Do You Need Martial Arts? CCW Training for Self Defense

[@hard2hurt]

Go check to see if your gun and light combination is available at www.werkz.com

[@BioStock08]

Can I get your thoughts on 2 guns. One for quick drawl, something in your pocket. And the second for a big fight.

[@bryeberger8873]

I talk about this in my advanced classes because the 3-3-3 rule. 3 ft, 3 seconds , and 3 rounds is how most altercations happen....know how to use your hands!!!

[@FireflyTM247]

As a woman I 100% agree with knowing how to use all forms of self defense and evasive skills for life safety. I just attended a shoot don’t shoot event and most of my class bet against me saying I would shoot during a robbery and they lost. You only shoot when the window is cracked wide enough to do so in your benefit. Thank you for this channel and all you do.

[@douglasdreigh5083]

@hard2hurt Have you done any videos training against a rifle or shotgun? People seem to train solely for pistol disarms. Sorry if this sounds dumb, it's just in twenty years of looking at "gun grappling" nobody ever seems to think they'll have a shotgun or a sporting rifle pointed at them. There seems to be a big hole in self defense right there.

[@nopethxno]

In some krav maga class there is self defense against AK-47, at least it's what I heard, didn't stay long enough to get to it.

[@seekdiscomfort1942]

You’ve used that line in the intro before, “if you carry a gun and don’t know how to wrestle, you just brought a gun for the other guy”. I heard that and started training two years ago. Wise words

[@FilmFlam-8008]

Except that’s like saying if you can’t wrestle, don’t get a gun. That is stupid advice. The multitude of people that stopped mass shooters with their handguns didn’t need grappling. A 80 lb woman is not going to beat a 200 lb man regardless of how much grappling experience they have.

[@rainbowtroutin]

@@FilmFlam-8008 A. What do people find themselves in the situation of more, mass shootings or casual self defense? I regret to inform you mass shootings don't happen everywhere at all times, but robberies do, fist fights do, and bar fights do. If you want to murder someone just because you got into an argument with them, you deserve prison. B. If you believe you have control over every and all situations just because you've got a gun on you, you've never been in any type of fight for your life. You don't know when a fights going to happen unless you're the one starting it, and if they want you dead or hurt you'll be dead or hurt without warning. Wake up from lala land and get on the mat and get on the range. You need them both equally.

[@catocall7323]

@@FilmFlam-8008 he's just making a point and it's very valid. Of course, there's different situations in real life.

[@jasonb9562]

Look up a channel called Warrior Poet Society. An ex-army ranger does a drill where he fights to get his pistol out while fighting and it takes him a good two minutes. It was eye opening

[@FilmFlam-8008]

@@rainbowtroutinwell, a mass shooting occurs every single day in multiple cities near me. I have not heard of a SINGLE grappling match fight at all in over 5 years in the street. Yes, there was news about someone being cold-cocked and knocked out or hit with something like a pipe, but not ONCE have I seen news about someone actually going to the ground. The only two I can actually think of is the recent one in New York where someone got taken down threatening people (but even then it was done badly) and BLM tackling a guy from behind after threatening the store. But mass shootings and gun violence? DAILY.

[@kroups8413]

throwing the plastic pistol into the wrestling practice changed everything and you can really see how useless the weapon is without grappling skills

[@FilmFlam-8008]

But that’s assuming wrestling actually occurs on the street encounters. Which 99% of the time it doesn’t. It is someone being cold-cocked. Grappling is absolutely the most important thing for peacekeeping positions like cops, bouncers, and undercover people that have to inject themselves in close proximity and first go to grappling as their initial line of confrontation. For 99% of actual situations, no. It’s about avoiding the conflict completely.

[@kroups8413]

@@FilmFlam-8008 I think grappling occurs much more than you think. And if you get punched in the face and aren't out immediately, you're in striking/grappling range. And trying to pull a weapon will turn it into grappling immediately. And even if you are right, people carry weapons knowing that 99% of the time they won't have to use it. So maybe we should train grappling even if it only happens in 1% of cases (which btw it doesn't.)

[@jomess7879]

​@@FilmFlam-8008every video of every assault I have ever seen, if the person was still standing after the initial assault (which they were in most instances), it turned into a wrestling match.

[@FilmFlam-8008]

@@kroups8413 that’s not the issue. The issue is the “most important” statement. Absolutely not true for civilians. For cops and bouncers like Mike, it is true. But if 1% of the time you MAY get in a grappling match (which again is NEVER in the news or found in a non-peacekeeping postion), proficiency with accuracy and speed is better. And it is more accessible to people.

