In the world of self-offense-defense (Combatives), there are no true leads (fighting stances), and yes, I intentionally use the term “self-offense-defense.” The more I reflect on the traditional term “self-defense,” the more I find it problematic. The word “defense” inherently suggests a reactive stance—you’re behind in time, responding to an aggressor’s actions. This reactive position is not ideal in a combative context, where taking the initiative can mean the difference between success and failure. This timing framework serves as a crucial principle for identifying and addressing gaps in our knowledge across various areas of study and training.
Now, I recognize there are situations where being defensive is unavoidable. Perhaps you’re caught off-guard by a surprise attack, or legal constraints dictate that you must first demonstrate restraint, effectively forcing you into a defensive position. These scenarios are very real and emphasize the importance of learning how to react effectively when behind the curve or what I call being behind in timing. However, let’s step away from the legal system or the element of surprise from the threat for a moment and examine combative engagements purely from a strategic perspective.
In a confrontation between two or more people—yes, more than two, as real-world altercations rarely involve a single opponent—there is no such thing as a “lead” in combatives. True combatives operate outside the confines of the traditional turn-based mindset. The exchange of techniques, strikes, or moves is dynamic, fluid, and constantly shifting. Neither party truly uses “leads” because the nature of combat is chaotic, forcing each individual to adapt in real-time to an ever-changing fighting environment. This underscores the importance of adaptability in combat, preparing you for the unpredictability of real-world altercations. Even if you believe you’ll never face multiple opponents in a fight, you should still incorporate training for such scenarios into your practice. Why? Because training for multiple opponents fundamentally changes how you perceive and respond to threats. It forces you to develop your system in a way that constantly looks for additional threats rather than fixating solely on the one in front of you. This shift in mindset enhances your situational awareness and expands your ability to process and react to your surroundings.
This concept highlights why I prefer the term “self-offense-defense.” It encapsulates the proactive mindset required for effective survival. In combatives, you’re not merely reacting to an aggressor; you’re constantly working to disrupt their plans, get ahead in timing, seize control of the situation, and dictate the flow of the encounter. This philosophy requires skill, preparation, and a deep understanding of timing, positioning, and adaptability. Combatives teach us that the fight exists in the space where offense and defense merge. It’s not about waiting to react; it’s about engaging with intent, awareness, and the readiness to take action at any moment. There are no leads—only the ongoing dance of survival, where adaptability and initiative reign supreme.
The very act of getting into a stance to face your opponent is inherently flawed when it comes to real-world combat. You often see this in a boxing match or an MMA fight: the fighters come out, meet in the center of the ring, bump gloves, and “square off.” They position themselves into a fighting measure—just outside what I call Critical Distance (the range at which you can touch or be touched, a range that allows your opponent time to think and adjust)—and then begin the calculated game of outmaneuvering and out-timing the other.
While this approach is ideally suited for a controlled, sport-based environment, it’s fundamentally ill-suited for combat. Why? Because it gives your opponent time—time to think, time to adjust, and time to prepare. Setting up a fighting measure is a luxury of sport, where rules, referees, and structure dictate the pace and nature of engagement. In a real-life confrontation, this process of setting up is a costly mistake.
If you’ve had the time to settle into a stance and adjust to a fighting measure, in my opinion, you’re already a step behind in timing. That’s because the moment you allow your opponent that space and time, you’ve given them an opportunity to plan their response. Instead, you should have already initiated an attack, putting your opponent on their heels, disrupting their rhythm, and seizing the initiative. This is where the combat principle of “forward pressure” comes into play—a fundamental concept that prioritizes taking action and controlling the tempo of the fight from the outset.
Forward pressure is not a random act of aggression; it’s a calculated tactic rooted in military science and war arts, disciplines honed over centuries because they are effective. You see this principle in every successful military campaign, from blitzkrieg strategies to modern close-quarters combat. The logic is simple: overwhelming the opponent denies them the opportunity to mount an effective counter. In combat, hesitation or passivity can be fatal, and forward pressure ensures that you stay ahead in timing, positioning, and intent. It’s a strategic advantage that empowers you and keeps you in control of the fight.
