The Worst Fighting Stance | How to Avoid a Dangerous Self-Defense Position

There are many variations of a "fighting stance"... but this one is the worst! Here's my breakdown of the "Triple F Stance". :)
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SUMMARY:
Martial artists may not agree on what makes up the best fighting stance, but I'll bet we can all agree on the worst!
In this video, I talk about the worst self-defense position that anyone can find themselves falling into... whether they want to or not! Here's the main idea...
You’ve heard of fight, flight, or freeze. Well, the worst self-defense position combines all three. Let's say you're suddenly under attack...
Your head leans backward, taking flight... your hands punch forward, ready to fight... and your mind freezes, unable to commit to either plan. I call this the "Triple-F Stance". First, because your body reacts with fight, flight, and freeze all at the same time. Second, because if you fall into the Triple-F Stance, you are Triple F’d!
The Triple-F Stance will get you killed if the bad guy is committed to coming after you. That’s why the most important habit in fighting is maintaining a strong, balanced fighting stance no matter what happens. If this sounds familiar, it's okay. Anyone can fall into a Triple-F Stance. Anyone can be exhausted, caught off-guard, overwhelmed by multiple attackers, or get injured and start panicking.
Falling into a Triple-F Stance is not the mistake... the mistake is staying in a Triple-F Stance! Being frozen between fight and flight will get you killed. To survive, you must break the indecision and commit to a plan of action as quickly as possible.
So, if you feel yourself being pulled in opposite directions, snap out of it and fix your stance! Don’t even think about fighting back until you’ve recovered a strong position. Here's a drill to help you recover...
ROUND #1: Get a partner. Let him pad up so he can grab, punch, and kick at you. Don’t hit back. Just focus on holding your stance.
ROUND #2: Turn up the speed and power. Then add another attacker or two. But don't hit back yet! You will have a hard enough time just staying on your feet.
ROUND #3: You can hit back now! Follow-up with your own punches and kicks or just run to a corner of the room you designate as a "safe zone".
This simple drill is a great way to get your self-defense priorities straight. The biggest mistake would thinking you don't need to do it! So, do it! :)
THANKS FOR WATCHING! For more tips on martial arts training, self-defense, and living a happy life, check out these links...
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Keep fighting for a happy life! :)
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WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program.
#fightingstance #selfdefense #ando

[@JeffEstep]

20+ year practitioner here and I kept waiting for something to disagree with and I couldn't find anything...this Sensei is excellent IMHO

[@AndoMierzwa]

I am truly honored by your comment, sir. Thank you for taking the time to make it. Best wishes!

[@LifeForceChannel]

make that 30= :)) I wasn't "waiting" for something to disagree with, and I am glad , that there wasn't anything to disagree with., because I'll voice my opinion and sometimes , it is not welcomed and erased [NOT here] but on an other ch. Great video Andrew. Ando

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! Well, I look forward to offending you at some point! But for now, thanks for your support!

[@matthewmatro6975]

Never start a fight, but when someone else starts one you finish it.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Good advice!

[@truebluekit]

I wanted to say this is good advice, but I remembered something I just told my kids. Fights always have a Round 2. It could be a call to the principal's, or ten of your enemy's cousins who want to bust your ass, or even the police knocking on the door. Now I'm kinda torn. It's no good to leave a threat unhandled, but Round 2 is such a bitch. Would really appreciate any thoughts.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I talk about Round 2 a little in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYqvd2OafMadg68 Obviously, you can't predict the future. You can only deal with what's in front of you. And if there's a threat to your safety in front of you, and I can't avoid fighting, then I'd rather fight back than take a beating. Round 2 could also be me in physical therapy for years or in a coffin! Either way, telling your kids that fights carry consequences is good advice!

[@truebluekit]

***** That's a nice perspective there, Sensei. Thanks for sharing.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the chat!

[@BruceWayne-qx5ly]

"no, youre gonna die." lol that is golden

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Bruce Wayne Ha! :)

[@DredScott2010]

+Bruce Wayne I lost it when he said that!

[@Msosbog]

😂

[@MrAjlugo]

It's like you took all your knowledge about fighting and mixed in some solid dad jokes and made a video. Awesome ando!

[@AndoMierzwa]

A Lu Ha! That about sums it up! Thank you very much, sir!

[@jamesbishop4183]

lmao...welcome to AndoTime!! he somehow manages to do that in every video

[@Derukugi2]

"triple F stance".... LOL; so true. I have seen this...

[@AndoMierzwa]

Right? I still catch myself doing it! :)

[@1kasch]

Ando Mierzwa crazy you say that because at this moment...I'm doing solo drills on maintaining my stance and not doing the MF DOUBLE F

[@StephanKesting]

Well explained! Great video breakdown Ando

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Stephan Kesting Wow! I don’t know how you found time to visit my channel while doing all the great work you’ve been doing, but I’m honored that you did. Thank you, sir!

[@xyon9090]

But....Kangaroos fight this way.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! If you're a kangaroo, too, then go for it!