[@FilmFlam-8008]

@@jomess7879 link to them then. Every time I see it, it is usually over in the first swing or it just becomes a messy boxing match. Any time I did see it turn into a grappling match the grappling didn’t matter because friends joined in that needed the fight. A one-on-one fight in a bar has never been recorded around me. Multiple gunfights have. Not one was brawl based.

[@andrewzimba7432]

"Pop quiz, Hotshot!" That was the best spontaneous demo of why grappling is necessary for firearm carriers ever. Kudos Mike! Great thinking. And the fact it turned out exactly like you expected confirms your theory. Superb!

[@archangel98632]

That Pop Quiz at the end was GOLDEN. Demonstrated every truth you spoke this video and motivated me to get to training too! Kudos good sir, and thank you

[@hard2hurt]

You see how it took them a few seconds to process what was happening?

[@G36-999]

this was an amazing video, really nice work@@hard2hurt

[@madjackmadjack]

​@@hard2hurt Yeah, absolutely. Would you be ok sharing their reaction to the game? Was the guy who apparently lost his gun disappointed or surprised?

[@GoboBox]

Thank you for the video. Loved the Pop Quiz.

[@hapkido658]

@@hard2hurt you don't know what you're talking about and you're a liar too. You're going to get someone killed with your movie B.S. Hush!!!

[@jonahfussman9371]

I like how “cowboy style” keeps proving to be the most effective style of fighting. Wrestling plus some sound fundamental striking, sprinkle some dirty techniques on top, while carrying a gun and generally not being a big dumb dumb

[@kaloyankatzarov9284]

Being in shape as well. Not gonna lie I love the cowboy analogy.

[@ireviewshtuff]

I believe even "cowboy style" had a name back in the day, Rough and Tumble, or Gouging. It's the OG mixed martial arts with a combo of folk style wrestling and bare knuckle boxing.

[@aidanazr]

Volkanoski proving this in UFC, minus the dirty stuff you don't do in MMA. Just an all around amazing athlete with solid striking and wrestling.

[@luizeduardomagalhaesferrei1265]

Hehe nice analogy, "Comboy Style", I like it!

[@ericwilliams8408]

Cowboy style aka rough and tumble All the basics none of the fluff.

[@JehuMartin]

It’s true - there are a bunch of folks in the gun community that are way out of shape and don’t train grappling or striking. Let’s normalize fitness and combat sports training with marksmanship training.

[@chestermosburger3113]

this could add yet another dimension to the UFC!

[@Pwasercan]

@@chestermosburger3113 🤣🤣

[@TITANia69420]

@@chestermosburger3113 UFC but the ref randomly throws a gun in the middle of a scuffle

[@Illbebacc]

Ikr?!?!

[@Illbebacc]

And he's right about how sensitive they are. The worst comment section arguments I've been in were from the gun cummunity. I think it's a bunch of kids watching John wick or something, idk why.

[@Drachenherz806]

I’ve experienced this no less than twice while doing martial arts. First time there was a guy that came to the dojo I went to at the time that eventually offered to teach boxing. My response: “I know Kung Fu, I don’t need boxing, I’ll just keep him back with my kicks.” I then proceeded to get my ass kicked by the dude who did boxing. Then with BJJ. Not having learned my lesson the first time I stubbornly said “I don’t need to learn BJJ, I’ll just keep him back and he won’t be able to take me down.” I then got my ass kicked by a BJJ white belt. Moral of the story? You’re not protected by your “justs.” You always have something to learn.

[@charlesmelchiorre4109]

No one knows Gung fu, we train. It's the literal f ing translation. 😮

[@Drachenherz806]

@@charlesmelchiorre4109 way to miss the entire point of the comment.

[@charlesmelchiorre4109]

Yes🙂

[@mcdick1621]

"just jitsu" i will just do that i will just do this.

[@charlesmelchiorre4109]

Moral of story, you don't know shit. Shitfu

[@homegrown6289]

Yeah I tried to grapple with some of my range guys and they said thats gay meanwhile I tossed all of them and took their guns. 😮

[@jaggedskar3890]

Nice!

[@El_Fonzo]

😂😂😂🧢 stop lying

[@justinoswald8825]

The only self-defence mindset you need is living your life like Icy Mike is going to come bursting into the room, yelling "Pop quiz, hotshot."

[@dustyboots2693]

Imagine you're out in the street, grappling with your average assailant, and then out of the blue this random guy toss a gun in the mix and just stays there enjoying the show

[@justinoswald8825]

@@dustyboots2693 Imagine you're in a warehouse during a zombie apocalypse. You come across a family locked in a room but it looks like the little girl might have been bitten. Out of the blue, a random man burst in and throws a gun into the mix and then wonders aloud why you're not shooting the girl.

