECAUSE I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO WIN THE FIGHT. I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO WIN THE FIGHT
Peter Robins “We’re fighting a well entrenched enemy over open ground. There’s millions of the bastards, we’re outnumbered 3 to 1 and we’ve got no artillery or air support, but we’re the best there is and this is where we want to be, failure is NOT an option, let’s go kick their fucking arse!”
Major John Crosland; OC “B” Company, 2 Para On the eve of the battle for Goose Green “I’ve not got a problem, I am the fucking problem, he’s got the problem now……ME!”
Lee Morrison Consider the words below from Bernard Hopkins, one of the greatest middleweight boxers of all time. These words came in a pre-fight interview earlier in his career. Bernard said the following: “I’m always going to come in (to the fight) overconfident and I have a reason to. I always come in overconfident because I train so hard that I leave no room for doubt in my mind. I never go in there to lose. The word is not even in my dictionary. I train confident, and I train to think overconfidently. If I didn’t, I’d be a fool.” ‘’No matter how bad you may think you are, I’ll be your worst nightmare, in a nutshell unless you kill me outright you’re gonna wish to God or the devil
you were never fucking born!’’
Carl Cestari 89
‘’I will control fear and manage my emotions during the stress of any violent confrontation, to a large enough degree that will allow me to access and employ my skills successfully and proficiently to terminate the incident!’’
Lee Morrison “How you perceive the world right NOW is how the world is for you at that given moment, but you can change that perception; remember the Map is NOT the Territory!”
Richard Bandler “My reframe during the build up to a fight is to pre-emptively strike and KNOCK the fucker OUT if that’s what’s required; BANG! It’s all I will think about!”
Lee Morrison “The wolf is rising in my heart!”
Theodore Roosevelt “A determined perspective is the purity and intensity of focus; it is simply, the human mind working at peak performance and a well trained body obeying its commands!”
Gabe Suarez “The perception that there is no way out other than to overcome is a powerful realisation and a powerful tool”
Gabe Suarez “In a fight, sometimes the only alternative to defeat and death is to WIN by destroying your adversary. This is clear to the man who stands his ground in the hallway of his home facing three armed invaders, with his wife and infant children behind him!”
Gabe Suarez “The desire to WIN will allow you to focus on WINNING THE FIGHT to the exclusion of distracting thoughts about your own SelfPreservation, in the end the DESIRE TO WIN, when mixed with THE ABILITY TO WIN, will help you to do just that!”
All 3 quotes from his excellent book the Combative Perspective
90
Cultivate an attitude of curiosity: The brain is a question and answering machine that always looks for a solution. The quality of solutions via answers, depend on the quality of the questions you ask. Ask yourself quality questions, then dare to imagine during your finest moments, a perfect solution. “What would it be like to have both body and mind working together to WIN THE FIGHT!” Ask yourself; “If I really cooked off on this guy, could he handle it ?”
Kelly McCann
Beliefs & Values: Beliefs and values direct our lives to a large extent, acting both as permissions and prohibitions. Ask yourself are there some skills you would like to develop but think you can’t? As long as you believe you can’t, you won’t. A change of perspective at the belief level is likely to affect skills and behaviour a great deal.
Reframing Perspective •
HUMOUR: by injecting humour into a situation you increase your options
to
gain
rapport
and
verbally
de-escalate
the
situation.
•
PREDATORY: creates a role-reversal, fear and aggression cannot exist together. If I unleash my pre-emptive psyche on someone who previously thought of me as a soft target, I will now make them reframe that perspective of me inside their own head.
•
SCIENTIFIC: (Steve
Irwin
analogy)
When
Natural
History
and
dangerous animal specialist the late Steve Irwin came nose to nose
with
a
dangerous
species;
his
perspective
was
one
fascination; his dialogue would run along the lines of at
those
fantastic
colours
isn’t
she
beautiful?”
“look
fear
fascination cannot exist together
91
of
and
•
HARD TARGET: Project a predatory demeanour; run the belief in your head that you are the biggest fucking predator in this situation, I’m gonna eat this fucking meat puppet alive!
•
SPEC-OP:
Imagine
the
perspective
of
a
Special
Forces
Operative. •
SAMURAI: Warrior/Poet; what was the pre-conflict perspective of someone like Miyamoto Mushashi?
Remember
the
brain
is
a
question
and
answering
machine;
so
ask
yourself questions how would I feel if…? Practice trying on different perspectives. Finally take strength from people and historical figures from both Past and Present. Give thought to those
who have prevailed in
possible circumstances. Put this into your strategy.
the
worst
Reframe previous
situations that could have gone better. Imagine how these individuals would have dealt with that situation. What would they have done in your shoes? What difference does this make? How could you employ this as a strategy?
Take ten minutes out
to model such an individual dealing
with a difficult situation effectively; step into their shoes and put on their hat, put on their perspective, experience and attributes like a battle suit and feel what this feels like…
“You need to cultivate an offensive- whatever it takes attitude in order to survive a life or death struggle. Your attitude should be one of “I don’t care.” You shouldn’t care what your opponent looks like, how big he is, what he is carrying, how intimidating he is, or the consequences of your action. Your life is on the line, so your first priority is to prevail. Think of him as an object to be destroyed and go on the offence and stay there until he is no longer a threat.”
“If you’re afraid and injured, turn that fear and pain into rage and get the job done. Your first priority is to win and prevail at all costs. Deal with the consequences later!”
The late Bob Kasper 92
Visualisation/ Mental Imagery & Crisis Rehearsal
93
Visualisation/ Mental Imagery & Crisis Rehearsal Every action begins its life as a thought take a look around you, every man-made thing you see, started as a thought in someone’s head. We
can
make
real
physical
changes
by
thinking
because
our
body
responds to our thoughts. Our thoughts affect our muscles directly by enhancing
our
Neuro-muscular
pathways.
Mental
visualisation really means, seeing mental pictures.
rehearsal
or
Mental Imagery
enhances these pictures by using any or all of our representational systems. Employed together, visualisation works because we can use our thoughts to programme our muscles. Mental imagery mimics real physical action and provides us with a blue print for the successful application of that action. When you have done something in your mind for a number of repetitions it is no longer new or unknown, instead it
now
feels
familiar.
When
we
visualise
and
imagine
a
movement,
employing all of our representational systems, micro-muscle movements mimic
the
same
muscle
activity,
employed
application of that movement. Ask yourself make me more combatively functional?
during
the
physical
how could I use this to
The following quote from the
excellent book Defensive Living clearly depicts how; Crisis rehearsal via visualisation of violent incidents, ‘ ’how you will WIN ’’ is what will create the correct MINDSET to respond, in
addition to a
mental attitude that will overcome the fear of injury
to take extreme risks, coupled with a physical response that is immediate, direct and explosive…
Defensive Living Sanford Strong Let’s elaborate on this slightly. As a Combatives trainee you should already have a good personal security and self-protection game plan as the foundation to your training.
A
game plan is an ingrained
response that is put into play the second you leave your house. In short
awareness
and
observation
skills
will
allow
you
spot
a
potential threat a head of time and allow you to take evasive action where possible. If not and you are approached, then you will protect personal space and if the situation dictates, you will be pre-emptive then
escape
ASAP.
Everything
else
we
do
in
training
should
94
be
a
contingency
plan
for
that;
i.e.
what
if
I’m
caught
unawares
and
ambushed? What if I go to the ground? What if there’s a weapon and/or more than one aggressor? Etc. Now of course, all of the above should be addressed in the physical sense during training. But in addition to that, it can and should also be supplemented with vivid
mental
imagery and visualisation. This is something we already do to some extent.
Have
you
ever
thought to yourself
walked
past
a
huge
guy
in
the
street
‘’how would I deal with him if I had to?’’
and If
you’re anything like me you have probably gone on, to problem solve the situation in your head. Well this is visualisation. What we are going
to
look
at
here
is
a
means
to
making
that
as
effective
as
possible. In any crisis situation, particular when adrenal stress is present in sufficient enough levels to severely impair your decision making ability. Under duress we often find ourselves in what’s known as a mid-brain or reptile brain state. This is where the cognitive, decision making part of the brain starts to shut down and is taken over by the limbic system, capable only of fight or flight. Again as a Combatives trainee, I am assuming that you have an understanding of how
our
natural
actually works. suggest
further
compulsory.
bio-chemistry
during
an
adrenal
induced
state,
Such a topic is beyond the scope of this book but I reading
and
understanding
of
this
subject,
as
In short under stress we cannot think clearly, our sub-
conscious mind will rapidly search its files and memory banks for a solution to the said stimulus or problem. If it finds one based on a similar previous experience, then it will do its utmost to employ that strategy ASAP.
If no such file exists then what is more likely
is that the body will just flinch up and/or enter into a state of hyper-vigilance, headlights. Now
i.e. here
freeze comes
up
the
like clever
a
rabbit
bit,
by
caught employing
in
the
mental
imagery and visualisation of a particular event over a consistent period of time, striving to make such practice as quality as possible then you can rest assured that regardless of whether you’ve actually lived that experience or not your sub-conscious mind with create a file or logged response/solution to that said situation or problem. The
documented
decipher
the
fact
remains
difference
that
between
a
your
sub-conscious
physical
or
mind
imagined
cannot
experience
95
particularly emotional
when
state.
that The
experience
is
sub-conscious
created with
during
simply
a
log
heightened it
as
an
experience and store the information. Hence the reason that Neuralbased scenario training is so effective, because the mind cannot tell the
difference
between
a
live,
simulated
or
imagined
experience
particularly as said before, when you add emotional content. Mental Imagery uses the pictures in your brain to pre-set a particular situation., it is a good idea to play out high-risk situations by using mental imagery at least three times a week. What is meant here is to put yourself into a situation that you are likely to encounter. Play it out in your brain like you are watching a VCR, not losing but WINNING the particular confrontation. By pre-planning, using mental imagery, it is totally possible to be able to reduce your lag time because you have actually experienced the event in your head. No, you haven’t experienced it in real life, but you have played out the scenario or like-type scenario in your brain so an end result is already pre-programmed.
This will allow you to respond instantly
without having to think through it. Remember, that most people don’t plan to fail; they just fail to plan …
Dave Spaulding from Handgun Combatives
Visualisation and Mental Imagery drills: Perception
is
a
tool
for
visualisation;
imagine
a
computer
monitor
screen much like you’d find in a security guard surveillance room. Visually draw it with your fingers.
Now make an image that you want
to mentally rehearse and make it BIG, MASSIVE then make it BRIGHT with VIVID COLOURS then step into the image and touch it, feel it, smell and
taste
it hear
experience,
this
visualisation. experience,
it you is
the
Conversely
perhaps
a
can
even
IDEAL to
limiting
add a
setting that
soundtrack. to
take
self-belief
enhance a
Live
in the
any
positive
previously
negative
through
the
same
visual
monitor experience only this time, shrink the image down really small, make it black and white, notice how taking out all bright colour makes the situation feel less impactive emotionally. Bright colour tends to enhance your internal representation, so save that for positive mental imagery only.
Now take this black and white image and make it smaller
96
and smaller, right down to a tiny speck, then push it away from you right out into insignificance. You can also multi task on a number of screens,
remember
how
the
brain
likes
to
auto-mate?
You
can
use
a
series of screens to problem solve a previously negative experience, making the negative disappear as we’ve talked about, then take several possible positive outcomes into the rest of your screens, make them big, bright and colourful etc. Decide
on
possible
the and
best step
option into
then
the
enhance
experience
that
as
adding
big
all
and
bright
as
your
senses
as
before. We can also employ visualisation from an outside perspective; so far we’ve looked at the experience from an internal view, looking out through our own eyes. It’s also good to view an experience as if we have stepped outside of our own body and are now watching ourselves operate.
What
follows
is
from
a
presentation
within the field of Combatives on about
using
ability.
Visualisation
or
from
one
of
my
peers
the imagery of combat This is all
Mental
Imagery ,
to
enhance
Combative
Visualisation as a training tool has been around for a very
long time used by athletes, warriors, high profile business people, movie stars and every successful individual out there regardless of field. From a Combative practitioners point of view, once you become good at visualisation and you start to visualise for example, any technical skill-set
be
it
a
Chin-jab/knee or
whatever.
Taking
that
mental
rehearsal to the point where it is as clear as it can be represented and supported by all of your senses, then you will start to fire off the same neuromuscular pathways that you would in a physical sense of practice,
but
during
the
mental
exercise.
Whenever
you
train,
you
should visualise purpose during all physical interaction, don’t just hit
the
pads,
hit
them
as
though
your
life
depended
on
it.
Such
purposeful repetition consolidates muscle memory to a habitual level. Ask
yourself
how
can
I
use
this
tool
to
make
me
a
more
efficient
practitioner?
97
Well the clear answer is we can use it in a multiple of ways here are some suggestions. •
As a means to drill a new stimulus or skill set
•
To rehearse what you already know
•
To continue practice If you are injured
•
For training and practicing tactics
•
For creating a specific state or emotions
•
In preparation for a situation/scenario
•
To counter act negative images or previous mistakes
•
For learning from your game, like a mental de-brief
Preparing for mental imagery: The ideal state to begin any visualisation or mental imagery session is from one of complete relaxation. Find a quite place where you will not be disturbed, loosen any tight or restrictive clothing and lie down on a comfortable flat surface. Close your eyes and relax your body.