[@jcTorres813]

haha Yeah, but they have "knifes in they're hands" (like claws)

[@ramcymendoza2381]

Usually fear, pain and blood will make someone lose their stance in a real fight.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! Good point!

[@damienagboola1496]

Randy Mendoza true where i live alot of ppl lose fights cuz of fear n they get scared of getting hurt

[@joaquinflores3547]

Not if your used to getting punched in the face

[@alexzandersharif3230]

Ramcy Mendoza will yeah but the most fear is when the land a punch on you then they get scared

[@amario2tommaso93]

@@joaquinflores3547 I've been hit my whole life since from bullies at school and almost never even hit back. Last time i got in a fight, the guy hit me pretty hard in the head and threw me off on a side but i was smiling, he opened his eyes like i just turned into a zombie lol. I've always been a chicken when it comes to entering a fight but always a bull for getting out of one... I'll take it all and give it all on each and every single fight.

[@skepticspartan4795]

great drill to practice, in the few years I've been in TKD no one had ever said hey let's do this. thanks for the tip. subscribed.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Skeptic Spartan Right? Simple, but effective. Welcome aboard!

[@skepticspartan4795]

+Ando Mierzwa Thanks

[@michaelmadrid]

Great video and great advice, Sensei Mierzwa! I often see experienced martial artists resort to these three stances after taking a decent hit. I think your advice about steering your attention back to your training (and the fight) is spot on! Too often people downplay the mental conditioning in favor of the physical training.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Michael Madrid Totally agree, Michael! Preparing yourself psychologically and emotionally is even more important than physically.

[@peterchasengnou4276]

Nice video! Like how the video is funny also haha makes it easy to learn. Keep it up

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Peter Chasengnou Thank you, Peter! Will do!

[@ashleyhughes5822]

i havent seen you on youtube before good sir, im glad i found you though, some good practical practices with no bias or ego bs. awsome!

[@AndoMierzwa]

+ashley hughes I appreciate that, Ashley! Glad you're here! :)

[@premier69]

Much respect!

[@AndoMierzwa]

And to you, sir!

[@lokitus]

This is a great channel! I like bullshido as much as the next macho guy, but there is so much practical and good advice here, honestly delivered. Thank you and keep it up!

[@AndoMierzwa]

That means a lot to me, sir. Thank you!

[@lokitus]

Osu!

[@meep6356]

these drills are really useful especially when you keep blinking your eyes when you take a shot to the head :D thanks ando

[@AndoMierzwa]

Blinking is definitely a bad habit to work on! Thanks for watching, sir!

[@secohen73]

Nice explanation, Ando. It took me quite a while to avoid those positions and to be able to recover from them. I'll definitely use these examples when I'm helping others. Keep up the great work!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much, sir!

[@05dturner]

Everything you said was practical and basic which is what I believe most in when training. If you try to perfect the simple but effective moves and strategies then you will be able to do it under stress. Even if you take a punch your training is more likely to kick in and take over. All that being said one thing in this video stood out most to me. That must be the most neatly pressed gi I have ever seen. Not a wrinkle in it anywhere. You should give your dry cleaners free lessons for such good work.

[@AndoMierzwa]

HA! I respect you enough to show up as neat and clean as possible. thanks for noticing! :)

[@5ubwoofer5amurai71]

Advice for aggressive fighters throwing wild punches/haymakers? I honestly haven't been in a lot of fights and I also notice when confronted with the possibility of a fight I get butterflies in my stomach and start shaking? Anything to help calm me? I want to learn Jui Jitsu but just don't have the money at the moment. I just want to learn how to defend myself properly because I'm a small guy and often get teased by the bigger guys. Only advantage I have is my speed, but I have been practicing on my own some beginner boxing from shane on fight tips.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Shane has lots of great tips, so you're off to a good start. The key is to just keep doing SOMETHING. Pick a few moves that you think are the most important, and just start drilling them. There is lots of time for you to add on as you go. As far as staying calm, finding a friend to throw punches at you is a great way to start training. Familiarity breeds comfort. Keep punching!

[@davejohnson-yi2rk]

If it's legal in your state, always carry a small unit of pepper spray w/in quick reach. I would never use it except as an absolute last resort, but if it looks like it's heading that way & someone is setting you up for a sucker punch or pushes you first, and you can't escape, then you're justified. BTW, always take their Drivers License (but don't steal their $!). That way, you'll know who they are & where they live & what they look like & Google more info on them if you like. You can copy that info & then send their license back to them in the mail. I think it's fair to say that someone would be less willing to start a fight with you again once you have all their B.G. info!

[@joaquinflores3547]

Just learn how to fight and you won't be nervous before a fight no more

[@mucura1]

Meditation helped me out alot. Especially meditation while training. Try to just breathe and let the movements come natural to you. To the point where you can feel or sense nothing else but your own energy. Thinking too much about thinking is what will get you in trouble in fights. Also keep in mind that as a smaller guy you have the advantage in cardio. Big muscles require alot of oxygen. You can be tiny and tough as nails. Good luck out there.