[@obiwanquixote8423]

@@dustyboots2693 I suspect that's actually what Icy Mike does on weekend evenings. He's not a vigilante hero or a super villain. Just a random chaos generator proving points and providing lolz

[@hard2hurt]

Lol... new meaning to carrying a "throw down gun"

[@hapkido658]

Yeah, real cool and original, stealing a line from the movie Speed.

[@madperrot]

With all the footage out there i'm surprised Icy Mike has to say these things. From police body cam to security cameras, time and time again it shows that you have to be able to fight, to be able to retain and use a weapon in the middle of someone *attacking* you. And I mean yeah, guns are extremely effective at what they do. But they cannot do everything for you 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@hard2hurt]

Everyone thinks they're "built different"

[@BMO_Creative]

Icy Mike is the only guy that is still dangerous while wearing a Super Mario shirt! Him and Chuck Norris! LOL

[@moz5831]

I was thinking the same. 80’s kids being all grown up means that you get shot or beaten up by a guy wearing a nerdy Nintendo/TMNT Tee. Oh the times we live!

[@JKDVIPER]

He’s “Tough Norris” 😂❤

[@JKDVIPER]

Beard looks good Mike. Still in shape. Good good. Nice piece. I agree. Problem is, guys get into thinking to small. One answer. One code. One secret manuscript. 😂it’s a myth. 1. KNOW HOW TO PUNCH 2. KNOW HOW TO SPRAWL 3. KNOW HOW TO CONTROL 4. KNOW THE LAW 5. KNOW HOW TO UP THE ANTI. ⚠️💥my rules of thumb.

[@ianbrewster8934]

Truth 😅

[@pizzmo8256]

We're knifey in Canada.

[@kroups8413]

9:28 Mike went to another place for a literal instant and caught himself immediately. Wild 🤣

[@hard2hurt]

Ssshhhh

[@adamplentl5588]

"We die together!"

[@ThePoorBoy]

Glad you did a video on this subject, Mike. It's a real problem among the CCW crowd. Wrestling and carrying were made for each other. Craig Douglas has also opened many eyes on the matter.

[@FilmFlam-8008]

But Craig is more close quarters. 99% of gun encounters start at over 3 meters. This is great advice for wrestling that turns into gun fights. But the question is would it be a gun fight at all without your gun?

[@ThePoorBoy]

@@FilmFlam-8008 I think this may be overthinking things. Just grapple and shoot. 😁

[@FilmFlam-8008]

@@ThePoorBoyso what advice would you give a 85 lb woman or a 60 year old man with his bones fused in his wrist and knee replacement surgery? Grapple? Ain’t doing sh*t against a 200 lb man in halfway decent shape. My issue is the “most important” part of his statement. No. Absolutely not. Good to have, yep. But let’s be honest. Most people are not capable of effective grappling. And they won’t be. But they can be capable of a quick and smart draw and getting themselves out of a situation. At the least, I would say situational avoidance is the most important thing. Again, something cops and bouncers CANNOT do.

[@vladimirgertner3960]

​@@FilmFlam-8008if you are at 3 meters, it's not self defense, you are just murdering someone.

[@wisewigga7129]

@@FilmFlam-8008 Yes if the tiny woman knows how to grapple she will 1000% have more chance of survival, what's your point? a "smart draw" from 3 meters never happens in a real situation because it'll land you in prison because you just murdered someone, this isnt a wild west video game.

[@medkemia]

I live in hongkong, a place where guns are illegal, but i still agree with Mike that distance control doesn't necessarily mean create distance, sometimes you have to be close to be safe

[@MichaelDeLaRosa867]

Such great timing with this video. I'm in a Facebook group called Bullshit Martial Arts and some guy shared a video of Craig Hanaumi doing weapon retention practice and he along with a few others were saying everything you talked about at the start. None of them could process that maybe, just maybe, the other guy could come at you unexpectedly and get a hand on your weapon before you can get into position to shoot.

[@hard2hurt]

No their "situational awareness" is just too good.

[@brandtjustsayin]

I'm a gun guy who served as an MP in the military and is smart and experienced enough to know that I need more than just my gun so I'm training kickboxing and have wrestling experience from decades ago. The gun is a last resort tactic.

[@dylanbrown3840]

This is beautiful. I'm a "gun guy" but also a grappler! This is so true! It's rare that the gun community and the combat sports merge. Non of my gun guy friends train and very few of the guys at my gym are gun guys.

[@Jamoni1]

The noise is real. And it's serious, a life changing moment. But I'll never not laugh. Not in a mean way, just in a "welcome to the club, you're one of us now" way.

[@Coffee_is_ready]

This was a great video. I always get frustrated when people are just saying “get a gun”. Without training it just increases your chances to getting killed. Not counting any accidents or successful suicide attempts when having a gun in the house.