If you find this initially difficult then practice sequential
tension
and
relaxation
of
all
your
body’s
muscles
groups,
starting
with your toes, feet calves’ thighs, buttocks midsection, back chest, shoulders arms and hands and finally your neck head and face. Just
hold
simply
tight
letting
relaxation,
tension go.
heavy
and
in
Notice light.
each the Do
body
part
for
difference this
once
3-5
seconds
between
for
your
before
tension whole
body
and in
rhythm with your breathing which should slow and deep, in through your nose taking the breath deep into your abdomen allowing your navel to gentle extend, then breath out slowly through your mouth allowing your abdomen to fall along with everything else, as you relax more and more with every outward breath. You can enhance this by adding visual sense and colour. Do this by imagining a cool blue mist filling your entire body with each inward breath. This blue mist represents a positive calming light, pure and clean as it cleanses your body and fills it with light. Then on the outward breath imagine exhaling a
mist clearing out your body of red
all tension, negativity and doubt. Now turn your attention to your mind, keeping your eyes closed, relax your body and watch your mental
98
screen. Allow your passing thoughts to simply come and go, do not hold on to them or resist them in any way just let them pass by without any conscious acknowledgement. What you may see at first may be shades of grey and splashes of white. You may see a like a photo negative image of whatever you may have been looking at, before you closed your eyes. As
this
starts
to
settle
down
imagine
a
small
black
speck
in
the
centre of your visual field. Make this as black as you can and imagine the speck growing like ink dropped into a pool of water so that it slowly spreads out from the centre and starts to colour your entire mental screen. The blacker you can make the screen the better, put your hands over your eyes or use something like a light towel if this helps.
You
are
now
in
the
ideal
state
of
mind
and
body
for
visualisation. Start first with a simple representation, in this case visualising a lemon
seeing its colour and texture smelling the zest, tasting the
bitterness of the lemon. Employ all the senses to make the experience as vivid as possible. Imagine how the lemon feels in you hand, then visualise slicing the lemon in half, see how the zest mists into the air. Smell its bitter sweet aroma. Now imagine licking one half of the juicy lemon, take this a step further and BITE into it, notice how you will now start to salivate as the bitter taste explosion shudders up your
cheeks.
Practice
this
exercise
for
10-15
minutes
then
slowing
bring your consciousness back to the present, open your eyes and sit up. Think about the previous experience and ask yourself, which of your representational systems did you find the easiest to create? Some people find it easier to see the pictures in a visual sense while others may struggle with this. If so get hold of a real lemon and look at
it
as
many
times
as
necessary
to
help
strengthen
your
images.
Personally I find that I create sounds and words the best during my mental imagery sessions, so I often employ a running commentary in my head to help me clarify the pictures in a visual sense. How about the smell and taste of the lemon? If you started to salivate when you pictured
biting
yourself
a
clear
into
it
example
in
your
of
how
mind, an
then
imagined
you
have
thought
just
can
given
create
a
physical response. Another example of this is if you see or imagine
99
someone yawning as if tired, our natural response is to feel the need to
model
that
and
yawn
ourselves
hence
the
saying
‘’yawning
is
contagious.’’ Next make the drill more task specific to your needs, drill yourself visualising protecting someone close to you from a life threatening dealing
incident.
with
an
See
and
aggressor
feel
in
yourself
the
worst
accessing case
state
scenario
and
sense.
Incorporate sight, taste and smell to enhance the experience making it as real as possible. The effectiveness of such a drill is only limited by the power of your imagination. Personally I have used this kind of mental imagery for years and know the effective benefits it has to offer.
Finally we can visually witness the performance of a skill, as
an example of modelling excellence. Then lie down again, get into a relaxed
state
and
visualise
the
whole
sequence
as
you
are
talked
through it by an instructor/partner. Finally put that visualisation into kinaesthetic practice by actually doing it with a partner or on some training kit. This will prove the effectiveness including
of
such
crisis
Visualisation
effectiveness
also
along of
practice.
rehearsal
can
representation
a
a
be with
training
This
for
used
a
for
your
can
be
live
applied
changing
strive
to
anything
event/scenario state
physiology.
session
to
To
and
etc.
internal
maximise
employ
the
visualisation
when you train. Visualisation creates a reference point for the mind to solve problems. The late Bob Kasper used to say “Always make the statement in your head, I’m gonna Ax hand this guy in the throat (or which ever tool to target your using) this connects the brain to the muscles!” In terms of using mental imagery to create state, we can use it to cultivate cold clinical aggression, as a useable resource.
Visualisation Visual/Kinaesthetic drill: Here is a drill that was shown to me some years ago by the late Peter Robins
and
Paul
visual/Kinaesthetic
Child
of
sense
CODA. the
This
drill
effectiveness
demonstrates, of
mental
in
a
imagery
immediately.
100
1. Have a student place his left finger out in front of him/her then keeping their feet stationary, have them turn as far as they possibly can to their left hand side. 2. Once there, have them index a point on the wall behind them with their pointing finger. Keep a mental note of this exact point. 3. Now have them turn back, close their eyes and visualise what you’ve just done. Only this time visualise in your mind turning and pointing to a point much further than you just reached in a physical sense. Feel it and see it in your mind as clear as Possible 4. Now open your eyes and repeat the exercise in a physical sense. Notice now how there is indeed an improvement on your previous performance.
Visualisation; Visual/Auditory drill: From a personal point of view I often find it difficult to simply close
my
eyes
and
see
my
mental
imagery,
crystal
clear
like
an
internal video running behind my eye lids. Visualisation comes to us best from a state of complete relaxation. When I take the time to induce
such
a
state
is
often
when
I
have
the
most
effective
visualisation sessions. But what I’ve also found to work best for me is instead of just closing my eyes and trying to see, hear and feel the scene I often get a better result if I run an auditory commentary in my head or out loud a few times first. I use one that depicts the scene in my head as it unfolds. The act of saying it as I see it helps me to clarify the pictures with a little more detail and also seems to keep
additional
thoughts
from
coming
in
and
cluttering
the
vision.
One example might be; I want to visualise a specific scenario or event where a physical confrontation is inevitable and unavoidable. This may be a simulation theme in training, or a live situation that must be addressed. Of course to any situation, you can add an infinite number of
variables
that
will
call
for
flexibility
and
adaptation.
Such
elements can and should be worked into your mental imagery sessions. But let’s start with the dynamics of an event then build on it from there. Example; I have found myself during the interview stage of a
101
confrontation
between
myself
and
a
potentially
hostile
subject.
Instincts tell me that I need to be pre-emptive. So first of all from a relaxed state I will set the scene, running a commentary in my head as to what I can see along with the dynamics of the situation. I can slow this right down placing my auditory coaching into the relevant places within the time frame, such as; ‘’subject’s body language tells me this interview is coming to an end, he’s touched my fence and showed intention, the next thing he does is going to get him blasted!’’ There it is, a subtle weight shift, he’s getting ready to launch!’’ ‘’Blast him! BOOM! I launch a massive slap with my right hand, explosive torso rotation has put my accelerated body weight through his head, you’re out sucker!’’ He’s down, get to safety, OBSERVE No further threat, I’m out of here’’ There’s the dynamics I will now throw spanners at it.
‘’My first shot only made him stumble, must follow up, BOOM, BOOM! Two further elbows go in until he’s down, caught a glimpse of an additional threat coming from my flank, COVER! Boom! Took a shot, rocked me slightly but my response is immediate. Attach from the cover and blitz him! Multiple palm strikes with forward pressure put him on the back foot, I clinch, knee, rag him down and stomp, job done! Turn back OBSERVE, check state both threats are down. Escape, get moving!’’ Get the idea?
Visualisation Visual/Kinaesthetic drill: Here’s a progression that I’ve found to work best of all, again from my own personal experience. Now I will take the same scenario and add full on physical action to it (Kinaesthetic) Here’s the deal. Working in my garage gym I recreate the scene, its night time so light is off, the garage door is open letting in just enough street light for the scene. I place impact equipment in several places in exact relation to how I visualised the previous scenario in my head. This places a BOB dummy directly in front of me, which I will hit first with a huge slap. I place the upper body of another make shift dummy on its side on the floor to the left of the BOB, to simulate where the first target will fall. To my right is a hanging dummy on the wall, within arms reach. By
102
the open garage door (simulating my exit) is a 6 cell Maglite torch that I will pick up as I flee the scene just in-case I need to equalise further.
Now
bastards
I
adrenalised
I
get
fought but
relaxed
earlier,
calm
and
and I
visualise
have
confident
each
emotional at
the
piece
of
content!
same
time.
KIT
as
I
am
I
recreate
the
slightly my
dialogue, namely my trigger word or brain engaging question. BOOM! I slap he stumbles laterally! BOOM! I blitz him with elbows. Bang! I catch a shot from the flank but peripheral vision allows me just enough inclination to cover. I turn, attach and blitz the wall dummy with multiple palm shots, into clinch knee, I rag him off the wall and stomp! I actively scan, left, right making my escape via the half closed garage door which I must negotiate by ducking. I pick up the Maglite and posture from an active guard, no further threat I’m gone. After this drill I can tell you that I am comfortably tired and more than
slightly
adrenalised
due
to
the
state
change
that
I
actively
felt. I feel the slight effects of tunnel vision and emphasise the need to break state and scan. Although my targets were static, in my own mind everything was dynamic as I made functional transitions from one target to another. I have just turned a basic impact drill into a great simulated experience. Try it for yourself employing the said progression. You will be amazed at how real you can make this feel. A great progression from here is to bring in your training partners and some safety kit, now you can make the whole thing more dynamic. The fact is you are now mapping in mental blue print solutions, into your sub-conscious via the presence of emotional content and relevant state. Such practice will help you smash hyper vigilance and employ your plan of action when it all goes to auto-pilot. A couple of thoughts you may want to keep in mind when practicing this stuff – visualization is something you already use and are successful with. You use it every single day when you remember how to get some place, or when you go someplace new, or rearrange the furniture in your flat. You may not call it visualization or mental imagery, but that’s what it is.
So this is something you already know how to do.
103
What experimenting with these techniques and applications may do is show
you
something
about
the
way
you
do
visualization
and
perhaps
provide some opportunities for you to improve yourself in a way you find most useful. Finally here is another way that visualisation can be employed relating to pre-fight rehearsal. This comes from one of the top ranked light-heavy UFC Contenders; Forrest Griffin relating to his current cage fighting career. “The closer you get to a fight, the more it will weigh on your mind. If a few days before a show I find myself unable to leave thoughts of the fight at the gym, I’ll use a visualisation technique. Its pretty simple all you do is draw a bath, climb inside and go over all of the possible outcomes, both good and bad. Once you’ve run through every possible scenario, pull the plug and visualise all your worry and anxiety running down the drain with the water. After all the water goes out, hop in the shower and clear your head of all thoughts of the fight. It works surprisingly well!” “A similar technique can also be used to switch your brain from fucking around mode to training mode, before practice I’ll jump in the shower, the instant the water hits me I think of all the things I need to accomplish that day and the little victories I need to have. After the shower I drink an Americano espresso, when it’s finished it signifies its time to work!” Forest Griffin from his book GOT FIGHT
104
Modelling Excellence
105
Modelling Excellence As
children
we
all
model
examples,
starting
with
our
parents
and
family we learn the ways of the world. Walking and talking are our earliest
examples.
We
go
from
crawling
to
assisted
walking,
then
eventually on to walking and running. The latter two stages of course come
in
part
from
instinct
and
motivation
to
learn,
but
also
from
modelling the examples of those around us. Our first spoken language is a prime example of this we mimic sounds, tonality single syllables then become words, words become sentences and before we know it we are speaking
our
modelled
by
Modelling
language. example
is
accelerate
one
us
Incompetence
of
way
through and
Many
basic
those
of
using
the
two
Conscious
skills
around
us
are
role
learned model
or
this
otherwise.
accelerated learning because middle
stages
Competence . Competence.
This
of
learning,
can
lead
way;
it
can
Conscious
quickly
onto
Unconscious Competence and Competence and even Mastery . This is often at the cost of a lack of conscious understanding i.e. not knowing how you got there, which is irrelevant from an instructor to student perspective as any student
is
merely
concerned
with
the
end
result.
As
an
instructor
however, it is important that we understand all the elements involved within this process. The main objective is to install the big piece (give the student an experience ) then refine the all smaller details later. The more good role-models you study the more you will learn at an accelerated level. Consider visual representations such as DVD and video as well as modelling with human interaction.
Representational systems: We
represent
information
from
the
world
around
us
to
ourselves
internally; through our basic senses i.e. in pictures-Visual, soundsAuditory-hearing/Kinaesthetic-feelings/Gustatory-taste
and
Olfactory-
smell. We all use our senses in the same way unless we have some kind of neurological damage.
Most people are Visual/Kinaesthetic who learn
by seeing and doing or feeling. As instructors we need to involve as many ways of learning as possible such as hearing
and
in
certain
circumstances
seeing,
feeling
&
touch,
(visualisation for example) via
taste and taste and smell smell in in addition to human interaction. interaction .
106
For an instructor this can manifest itself during seminars/workshops and lectures etc as certain presentation skills; for example posters, video, power points and OHP’s etc are all visual representations.
Modelling Excellence: Excellence: What are the important points in modelling excellence? What are the commonalties
and
strategies
employed?
NLP
is
about
fine
tuning
our
ability to do what they do. Find someone who knows and can do it well and model them this is strategy elicitation.
Basic principles of excellence: •
We all have the resources that we need within us.
•
The meaning of any communication is the effect it has.
•
There is no failure only feedback.
•
The map is not the t he territory: every person’s map is unique. In other words what you have done in the past, does not equate to what you are capable of in the future.
A.S.K Model: Training is all about change; driven by A ttitude, ttitude, Skill and Knowledge. It is Attitude or how you think and communicate to yourself via your own internal dialogue that motivates the rest of the equation.
The 3 Pronged approach to learning: Our
ability
to
learn
in
all
senses
of
the
term
comes
from
the
variable
scope
for
following 3 pronged approach;
Of
•
Life experience
•
Genetic Pre-dispositio Pre-disposition n
•
Training
all
3
it
is
training
that
offers
the
most
manipulation.
107
What is an instructor? instructor? The term comes from the Latin word meaning to build . Other definitions and
meanings
Education-
include;
to
draw
Training-
out
what
is
to
drag
already
towards
there
accomplishment
Teacher-
to
show.