[@minatonamakazi]

I feel you, I have the same story but slightly different, I'm either scared(of what I and the opponent can do), too angry which makes me forget my legs, my jabs, then I throw dem big angry ugly haymakers, they are accurate but slow, and telegraphed...then there's my inner fighting nerd who likes being hit and only fights at the level that I'm being fought (pretty much all reaction based), everything sifu ando said is gucci, but I'll add, sparring, move stealing, sticky hands sparring, women's self defense never works for women, but you know who it works for? Skinny guys like us 😈🤐, *practice your moves while sparring* are you naturally athletic? If so then just learn a lot of moves *while sparring* be unorthodox, I have a couple anime inspired setups that I can get away with because I'm really crafty, train elbows/knees/backfist and "fish hooking"/eye gouges...tough guys hate being out struck by a lil guy, so expect a lot of "hugs" or one hand holding you still so they can power punch you because they need a tripod to line up their shots...

[@daveoverbey2032]

You are so right about those fight stance mistakes as I'd seen so many people do just that & be slaughtered. I myself fight in tight in & around up & down not galloping in & out & all around w/one leg following the other. I build my basics into habits that once I master the basics the basics is everything & everything is the basics. What you do in training is what you will do fighting & is why it is so crucial to master the basics & not develop the mistakes. Most fighters want to show boat & show off & rush it all where haste makes it time & energy wasted. It's not about the muscle hustle so much more it's about the muscle memory & leverage. The power & speed will come all it's own & therefore is no need to burn oneself out training. The need is to just go moderately & patiently slow into conforming the right habits & you will have it. You know it & I know it but others just don't seem to get it. I am Sting em dead Dave Overbey alias Crazy Davy best known as Punchy Puncherallo & you can KZbin me Dave Overbey I am not David Overby as is there is another M.M.A fighter by that name. I'm 64 going on 34 where he is 34 & going on 64 L.O.L I'll be the bald or shaved head one. I really like your teachings as I have learned a few tricks of the trade from it. Thanks & Thumbs up to you.

[@shlamimk4664]

Make contact first. If someone moves towards you, move towards them. Don't give them time and space to build momentum. That's how you get dominated. The fingers move first with the body coming in behind. If a stranger attacks out of the blue, be willing to rip off the soft bits and get bloody.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Some good tips!

[@shlamimk4664]

At the same time though one has to be ready to be nice. Might not actually be an attack.

[@SG-jc5bi]

Great vid.....totally true....always see people trying to fight back half ass....

[@AndoMierzwa]

Right? Either in or out!

[@MrGunnerru]

finally a karate guy that is not lost and confused. great video. great advice.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! That is one of the best comments I've ever read. Thank you!

[@MrGunnerru]

+Ando Mierzwa OSU!

[@vishal8271]

its great that you reply to all masges.. now i can personally ask you any doubts and for free... thanku sir....your of great help to people who cant afford expensive gyms..

[@AndoMierzwa]

+vishal Thanks for watching. Happy to help if I can! That will be $100, please.

[@justinwong7985]

27 people have never been in a physical alteration in their lives

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Justin Wong Ha! Thanks, Justin!

[@dansaunders1655]

Justin Wong altercation?

[@sir_jerhyn]

You're my saving grace, I made so many mistakes... I've got my ass whooped a lot as a kid... I severely hate myself for being too weak.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Love yourself for surviving and learning. Keep fighting! 👊🏼

[@chrisbrunskill6525]

Wow, proper SD education on you tube! Thanks for posting some valuable content that anyone could benefit from.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome. Thank you for support, sir!

[@michaelangel25]

I personally think that moving back (with correct footwork can work to your advantage) #1 you're out of punch range #2 you're brain has increased reaction time when he throws an attack from a distance #3 you make him run into a stop kick or punch. #4 his forward movement generated increased momentum, so when he runs into your counter strike, this is the equivalent of him running into a brick wall. #5 As you retreat he becomes overconfident because he thinks you're cowering away. As a result, he is thinking only attack, and not defense, which then sets him up for a stop kick or punch. I watched a youtube video of some little Turkish guy who managed to keep moving back as four of his attackers were over-confidently lunging in at him; as he created safe distance by retreating, he simply stuck his lead straight out... all of his attackers ran into his non-telegraphic punch, all were knocked out old in a matter of seconds.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+James Davies Like anything, it all depends on who you are and how you set up your techniques. For me, if I let someone explode forward with a flurry (not just walking in with attitude or sticking out one lazy jab) they gain the advantage. That's me. Thanks for the comment, sir!

[@michaelangel25]

Very true, and we might find ourselves in a situation were we cannot retreat and create the distance for such a stop hit. Thanks for the videos, Ando.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+James Davies Very true. Backward, forward, creating angles, in a box with a fox...we should be prepared for everything! Thank you, James!

[@AndoMierzwa]

+James Davies Thanks for sharing!

[@bilbobaggins5815]

the three modes of killing are posturing.....one person runs/freezes ....the other attacks.....kills......that is warfare.