[@gallantdon]

Woof, gonna hurt a lot of feelings with this one 😅

[@Emanuel_carey]

0:53 there’s the saying! Love, I’ve been using it to your credit

[@TheBainofmaliki]

Range practice is not particularly useful if you can not get your weapon out in a timely manner. I try to focus on quick draw and being able to put a few rounds in a small space as quickly as possible. Also the fear of my weapon being taken away from me is a very real concern. I try to make myself as inconspicuous as possible, as I see people who do open carry as the first target I would go for if I had bad intentions. I am glad you are making this video and will look into your online courses for further self protection resources.

[@vladimirgertner3960]

The issue is that you don't dictate the beginning of a confrontation. Sure, if it's a bad guy mass shooter, your scenario and logic works, but if you get in a fight, usually it's an escalating "normal" situation. You bump into a dude in the club, he attacks you. None of that stuff works. You gotta be able to control the situation before you introduce deadly force

[@andrew1575]

It was the hump n bump then the "pop quiz, hot shots" that got me

[@kevinomahoney]

This might be the most useful video you have ever made. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, because I have been rolling the same problem around in my head for the last six months. I’ve been training in martial arts for years, and six months ago I decided to get a compact firearm for concealed carry. Maybe this is weird, but the gun made me feel LESS SAFE, probably because I lack training in weapon retention and grappling, and I wondered if all was doing was carrying the means of my own demise. Welp, this video cleared that up! I signed up for Jiu-Jitsu classes three months ago. That is going well, considering that I am getting smashed three or four times a week. The really funny thing is that I thought I knew how to fight before taking a Jiu-Jitsu class. Anyway, thanks for teaching me, and the gun is going into the locker for a while. I might reconsider the matter after earning a blue belt.

[@TheAtomicBear]

Man you are smart. You will also have a non-lethal weapon: your limbs! Not all situations warrant pulling a gun out.

[@FaithRox]

Gun guys without any grappling are basically just loot drops.

[@damiendarko9411]

Most drop common loot at that... sad :(

[@juliomaldonado4028]

Situational awareness definitely prevents being a loot drop. A 60 year old grandma with a revolver will not be a common loot drop if she's alert

[@dieseldave2273]

Most important thing to remember about self defense in general, as soon as you think you've fully learened to properly defend yourself, you already failed. It's a constant learning/training process. You can't prepare for every scenario, but constantly learning, and training will prepare you for a hell of a lot more than "I'm a good shot, come at me bro"

[@vonhofmeister9990]

love your philosophy and style of allowing your student to not hold back and try to retrieve your weapon- getting to the back is great but i think that if you tie up the attacker’s hands while facing him (as you did) and incorporate a trip with a shove first , you’ll get the best advantage as most people don’t know how to fall , especially on their own back- in akido-jujitsu style , you learn how to fall without cracking your skull on the pavement or injuring your lower back- i subscribed after the first minute of your video btw

[@Tiago-wj5pt]

You are getting better and better at making videos… Super entertaining AND educational. Hard to Hurt is definitely one of my favourite channels on KZbin by this point. Basically only come on here to watch you and the rest of your friends who also have martial arts channels. Also, seems like there’s some weird and interesting psychology behind people first practicing martial arts. “The noise” is a really niche topic that I wouldn’t expect to be the topic of conversation but it’s these kind of things that make you so captivating to watch. 👊

[@LangRieper]

This is so right on point.... loving every minute of it. 16 years practiced and conditioned judoka and gun fu. If your gonna carry it you best be able to keep it.

[@samhinzman2018]

Man I’m learning so much from this channel. I really didn’t know shit when I thought I was the shit.

[@aiden6106]

The guy just taking mike's phone mid grapple. But being nice enough to put it in his pocket so it doesn't fall and break.

[@CRURayality]

Guy tried to take my gun. Facts. It happens close up. He had a knife. He made the noise. He is no longer with us.

[@Jorhanbear]

Amen. Also, if you see a weapon, say a knife you are likely to get cut or stabbed. Grappling always happens.

[@dalepower632]

The only thing that I truly disagree on here is the idea that implied that real world gun fights involve a lot of grappling. I HAVE seen video of a few of those. About one percent of them. The rest are all people shooting at each other from at least five to seven feet away. Now, unarmed against a gun is either running away OR grappling. But most of the time the people going with grappling end up being shot. I'm not calling total BS, but I am calling a foul based on over representing a rare case as a common one.

[@viiltelijamurhaaja7225]

Are they self defence or just 2 people shooting each other? i would thing that most of the time its two guys fighting until it escalates.