Remember as an instructor, you never get a second chance to make an impression. Think about appearance and formal introduction etc, when teaching the first thing is to eliminate misconceptions and create a need for the skill/material. skill/material. ‘’Qui Docet Discet ‘’He who teaches, learns’’
One of the benefits of Neural-based learning is its ability to give the student/trainee exposure to multiple skills inside one objective, as
we’ll
see
accelerated
with
the
learning
forthcoming
gives
an
warm
up
instructor
drill.
the
This
ability
method
to
plug
of in
multiple skills into a single drill set, saving time and accelerating the combat athlete’s progress within that time frame. The human brain likes to automate or multi-task that’s how it works, consciously the brain will only retain 5-7 pieces of information for a short period of time. People of superior intellect (genius) are (genius) are capable of holding up to 11 pieces of information in the Conscious mind at any one time.
The Sub-
conscious mind however, sees everything that is processed via all of our combined senses. Literally millions of pieces of information are taken
into
the
Sub-conscious
with
one
scan
of
your
immediate
environment it then sorts and filters this information, according to its
present
environment.
Short
Term
relevance Any
and
limited
Memory where
order
data it
of can
of
importance
immediate be
to
concern
consciously
your is
immediate
sent
focused
to
the
on
and
everything else is stored in the Sub-conscious.
The following model depicts how this works:
108
Bruce Siddle’s Mind Model: F Visual –
Short -
I
Auditory – Auditory –
Term -
L
Short Term Memory
Kinaesthetic – Kinaesthetic – Sensory – T Working Conscious Conscious Olfactory –
Store Store -
E
Gustatory -
R
Sub-conscious
S
Methods for programming programming the Sub-conscious: Sub-conscious:
Repetition: Two trains of thought here, 3-5000 reps to own the skill and quality over
quantity,
‘’do
50
like
your
life
depended
on
it,
within
state
access and emotional content. Mental
Imagery: Imagery:
Visualisation from a state of relaxation, bring in all the senses and representational systems to maximise the experience.
Positive Self-talk: Management
of
internal
dialogue/self
talk
&
mantras/Group
talk
and
mantras etc.
Physical drills & preparation for learning: To get the best from any learning experience it is important to feed the
brain
as
well
as
the
body,
remain
fully
hydrated
by
drinking
plenty of water and keep your blood sugar up and on an even keel with nutrients at regular intervals. ‘’Start where you want to end up!’’ M arcus Wynne
As mentioned earlier, one objective as an instructor is to give your students experience as close close to the event, as early as possible. possible.
As a
teacher we don’t need to explain the how’s of everything just let them do
it.
Give
emotional
the
content
Kinaesthetic
student that
processing
the goes
to
experience with
take
it
place.
early
on,
allowing Now
you
along the
have
with
the
visual
and
installed
or
plugged in, an array of the concerned variables as one large piece
109
directly into the trainee, as an experience that is as close to the real event as training will allow. From here we can add and refine the smaller pieces as time goes on.
Here is an example of NLP in application; depicted here by some experienced shooter’s, modelling excellence during basic pistol drills for the rest of the class to follow during a CQB instructor’s course in the UK. Here each student then had a chance to model the skill along side a little coaching from the experts, taking each trainee to a near perfect example of moving forward rapidly towards a target with a trained pistol.
It is important to teach immediate action, hence installing the big piece
first
for
refinement
of
details
later.
In
the
above
example
relating to firearms teaching immediate functional combative action, by getting the trainee used to the idea of hitting or clubbing with the gun in true
cave man style, as the very first thing they learn
before gun safety usage or employment as a projectile weapon. Now a workable
combative
format
has
been
neurally
installed
immediately
within the trainee, this will prevent mental log jam if the firearm malfunctioned in a ballistic sense during a critical incident at Close Quarters. In addition to this; the point-shooting method influenced heavily by W.E. Fairbairn during his time with the Shanghai Municipal Police
(SMP)
during
the
1930’s
is
installed,
making
pistol
use
gross motor as throwing a rock.
“Modelling is reframing for a successful result!”
110
as
Accelerated Learning
111
Accelerated Learning & Installing Skill-Sets The first thing that needs to be present when learning and installing any new skill; is Motivation. There must be a NEED to learn the skill in
the
first
place.
This
is
two-fold
from
both
a
Student and
Instructor perspective. First let’s look at an instructor’s personal motivation to teach others. I can only really speak here from my own personal point of view, so here are my reasons in order of importance, for wanting to become a full time professional instructor in my chosen field.
Motivation from an Instructor’s Perspective: •
Teaching others workable Self-Preservations skills.
•
To install in my students a sense of Confidence and increased Self-Esteem that will translate into other areas of their lives. Self Protection skills are merely the vehicle to drive that.
•
Financial; earning a living doing something I enjoy very much.
•
Teaching; enhances my own personal ability to learn and grow.
•
Now
My passion for the material. let’s
look
at
motivation
from
a
student’s perspective.
Any
individual that endeavours to learn any new skill; here of course such skill relates to Self-Protection will find their way to an instructor via one of the following reasons. Each of these reasons will in turn have an affect on the student’s motivation to learn the skill, as we shall see. If you are an instructor then you have a responsibility to
motivate your student/s to learn, to the best of their learning curve ability. Therefore if motivation is lacking, you must create a need to learn the skill. We will look specifically at direct ways in which we can do this shortly.
‘’Enthusiasm is like yawning, infectious!’’ An S.O.E Operative during WWII 1942
112
Motivation to learn from a Student’s Perspective: •
Student is interested in the material and is therefore motivated about the subject in general. This of course is the ideal starting point.
•
The student is only motivated to learn after a bad experience. This is very common to men and women who come to learn SP training.
•
The student saw a sign or an advertisement and thought it might be cool to check out.
•
The student came along with a friend on their recommendation.
•
The student was sent on a compulsory course by a corporate employer, therefore is not really motivated and does not want to be here.
Each of the above will gather varying levels of motivated students or clients,
it
therefore
the
instructor’s
priority
that
he/she
now
need or urge to learn the material. In this case we are
creates a talking
is
about
protecting
the
physical
yourself
and
and
your
non-physical
family
from
options
violence
relating
and
crime.
to
Many
individuals walk around with the notion that it will never happen to them,
therefore
adding
to
either simply unaware of
the
potential
victim
persona.
Many
are
realistic crime stats or simply bury their
head to the reality of current violent society. Regardless the lack of motivation at the initial outset it is up to the instructor to teach and demonstrate via real world example and where possible from live experience. Useful visual stimuli for teaching include CCTV clips of criminal assaults, victim statements and testimony, newspaper stories, live examples from known subjects, graphic depictions relating to the consequences of violence as well as books, articles, TV documentary and
guest
speakers.
Our
subject
of
Counter
Violence
has
many
ugly
facets to it; it is unrealistic and irresponsible to pussy foot around the
facts.
designed
to
Combative build
Training up
false
is
not
senses
just of
about
physical
security.
It
is
drills about
understanding the problem and cultivating solutions and a major part of this comes from understanding your enemy and knowing how you will function
in
the
face
of
gratuitous
violence.
Inform
your
students;
create the need to learn the material and motivation to study and training will follow.
113
The Rex Sykes Model: The
following
model
is
attributed
to
Rex
Sykes;
the
model
itself
provides the student/instructor with a progressive model to learning, by
posing
several
important
questions
from
an
instructor’s
perspective; what do I want the student/trainee to do? Where are they starting from? How does the material apply to this individual?
Approach: How do we approach the subject material? New
pieces to assemble:
The first step to learning is bewilderment/confusion. Practical
Planning:
Drilling with a focus to the end use. Role-play/Enactment:
Make it work! Via scenario with Emotional Content. Integrate:
Fuse skill to Unconscious Competence; master it through repetition with emotional content. Creativity:
Evolve to the next level; make the material your own.
Stages of learning: There are four stages of learning to any new or unfamiliar skill set, these are as follows;
Unconscious Incompetence: You don’t know, that you don’t know
Conscious Incompetence: You know that you don’t know
Conscious Competence: If you think about it, you can do it
Unconscious Competence: You can do it without thought
Mastery:
This is a higher level of learning, where the material has your own individual signature; all attributes are present needed taking you into excellence.
114
Within
Combatives,
if
you
haven’t
got
a
CQB
skill
Unconscious Competence, you haven’t got the skill!
to
a
level
of
The more skills
you have in Unconscious Competence, the more mind space you will have free to learn other skills.
Knowledge: Information is power, how things work in the street; understanding the problem is the precursor to employing the solution! The context of how a criminal assault unfolds is a good task specific example.
Tactical Knowledge: Problem solving is based on how things work. (NASA space training for example)
for
stress
training
remember;
knowledge
dispels
fear,
it
reduces to a manageable level! Here are some tools for teaching a physical skill set, remember also that you can manipulate your environment to enhance learning.
Chunking down: This refers to breaking or chunking a skill down into workable pieces to make it easier for the trainee to learn.
Chunking up: The skill set is now put together or chunked back up into a workable flow
and
drilled
particularly
with
to the
conscious addition
competence.
of
emotional
Further content
repetition, (training
in
state) with quickly lead the student into unconscious competence and beyond.
Using Metaphors: It’s
a
good
idea
to
employ
the
use
of
Metaphors
and
analogies
to
conjure up the imaginative phase of learning such things really help us to access state. Here we can use case studies, news items, movie exerts
and
quotes
that
relate
to
the
topic
in
a
real
life sense.
Example quote: ‘’Use it to fuel the furnace for the fight!’’
Mas Ayoob on adrenaline control
115
The
following
teaching
model
depicts
the
process
employed
for
fast
Combative skill-set acquisition and is attributed to Bruce Siddle of PPCT Management Systems; who is a recognised authority on Use of Force Training in the U.S.
PPCT Model:
First create a need for the skill: This is necessary in order to motive trainee to learn the same.
Trainees must believe they can learn the skill quickly: In Combatives you must be able to learn and use as you would need it, the same day.
Trainees must have a positive experience: Success
in
the
field
should
be
emphasised
and
proven
via
scenario and simulation training with Emotional Content.
116
Strategy Elicitation
117
Strategy Elicitation Working with strategies gives powerful and generative changes both for yourself and others, because they deal with HOW YOU DO SOMETHING. When you
change
a
situations.
strategy,
It
is
a
you
change
fact
that
your
we
response
all
run
to
many
certain
different
programs
or
strategies in order to work toward certain outcomes. The problem lies in the fact that we often don’t give our plans the forethought and follow through they often need, hence the reason we often get less than
desirable
outcomes.
For
example
if
you
find
that
you
often
struggle to manage your finances effectively, then you are running a strategy that is getting you that end result. There is nothing wrong with the strategy it works perfectly well; it is just not the ideal strategy
for
getting
the
you
result
want;
e.g.
better
financial
management. In order to meet the said objective, you need to change or at
least
adapt
the
employed
strategy
and
install
a
disciplined
approach toward meeting the said objective. Another example might be if
you
find
during
a
that
you
potential
struggle
dealing
confrontation;
with
to
fear
such
a
and/or
adrenaline
degree
that
past
experience may have seen you choke up and fail to access the state you need to deal with the problem. Again there’s nothing wrong with this strategy
other
than
is
produces
an
inappropriate
end
result.
The
strategy itself works well at producing an unproductive outcome it’s just no good for the outcome we want e.g. to bring the said event to a successful conclusion. So what does this tell us? Again this often comes
back
(perspective
to
the
on
entry
way
we
into
think
the
and
event )
communicate In
regards
to
to
ourselves
dealing
with
confrontation the most useful strategy to employ comes from changing your psychology to thinking along the lines of ATTACKING THE ATTACKER as a more effective strategy to model. This ties in with everything we’re the
discussing access
rehearsal, persona
and
throughout management
cultivating
that
CAN
deal
your with
this of
entire state,
belief
book;
visualisation
system,
violence
changing
accessing
effectively
an
(Supra
perspective, and
crisis
alternative State)
the
whole thing combined manifests itself as a strategy to employ. The said strategy here relates totally to methods of counter violence.
118
What is our Objective? In regards to dealing with the threat or manifestation of violence from a civilian perspective; the goal is always to avoid the problem in
the
first
place.
If
that
is
not
possible
then
the
goal
is
to
facilitate an escape at the earliest opportunity, if that is not an immediate
option
then
the
goal
is
to
completely
incapacitate
the
subject’s ability/opportunity and intention to hurt or kill you.
How do we meet our Objective? In regards to stopping the threat in its tracks the ideal of course is that we do so in a pro-active or pre-emptive way to end the problem; that is we strive to take the initiative then exploit the initiative until the threat subsides. If this is not possible and we are attacked first,
then
our
contingency
plan
is
to
default
to
a
startle
guard
position and counter offend immediately. In all cases we are either OFFENSIVE
or
COUNTER-OFFENSIVE
but
we
are
not
and
never
should
be
DEFENDING, because if you’re defending you’re fucking losing and that is not an option here.
What is our physical strategy? So our pro-active strategy is to pre-emptively strike with the goal of Knocking the subject out ( unconsciousness via brain shaking impact to the head ) quickly and clinically. Our next option if the K.O is not an option for whatever reason; is to floor the subject and incapacitate his ability to continue; one method might be to strike then take the subject down quickly and stamp on his ankle, thereby incapacitating his mobility and ability to get back up. In other words now he has to crawl to catch me. A lower level of force to threat option would be to strike the individual with enough juice as to totally neurologically overwhelm
the
subject;
creating
a
defensive
flinch
response
which
dissuades his previously Combative attitude. In other words he/they no longer want any part of this situation. In all examples we have sought to
reverse
the
confrontational
dynamic by
reframing
the
subject’s
perspective as to the outcome of this event. A role reversal has now taken place taking you from prey selection to dominant predator.
119
What additional factors apply here? Control physiology, access congruence toward your objective and
•
put your body where you want you mind to be. Control internal dialogue and internal representation and ask the
•
right
questions
geared
toward
resolution
of
the
conflict
e.g.