[@ansongayumma6379]

Your Tips are so Awesome even tho Im not a marial artist

[@funkyou2281]

Dang man, this is great education. Stances are important and there are far too many people who don't know how to use them.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Funk You Agreed! Thank you for the comment.

[@piper1042]

Funk You you should see the kids at my school They can't fight The "fights" they have are just choke holds

[@BlueRoseRocketBand2]

Sounds good if you know its coming, but when sucker punched the shoulder roll cover chin tuck then spin back fist ( beer mug), left hook or back kick worked for me. Other times it was time to retreat real fast. Armor up and square up. Best not to be where it hits the fan. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Spinning beer mug for the win!! Love that! :D Thanks for the comment!

[@Mental_Fortify]

Good advice right there! Keep up the good work friend, i like your tips a lot!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the comment, sir! Happy training!

[@kenlek869]

Very practical advice.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the comment!

[@taraconstruction5796]

Always a good video

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@DanielRundkvist]

I'm trained to Move. Not to stay or stick in the same position. . You move you create more options, you will also see what's around you or coming at you from the sides. A stance is in a way a form of freeze.....

[@AndoMierzwa]

Absolutely. Stay on the move! Thanks, Daniel.

[@fightsandbikes_tv8552]

Keep up the videos, There great and you perfectly execute each tutorial.

[@AndoMierzwa]

FIGHTSandBIKES_tv Thank you! That means a lot to me.

[@wolfhavenmaster2433]

If you're in the crouched 3F position, could you punch up in a diagonal line into your stance?

[@AndoMierzwa]

I would definitely try that instead of getting beat up!

[@pistol975]

Love the video! I too will steal this drill for class...thanks!!!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Peter Ferguson Awesome! Glad to hear it, sir!

[@DjNiko96]

these videos are just great. Thank you alot sir. Quiestion: i couldn't find a video about footwork on your channel, if there is one, tell me pls, if there is not, Could you possibly make one? .. thank you again

[@AndoMierzwa]

DjNiko96 Thanks for the kind words, sir! I will add footwork to my to-do list immediately. Thanks for the suggestion. Happy training!

[@bruceblackthorne]

More good stuff. I've actually found myself having to use an "f" defense years ago.. was at a party and stepped in the middle of an aggressive group of guys about to gang up on an old friends little brother who had no allies there, was talking them down I think when this self proclaimed ultimate fighter came at me and went for a few shoves and swings, he got pissed when I made them miss, then he somehow got ahold of my shirt & pulled it over my head.. I sensed he wanted to then take me to the ground which is not where I prefer to be, so blindly I just reached up, grabbed hold of his shirt & repeated to throw rights to the face till he was being pulled out from underneath me as his back hit the ground. this happened I think because I ran out of room and was trying not to have to throw.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Sounds like a hockey fight! Glad you made it out alive!

[@kewansmith6116]

Thank you for the words of encouragement sensei

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Kewan Smith My pleasure! We all take turns inspiring one other.

[@razniaka]

Great stuff!!!!!!!!! I think you gatherered the most important rules of protecting yourself :). All those rules I was taught during boxing trainings and later during a fight you can see why it is so important ;-). When i started my first practice against more experience boxer i was doing 1:05 stuff which didnt ended too well ;)

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the comment, sir! The lessons never end, do they?

[@Robertiio]

This guy makes sense so i will follow and sub

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much! Welxome aboard!

[@vincevengeance9755]

triple F is the ladies' standard fighting skill.. cat fight.

[@sadiem7720]

A cat fight is a cat's standard fighting skill, idiot.

[@martodfrs3558]

That was obviously a joke...

[@johndoe-zo4wi]

Vince Vengeance 😂😂 hell yeah

[@kalisticks573]

When i get overwhelmed by punches i would just go into a defensive stance(like those in boxing) i would never try to do a punch while im in that stance but if i see an opening i'll take it and just walk backwards/hoping back and i don't duck/slip because it's too risky. I just hide like a turtle lol.

[@avicado.0]

0:15 this the kind of confidence i want!

[@AndoMierzwa]

😁👍🏼

[@kalisticks573]

Great vid

[@peacebewu]

one night I was walking with a classmate home from school, and for some stupid reason, I walked behind a guy standing in front of a wall(there was still little space for a small person to get through). There was an awkward space between us and my bag was really big that time so it hit him. The guy was not chill at all and tried to grab my bag but I slipped(I was clueless what really happened that time). Then he approached my(still clueless why), wanting to start a fight. Immediately what came to mind was "this guy has a knife" so I chickened out LOOOOOL. Only figured out it was my fault when I was away from that place. I facepalm so hard whenever I remember that.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Funny situation not knowing you started the trouble! But you did NOT chicken out! Whether he had a knife or not, if you can avoid the fight, avoid the fight! :)

[@TheWelchProductions]

I remember I was getting triple f***ed when I was an early beginner in sparring.

