There is some great information on fear management and insight into why the S.P.E.A.R. system is based on upon human genetic responses to violence and danger.  The best thing about the system is that it is geared towards what are bodies want to naturally do in a self defense situation.  If we flinch when something goes towards our head or body automatically, then how do we use that for our advantage, where do we go from there.  Converting that flinch is the key while engaging the attacker until the aggression is over, or you can flee.  Another great aspect of the system is that as it deals with what takes place before a confrontation starts, how it starts, how to position yourself before,  what mindset you should have, how to diffuse or deescalate a confrontation,  how to look for pre-contact clues and adopting a NVP (non violent posture) that is really a fighting stance in disguise.  The best part is that is doesn’t matter what style you currently train in or have in the past as it does not interfere at all.  The system deals with before and during the initial attack, from there you can do whatever you feel is best for you.  If you have no prior training then tools and weapons (strikes,elbows, knee strikes,rakes etc…)  to use can be taught easily.

Some key points here from physical training to mental mindset and fear management. Good segment on capacity vs. potential. The Ten Commandments are some solid basics we should all try to maintain on a consistent basis.  The last one number 10 is “Thou shalt not rebuke other systems”.  Great point to always keep in mind.  With so much in the martial world you can draw upon many things to enhance your self defense style or system.  By not rebuking other systems you keep and open mind and continue to grow and learn, a closed mindset prevents this.  I think one of the things about the S.P.E.A.R. system is that it is so adoptable with many other styles.  This is why it is being used to enhance so many existing styles being used today. I personally like the simplicity and the “Power of One” (The Spear) as it cuts down on the amount of moves you need to remember in an attack.  My favorite quote form Einstein is “Things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler”, or DaVinci ,” Simplicity is the highest form of sophistication”.  That’s  what I like about the S.P.E.A.R. system.

Another good article about what makes the S.P.E.A.R. system so effective and easy to learn.  The ability to take a natural reflex or flinch and turn it into a tactic that is both natural and effective can not be understated.  Don’t let the simplicity of a move undermine the effectiveness of its outcome.  You see, fancy and complex motor skills can take years to develop and then in a real attack, when adrenaline is pumping full force, the last thing on your mind will be how to execute a fine or complex motor skill.  Gross motor actions are what is needed to to have the best chance of survival.  I love watching multiple black belts or life long experts in certain arts videoed taped  in a real fight ( actually lets define “real”, they are usually matches in the ring) , they are just swinging hay-makers and punches, etc..  all fine motor techniques go out the window fast.  Are there some guys who can pull them off?  No doubt. Would you want to put your life on it? No way.  Gross motor skills and bigger targets in real situations have the best chance for success in my opinion. Read the article for greater insights.

This is a street attack which turns into a two on two scenario.  Look for pre-contact cues.  The aggressor shows little “tell” but does encroach and does a very quick load and sucker punch that is more of a upper cut than hay maker.  A good non violent posture would have protected from this and most likely cause a flinch for further protection which could be converted into the S.P.E.A.R.. The attackers energy is committed forward and they are using pretty much straight punches and knees.  The guys being attacked if you notice are trying to push away danger with protective flinches as punches are raining in.  What they don’t do though is engage their attackers.  Meaning, if the natural response is to push away and create space from danger, if you cant flee easily and totally, you must engage.  Space from an attack is only good if its a lot of space.  A little space means you are going to get hit, and most likely hard.  In this scenario the safest place is into the attack, as it gives you a chance to use close quarter tools and jam his big swinging punches. It seems counter intuitive to think the safest place in an attack is forward and close to the attacker.  Whats amazing is that the attackers are putting their whole bodies into their punches and seem to make decent connections but no knockouts, did they break their knuckles trying?  Yes people are walking by and watching and keep on going.  Common in Russia? I don’t know. When thrown off the stairs the one guy taking many blows gets up on his feet seeming relatively fine.  The other is on all fours and not facing his attackers, bad move.  He takes a kick to the ribs that must have done some damage.  He should of faced his attackers and been in a sitting type combat stance, if he could not get to his feet.  The other guy eventually goes to the ground and is on his back, bad move for the streets, as he gets kicked by the friend.  I love BJJ but its not the place for it here. Whether he got to a guard position or even is he was in a dominate position like a mount or knee mount, he would have been open to the attackers friend.