“how will I take this threat out RIGHT NOW?” employ
•
the
ideal
Combative
Perspective
from
the
pre-conflict
stage. Belief System; believe that you have the right to be safe from
•
violence; believe that in the strategy of ATTACK THE ATTACKER; and that the best defence is a great OFFENCE! Ability to totally de-humanise the subject to nothing more than a
•
target option! Manage
•
and
Access
the
most
resourceful
mental
States
for
producing a WINNING outcome! To manage your emotions to significant enough degree that allows
•
you to maintain control of state at all times in order to access your
skills
employing
a
to
eliminate
level
of
the
force
problem
that
quickly
parallels
and
the
clinically,
threat
you’re
facing in order to meet said objective.
Strategy Elicitation for installing skill-sets: Here
is
one
way
that
can
employ
Strategy
Elicitation
for
teaching
Combative Skill-sets in order take motor skill performance to a level of unconscious competence. •
Introduce the new motor skill employing the VAK principle.
Chunk
the skill-set down then back up to install until student is consciously competent. •
Once the student is consciously competent with the skill, employ the imagination/visualisation in order to access fight state (see section on visualisation and mental imagery ) in other words get
120
the student practicing hard skills in the correct mental state; this is referred to as training with emotional content. Once the student is taken through a guided mental imagery
•
associated with practicing the skill on impact kit such as pads/shields etc the Motor Skill program is starting a process that take it into the subconscious. The motor skill is then employed as it would be within the
•
context of a real world scenario. Introducing role-play, dialogue and theme along with padded assailant training partners. This is the realm of Simulation and Scenario training. •
The above mentioned is the framework from which to build
additional skill-sets. We aim to develop spontaneity via the addition of varying degrees of stress and non-compliancy drills. Above all this method of training offers the trainee immediate demonsratable results by giving the student a dynamic experience. Hence the quote “install the big piece then refine the details”
Remember; the subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between an imagined or visualised experience, or a simulated training experience or the reality of the event itself as long as you are operating state” with emotional content.
121
“in
State Access & State Management
122
State Access & Management In relation to the psychology employed during any potentially violent confrontation; there are two key factors that we need to get a handle on. These two elements relate to our ability to control our emotions whilst under duress, to a significant enough degree that will allow us to deal with the situation to the best of our ability. We need first, to be able to control our emotional response as well as strive to keep a cool head as the situation unfolds. In the ideal this will allow us to make the best tactical decisions. In addition to this, particularly during the actual conflict or fight phase in a physical sense; we need to cultivate the ability to turn on our primal fight instinct, via a controlled explosion of aggression; just like a switch and then just as importantly, to turn it back off again once the resource has met our objective. These two key factors are referred to as the Access and
Management of State.
What is an emotional state: An emotional state can be defined as the current mood that you are in at any given moment. We have all experienced unresourceful states such as depression, anger and fear. Conversely to that we all know more resourceful states such as confidence, optimism, joy and determination etc. In short all human behaviour is the result of whatever particular
state you are experiencing at any given moment. Anything productive or destructive that you may have done, or witnessed others doing is a direct result of the emotional state experienced at that given moment.
Physiology and State: Understand that your physical posture directly affects your current physiology and mental state. For example; the ability to get angry is impaired by employing a posture such as leaning backwards and looking skyward. We can take from this the need to put the body and physiology where
the
mind
wants
to
be,
dependant
on
the
desired
mental
state.
Another example is how elongation of the spine also affects state. Standing tall as you walk at a brisk pace cultivates a feeling of confidence where as a slouched posture looking at your feet as you walk
with
small
unobtrusive
steps;
creates
the
opposite
affect.
A
State is the combination of two things: your physiology or your body
123
chemistry
and
neurological
representation.
workings
along
with
internal
your
That is HOW and WHAT you are thinking about. What’s
important for Combative purposes are a state of general alertness, or being in the most observant state so as to maximise your OODA loop as well as a trained “Combative” or the fighting state. Alertness cued into your environment, that’s the important aspect. But just as important, actually the two go hand in hand, is the fighting state, the physiology and internal representations that add up to ferocious resolve ; Marcus Wynne
Quote from Dave Spaulding’s excellent book Combative Hand guns.
Physiology: One way in which we can affect our current state, is through the way we use our body. Changes in our posture, breathing, muscle tension and facial
expression
can
all
affect
our
feelings
and
behaviour.
By
changing the way you use your body/physiology, you can change the way you feel/state. Here is exercise from Paul McKenna’s excellent book INSTANT CONFIDENCE ‘’take a few moments to think of a time when you felt particularly nervous, perhaps before standing up to give a presentation at work, or before
embarking
on
an
important
discussion
with
someone
you
care
floor,
pull
your
about. STOP !’’ ‘’Wherever
you
are,
plant
your
feet
firmly
on
the
shoulders back, put a silly grin on your face and take a deep breath. Now
without
changing
your
posture
try
and
think
about
that
same
unpleasant experience, whilst keeping the shoulders back, feet flat and teeth shining! If you’ve done what I’ve asked, you’ve probably already
noticed
that
either
your
feelings
about
the
situation
have
changed or you’re no longer able to think about it in the same way.’’ Our
Muscular
tension
or
relaxation,
breathing
pattern
and
physical
posture all influence our mental states. If the body is tense it is producing different chemicals from when it is relaxed, so of course you feel different and will think different thoughts. The Management of State is the main topic of interest for me.
It’s interesting to
124
see how our physiology, directs our mind along with both our internal and external representations to ourselves and others. Apparently my own physiology represents a forward and at times explosive predatory mode
and
there’s
me
thinking
that
sometimes,
I
just
had
a
lazy
posture. But this physiology is almost hard wired into me, established from
my
early
up
bringing
and
experience
along
with
elements
of
genetics pre-disposition. The photo below depicts a demonstration of how physiology can affect mental
state.
During
one
of
my
UC
workshops
I
placed
one
of
my
student’s Alban, in a position of broken balance, by making him lean backwards and look up at the ceiling. From here I asked him to access the fight state without changing his posture in any way. What he found was that it was practically impossible for him to get into state from such a position.
Here I’ve got my work cut out holding Alban back as he accesses state.
The experiment continued by getting Alban to change his physiology, making
it
more
cohesive
to
accessing
the
fight
state.
This
was
depicted by a more forward posture; dropping of the head with a slight rounding of the shoulders in short
forward physiology. From here I
held onto Alban around the waist and told him to take his fight state to its peak. You can see from this photo just how difficult it was for me to hold him back. Adopting certain postures that you take when you are
activating
certain
states,
can
activate
those
states.
125
Either
sitting
or
standing,
adopt
the
physiology/posture,
gesture,
head
position breathing rate and muscle tension that you exhibit when you are in a certain state i.e. relaxation, flow, the zone, creativity and of course fight state and you will access that state. The lesson is simple, put your physiology where you want your mind to be.
State Access: In-fight during a violent altercation ‘Fight State access’ is used to handle the situation with as much force and fury as is necessary. This state access will allow us to go from awareness)
to
condition yellow (a state of
condition red (a state of action)instantaneously and
make our OODA LOOP travel much faster than the loop of our opposing subject, thus getting inside their loop and responding more quickly. Accessing the combat state of mind is essential and the person who can do it first will, without doubt, be the victor. “You need “light switch” (instant) temper when it is appropriate, but you must still be able to spread your anger over a long period of time. In other words you must be able to extend your motivation for as long as it takes to eliminate the problem and/or subject. “You should be able to control your mind and the degree of injury you inflict on your attacker. This is meant to encourage the unleashing of your attack, not its restraint! In circumstances where you find yourself fighting for your life, this means inflicting as much damage as possible, in the shortest possible time-the first with the most!”
Don Pentecost
State Management: This refers to the ability to control and moderate your own mental state/s, as well as recognise when to change
them by asking yourself
where do I need to be at this moment? To be able to adjust and command
control of state change, on demand is a crucial and worthy Combative skill to attain. This will allow you to adjust state according to need and
allow
you
to
keep
yourself
together,
throughout
the
entire
spectrum of the event from pre-fight to conflict phase through to the
post-event aftermath. 126
“Because you are in a heightened-aggressive state in a street fight, you’ve got to continually assess your attacker’s condition as you beat him down in order to regulate your own use of force, keeping you from going over the top. Another reason to continually assess your situation is so you can feel what your attacker’s doing as early as possible, enabling you to use your heightened aggression to prevent it and finish him-ultimately stopping him from prolonging the fight.”
Kelly McCann on in-fight state management
State access for training: Always
start
any
Combatives
class
or
a
training
positive frame of mind. To access the correct
session
with
a
state think about the 3
best ever training experiences that you have had so far. Use a key word to anchor to this state, so that you can recall it before you start in order to kick start yourself.
Remember; with Combatives training, you are always training mentally and physically with the violence dial set to ten. In other words we should be training for the worst-case scenario event where there is an existing immediate threat to life. If you train at ten and meet a six then you can always turn it down so that the level of force parallels the threat you’re facing. How ever if you only ever train with six in mind and then meet a ten...you’re fucked! It’s much easier to turn it down to meet a lesser threat than it is to try and turn it up for the very
first
time
during
a
critical
incident!
So
better
to
have
the
skill and not need it, than to need it and not have it wouldn’t you agree?
127
Anchoring State
128
Anchoring State “Anchoring is the process of associating an internal response with some external trigger, so that the response may be quickly and sometimes covertly reassessed” Richard Grannon
Anchoring State: With
practice
resourceful
it
is
possible
mental
kinaesthetically. employed as an
For
state example
to
anchor
either a
hand
word
at
visually, movement
or
will)
any
auditorily
or
gesture
could
be
external visual anchor or visualising a green light
switching on inside your head would be an trigger
(access
said
in
a
certain
tone
of
internal visual anchor. A voice,
either
out
loud
(external) or again inside your head (internal) would be an auditory anchor and any kind of tactile touch such as pressing your thumb and fore
finger
together
anchor or trigger
as
just
one
example;
would
be
a
kinaesthetic
into state.
We can use a switch or
Anchor to access certain states of mind. One
example comes from a teaching perspective; if you notice a student starting to lose enthusiasm or acting a little self-conscious, then make a mental note of at-least one positive aspect of what they are doing, then bring this to their attention by patting or holding them on the shoulder as you say something like now
you
have
installed
a
Kinaesthetic
‘’excellent, well done!’’ anchor
to
an
affirmation, that has in-turn created a feeling/state of
Auditory
enthusiasm
and well being. To recreate this anchor during the progression of any class with this student, simply pat or hold their shoulder in exactly the same way as you pass them to recreate the experience, it really is that simple.
The use of Anchors as an action trigger: We can use a switch or anchor to access or trigger certain states of mind; this could be verbal anchor such as a trigger word or a visual anchor such as visualizing a green light coming on in your mind, or it could be a tactile anchor such as when an opposing subject touches your fence (lead hand). In addition to that you can also employ a self created tactile trigger such as the following example.
129
Think of an occasion when you have felt a heightened state, this could be excited, happy or in this Combative example, aggressive. See what you saw then (looking through your own eyes)
hear what you heard and
feel what you felt. As you start to feel these sensations increase in intensity, squeeze the thumb and forefinger of your left hand together for a few moments and then release them. Now
‘break your state’ e.g.
remember what you had for lunch yesterday. Wait a few moments then squeeze the thumb and middle finger together again and notice how the state
will
return.
Like
anything,
with
practice
the
use
of
an
anchor/trigger will become stronger and more pronounced allowing you immediate access into desired state when you need it. Work this as an external kinaesthetic drill; via your pad and bag work sessions. Such practice will help you cultivate the access of fight state every time you practice your main artillery strikes. How can I use this? In the real world the use of an action trigger/anchor can help you to eliminate any indecision on your part as well put you in the state you need to be in i.e. fight state when you need it. The principle of anchoring comes from NLP and is something that we have all done without realizing. Think back to a time when you have heard an old tune/song come on the radio that immediately takes you back to a time/place and/or person from the past, along with all the associated
feelings
of
that
experience
i.e.
happiness/sadness
etc
(state) this is an anchor, employed in the way previously suggested to anchor
aggression,
it
can
be
very
useful
in
a
Combative
sense
particularly on your entry into conflict.
Turning fear into fire: You
can
transform
the
feeling
of
fear
into
power
and
strength
by
changing the way that you perceive fear. First, you must believe that the effects of adrenaline ( often misinterpreted for fear, ) are in fact your
body’s
natural
way
of
helping
you
out
of
a
potentially
life
threatening situation. Focus on the fact that adrenaline will make you faster, stronger and more anesthetised to pain.
130
Additional points on state management: Ask yourself ‘’How fast can you develop the ability to switch between states?’’ Also as an instructor, you need to be able to moderate and modulate
a
class;
you
need
to
learn
to
know
exactly
what
state
a
student is in.
Work this during scenario training, by moderating the
student’s
up
reptile
state
brain.
and
Just
down
give
as
them
you
install
the
the
experience
experience and
then
into
the
refine
the
skill. Remember it’s not the why it’s the how under stress.
State Management drills: This refers to the ability to control and moderate your own state, as well as recognize when to change state, by asking yourself
where do I
need to be at this moment? To be able to adjust and command control of state change on attain.
This
demand
will
allow
is
a
you
crucial to
and
adjust
worthy
state
Combative
according
skill
to
need
to and
allow you to keep yourself together, throughout the entire spectrum of the event from pre-fight to conflict through to the post-event. The aim of the following drills is to cultivate a practice for flicking the switch on and off. For those who have difficulty in switching on their aggression, you will need to add the most powerful resource at your disposal, and that is
the
use
of
your
mind
through
visualization
or
mental
imagery
coupled with the use of an anchor. Employ this every time you train on the heavy bag/BOB or pads. Close your eyes before and imagine whatever it takes for you to access the fight state and then blitz the impact KIT with your continuous assault for at least 15 seconds to extend your ATP output. Be sure to employ as much vehemence as you can possible muster then switch it off and re-orientate to your surroundings.