[@AndoMierzwa]

We all got triple F'd! :)

[@kunedoman]

@@AndoMierzwa Yaaaah...., I recall those first sparing classes when I was 19, so sad was I.....

[@AndoMierzwa]

@@kunedoman Ha!

[@mikelroa8719]

There are not many koed people while keeping a good stance. Sometimes people focus to much on not getting hit and end up being too little offensive.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I also believe in focusing on offense. 👍🏼

[@binosho]

Thank you for your video,mate. I suscribed.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome. Welcome, sir!

[@carlitoxhacker]

Cool video man.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for watching, Carlos!

[@sugarcrane5885]

sense of humor + logic , nice

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@maitrekano]

finaly som real good advices

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@gamesplash8668]

Thanks for the tips sifu!

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@Dustin-eh5go]

good advice, good video

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you, Dustin!

[@eyeburna6522]

I love this

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@abdullahmaq9153]

How do you read all your comments and answer them back , I think you are comment reading master too !! You are my inspiration for martial arts, Thanks !!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! I try to keep up! Thanks for leaving a comment to answer! :)

[@neils68]

In my dojo, we did dragon circles. You in the middle, 20 people in a circle around you. Random attacks. Fun.

[@AndoMierzwa]

That's a great drill, Neil!

[@chbu7081]

+Neil St I usually call that drill the 'Vicious Circle'.

[@Atlaz99]

Peekaboo boxing stance. It's similar to what your showing in this video. A famous user is Mike Tyson.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Love the Peek a Boo. Good call!

[@marceldouwstra5847]

Works great in boxing, not so great in MMA or a street fight.

[@Ohhh_usssjk]

Marcel Douwstra MMA no , because any boxing stance is horrible in a real mma fight (leg kicks) but in a street fight fuck yes , constant head movement is a big ass factor.

[@marceldouwstra5847]

FAAHKK YOUU MEAN??! Not really because of the leg kicks but more due to getting kneed in the face.

[@joaquinflores3547]

Marcel Douwstra like if people in the streets know how to kick or knee

[@kunedoman]

ANDO MY FRIEND and others! Using Yin Yang for guidance (a symbol most martial artist don't clearly understand or use) shows you can certainly fight going backwards. Yin Yang displays the opposite & opposing side. For example, IF you can attack going forward you certainly can attack retreating. You can attack as you move to the left as well as the right. If you can attack moving in all directions then you should be able to then also "defend" while moving in all directions.. *Is attacking going backwards "favorable", probably NOT (you got no eyes on the back of your head to see where you're going) but don't discount it as you may have no room on either side to shift or step out on a pivot when pressed from the front. The yin yang symbol can help anyone in any martial art style. *If you see an attack motion, think "how can I use that same motion to defend?" If a concept or technique works standing, ask will it work on the ground? Play with this Yin Yang concept next time training & it will change " techniques" more into "concepts" that one can understand and develop further in other areas. APPRECIATE ANY REPLIES/THOUGHTS/EXPERIENCES, any other Yin Yang thinkers out there! LOVE ANDO, he's humble and precise, better martial artist than me! Much love to all fellow martial artists of all walks! (Age 58, 5'10", 140 lbs).

[@AndoMierzwa]

Absolutely right! Anything you do on purpose and with control can be effective. But many students back up without purpose or control! Thanks for the comment!☯️

[@John-nb8go]

Thank you sir

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure, John!

[@ianspooner2250]

Reminds me of the Gracie philosophy. All the way in or all the way out.

[@AndoMierzwa]

That's the way it is! :-)

[@courtneymurdock1638]

your videos are awesome

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Courtney Murdock Thank you for saying that, Courtney! More coming!

[@MrHoodie]

Do you have any tips on blocking hits from attackers? I have a good offense but I feel my defense could be better.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Mr. Hoodie I believe the more you think about blocking, the more you're going to get hit. I want the other guy to think about blocking, not me! That said, just good habits of keeping your chin down, hands up, and staying on the move can be enough. Thanks for the question!

[@MrHoodie]

Thanks for the tip!

[@xSnoweyexp]

you are a great teacher !

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@kamikaze7707]

Thx for tips

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@burkhardbergmann6248]

Great. Wonderful.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@InsulinRunner]

I was boxing with my step brother a while back, he's 8 inches taller and 50lbs heavier than me at the time. We're both inexperienced but I thought I held my own. After he told me that my defensive stance was close to the ground but I didn't think that was a bad thing at the time. Thanks for letting me know I was doing something wrong.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Cool! I've got a larger brother, too... I understand!

[@Ravidshaw]

Good stuff, thanks!

[@AndoMierzwa]

+DR Shaw Thank you!

[@giocellofamily2676]

Very good

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks!

[@BigDawg3081sPS4GamingChannel]

I have fought a few people with the triple F stance and I have even been told to stop laughing and get back to fighting

[@AndoMierzwa]

Laughing! That's awesome. :)

[@charlesrmday]

Great video sensei. I noticed you use a guard very close to the body which is great for defending punches. If takedown attempts were to be added to the scene would you change your kind of guard. Greetings from Brazil by the way

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Charles Day Hi Charles! You bet. Different guards for different threats. And different guards depending on what I want to do, too! Greetings from L.A!