[@seba_ksports]

Agree! I've been doing Korean wrestling since last fall and it has brought me many good things. I think (any kind of) body wrestling should be done by everyone serious about fighting and self defense. It was really interesting to see in your video how the trainees were doing with the red gun in the end when you suddenly threw it at them. Good video!

[@blockmasterscott]

4:24 you talking about having to get inside is one of the applications of the basic lowering and raising the hands in the first part of almost every Tai Chi form in existence.

[@TurboDog73TX]

Things that needed to be said. Thanks Mike.

[@seansnyder2855]

Would love to see you a do a video on "wrestling guys" that carry guns. As in, the complete opposite; borderline 0 practical gun training but proficient in wrestling. Biggest mistakes/problems a novice shooter would run into assuming they /can/ grapple?

[@rjreliv]

Great example of why force on force matters! Big shout out to Werkz! Great people! great products! great company!

[@jnorfleet3292]

We trained with water guns, get wet, got shot. The dynamics change when people are trying to shoot you while you're focused on the gun rather than what's coming out of it.

[@gmenendez9569]

Thanks. I’m 54 and been carrying for 20 365 & last month I just started a gym with JJ and Wrestling. Can wait for the next few months to grow!

[@WowAaronIsAwesome]

I just had a conversation about this with my cousin yesterday. I’m going to show him this video.

[@homegrown6289]

He got the phone mission accomplished if he didn’t get shot.😂😂😂

[@nacktheslayer9882]

it's crazy how much grappling with weapons alters the entire exchange. We do it sometimes (i'd like to do it more honestly) in hapkido, last time we did it we started in guard, with the armed person in guard. Once I was able to get the practice gun and I just tossed it across the room (obviously there was no one that was gonna get hit with it) lol it was funny.

[@TacticalHyena]

phone snatch was slick

[@argoshikan]

Another good thing about a light: if it extends beyond the muzzle/frame, it gives your semi auto stand off capability. You don’t have to worry about taking your gun out of battery if you touch it to his body.

[@bladeofgrass96]

I love this . People don't understand how important this is. All these guys at the range say "yeah I'm a master of CLICK POW!" ... Right

[@ChefSpinney]

One of my favorite MACP drills was standing 15-20 feet apart and trying to draw a pistol on someone before they bumrushed you. FAR more often than not they closed the distance before you could draw and bring that weapon to bear on them. Only thing that worked was taking a BIG step back when drawing your weapon and even then it was about 50/50.

[@Wiinajamizzi]

Love the Mario shirt. Interesting how you talk about your experience as a cop, with guys reaching for a weapon whilst entangled. It reminds me of being in a sword bind. You can feel when someone disengages quicker than you can see them disengage.

[@schwanhumes323]

always enjoy the humor and the education combination of your videos; always educating w/out disrespecting or attacking people, im sure some people feel attacked but its mostly people who ego is in denial or hasnt been exposed to certain truths.. im not a great martial artist at all; but i often tell people who havent trained or sparred, they operate on a confidence that is completely out of line w/the reality of what they can actually do...and being introduced to that reality for the first time in a REAL situation is literally the worst thing that cld happen... anyways appreciate your willingness to share your experience and realy appreciate how much u care about the well being of others

[@ianbrewster8934]

Video was worth it just for him throwing in the gun at the end with the two guys that were grappling. Everything he was just talkin about was just proving right there within like 20.... I am so pinning this video for future classes.... Amazing stuff

[@acem82]

[Gun guy with no grappling experience] My first thought was to fall backwards on the ground and draw/shoot if necessary. People don't like falling over and the other guy will likely hesitate. Falling on the ground will suck, but not as much as getting shot will. My second thought is that I'm "paranoid" and I refuse to let people close with me if they look anything like a threat. Yes, this isn't a perfect defense because stuff happens, but the best way to protect yourself from getting beaten/stabbed is to not let them get into that range. If the other guy insists on closing with me, I'm already 95% sure his intentions are bad and respond as necessary. But, yes, learning grappling is important.

[@Dive-Deeper]

That was great stuff, Mike. The improv at the end was so practical. Kind of reminded me of the Pink Panther movies where Cato was always popping out of nowhere trying to mess up the inspector's day.

[@shelbyyoungfitness2716]

Oh my God Mike, you nailed that sound perfectly 😂 and its always sweet music to my ears each time it happens because then comes the choice: continue to live in "guns solve everything" fantasy land, or suck it up do the hard things

[@thamomentum]

Perfect Mike! Thank you for this - this is so damn critical. I've been doing defensive firearm training for a few years now. Not as easy as it looks. Also - to add to this - PLEASE discuss Center Axis Relock as you next topic. Would love to see your take on that.

