Fight Podcast #4: Should I stay or should I go?
In this episode of the Fight podcast, hosts Sharir and Jan delve deeply into the extended aspects of fight training that go beyond mere combat skills. They explore the critical importance of recognizing suspicious behavior and maintaining situational awareness to avoid conflicts before they escalate. Sharir emphasizes that a combat instructor must teach more than just fighting techniques. In addition to fundamental fighting skills like striking, clinching, wrestling, and groundwork, it’s essential to prepare for real-world threats such as knife attacks, multiple opponents, and developing a street fighter mindset.
Sharir explains the significant differences between training for sport and preparing for street survival. While MMA training focuses on known scenarios within the ring or cage, real-life situations involve unpredictable and dangerous variables. He highlights the necessity of de-escalation techniques and the ability to identify suspicious behavior before a fight begins. The discussion covers how to scan the environment, recognize suspicious body language, and take appropriate action to diffuse potential threats.
Jan and Sharir discuss practical examples and methods for identifying and responding to suspicious behavior. They stress that this knowledge should be an integral part of training to reduce the risk of encountering dangerous situations. Sharir shares insights on the importance of mental toughness and awareness in avoiding conflicts. He provides examples such as noticing someone’s appearance that doesn’t match the context (e.g., wearing a trench coat on a hot beach) or identifying nervous behavior and hidden connections between individuals.
The episode also addresses the pitfalls of false confidence that can arise from exclusive MMA training. While MMA fighters are often highly skilled and mentally tough, they might be unprepared for real-life scenarios involving weapons or multiple attackers. Sharir points out that recognizing and respecting these threats is crucial for effective self-defense. He discusses the importance of being able to escape bad positions quickly and efficiently, as failing to do so in a street fight can have severe consequences.
Listeners are introduced to various signs of suspicious behavior, including unusual appearance, nervousness, weirdness (such as tunnel vision or not reacting to surroundings), and hidden connections between individuals. Sharir emphasizes the importance of acting on gut feelings or hunches, which can often be an early warning sign of danger. He advises on how to clear suspicions through casual conversation and observation, stressing the need to stay professional and not take things personally.
The episode concludes with a preview of the next session, where Sharir and Jan will continue exploring more signs of suspicious behavior and further techniques for staying safe in unpredictable environments. They underline the importance of comprehensive training that prepares individuals not just for combat but for the complexities of real-world self-defense scenarios.