The object is to
create a controlled explosion of anger then change state to one, where it is now possible to make a tactical decision during the post-fight phase of an encounter .
131
State Manipulation in Others
132
State Manipulation in others Manipulating State in others in order to achieve a certain outcome is a key element of NLP. I know that can sound a little out of order, but it is not meant for ill gotten gains. If the 4 pillars of NLP are applied to say; doing well on an job interview in order to get that certain job of your dreams or gaining rapport with a beautiful girl with the view to taking her out on a date, where you both have a great time;
well
surely
In
regards
there?
you’ll to
agree
our
there’s
topic
of
nothing
dealing
wrong with
with
that
aggression
is and
violence, having the ability to manipulate state in others with the view to creating a successful outcome could too only be a good thing. We could achieve this in a variety of ways. If you can talk someone down (verbal de-escalation) from an agitated state into one of shall we say gentler demeanour; then we have created a softer state in that individual. If the subject is violent and extremely aggressive from the outset then our response may indeed need to be physical, in which case
our
Combative
entry
into
conflict
needs
to
be
a
lot
more
significant than the other guy’s, which then creates a role reversal from
predatory
to
prey;
again
the
inducement
of
a
softer
state.
Finally state manipulation can be achieved via the use of artifice and deception.
Deception
is
best
employed
via brain
engagement or mis-
direction both methods will pattern interrupt an individual’s thought pattern
momentarily
creating
an
open
state that
will
buy
an
opportunity to pre-emptively strike. We will talk about this in-depth in another chapter.
Methods of Manipulating State in others: We can manipulate state in others by various means of de-escalation and attitude adjustment up to and including physical force. However as students of Self Protection we should always seek to adhere to nonphysical
options
whenever
possible.
What
follows
are
some
relating to this objective.
133
ideas
De-escalation: (friendly) If you can gain rapport with the subject during the interview prefight stage of the confrontation; perhaps by introducing yourself with a friendly, yet confident demeanour in an effort to talk or empathise with
the
subject
potential
then
conflict.
this
Humour
can is
often another
help way
break to
the
tension
achieve
such
of an
objective. Quite often those that work with the public from a position of authority such as a civil servant for example, will not be seen as fellow citizens or even human beings. It may first be necessary to humanise yourself in the face of the agitated subject. To do this we must first give the subject our full attention and let them know that we are at least prepared to listen to what
they
have
to
say.
My
own
experience
working
as
a
nightclub
doorman saw many a potential aggressor finish up by telling me the hardships of their life story, wishing me luck and shaking my hand, as a
direct
alternative
to
the
fight;
so
it
can
work
under
certain
conditions. Be advised though, if it is clear from the beginning that this individual wishes you harm then an alternative should be sought and quickly.
De-escalation: (via suggestion of consequence) Another
method
of
de-escalation
can
come
from
the
suggestion
of
consequences. This might be employed with challenging tone, such as “You step to the scratch with me cunt and there will be blood to the fucking ceiling!” Of course such a statement should only be made if you are both willing and confident of the outcome. You might suggest something along the lines of a comeback such as; “If you start this I guarantee you this, my boys and me will find you and fucking finish it!” Outside of that you might use the suggestion of consequence in a way that offers both sides an honourable way out a loop hole that allows the other side to save face.
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“You don’t want to kick off here mate, I know all the police in this area and they take no shit from anyone and I’m sure neither of us really wants to get arrested and spend a night in a cell now do we?” Again this is simply one way of giving the other side something to think about; an opportunity to reframe the other guy’s perspective as to the outcome of this event.
Ego Stroking: Bullies are really insecure cowards petrified of getting found out. They need constant reassurance and ego gratification. They will often play
to
should
a
crowd,
bare
in
particularly
mind
the
fact
their that
mates
or
although
a
girlfriend
such
an
etc.
You
individual
is
indeed insecure; it does not make them any less dangerous. One way which we can defuse a potential confrontation comes from feeding the guy’s ego. To use this ploy, you will need to keep your own ego in check in my experience if you’re confident in your own ability then this shouldn’t be a problem. Saying things like “Look mate, you look like someone who can really handle himself I don’t want no trouble with you, I’ll just go about my business” Or if he’s a big lump you might say “Look mate, I don’t want no trouble with you, look at the size of you, do I look mad?” You
get
the
idea;
under
certain
conditions
this
ploy
can
work
well
just him know or at least think that you recognise him as the Alpha male and that you’re no threat to him. If his motivation continues or if he clearly has an agenda (wants to rob you for example ) then this isn’t the place for this tactic, but it can work well in a situation where
a
guy
is
just
sounding
off
and
looking
for
someone
to
make
himself look bigger. Such a ploy is also useful as a deceptive set up before taking the fucker off the planet with your well practiced preemptive strike. Example; “Look mate, I don’t want no trouble with you, look at the size of you, do I look mad?” BANG!
135
Crazy man approach: The crazy man ploy can work really well but you’ve got to get into role and really sell it. Like any strategy suggested in this program it is a good idea to practice in the physical sense before hand and support that with frequent mental rehearsal or visualisation in order to hone your skills. Think of each of these ploys as tools in your armoury. It’s a fact throughout history that no one wants to really fuck with the crazy guy; even the Apache Indians were fearful of such individuals. If you could interview any criminal in any prison that houses violent repeat offending criminals and ask them whose the guy that most people really don’t want to fuck with? Chances are it’s the crazy guy. To enact this role you’ve got to be congruent matching voice, stare body language and demeanour into one complete “nut job” Imagine a guy comes
up
staring
and
like
says a
“what
crazy
the
hyena,
fuck then
you burst
looking
at?”
into
high
a
and
you
pitched
start creepy
laugh as you start rapidly roughing up your hair and slapping yourself round the face; then suddenly stop dead still wrapping your arms round yourself like a straight jacket as you shout; “I KNEW IT, THEY SAID YOU WOULD COME YES, YES, YES THEY SAID YOU WOULD COME!!!
Add more of the creepy laugh and a hard sardonic stare with a smile and that’s you selling the crazy man approach. Most common reaction to this is confirmation from the perp that they think you’re fucking NUTS as they slope off in search of an easier victim!
Introduction of Fear: Introducing fear into the equation during the pre-fight dialogue stage can instantly reframe the other guy’s original perspective of you in one
big
hurry.
The
fact
that
someone
has
selected
you
in
a
confrontational sense in the first place shows a clear indication that they 1. Either feel that you fit the “victim” profile hence the reason they’ve picked you or 2. Think you might be a soft target, but need to probe further (via the interview ) in order to gain confirmation. During
such
dialogue
pattern
interrupt
your
subject
by
dropping
something into the conversation along the lines of;
136
“I know you don’t I? Didn’t we do some time together in Parkhurst Prison?” Add to this a little street speak profanity, bad grammar and a hard common
tone
to
your
voice
and
you
can
create
something
really
workable. Think along the lines of rough and chav like; “Fuck me mush, I fucking swear you look just like a geezer on the same cell block I shared with. Are you sure? C Category Parkhurst! Have you never been in jail then?” Follow that with a hard sardonic stare and… “Never mind easy mistake, maybe I’ll catch up with you sometime, NOT today though ay?” Get the idea? Instant reframe from possible soft target to ex-con of some experience. Bottom line is, that the majority of ilk who select a potential target/s for any kind of confrontation will be weary of two things; getting hurt and getting caught; so any indication from you that suggests you might be a problem in either area can successfully change you from a previously thought soft target to target
option.
This
still
leaves
a
minority
a hard or non
sociopathic
element
who
don’t give a fuck about anyone and will probably assault regardless, in which case I’d suggest hitting ten on the violence volume dial and let them have it, preferably first! In closing if you decide upon any of these options, be sure to immerse yourself into the role. Think of yourself as a method actor and really sell it with congruent body language, tone pitch and verbal dialogue. Remember this is a form of artifice, deceptive trickery designed to produce an outcome, an outcome manipulated in your favour.
137
State Access & Management drills
138
Vehemence: Accessing Controlled aggression (the fight state) The Oxford English dictionary defines vehemence as showing a strong and intense feeling of demonstrative aggression. referred
to
as
your
killer
instinct,
the
This has also been
Gemini
principle
or
the
darker side of yourself. This intense source of energy exists in all of us and is indeed an essential piece of the puzzle that goes hand in hand with the COMBATIVE MINDSET that then creates the WILLINGNESS to step up and do whatever it takes to win the fight. Everyone’s access point is set at a variable level.
What may trigger this instinct in
some people may not be enough in others.
There is a documented case
that
The
illustrates
this
to
good
effect.
incident
involved
an
aggravated robbery that turned to a brutal rape after a man broke in to the house of a single mother. The woman was unable to find within herself what was needed to fend off her attacker, and instead gave in without a fight in the hope that the ordeal would be over quickly. in
with
out
a
fight
or
struggle
For whatever reason this lady gave was
unclear
but
as
soon
as
her
attacker had finished and decided to turn his attention to her eight year old
daughter, everything changed.
As
soon
as he
made his
way
into her room, within literally several seconds of opening the door of her child’s room, the attacker slumped to his knees clutching his neck in a desperate attempt to pull out a pair of scissors that were rammed into his neck full force by the child’s mother. In this example it is clear that the threat to her child was indeed enough for this lady to access her vehemence to a high enough degree to protect her own. This is of course an extreme example, but such an example
is
necessary
to
illustrate
the
first
point
that
killer
instinct does indeed exist in every body and secondly that most if not all of us can relate to the fact that we would indeed be prepared to do whatever it takes to protect the life of our own child or loved one.
Once we can acknowledge the fact that this powerful resource of
energy exists within each of us, we must then decide how best to make use of it in a combative situation.
The ideal goal would be to fine-
tune this energy into an on and off switch that we can control.
139
The next element we need to add to this equation once the decision has been made to be pre-emptive is our TACTICS which in this case are preemption, continuous attack with forward pressure.
This is the exact
point where the switch is flipped and vehemence is bought to bear. SKILLS
are
the
physical
tools
that
we
employ
to
end
the
combative
situation and terminate the threat quickly and clinically. Accessing the combat state of mind is essential and the person who can do it first will, without doubt, be the victor.’’
Dave Spaulding/ Combative Hand guns
‘’Killer instinct is the burning lust to damage your opponent, it is the cold, hard calculating application of bad intentions!’’ ‘’Killer instinct is the firm gripped control over some of our most intense emotions!’’ ‘’To achieve the full potential of killer instinct we must absolutely be able to control our emotions from a cold unfeeling machine, to the uncontrollable rage of a berserk grizzly bear and back again in a second!’’
Paul Vunak of Progressive Fighting Systems
A clear example of focused rage manifested into impact to facilitate escape!
140
State Management drill one: •
Have one coach and one trainee standing in front of a shield/pad man.
•
Have trainee calibrate his own vision with his/her own hands.
•
Trainee responds to feeder’s pre-fight cue in this example ‘sudden encroachment’ then the trainee access’s fight-state and proceeds to blitz the pad man until the signal to stop.
•
Coach calls for him to break fight-state and re-calibrate vision.
•
Trainee will now pull a padded stick from the hand of 1 of 3 observers, stood nearby.
•
Then the trainee will take a padded stick from SOMEONE in the class group, then he/she will access state again and beat a pad on the floor with the padded stick employing as much aggression as possible until given the signal to stop.
•
From here the trainee will walk over to a piece of paper and write his name/address and telephone number, ledgeably as fast as possible.
•
Finally the trainee will identify the person from the group of 35 bystanders, who he took the padded stick from.
141
State Management drill two: •
Trainee stands in a corner at Close Quarters to a feeder, facing them with 2 focus pads. Keep proximity tight and confined, trainee maintains a hands high compressed fence.
•
The pad man cues in stress via verbalisation, pushes, shoves and if necessary the employment of a series of manic slaps to the head and face of the recipient object being to induce fight state in the trainee.
•
This may vary according to individual, but the trainee should access state as quickly as possible and acquire a target to attack, by physically grasping one of the feeder’s pad bearing limbs, once attached, maintain hold and ATTACK with a succession of tight palm strikes, head butts and elbows etc.
•
After 10-15 seconds the feeder will then attempt to struggle by pulling his pad arm free from your grasp. Respond to this by escalating your aggression further and strive to forcefully pull the pad to your mouth. From here BITE and shake your head with vicious guttural intent until you pull the focus pad free from the feeder’s hand.
142
•
Once free bite once more and throw the pad to the ground, then stomp on it as hard as you can, take your aggression to its peak by kicking/volleying the pad clear across the room to signify terminating the threat.
•
The previous feeder now becomes a coach, telling you to recalibrate your vision, check state and recall out loud the following information; Name/address/phone number and D.O.B to simulate thinking and making decisions under post-fight stress.
State line drill: Student walks between two lines of people, coach walks behind student, giving advice similar to the method employed by W. E. Fairbairn in his famous
killing
house
during
troop
training
in
WWII.
The
act
of
speaking/coaching from a position behind the student is linked to the same way in which we received information from our mother whilst in the womb; such coaching has proved to have more of an impact on the trainee from a learning perspective. Coach with say stuff like; tall,
confident
brisk
pace,
stay
alert,
orientate
‘’walk
possible
threat
ahead. Switch on! Blitz the threat, blitz the threat now!!!’’ Break state, switch,
observe in
and
environment, out
of
re-orientate!’’
certain
states,
This
namely
will
coach
you
observation to
to
fight
state and back again whilst employing observation skills, situational control, visualisation and switching on vehemence, all from one drill this is another example of accelerated learning. The following passages come from an interview with Marcus Wynne, for Dave Spaulding’s book Handgun Combatives.
143
‘’The brain and the body are hard wired for fighting.