[@MDSGeIsT01]

THANK YOU!!!!!! I've had this argument for years. Gun guys think that that you don't need any type of CQC or grappling skills coupled with weapons training....this goes for knife/baton guys too! I'm a knife/baton guy myself, but I also understand, especially from my military training......you still need grappling/striking skills. If these guys did their homework, they'd find that a long history of Infrantry Soldiers to Spec-Ops (WWII-Afghan/Iraq Wars) trained in Judo/Jiu Jutsu techniques, boxing, wrestling...etc...but I can go on. Thanks for this refreshing video sir

[@ghostofcpast8893]

I'm a gun guy and I am 61 years old. I've never had anyone wrestle my gun out of my hands and I can fight with knife/empty hand/stick/several other improvised weapons. I still practice and use the technique of shooting from retention.

[@SemperFi_EDC_Guy]

My firearms "coach" John McPhee is ALWAYS talking about learning how to fight and wrestle. It's a must!

[@killingfield]

That ending was amazing, changed their game up immediately.

[@courtneydale9048]

The last one minute of this video was an elegant proof of concept and very entertaining. Well done sir.

[@wiv3984]

I lost it when he said"he identifies as a sheep dog"

[@randomtvninja]

I'm glad I'm not the typical "gun guy" love doing BJJ/Muay Thai and then as for "knife guys" I carry around a shivworks clinch pick it came with a trainer ( I prefer that any knife I buy comes with one) I've trained Kali as well and trained with the different knives I have around. I don't think I'm going in all gung ho with a knife but it's there 🤷‍♂️ especially for grappling or getting someone's hands off your gun. But yea agree with everything you're saying and it annoys me to no end when people say "I'll just shoot them" like ok have fun sitting in jail. Knowing how to actually fight will save your life more times than knowing how to shoot.

[@ThatJamesGuy88]

Hey Mike, gotta tell Werks to build tuckable IWB holsters. Gotta be church friendly.

[@giled9538]

that was f*cking great when he threw the gun at the two guys on the mat. "It changes the game" more true words.

[@RTTGunsGear]

Werkz are great hoksters! I absolutely recommend them! Also, as a gun guy, I also teach grappling with a firearm and that people need to learn to fight if they're also going to carry a pistol. Good video.

[@nunyabiz7699]

Great Video as always. But I would like to say this. Its AMAZING how many keyboard warriors out there who have most likely never gotten in anything more than a Highschool fight try and point out flaws with or correct some one whos Job for years entailed dealing with and witnessing and being prepared for VERY real violence. Its like Some one who watches a lot of KZbin videos on rockets trying to tell a NASA engineer how rockets work. Like REALLY people. I do not agree with everything he says. BUT he has more experience and most important more REAL WORLD experience than most the commenters here could ever count. And NO going to a Gym or doing MMA for years does not count as REAL experience in life or death fighting. Neither does taking courses or going to the range. My own instructor is a lot like Mike. Former Marine, was Sheriff for years and worked in Law Enforcement for years before, trained Swat as well as being a part of it, and currently works as a consultant for the US Marshals (He also does Security work as an independent contractor "Body Guard). What I am saying is like Mike he has real world experience. He has MANY MANY times had to test out his own style and the things he preaches in REAL situations. He has had the chance to look at and investigate what happens with the different actual assaults as well as what does and does not work for self defense. WHY is it that people who have never been in an actual life or death situation or ever threw a real punch think that they know better? Like I said. I do not agree with everything Mike says. But I am willing to give it thought. Because I am more likely to believe him and my instructor that a bunch of people trying to sell me something. (My instructor mostly does martial arts classes and Self defense classes as a side project. He is retired other than Security and Consulting. Mike just got Sponsors like everyone.)

[@bman1235]

You are by far one of the best coaches out there.

[@dunderhill]

This is why I love this channel.

[@availableusername41]

Point taken. I carry everywhere and have never wrestled. I should probably work on that. John Lovell has a pretty good video about this subject too.

[@randycoleman2730]

If I hear a gun-tuber say something weird/different I always look on your channel to see if you have covered the subject before and if not I ask myself “ what would icy mike say about this ?” , that technique makes for very logical information consumption

[@frank5.3]

10:50 One of the most glorious moments in all KZbin Bravo, gent, Cheers!!

[@loucash305]

This... is the video that sold me on grappling. Thank you.

[@SamYott-l4z]

Dude, what you said at ~1:00 about guns and knives. "ugh, I'm being accosted." Very good video.