[@mahadikarim2124]

exceellent your vids are practical, please try to come to bangladesh to teach if you have any chance our martial arts school lack the practicality

[@AndoMierzwa]

+mahadi karim Thank you for the kind words... and the invitation! I'll start planning a world tour immediately! :)

[@mahadikarim2124]

you are most welcome

[@natedellia7993]

Thankyou sir

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching! !

[@godzilladude1231]

Good advice Sensie. Though I'm kinda disappointed. This vid was actually more on teaching us common fuckin sense taht actually telling us bad stances. Still, the triple Effs where helpful XD

[@AndoMierzwa]

It's funny.... keeping your hands up is common sense, too, yet look how many people get knocked out! That's my point... drilling basics is important no matter who you are or how long you've been training. Thanks for watching, John!

[@Msosbog]

Common sense is pretty much everything other than common. Sensei Ando IS a doctor (don't listen to him when he says he's not 😉) always prescribing a health dose of Reality for what ails the average martial artist and non martial artist alike. Can't praise his guidence enough. 🙏

[@Historian474]

Could you make a video on how to block/dodge properly?

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Historian474 I would think less about blocking and more on either escaping or attacking!

[@rezalah2861]

good one

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Reza Lah Thank you!

[@CorporaMedicina]

This may be unintentional but at 2:05 you are in Philly shell ..does that mean that you would not recommend that defense in an actual fight ? I'm also interested if you used Philly shell (shoulder roll) in kickboxing...I personally stay in Philly shell almost always when in range and peek-a-boo from time to time if the opponent is not too fast.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Great question! I believe in different stances for different situations. No one stance fits all. For me, if there's kicking going on, I like a low hand. Same for takedowns. I want to be ready to catch a leg or an underhook. So, if the shell is working for you, stick to it!

[@CorporaMedicina]

+Ando Mierzwa Its been a great safe zone for boxing no question but it is a defensive stance..means I have to eat punches in order to counter..wonder about eating the kicks :-) does not sound good...

[@AndoMierzwa]

+savcob It's all in how you use it. Technically, having both of your hands on your head is also defensive. If I'm eating punches or kicks, I either need to roll better or start attacking!

[@CorporaMedicina]

***** awesome thank you.. :-)

[@AndoMierzwa]

+savcob Thanks for the conversation! :)

[@sidd_xd]

bro nice channel good videos

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome. Thanks for saying so!

[@Bansheexero]

Sparring multiple opponents is easier than 1 on 1 for me. When I trained, after around 12-15 matches, all of which against 1st-4th degrees and I was never even hit once. A lot of it is controlling terrain, and also this does not mean needing to move yourself. Multiple opponents will arrange themselves based on your position, so let them finish setting up, and then move to mess it all up. It was to the point that I was asked by my instructor to hold back against them. People don't really know how to fight in groups, they get in each others way. This is why formation fighting is a thing. Unless specifically trained to work together, the whole is considerably less than the sum of its parts. Look at the team fights that MMA does, such as 5 on 5. They will each rush to deal with a separate person. That is not a team fight, that is 5 separate 1-on-1 fights occuring simultaneously. Simplest formation I can come up with using that set-up is to have two fighters focus on a single opponent, one binding and the other striking, while the other three act as a barrier to prevent the rest of the target's team from helping. They do not chase or engage save to block the other team. Think of like basketball, going from man-to-man defense to zone defense. If your mindset is to disable them each by engaging in the hopes of dealing with one, then you have the wrong mindset. They want to hurt you, but that does not mean advance. It is about knowing where to stand and knowing when to move. Attacks are incidental. Also, it is more of a 6F response. It is fight/flight/freeze/flooding (all of a person's emotions intensify and come to bear all at once)/fawning (obsessing over the stimulus)/Fatigue. The latter three tend to be an after effect of the stimulus, noteworthy as it also ties into the same trauma.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the Fs!

[@Bansheexero]

@@AndoMierzwa Curious if you've ever taught what I refer to as the "sit down defense." It works for 1v1 situations. Like the name says, you sit down, preferably on the ground. This is more obvious to those who grapple, though as a striker, it can rather easily be adapted. While stationary, sitting down on the ground forces the opponent to overextend, which if you can maneuver well enough, sets up easy counters, since they leave important parts of their body vulnerable when they attack.

[@AndoMierzwa]

@@Bansheexero No, sir. I don't teach that. I'm standing if I can!