The easiest way
to get a student in touch with that is to have them get calm, close their eyes, and visualise vividly someone attacking someone they love, like their wife or husband or child. Have them vividly experience the internal representation of what they imagine, because remember that the brain doesn’t distinguish between reality and something vividly imagined enough. If they do their work, they’ll feel a kinaesthetic change in their body, the body will tilt forward, weight will shift to the balls of the feet, their hands may clench, they will hunch their shoulders and drop their head… when you see that and some other body cues, then you know that they have found the fighting state.’’ ‘’Then you want to anchor that – have people practice their defensive skills whilst they are in that fighting state and they will have access to both the state and their physical skills, whether it’s shooting, hand-to-hand, blades, whatever.’’
‘’That’s where most
traditional firearms and combative training go awry – people learn their defensive skills in the classroom and on the range, but the state that they are in is one of being a student, not of a fighter. Some people pick it up naturally because by genetic predisposition they’re combative. But a lot, maybe most, don’t. So when they have to use their skills for real, there is significant time lag as they fight first, to get into the right state and then manipulate the weapon under stress. You can watch this in police video tape when an officer is taken by surprise and must retreat… …watch how the body language changes when they overcome their surprise and present the weapon to defend themselves. You can watch the state access taking place right before your eyes. As an instructor, you have to create experiences like that for your students so that they don’t have to discover it on their own in the street.’’
144
Fight State Access drill one: Here is an illustrated example of a continuous attacking drill that can
be
used
aggression.
to
practice
switching
on
short
bursts
of
controlled
Add visualization to the drill and try to muster as much
emotional content as possible. Accessing the Fight State!
Close your eyes and think about 3 things that induce aggression.
Examples: 1. Two
men molesting your significant other
2. A man assaulting your Mother with a baseball bat 3. Paedophile attacking your child Now think of 3 trigger words that signify aggression. Examples: Hurt! Hate! F**k You!
Now work the mechanics of the following gross motor drill with a partner on a strike shield.
From a non-aggressive fence throw a series of cycling hammer-fist strikes.
145
Then flow straight into a sequence of elbows building up the aggression and power with each strike you throw.
Once you understand the movement close your eyes and take about 30 seconds to visualize an incident in your mind that will invoke this state of ANGER, feel what it feels like and imagine what you would see, hear and feel as clearly as possible. Notice how your physiology starts to change, your muscles may tighten, your breathing pattern may change as your heart rate increases and your fists may clench. Take control of this feeling and harness the energy it provides, then on your own signal (use a trigger word ) open your eyes and explode into the pads with your continuous assault of HF’s and elbow strikes as hard and fast as you can, with as much aggression as you can muster. Be
guttural
trigger
as
words
you from
strike the
using
pit
of
your your
voice
as
stomach.
you Stop
shout on
out
the
your
signal
(whistle) take a few breaths to regain your composure, check state by calibrating your peripheral vision then answer a question from the pad man Examples include; spelling your Mother’s maiden name or recap your car registration/National insurance number, or have the trainee read a highlighted passage from a newspaper out loud, or ask them to work out a
simple
mathematical
equation
or
recap
what
you
had
for
lunch
yesterday. All are a means to break your previous state in order to re-instate a higher level of brain function.
Notice how you have just
harnessed a powerful resource of energy, but in a controllable way. Then ask yourself ‘’how useful is this as a resource during a critical incident?’’ Once the final whistle is blown, the aim is to re-instate a state of situational awareness ( scan) and decision making ability in order to install within the trainee, the act of re-attaining a degree
146
of focused higher brain activity, that would be necessary to find an escape route, administer first aid, drive a car, dial the emergency services for help, and/or speak to attending law-enforcement without incriminating yourself in the process! Here are a few pictorial examples of state access post mental imagery exercise…
Fight state access/pain management: This is a 3-man drill employing a Kubotan or a Yawara-bo with applied pressure
across
the
radial
wrist
bone,
in
order
to
induce
instantaneous pain. Once the pain is acknowledged by the recipient, he/she is then encouraged to sample it again, this time for a 10 long second duration, as the trainee hits a focus pad as hard and fast as possible, with as much aggression as they can muster. This little gem comes from Dennis Martin and was used on our first stress inoculation program back in November 03. The point of the drill demonstrates just how effectively we can mask pain and fight through it if a controlled burst of aggression is applied. Hence the saying
‘’turn your pain to
power!’’
147
Fighting through pain can be an enlightening experience...
Fight state access/fatigue management: This next drill was developed and introduced by my good friend CQB instructor Jimmy Farthing. This is a 4-man dead weight drill; which I modified slightly by adding the addition of 10 push ups, followed by lying face down flat on the floor. From here one training partner of approximate equal weight will lie as a dead weight there
is
no
holding
or
striking
allowed
from
on top of you,
either
side.
Your
objective is to get this guy off you and get up as fast as you can, in order to blitz a pad for 10 seconds all-out with HF strikes. This is then repeated for a second time and finally a third time, only now you are extremely tired, and have 2 people lying on top of you making it doubly hard to get up. The only thing that will make you get up is the WILL to WIN. Will-is defined by your strength of purpose, how easily and strongly you can channel all of your mental and physical energy. Will, is your DETERMINATION TO WIN! Ask yourself how bad do you want it?
Ten push ups…wrestle first guy off…
148
‘’Fatigue represents fear, that tries to dissipate your WILL to WIN!’’
Beat that pad for ten seconds… Repeat push-ups for ten…
Wrestle one guy off, get up, and beat that pad for ten.
Finale of the drill is ten more push ups; wrestle two guys off you then get up and beat that pad like your life depended on it…
149
Fight state access/dis-orientation management: The final stress/state drill that I want to cover here; is a 3-man drill incorporated in the following way. The stressor of choice here is dis-orientation, which could simulate the effects of being startled or
suddenly
awakened,
recovering
from
a
hangover
or
dazed
from
a
sucker punch. Either way the stress is employed as in all cases, to put the trainee in a least efficient situation and make him/her access state in order to regain initiative. Here the trainee closes his eyes, pinches his nose and bends forward, from here a safety man will spin him around in a circle, 10 times to create dis-orientation.
Stress is created via dis-orientation…
From here a pad feeder will rain an immediate multi punching attack towards
the
dizzy
trainee’s
head
who
will
now
cover,
crash
and
counter from the all-out assault with a default cover, closing into clinch knees.
Followed by covering from an all-out pad man assault…
The trainee must relocate his position and actively
SCAN for a further
threat.
150
Close into clinch knees being sure to relocate position and actively scanning to break tunnel vision.
Next the trainee will pick up a training partner ( simulating an injured friend ) off the floor and fireman carry, piggy back or drag him into a corner, from where they will stand in front and protect them from two pad men, who will alternate presenting targets to strike for 15 seconds to
finish.
From
here
the
trainee
checks
state
and
calibrates
his
peripheral vision, as he answers a question to reinstate a higher brain function.
Carry, lift or drag an injured friend to safety then turn into an active guard…
Keep striking as you cover your injured friend from the pad men’s attempted encroachment … just keep firing at every target that comes at you…
151
Until the signal to stop then check state and vision etc to finish.
State Access & Management Drill: The
following
example
was
taken
from
a
CQB
Neural
Based
Learning
course in Liverpool in 2006 with Dennis Martin and Marcus Wynne both are leading authorities within this specific field. This drill offers an example of putting everything learned; together and on top of what we already do into one large workable format (installing the BIG piece this allows the trainee; to get the experience under the conditions of
emotional content during a Simulation exercise. The objective or theme of
this
particular
scenario
example
is
to
r escue the baby;
this
is
simulated by a 20-30lb sandbag placed at the far end of a room. The goal is simple go get the kid and bring it back to the starting point; this drill calls for the following resources; 3 shield-men, 1 trainee 1 coach, 2 safety guys, also on hand to calibrate peripheral vision, one sandbag, 2 pens and 2 pieces of paper. A coach should be on hand to take the trainee through a variety of mental and physical
States,
which he/she will fluctuate, whilst coaching you to constantly check our Peripheral Vision under stress and make decisions, by asking such questions
as
‘’what’s
your
mother’s
maiden
name?’’
or
spell
your
surname backwards, read a segment from the newspaper etc. Then back into more fight state stress, check vision then go over to the paper and
pen
station
and
write
your
name,
address
and
telephone
number
ledgeably as fast as you can. The goal is clear to take you through a variety of fluctuating states and levels of stress. Such as access the fight state to fight through several threats, in between checking your vision
and
observation,
thinking
and
answering
questions,
152
making
decisions out of fight state, save the baby then access state again to fight your way back. Follow this with a change of state again to check your vision then answer a question, fight the shield man again, check vision again then draw an This
is
installation
of
X to mark the finish of your experience. the
big
piece
which
can
be
refined
to
excellence with further experiences, i.e. refine the smaller pieces. This training methodology allows an instructor to immediately install EXPERIENCE into a trainee under the conditions of
emotional content
close to the real event, for the refinement process to follow. Voila, accelerated learning in action! What makes it special is, a lot of this stuff is simple to implement a lot of which most of us are doing already without know it.
Here’s an example of the save the baby scenario drill , depicted in its entirety by CQB instructor Mika Soderman getting coached here by Marcus Wynne at a course in Liverpool 2006. The coach helps to control and fluctuate state:
Mika access’s fight state and deals with first threat then Mika breaks state returning to a state of observation and actively scans for further threat:
153
Then Mika negotiates the next threat of 2 pad men: Mika breaks state again, checks vision then writes his name address and phone number ledgeably:
Next Mika unties and rescues the baby which of course is the drill objective:
Mika access’s state again then threat is negotiated he checks question: From here he has to then X marks the spot to finish
fights his way back with the baby. Once this is peripheral vision and answers the coach’s fight the last pad man, check vision again the stress drill.
“Install the BIG piece then refine the details!” Marcus Wynne 2006
154
An ideal example of the previous simulation in terms of performance would
be
as
follows:
Start
with
pre-cue
observation,
state then clinically deal with the first threat,
access
floor him .
fight Change
state back into observation and actively scan. Coach moderates state change,
access
fight
state
again
and
deal
with
2
on
1
threat,
by
clinch kneeing one as you relocate position from the other. If you floor
or
lose
one
then
clinch
onto
the
other
nearest
threat
and
continue with this tactic until coach calls it. Change
state
write/relay
again,
actively
information
to
scan,
coach,
answer
maintain
a
question
observation
and
and
or
pick
up
sand-bag/baby keep dominant tool side forward, access state and blast nearest 2 on 1 threat, strive for a clinched attachment using him as a barrier Check
against
state
last pad
the
again
other,
and
man threat.
fight
maintain The
effectively
observation,
ideal
is to
until
coach
calls
it.
access
fight
state
for
the way
in,
stop-hit
him on
floor him then put the baby down in a place of safety. Pick
up
chair
or
access
question and/or draw an prime
example
of
a
weapon,
scan
and
check
state,
answer
a
X to finish for a coach debrief. This is a
installing
process has taken place i.e.
the
BIG
piece ,
after
the
refinement
refining the smaller piec es and placing
all the variables concerned, on top of what you already know and do. The result is enhanced Combative functionality. Additional variables can of course be added or changed in accordance with the objective. The addition of a partial blind fold, stones in your shoe or arm in a sling to simulate injury for example and/or the addition of in-fight weapon access, meantime having the coach take the trainee up and down in state to change the emotional content of the overall equation. yourself,
during
enactment
what’s
specific
to
the
task
Ask
objective?
Think also about the purpose and relevance of drills, as an example checking vision as demonstrated by calibrating your vision, is applied by
actively
scanning
and
turning
the
head
left
and
right
to
break
tunnel vision in a live situation or scenario. This is the essence of the skill combatively applied. Such stress training will allow your brain
to
feel
in
control
or
think
that
control
is
achievable
and
possible; this in turn leads to stress inoculation in short stress
155
them by processing them in chaos, then bring them back to a tactical decision neural
making
based
conditions
state.
training
of
battle
Remember
the
sub-conscious
works
under
stress,
once
state
and
emotional
mind
never
installed
content
the
rests
during
the
skills
are
programmed in and with be retained during a critical incident. From a coaching point of view be sure to encourage
the trainee to
breathe under stress and talk them through the experience. The idea is to take a skill and add it to what you already do, in order to enhance your functionality in a Combative sense.
Author’s note: Please student have
understand of
such
that
Combatives an
equally
the to
point
the
of
this
crucial
crucial
bearing
book
is
Psychological on
the
to
introduce
elements,
outcome
if
you
the
which find
yourself in a violent confrontation where you are potentially fighting for your life. Namely; whether you end up just another violent crime statistic or whether you prevail, escape and get to carry on with the rest of your life and time
access frame,
your in
will ultimately depend on your ability to control
most
resourceful
addition
to
emotional
cultivating
states,
the
required
ability
to
in
win
that in
a
physical sense. What we are looking at here are simply the tools
to get your mind
right when faced with physical violence. Such tools are designed to accompany your physical skills that can only be cultivated via hard Combatives training. In all cases we are talking from the perspective of a worse case scenario, where there exists a very real threat to your personal safety and possibly your life and/or that of whoever you are with at the time. The cultivation of developing personality traits that allows you to become
“in
essence
capable
of
dealing
with
and
delivery
violence,
maybe up to and including lethal force ” are of course anti-social in nature, but so is getting kicked into a coma by five drugged up crack heads, waking up in hospital on life support with a drip in your arm looking so fucked up your own mum doesn’t recognise you.
156
The
sole
objective
from
our
training
is
simply,
Self-Preservation.
Avoidance is always sought where possible and of course we should always
seek
non-physical
options where
and
when
possible,
but
sometimes avoidance is not an option and physical violence can and will manifest as a result of that. In which case our objective is to do whatever is necessary to facilitate an ESCAPE. If escape is not possible
then
we
may
need
to
do
whatever
is
necessary
to
totally
incapacitate the other side’s ability to hurt, violate or kill us. In all cases I only want to employ the level of force required to get the job done and nothing more; but the reality you have to accept is that
under
lethal
exceptional
force.