[@AdamT-88]

The one I hate is. "You shouldn't Grapple for self defence coz u don't want to go the the ground" That's why you learn grappling, to defend takedowns

[@viiltelijamurhaaja7225]

Just like many ufc fighters. They learn to grapple because they dont want to grapple

[@barrettdowell3985]

To hear "POP QUIZ" and have a training gun land on you while you're rolling sounds like an RKM specific experience 😂😂😂

[@OneNvrKnoz]

I love your content Mike, but seriously, how do the cops not get called on you constantly when you’re out in the parking lot?

[@danielstevens6384]

The phone lift in the middle of the fight was hilarious. Great video guys!!

[@somerando1073]

I loved at the end when you tossed the gun to the guys sparring and not expecting it.

[@deafsmith1006]

Appendix position is my favorite CCW holster position. Lighting fast and with such as a Glock 43, SIG 365, or S&W J frame Centennial .38, one can carry a fairly powerful 9mm/.38 Spl. that hols 5-11 shots (my 43 has a Taran Tactical 1 shot extension.) Shooting from the retention or belt level allows you to draw and shoot in 3/4ths of a second at close quarters or less. And Appendix position is very easy to defend if one tries to grab it. Sure one needs some H2H... for in many cases lethal force is not necessary. And knowing you have a very effective handgun setup and you have trained with it weekly makes it a very good SD setup. Oh, and did I mention I live in Texas? In Texas EVERYONE has a gun... and we have lots of shoot ranges that allow you to draw and shoot.

[@bobbie4862]

I can't say enough just how right Mike is.

[@yandereneko5523]

Mike would be dead in 2 seconds in a real fight, yt fighters are frauds.

[@harlemdeni]

Holy shyt Mike those were some smooth transitions. Is this from some sort of grappling classes you took or is this taught in self defense classes. Thank you for the answer!

[@hard2hurt]

That's fairly basic Greco-Roman wrestling. It only really looks so smooth because we're not going 100%. Most good self defense instructors teach variations of it. I've done video reviews of the good courses

[@roBLINDhood]

Great video Mike!! I am an aspiring gun guy and I want to work in my grappling skills because of you.

[@Guardian179]

I love when guys I follow end up having similar views and opinions. Almost some self validation. I've got a Werkz holster for my G19, and a Tulster for my 43x. Would have gone with Werkz for both, but they didn't have a lefty option for the 43x at the time. I fully believe in having a light on any carry gun, as being able to identify your target in any lighting condition should always be a priority. So all that, but also that you have to have the empty hand skills in addition to gun skills if you are serious about carrying and self defense. I also believe this is an issue with law enforcement training in the States. We emphasize using tools, including guns,, and end up neglecting the empty hand skills needed to give you the opportunities to use them. So, lacking confidence in their empty hand abilities, they go to a Taser or gun earlier than they might need to. Or, worse, they get tied up in a fight that they have no idea how to win. So they get scared for their lives, and that's when the gun comes out. The range is a lot sexier than the mat room, as you said.

[@ryanj1221]

Hmm life isn’t an mma gym and people want to go home after work. This is also why you see 10 cops at domestic violence calls or 3-4 cars pulling over one person. Their OWB duty holsters already have good built in retention systems which only makes the gun pretty much accessible to them only. They do train as well of course in weapon retention is someone were to grab it though as like anything shit happens. Overall for police work or military type operations the key is teamwork, communication and a lot of people on that team. All departments work together too if SHTF. A police academy or something like that which better prepares people mentally and physically for dealing with these risks as they are simply of greater risk, especially in some areas in particular and they are also targets, now more so than ever after the last fucked up few years. As a person who isn’t a cop or decides to cc regardless the objective and circumstances are completely different. First would be to realize you don’t have back up unless you’re with a big group or something. Who really goes out alone anyway unless it’s work with most likely other people, or a college campus, or in and out grocery/gas runs? 2 would definitely be to stay out of sketchy places where violent crime is more likely to happen if one doesn’t have to be there for any reason. A simple internet search is good for this. Consider low class bars and clubs as well in that mix as well. 3 would be to try really hard in life to not associate oneself with people who are likely to get you involved in a situation or are even about the criminal life themselves. However, I like video and training anything is better than no training at all but in places like Chicago when crimes like these happen it’s usually 2 or more people and they have a weapon on you long before you can realistically do anything asides comply anyway. Unless one really thinks they can draw a gun or any weapon of their own before something bad happens I would love to watch whatever movie is playing in their head. Just maybe too if those couple of armed people shake you down and notice you have a gun in you you’re probably just a loot drop regardless of how well you can wrestle or jui Jitsu someone or punch someone. This makes me think that a gun is probably a better home defense weapon than anything else because anyone that comes into your home is walking into your home is like a fly going into a spider web. Other than that escape and avoidance should always be the first option. He has some good interesting vids on pepper spray as well and how that can make a difference in many more situations a normal person is likely to encounter in terms of self defense. Another thing police use that’s a pretty low level of force on the continuum.