[@Bansheexero]

@@AndoMierzwa What I am trying to get at is not a difference of strength or skill, necessarily, but more of a paradigm shift. Being mobile is different than actually moving. It is bears the potential of movement. Where I trained, they tended to dominate the competitions, but I saw how it was more of a step backwards overall. It is different when you have actual street fighting experience (I've only initiated twice, and only to demonstrate a point to the opponent). They get lazy in their defenses due to how scoring is determined. Aside from my instructor, my friends who I would freeform spar outside of the dojang, and one guy who I would rate as a prodigy, not one single student regardless of rank was able to hit me more than 3 times total ever and none more than once in a match (the prodigy I mention was able to hit 2-3 times a match. I still won, but ai had 15 years experience over him). The only times I exempted this count was when I allowed my opponent to hit me, which was done either at the request of my instructor against lower ranks (whom I did not attack much either) or to provide strategic advantage (there was a black belt (I think 3rd degree) who was known for kicking hard, but he favored torque over impact. I tried blocking him, but when I did, the force of the kicks would push him further away from me, so I ended up tossing out defense and actually encouraged him to hit me as hard as he could, which wore him out so I could advance and hit him. He later said he found the way I dealt with very disturbing, as to him it felt like I rendered him powerless as I did not even flinch). The few times I was ever hit, other students described it as feeling like they struck the side of a mountain, even when I was skinnier. I only have one video of myself on KZbin, and it is demonstrating what I refer to as the Houdini (a demonstration of toughness that Houdini used to do, though it may have contributed to his death). In the video, most punches quite literally bounce off of me. It was taken when I was at full obesity (290 lbs, due to my metabolism shutting itself off) and I want to say I was about 23-24 at the time. Here's a link (it is in what was my dad's pool hall). kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZDCl2awq75lntk

[@Bansheexero]

I would point out that I not only have experience fighting multiple opponents in training, I had to deal with some outside of class. The largest number I was able to take out without slowing down was 5, but that was in my prime. For a while, after that, I was still able to handle 3 without issue, possibly able to do so with 4. It is a matter of realizing that if a person is part of a group, that does not make their punches and kicks stronger, it does not make them any faster, and it does not make them any more durable. There is one thing attacking gives as a group, and that is stamina. You can put down 2 or 3 as readily as an individual match, it is a matter of having enough energy and strength/speed to keep going. People have a tendency to get in each other's way if they are not trained to fight as a group. It is a matter of simply defeating a single opponent as quickly as possible and then moving to the next. Also, I suspect you may not have much training regarding terrain (since when you train it is a flat/even training mat, and if in a city, the roads tend to be even as well). If an advance is unable to strike down an opponent, there are other ways to make it count, such as causing them to trip and fall so you can switch focus, or do what I would do and push-strike then to send them reeling back for a few moments. In highschool, I actually did have an error that wound up being somewhat serendipitous for my training. My dad bought a stand that had a speed bag on one end and a 100 lb heavy bag on the other end (I started with the 100 lb bag when I was 4, and still not sure why, to this day, 50 lb bags exist). The issue was, he placed it in a corner of the room, and the 100 lb bag was facing the corner, meaning when I stood to strike it, I had maybe 1 to 1.5 feet of room on either side and behind me. So, I eventually got to the point that I could throw full power kicks even in very tight corners, without hitting the walls. Regarding training against weapons, my cousin who used to live with me has Borderline Personality Disorder and may legitimately be a Psychopath. He would come after me with knives, which I had to deal with. I typically prefer fighting unarmed or using my opponent's weapons against them. One of the few times I did grab a weapon, it was the thick half of a pool cue (rather than having a screw to link it, this one was just cut in half), and it had a metal weight at the end. It served as a makeshift Dan Bong (a weapon I have no training in, but understood well enough). I did not wield it to strike, but rather reversed my grip to trap with it, so I could readily disarm with it. Regarding conditioning, I never used a speed bag, despite being well known for speed. Instead, the first time I sparred using padded gloves, I was embarrassed since my hands quickly felt heavy and ran out of energy too quickly. So, what I did was shadowbox with 20 lb free weights in each hand. It had the benefit of making me even faster too. I also wore leg weights for entire days at a time, and got to the point that I could kick, sprint, and jump rope with them on without any difficulty. Amusingly, this had the side benefit of making me essentially immune to being slide-tackled when playing soccer. They would literally just bounce off of my shin. I actually got carded once when I went to steal the ball and the force of my kick made the other guy do a flip (and that was a BS call, as I got all ball).

[@josukehigashikata2979]

Don't forget to crunch your abs and if you take s blow to your stomach remember inhale fast and exhale slowly the damage won't be to bad

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the tip!

[@GhostCrowGamer]

What i have seen are some are good at ground fighting others mostly fight standing up, but when rolls are reversed for them they either don't make it out without are a serious injuries or some extreme cases they end up in the hospital. I think it's important to know how to fight standing up but also fighting and countering on the ground. Worst position I have ever seen is when a person is on their back being ground and another person is on top of them ground and pounding their face in. People panic it's natural however, what people don't realize is you should time a punch coming in counter their strike with the opposite hand grabbing their wrist and wrapping your arm around their neck if big or around their body if mid sized or small and bring them very close to you holding them till you can get back composure then try to roll them using their weight and reverse it, but that's my opinion what do you think?