The
conditions
following
that
quote
may
be
relates
up to
to
and
that
including statement
wholeheartedly. “You’ve only the right to defend yourself within a use-of-force continuum which is, using the appropriate level of force to STOP the threat presented to you and no more. Retribution is neither lawful nor your right. To go beyond that would be morally bankrupt!”
Kelly McCann on use of force to threat parallel
157
Artifice; use of Deceptive Kinesis
158
Artifice; use of Deceptive Kinesis Understand that a large percentage of street crime is initiated by career criminals who are good at what they do, at the end of the day their objective is to get paid by any means and by anyone that they depict as a probable candidate. In any potential confrontation you should expect two things as a given; chances are there will be more than one agitator (multiple assailants) and there’s high probability that one or more of them will be armed. Other factors include brutal gratuitous
violence,
deception,
rusing
preceded
and/or
in
by
tactics
your
face
of
surprise
and
ambush,
aggression/intimidation.
One
point that is worth emphasising here is that; an experienced street fighter
or
career
criminal
will
often
employ
unpredictable
body
language cues; in one instance they may display signs of aggression in order to make the recipient capitulate, but if this is met with a confident and un-intimidated response the person may now revert to a different demeanour, maybe even apologising for his behaviour passing it off as misplaced aggression. He may now try to shake your hands and close the space between you both
before
deceptive
employing
traps.
his
Learn
as
assault much
so
about
be
aware
body
of
these
language
cues
kinds and
of
pre-
cursors to violence as possible. If you don’t understand deception then you may be beaten by it. Understanding a is
what
makes
up
the
context
criteria for pre-emption.
of
a
criminal
street criminals M.O. assault
and
allows
us
This knowledge may be the one thing that
allows us to operate inside the of bad guy’s Ooda loop. First off the criminal
will
not
care
about
selected then you can expect importance of awareness.
your
skill
level.
surprise or ambush
If
you
have
been
tactics, hence the
If you negate that as you should, then it
is most likely they will employ some kind of a ‘Ruse’ that will start with
deceptive
dialogue.
This
is
fast
becoming
more
sophisticated
than ‘’have you got a light?’’ or ‘’excuse me, can you tell me the way to?’’
Expect
a
ruse
along
the
lines
of
the
bad
guy
playing
the
Samaritan such as;
159
Good
‘’ Excuse me I think you’ve dropped your money, is this yours?’’ Or ‘Excuse me do you have a mobile phone I could use to call an ambulance? My wife’s right around the corner and is about to have our baby!’
Such tactics play on our own human instincts for financial gain or the need to help our fellow man. Just have a think could close the distance on someone.
about how you
Ruses work both ways, there is
duality to these tactics that’s why we need to learn them also. In all cases regarding the use of deception we need to assume there is a second aggressor. That’s why we should always assume 2 things in any potential
confrontation.
One,
there
is
likely
to
be
more
than
one
aggressor and two, there is probably a weapon/s involved. A street criminal is looking to gain the highest probability of success; hence the use of surprise, deception and aggression, backed up with safety in numbers and dis-proportional armament i.e. he’s got a weapon and you haven’t. Such individual’s have all the time in the world, to come up with new and equally ruthless ways of parting you from valuables and safety. At the end of the day a street criminal is looking to get paid and/or quench a thirst for gratuitous violence. In view of the fact that there may be more than one individual, remember your need to step past the person who approaches you, then turn around and face them as depicted in the preceding diagrams earlier. This will force them to re-orientate to you, as well draw anyone who was previously behind you, into your peripheral vision.
Now you can deal with the guy in
front whilst maintaining a visual on anyone else. This
whole
gamut
of
information
is
your
contextual
framework
for
noticing a threat early, so that pro-active action can be taken. We need to become students of human behavioural kinesis. Certain subtle, innate non-verbal cues are often exhibited in a cluster just before the
physical
assault
itself.
Understanding
and
recognizing
them
offers us a counter to the all too frequent victim statement;
‘’it
all happened so fast I didn’t see it coming.’’
We can counter this
via information obtained, from knowing and recognizing certain preattack indicators exhibited by our potential aggressor.
160
Artifice(Brain Engagement) Pronounced trickery,
(ar-ti-fiss) a
clever
trick
Defined
in
the
English
intended
to
mislead
dictionary
someone.
This
as
is
a
method of deception that can create the opportunity to eliminate a threat
pre-emptively,
thereby
putting
an
end
to
a
potential
altercation quickly and clinically. There are two main ways that we use artifice/deception and they are by either misdirection in order to create a distraction or through brain engagement where we ask the subject a brain engaging question just before we strike. The latter method was favoured by Geoff Thompson who would line up his opponent by using the fence and then he would say something like ‘’so what you trying to say? ’’ he would follow this an instant later with a well
practiced right cross/hook punch to the jaw that would put a clinical end to the situation. This method can be applied to any favoured preemptive
strike
that
you
choose,
as
long
as
you
stick
to
the
main
principles of controlling space with your fence, talking with your hands whilst using deceptive dialogue. In relation to using deception via brain engagement it is important
‘’what’s
that we ask a question that requires a response, such as this
about?’’
doesn’t
Why
really
you
picking
matter
on
whether
me?’’ At
the
the
question
end
is
of
the
relevant
day to
it the
situation at hand or if it is totally abstract, so long as it makes the
subject
think
of
a
response
and
pattern
interrupts
his/her
thinking for a second, regardless if they intend to reply or not is unimportant.
What we are looking to do here is to engage the brain
for
second
a
split
original
intention
so
to
that
attack
he/she but
is
instead
not what
thinking you
have
about
their
just
said.
This will create the window of opportunity that we need to strike. This will also act as an action trigger for our attack that will take away any
indecision on
our
part
of
when
to attack.
To train this
response we need to associate our selected question with our favoured strike/s and bring it to play each and every time we practice on the pads, bags and with our training partners.
161
Artifice example: (brain engagement) Here a Palm heel strike to the jaw has been used pre-emptively from the fence preceded by asking the subject a question. The hands are held as if talking in exclamation to disguise the set up keeping the body language, voice tone and dialogue all congruent with innocent unsuspecting behaviour.
’Look, what’s this all about?’ BANG!
The palm heel slap off the intermittent fence via your trigger question ‘What’s this about? Boom!
162
The other way we use artifice is through misdirection.
This has been
around for many, many years and has been used by everyone from WWII veterans to East end gangsters. for
use
of
their
“cigarette
The notorious Kray twins were known punch” that
is
to
offer
someone
a
cigarette and then a light, then as they lean forward to light it they would get punched hard in the jaw, which was by now slightly open
and
knock
the
individual
completely
unconscious.
A
similar
method was use by SOE in WWII when most people would carry a metal cigarette case, which would be held flat in the palm of the hand and then
rammed
hard
into
and
through
the
jaw
chin-jab
style
as
the
recipient leaned in for a light.
Artifice example: (Misdirection) Here is just one example of misdirection, many other possibilities exist. At some point during the interview stage of the confrontation whilst keeping your lead hand out to maintain the gap and control personal space, turn away slightly ( being sure to maintain target in your peripheral vision) as you make the motion to cough. Just say something like ‘’hold on’’ or ‘’excuse me’’ as you cover your mouth and cough. Follow this motion an instant later by exploding through your target with your strike or punch to the jaw.
These are just a few simple examples of the use of deceptive kinesis like I said many, many similar alternatives are available just take the concept onboard and play with the idea. The bottom line objective is to create a momentary altered state or an open state to pattern interrupt
the
subject’s
thought
pattern
in
order
to
take
163
the
initiative
in
a
physical
sense.
This
tactic
is
absolutely
no
different to the way any street criminal will operate, whether they come up to you and ask for a light or engage you and make you fixate via
some
more
sophisticated
kind
of
ruse,
deception
is
deception
learn and understand this concept so that you can use it as a tool and prevent yourself from getting beaten by it. For a more in-depth insight into the employment of deceptive kinesis see “Artifice” Part 3
of
the
Combative
Psychology
DVD
series
available
www.urbancombatives.com
164
from
Creating a Supra-State
165
Creating a Supra-State The definition of the term ‘ Supra’ means above, over the top of; or greater than. The concept of employing a
Supra State is for me, the
pinnacle of using NLP and Neural based methodologies. Credit for the creation
of
this
strategy
comes
from
Richard
Grannon
of
www.streetfightsecrets.com I highly recommend that you obtain the 3 CD audio set that Richard presents on this subject. Here
I
have
taken
the-is
excellent
concept
and
adapted
it
to
apply
directly to the kinaesthetic application of physical drills as we shall see. In relation to developing a Combative strategy that will allow us to
deal
with
fear
and
access
states,
most
resourceful
to
conflict
resolution, check out the following quote from Master NLP practitioner Richard Grannon’s teaching notes; “It is the wilful creation of a split in the personality to create a persona that CAN deal effectively with violent confrontation!” In his Supra State series Richard realises how some people, more than others
really
do
struggle
with
getting
their
heads
around
physical
confrontation; he says... “OK so you feel that you can’t handle physical violence, that’s fine...so don’t be you ; instead cultivate a separate persona, based on modelling someone who can deal with violence effectively and when the time comes, be them!” In NLP the employment of any strategy is based around a thought and dialogue pattern, designed toward a specifically desired outcome. In addition to this is an accompanying physiology that is congruent with the most resourceful thoughts, feelings and dialogue lined up to meet a certain objective. Let’s say that I am looking to develop a strategy that
will
allow
me
to
control
fear
and
adrenaline,
followed
by
the
ability to access a state of mind that will allow me to explosively plough through any threat, with maximum speed, power and aggression. Here I am looking to cultivate a state of mind and body, that I can manage dealing
and
access
with
and
aggression
is and
the
most
resourceful
violence.
towards
Using modelling as
effectively an
example
166
here; if I could find someone who already has all of the resources and attributes necessary, to effectively operate under such conditions i.e. someone who can and has, effectively dealt with violence time and time again, then I would strive to find out what it is exactly, that he does that allows him to get such effective results? This
is
often
hypothetical
referred
example;
British
hard
fighter
and
man;
I
as
would
Roy
undisputed
to
Shaw
strategy
a
strive (a
fucking
to
find
hardened
HARD
elicitation. someone
the
ex-criminal,
man )
who
has
In likes
bare
probably
this of
knuckle had
more
violent physical confrontations during his sixty plus years than most people
could
possibly
imagine.
Or
it
could
be
a
veteran
Spec-Ops
Operative who is used to dealing with violence in a clinical sense or it could be anyone who you know, or don’t know but know of or have read about
and
that
fits
the
profile
that
we’re
looking
for
within
the
context of dealing with violent confrontation, along with all of its associated elements. The ideal would be for me to study such an individual, in-depth and if I could spend time with them I would ask them to
yourself
when
entering
into
such
a
what do you say or think
situation?
What
is
your
perspective of the forth coming event? And how do you feel? How do you hold
your
body?
In
short
I
would
strive
to
understand
the
commonalities; in terms of what they say and think to themselves along with the what, whys and when of how such people feel. I’d strive to find out what it is they do, that makes the difference? What
is
it
that
they
do,
that
allows
them
to
get
such
consistently
effective results in terms of outcome under such conditions? I’m not just
talking
about
the
physical
elements
of
size,
body
stature
or
physical fighting ability though of course these things are relevant factors, but these things can be trained for and really make up only part
of
the
equation,
infact
a
much
smaller
part
of
the
overall
equation than you might think. The biggest component begins with the mind or more aptly put, the MINDSET. The basis for this comes from how they
think
and
their
internal
dialogue
i.e.
how
they
talk.
How
you
think and talk greatly affects how you feel, and how you feel greatly affects what you do i.e. what action you take; which in turn massively
167
affects the RESULTS you get! It all begins in the mind with what you say and think and dominoes in effect from there. So the bottom line, in terms of starting point begins with modelling the thoughts, feelings and
physiology
of
any
example
figure
that
already
has
all
of
the
resources and attributes of my desired OBJECTIVE i.e. to be clinically efficient and explosively effective during any violent confrontation. This is the modelling of excellence via strategy elicitation. This was the very basis from which Bandler and Grinder started on their journey to modelling excellence and the general creation of NLP. Of course such a strategy was aimed at very different fields of endeavour from
those
associated
to
dealing
with
violence
but
the
process
is
exactly the same; namely find out what it is that great people do to get great results, in whatever field of study. Find the commonalities that
exist
among
similar
individuals,
then
implement
a
process
that
will allow you to model what it is they do that allows them to get the results they get. Then,
to
the
best
of
your
abilities
and
attributes,
model
that
structure. This provides you with a workable strategy. It provides you with a shape to copy or a model of excellence. totally
immerse
yourself
within
such
a
The idea is for you to
manifestation.
Find
such
a
persona then see, hear and feel it, visualise and manifest it; then during the time of need Explode it through the
soon to be fucking MEAT
puppet in front of you! Now you can install the big piece that will allow you to travel the journey of real experience with a much greater probability of success than from where you first started.
Two real-world examples of hard men of reputation come from bare knuckle boxers Roy Shaw and the late Lenny MacLean both depict ideal examples to model for the ten second event of any violent confrontation.
168
The above pictures show King Leonidis from Frank Miller’s graphic novel and film “300” and Jake “the muss” from New Zealand films “What became of the broken hearted” and “Once we’re warriors”. For me, both characters depict individuals that you’d least like to fuck with.
Additional fictional
examples film;
from
of
Supra
books
State characters
depicting
warriors
can from
also
come
history
or
from even
comic book characters. They can be real examples from history such as the Samurai or the Spartans, or they could be a film directors/fight scene choreographer’s impression of what a real-world hard man comes across like. Bottom line is; pick someone known or unknown, real of fictional from present or past; who represents an individual that you would least like to fight or who you depict as having all the mental and physical attributes necessary for dealing with violence… well. From
here
it
is
up
to
you
to
refine
the
details
and
make
such
a
strategy your own. This is the creation of a Supra State, this state of mind and body is not a place that I want to frequent, regularly call upon or seek to hang out. It is simply a resource that is required any time that I need to deal with violence nothing more. It is not a monkey that I carry on my back, rather it is thought of as a shotgun under an overcoat or a suit of armour that I change into in order to prevail under the worst possible conditions, nothing more. Once you have the raw material we need to formulise it, that is create an associated trigger or anchor ( more on this later ) that will allow us to
access
our
Supra
State
in
an
immediate
sense.