[@X_R-8-ED]

Love the reality checks you hand out...

[@foursix32]

I've only just realised, is Icy Mike's gym next to a pre-school? This is where he films all the grown men playing with toy guns and weapon vs fake skull cracking videos lmao

[@Brimar7]

THANK YOU! I’ve been saying this for years to tactitards. You carry appendix, I carry 4 o’clock so I have the option of creating space with my left left hand.

[@HeinousinAppearance]

I think another thing that was half mentioned in this video as how often semi-automatics malfunction once wrestling starts - the one time I took ECQC my gun and half or more of others were just out of battery, turned into goofy looking hammers real quick. I've always wanted to see if a revolver would be better in that scenario, but I don't know of any simunition revolvers.

[@andersson_casa]

The thing at the end was brilliant!

[@selfdefensejujitsu-mizumar7221]

I love that you call out the trolls right off the bat! 😂 I need to start doing this as well. ✊

[@NoirTech83]

I knew the two noises he was talking about as soon as he mentioned it.

[@deafsmith1006]

One more thing folks... if you have ever heard of SouthNarc (Crag Douglas... he has KZbin stuff here) take his 'How to handle unknown contacts' course. I've done his twice... done a bunch of FoF, and it is enlightening! FoF is more near reality than any gun range or even most dojos.

[@MatthewPBugg]

Ya know I wouldn't go as far as grappling but if someone gets really close to you practice a distancing push kick. It puts them back in a range where you can shoot. We watched it all the time in old gunfighter movies. And in the early days of UFC. I think it's a forgotten movement by people who want to complicate a situation.

[@lorenbk]

I’m about the same size as Mike. I’m 69 years old and wrestled and played football in high school. In my 30s I studied karate. All of that is helpful but at my age and with some age related health issues, there is little doubt that even a simple attack would be devastating to me. I carry and I’m extremely cautious and attentive to my surroundings because that’s about all I’m capable of doing at this point. Luckily, most people around me are so self absorbed I just have to avoid being a target most of the time.

[@deafsmith1006]

I'm 68, 5th dan WTF, 2 years Krav Maga, judo, etc.. and yea I pack daily. Usually SIG 365 or Glock 43, and I do still train but most of my training is dirty poker self defense (groin slaps, eye jabs, throat punches, foot stomps, kneeing, elbowing, and yes CQC shooting.) Of course I live in Texas were everyone packs... and I love that. Pull a knife on someone just might get you shot! Grab 'em and some old gent might also shoot (as happened in Tyler Texas... old guy accosted by a nutjob who walked right up to him yelling and threatening him.. old guy pulled a small pocket pistol and shot him dead with one shot. Local DA ruled self defense!

[@lorenbk]

@@deafsmith1006 I’m also in Texas, a California transplant, but in California I lived in the county with the most carry permits. Texas is just a bigger, better version of my hometown!

[@wardog2561]

I consider myself a gun guy however years of mat time and martial arts has taught me how important my empty hand and weapon retention training is. Especially working in a prison system when we carry we need to be ready to defend the weapon more than shooting though range time is extremely important.

[@drachimera]

Probably the best video you have ever made! Well done!

[@shevetlevi2821]

Also if a gun armed good guy shoots an unarmed bad guy in self defense, let us know how that worked out after years in court and hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, plus the fear of revenge from the bad guy's family for the rest of your life. "Pop quiz hot shot." I love it.

[@jamesd0lan]

They won't be able to carry a gun in prison

[@Blackmoon9u9]

It depend on the state.....

[@FaithRox]

This is why its always important to have Pro 2A gun liability insurance if you plan on using a firearm as your primary self-defence tool. There is a very large industry of lawyers willing to spend millions on single firearm use cases especially if it involves different races; you could have the clearest case of self-defence and they'll try and break your spirit long before even getting to trial. Having legal protection in place BEFORE anything happens is critical as a responsible firearm owner.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

Unarmed does not mean “not dangerous”

[@shevetlevi2821]

@@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595 Of course. But I doubt the courts really think that way and we all know how capricious the legal system is. Anything I've seen says that the legal system's mentality is whether or not the defender was confronted with a lethal threat. Unless it's The Rock against a little old lady they might not.

[@jinko47]

What a fucking great video. Great advice and great real time examples. I laughed so hard when you threw the BJJ guys a gun.

[@RemainRealProductions]

Amazing, great tips Mike. In the UK, chances of having guns involved are slim but still possible, issue is, us good guys won't be carrying ANYTHING, but the bad guys will. So gotta know something to defend it!

[@Ultr4l0f]

7:25 That happy face