[@AndoMierzwa]

I think your analysis is great! Of course, you only end up on your back if you fall down first... which is why I talked about stand up in the video. I mean, technically, the WORST position is being quartered by a team of horses. :)

[@GhostCrowGamer]

lol! I agree, Thank you for taking the time to respond to all my comments. *bows in respect* I would have loved you as a master including the ones I had. ^^

[@AndoMierzwa]

High praise. Thank you, sir!

[@GhostCrowGamer]

Thank you for showing, you take the time and effort to make sure your video's are effective and entertaining. Also, responding to your comments show you care and respect your viewers and subscribers even if they don't always agree with you. *bows again in respect*

[@AndoMierzwa]

You're kind for saying all of that. Let's keep growing and learning! Bow to you!

[@stevenmonash6284]

Mayweather uses flight quite a bit...wouldn't you say.. and the shoulder roll is tantamount to his fighting style.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Those are practiced habits, not wild reactions. Big difference! :)

[@edmuquit5134]

at 2:04, why is that a bad position? That to me seems like the shoulder roll that Floyd Mayweather Jr uses. Isn't it a good way to slip punches, and come back with counters? I suppose it has to be done right to be effective, any clarification Ando?

[@AndoMierzwa]

Sure, Ed. There's a big difference between purposeful offense and flinching! If it's practiced, then you can do whatever you want! If it's just a bad habit, then it will get you killed!

[@edmuquit5134]

understood, thanks for the reply.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Yes, sir!

[@saianvesh3753]

What must I do when a guy with really long reach comes at me just spinning his hands back and forth (possibly with a sharp object in his hand)? And I can't get a low kick in.

[@AndoMierzwa]

A long armed attacker with a knife is not easy for anybody. No tricks here. If I can't run to safety, I'd pick up something and throw it at him, then follow up right behind it. Otherwise, I'm protecting vital areas and trying to chop my way in and to the side. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!

[@saianvesh3753]

+Ando Mierzwa What if he doesn't have have anything in his hands and just fists

[@AndoMierzwa]

Same thing! If you stay outside, you'll get creamed. You have to get in. Check out Mike Tyson.... he was always the shorter guy.

[@weninjason]

I think it is safe to say..... only one man out of 1 million has the short-punch power that Mike Tyson has. Getting inside may not be the best idea for the average short guy.

[@AndoMierzwa]

True! Of course, you may not CHOOSE to be close. They may crowd you, too. Good to train to hit from anywhere!

[@lalitchauhan9476]

You are soo awsome

[@michaeloleary6613]

good video

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Michael OLeary Thank you, Michael!

[@insouciantlyalive8725]

I want to get into mixed martial arts but I don't know where to start and I don't live anywhere near a place that teaches martial arts

[@AndoMierzwa]

If you have a place to stand, you have a place to train. Pick one skill and start with that. The sooner the better! Ready… Set… Go!

[@zanastork8042]

you are good

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Ruslanas Bublevicius You are kind!

[@mefu6973]

In here in the philippines So many attacker here maybe 8-12 people. How to defend that?

[@AndoMierzwa]

No easy answer. Except run.

[@mefu6973]

@@AndoMierzwa but if you pro in wing chun or other martial arts Can you fight that?

[@AndoMierzwa]

You can always fight. But there are no guarantees. Ever.

[@mefu6973]

@@AndoMierzwa thanks master

[@mefu6973]

@@AndoMierzwa thanks master

[@victorcabral5531]

You must always keep your composure in a fight, which is really hard to do under pressure, the only way to get in that habit is to train under pressure.

[@AndoMierzwa]

A M E N, sir!

[@raghavsxp]

thnk yu for the amazing tips,now M regretting tht why i didn;t learn martial arts :( i suubed yu :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

+raghav jaswanth Thanks for the comment, sir! Don't worry... we're all still learning!

[@orlando2681]

He does Kung fu but has a boxing stance I’m confused what martial art do you use

[@AndoMierzwa]

I use everything. 😁

[@skeletorgaming7271]

The only time I slant my back backwards is when the attacker kicks, but then when his drops his foot he is dead 💀

[@AndoMierzwa]

Yikes!

[@Sergiuss555]

so are you saying dodging (aka in boxing) is bad? because there are many traditional (japanese) martial arts, where they never seem to learn it. e.g. karate people are ALWAYS upward explaining it the same way - for the stronger stance.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! No, I'd never say dodging is bad. Don't get hit! You're right... there are many misunderstandings in the world of karate. But slowly, that's been changing. Thanks for watching!

[@piper1042]

Sergiuss555 dodging is fine But do not blindly punch

[@mirroredchaos]

ngl as non realistic as it may seem, I perfer to fight with my mind rather than with my body. good for logical arguements, not good for some angry dude that for whatever reason wishes to attack me.

[@phoenixwright1960]

Wait where is the 15 on 1?

[@TheMan8884]

1:57 In that stance u can get punched to gut, stomach

[@kelly980]

The tripple-F stance looks like Wing Chun chain punching.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Dent Ha! Don't get me into trouble. :)