We
do
this
via
visualisation, mental imagery and crisis rehearsal that is creating a vision via moving pictures in our head that will clearly depict how we will WIN during any possible threat to life critical incident. We’ll do
169
this first un-associated, that is by seeing ourselves as we are, as if we are outside of ourselves watching ourselves in form and figure. From here we run through a variety of such movies until we are happy with the
result,
then
we
will
re-run
the
visualisation
as
an
associated
imagery, that is seeing ourselves in the first person. Looking out from our own eyes, seeing what we’d see, hearing what we’d hear and feeling what we’d feel. This is the 3 out of 5 rule i.e. employing at least 3 out
of
our
5
representational
systems
or
senses.
Associated
visualisation has a deeper affect on how it makes us feel i.e. on our state
and
physiology.
In
short,
as
we
learn
to
enhance
such
mental
imagery we can enhance how this makes us feel. If
we
imagine
ourselves
in
front
of
a
huge
monitor
with
all
the
controls at our figure tips we can in effect manipulate and amplify our state; which in this case is geared toward the development of the most resourceful state we could be in, in order to meet our objective i.e. to prevail during any violent confrontation. Now we can experiment by turning up the colour and/or the brightness noting how more intense a feeling
this
will
create.
Make
the
picture
bigger,
really
BIG
life
size, larger than life. Now step into it see it through your own eyes, see your feet as you walk see your hands as you employ them as a fence to control the personal space between you and the soon to be fucked up meat puppet that you’re facing. Elements
such
as
size,
colour
and
contour
are
referred
to
as
submodalities and are the elements that have scope for manipulation, which can in turn intensify the feelings and state of mind you access. Of
course
this
manifestation
of
imagery
is
violence
taken
and
into
brought
the to
a
realms
of
the
physical
successful
and
clinical
conclusion by YOU! All elements of the equation are present i.e. pre-
fight, what you see, hear and feel before the event pre-conflict, that state of heightened observation, complete confidence and in control of all
emotion,
adrenaline
is
my
ally
and
the
fuel
that
will
fire
my
event. (This is the commonality of thought and feeling clearly demonstrated by those who can, have and will prevail under such conditions ) Then that moment
that
necessitates
the
employment
of
an
IMMEDIATE,
DIRECT 170
&
EXPLOSIVE RESPONSE, this is the physical conflict phase. It is here that all of my physical and mental attributes are lined up ready to go. This
manifestation
will
explode
now
pre-emptively
through
the
enemy
with immediate ballistic effect, eliminating the threat quick smart. ( A detailed analysis of all of the physical submodalities associated with the physical assault will follow in a later chapter ) From here I sustain the assault if anyone else gets involved then make my tactical escape at the earliest opportunity. Here I imagine myself back into a state of control, where I reinstall a higher level of brain function post-event placing
myself
back
into
a
state
of
control
and
heightened observation. This is the where’s and how’s of where you need to
be
mental
during
the
imagery
feelings
and
full
will
spectrum of
illicit
physiology
it
certain is
at
any
violent
responses this
point
confrontation. from that
your we
Such
thoughts, employ
a
kinaesthetic anchor by squeezing our thumb and forefinger together at the heightened peak of such an experience. Repetition of this will eventually allows us to call upon this STATE at the very employment of our tactile anchor. This is then attached to a physical impact drill, where we stand in front of a bag as we visualise a scenario, from where we call upon our state via our said anchor then explode into the bag unleashing hell on our imagined subject, via the vehement vehicle of our physical skill set. This is a mere taster in terms of what we can create in relation to drills that manifest state. Trust me when I tell you there is a progression that will allow you tap into that part of yourself, you may have previously doubted existed. This is the Gemini principle finding the darker side of you. This is the manifestation of that person within you, that really fucking deal with any Combative problem that comes your way! This is your
CAN
Supra
State! As I said, it’s not a place where you want to hang out; it is the
cultivation
of
your
personal
BATTLE suit that lives in its own
special place and is only called upon, in
necessary circumstances. It
is simply the manifestation of a necessary evil! If you need to put out a big fire you need a BIG fucking bucket!
171
Supra State drill: (Internal Visual) The following sequences offer examples of how we employ the Supra State concept
as
a
UC
psychological
conditioning
drill.
Take
any
previous
situation that you may have been involved in where you would have liked the outcome to have turned out shall we say, more productively. If you do not have such an example from real experience then take a situation that you’ve heard about or read about, or you can simply make one up. •
Lie down comfortably, take some deep breaths, relax and clear your mind. Visualise the said scenario unassaociated
first; that is as
if you can see yourself on a screen in front of you. Visualise the said scenario as it happened, replayed in your mind as if you’re watching a video behind your own eyelids. •
Now
visualise
living,
known
Supra
your or
State
unknown)
a
character (either
good
suggestion
is
fictional
to
pick
or
someone
that you would least like to fight. Imagine this character going through the exact same scenario but dealing with it as he would, quick and clinical to a completely ideal and successful outcome. •
Now visualise yourself back in the same scenario, only this time your
Supra
State
character
is
now
standing
behind
you.
Imagine
that the character steps into your body, filling you with all of his
characteristics
experiences
are
and
now
your
attributes.
All
experiences,
his
of
his
previous
confidence
and
live self-
belief is your confidence and self-belief. His speed, aggression and violence of action is now yours you wear this character as if putting him on like a suit of armour, seeing the scenario unfold associated now; that is as if you are seeing out of your own eyes.
•
Take
some
imagination imagine
time
to
feel
employed
yourself
now
how
as
a
as
an
this
feels,
resource, upgraded
remember
there
are
character
it
no
( as
is
your
boundaries if
you
were
starring in a video game ) see what you would see, hear what you would hear and feel what you would feel. •
Now imagine this before,
to
the
upgraded YOU dealing with the same scenario as absolute
optimum
conclusion,
see
the
situation
172
approach
the
need
for
a
physical
response,
then
see
yourself
striking with clinical precision and maximum effect. See yourself access
the
necessary
resources
to
deal
with
the
problem
to
the
best possible outcome, feel how that feels double the feeling then double it again. Revel in the outcome of this reframed experience and
bring
it
squeezing
to
your
its
peak
thumb
and
state two
anchor that
then
fingers
of
your
feeling
dominant
by
hand
together; now break state and relax.
Supra State drill: (Internal Visual & External Kinaesthetic) The progression to this is to take the said scenario into an external representation equipment setting
of
such
as
the
as
the
event.
heavy
said
We
bags,
scenario.
can
do
training (One
this
by
dummies
example
is
setting etc
to
up
into place
a
impact similar
one
dummy
standing and a heavy bag on the floor next to it) you might start by striking the standing target then following onto striking the fallen bag as if the subject had hit the ground still fighting. You can add an array
of
variables
from
here
including
a
padded
assailant
training
partner to simulate a mate of the first subject, jumping on you as you deal with the first one. The padded assailant should attack with any unrehearsed and non-compliant attack; armed (training weapons only) or unarmed
this
will
install
spontaneity
in
regards
to
your
Combative
response. •
Stand in front of your strategically placed impact KIT close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then access your pre-rehearsed Supra State via the kinaesthetic anchor, as you imagine in your mind a manifestation in your body as your alter ego fuses with your own skeletal structure and musculature, plug him into to your brain and spinal cord. Picture yourself upgraded as you take on the characters attributes. Note that this is your mental rehearsal from your subconscious mind, there are no boundaries. Use the VAK principle
incorporating
Visual,
Auditory
and
Kinaesthetic
rep
systems. •
With eyes half closed so as to visually index your target; run the film
of
the
scenario
in
your
head.
Note
what
was
said,
who’s
present and involved and be sure to incorporate the environment as
173
you
remember
it,
or
create
a
relevant
terrain
if
this
is
a
mentally created scenario. Go through any pre-conflict blurb as you see relevant until the point you need to enter the fight in a physical sense. At
•
this
point
explode
into
the
KIT
with
your
pre-determined
strike, continuing with a barrage of strikes as spontaneity takes over. Keep
•
attacking
until
the
is WON.
fight
See
yourself
responding
with the level of force required to terminate the threat and no more. This is not about retribution it is about mapping plans into your
subconscious
needed
to
mind
either
incapacitate
the
1.
that
will
Facilitate
subject
so
allow
an
he/they
you
escape can
to
or
no
do
2.
whatever
To
longer
is
completely
hurt
or
kill
you. Remember
•
irate
too
that
significant
you
can
other
add
that
additional
you
need
to
elements; pull
to
such
as
an
safety
or
an
additional padded assailant jumping in with an unannounced attack as just a couple of examples. In
•
all
cases
take
this
mental
rehearsal
throughout
the
full
spectrum of the event; from handling the pre-fight to accessing fight state to deal with the problem to breaking state in order to make decisions and facilitate escape after the event. Taking your crisis rehearsal and visualisation drills to an external level
on
the
train
with
pads,
bags
and
padded
training
emotional content. Therefore
partners
every
time
etc
you
is
how
we
is
an
train
opportunity to manifest fight state until it literally can be called upon
like
an
on/off switch.
This
of
course
is
an
extremely
useful
Combative skill to acquire. Just bare in mind where this belongs; this is
mental
and
physical
combative
conditioning
designed
to
make
you
combatively efficient, nothing more. If we are honest, unless you are an operative working frequently on high risk assignments, then chances are you are a civilian training for Self Protection of you and yours; therefore
you
are
cultivating
mental
and
physical
skill-sets
for
an
event that may or may not happen in your life time. Some may say well,
174
what’s the point? The point is, God willing you may never need these skills and if you do well now you have a pretty high probability of controlling the outcome in your favour. If you had never trained to acquire such skill and found yourself in a situation that you had no idea how to handle well, the consequences of that could be absolutely life
changing
confrontation
not has
to the
mention scope
life to
stopping.
turn
into
Even
the
accidental
most
trivial
homicide.
The
street attacker of today has absolutely no understanding of a level of force continuum. He doesn’t know how to hit you just hard enough to knock you out, knock you down or make you capitulate, he may kill you! So in closing of this chapter I think it’s better to have the skill and not
need
it,
than
to
need
it
and
not
have
it
wouldn’t
you
agree?
Finally be careful how you use this stuff, like I said understand where it
belongs.
You
can
become
extremely
proficient
in
the
things
you
practice most and whatever way you cut it, what we are practicing here is anti-social; it belongs as a separate persona called upon
when and
if required, much like a shotgun under and overcoat. Strive to balance your mental rehearsal with more positive things such as climbing the ladder
in
your
job,
seeing
yourself
financially
set
in
the
future
achieving productive goals etc.
‘’By modelling what you want to do, practising it as perfectly as possible and as often as possible, visualising the skills in your mind and using all of the above to anchor quality performance and response, your road to defensive proficiency will be an easier and more enjoyable journey.’’
Quote by Dave Spaulding on Modelling Excellence:
175
In Closing In closing I hope that this subject has given the reader a number of light bulb moments as well as food for thought in relation to the psychological tried
to
psychology
side
stick of
of
to
violent
the
confrontation.
basic
violence.
In
applicable
addition
to
Where
dynamics this
all
possible
I
relating
to
ideas
are
have the task
specific in physical application it is therefore recommended that the student of Combatives read, absorb and apply this information via the suggested
physical
training
drills
in
order
to
obtain
your
own
demonsratable results. It
is
my
feeling
as
both
a
Combatives
instructor
and
as
an
NLP
practitioner that this study will accelerate your learning, taking the Combatives
trainee
through
and
beyond
previous
mental
and
physical
boundaries. I highly recommend that you further your study via some of the recommendations at the end of this book and apply that knowledge into
your
training.
I
hope
you
took
something
of
value
from
this
information I know that many of the great people mentioned within this text, those who cultivated such advancement in learning technologies by creating the foundation of such material have given me a lot in terms
of
furthering
my
own
development
I
therefore
hope
interpretation of that offers you something in return.
Peace… LM 2009
176
my
Recommended Study Material
177
Recommended Study Material BOOKS •
Sharpening the Warrior’s Edge by Bruce Siddle
•
Hand Gun Combatives by Dave Spaulding
•
Defensive Living by Ed Lovette & Dave Spaulding
•
Principles of Personal Defense by Jeff Cooper
•
The Combative Perspective by Gabe Suarez
•
Sting of the Scorpion by Bob Kasper
•
On Killing by Col. Dave Grossman
•
The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker
•
Combatives for Street Survival by Kelly McCann
•
The Warrior’s Edge (Jedi Project)
•
Strong on Defense by Sanford Strong
•
NLP & Sports by Joseph O’Connor
•
The NLP Work Book by Joseph O’Connor
•
Instant Confidence by Paul McKenna
ARTICLES •
Hypnosis, NLP & the Combative Edge by Sgt. Darren Laur
•
The Anatomy of Fear by Sgt. Darren Laur
•
Mind Games by Lee Morrison
DVD’s & Audio CD’s •
Functional NLP by Bob Spour
•
No Doubt, No Fear by Bob Spour
•
NLP Psychology of Violence by Richard Grannon
•
Neuro Linguistics for Enhanced Combative Performance By Richard Grannon
•
Supra States by Richard Grannon
•
Bullet Proof Mind by Col. Dave Grossman
•
Fear Control by Lee Morrison
•
The Access & Management of Combative State by Lee Morrison
•
Artifice by Lee Morrison
178
‘’He who fights with dragons might take care lest he thereby becomes the dragon himself!”
Friedrich Nietzsche
‘’Knowing is not enough, we must apply, willing is not enough, we must do!”
Bruce Lee
179
The PSY-COM Program is also available as an Audio CD-ROM & e-book
www.urbancombatives.com
180