That said, forward pressure must be applied intelligently and at the right moment. It’s not about rushing in recklessly but about understanding the dynamics of timing and opportunity. For instance, there are moments in combat when creating space or baiting an opponent can be advantageous. When you need to catch your breath or when you want to lure your opponent into a trap, these are the moments when you can use forward pressure to your advantage.
Combat is not a game of chess played from a distance—it’s a dynamic, unpredictable encounter where initiative and adaptability are paramount. By eliminating the flawed habit of squaring off and adopting the mindset of forward pressure, you can stay one step ahead, dictating the terms of engagement and denying your opponent the time and space to react effectively. This shift in perspective is not just theoretical—it’s a practical principle that has stood the test of time in bothcombat and warfare. It equips you with the readiness and tools you need for real-life combat situations.
We must always account for the reality of multiple opponents in any combative scenario. It’s a crucial element that too often gets overlooked in traditional training. There’s always a “wingman”—a partner backing up your primary adversary. There’s always the potential for a “good Samaritan”—an uninvolved bystander who misinterprets the situation and intervenes. And there’s always a “significant other “-a loved one who might be used as leverage against you. Understanding these potential threats is crucial in preparing for a combative situation.
We like to say, “There’s always a ghost in the room.” Even if you can’t see them, their presence must be accounted for. With this mindset, if your tactics and strategy only consider one opponent at a time, you’re setting yourself up to beunprepared and overwhelmed. Combat, especially in environments like sidewalks, parking lots, or enclosed spaces, rarely involves just one threat.
This ties back to the principle that there are no leads in combatives. If you square off against one opponent, you may unwittingly expose yourself to another who’s flanking you—or worse, attacking from behind. In these situations, you don’t have the luxury of turning to face each new threat individually or repositioning your stance to address them sequentially.
Now imagine a scenario where there’s not just a second opponent flanking you, but a third attacking from behind. In this instance, trying to reset your positioning or rely on a reactive strategy is a recipe for disaster. You simply don’t have the time. This is why your methodology and training must incorporate answers to such scenarios.
Your approach needs to be fluid and adaptable, allowing you to address threats from multiple angles simultaneously. Thisinvolves training for situational awareness, understanding how to manage space effectively, and developing techniques that prioritize mobility and rapid transitions between threats. It also means ingraining tactics that disrupt multiple attackers’ ability to coordinate against you.
This reality demands a paradigm shift from static, one-on-one combat training to a dynamic model that considers multiple variables: opponents, terrain, obstacles, and the element of unpredictability. When you accept that there’s always a “ghost in the room,” you train not just to win but to survive. Your methodology becomes proactive, your movements purposeful, and your mindset resilient, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
Don’t get me wrong—studying stances and physical placements, like those you see in traditional martial arts, is essential for understanding the human machine. These foundational elements allow us to break down movement, mechanics, and efficiency in a structured way. They form the building blocks of how we train, move, and ultimately fight. And to be clear, if you’ve trained in a sport-based combat art and encounter someone with no training, chances are high that your skills will allow you to come out on top. The gap in understanding and capability between a trained fighter and an untrained individual is significant.
However, my message is for those who aspire to go deeper, for those who want to study combat science at its fundamental core. I’m speaking to the warriors who seek to master the art of war, not just the art of 1 to 1 competition. For these individuals, it’s critical to understand where sport-based training fits into the larger picture.
Sport-based combat arts are phenomenal tools for developing attributes essential for real-world combatives. They sharpen your timing, teach you how to achieve and maintain good positioning, and train your eyes to recognize patterns—bothpositional and attack patterns. This ability, often referred to as “pattern recognition,” is vital for adapting to dynamic and unpredictable situations.
Moreover, sport-based training pushes your physical limits and keeps you in fighting shape. The rigorous conditioning, intense pace, and demand for precision ensure that your body is prepared for high-stress situations. It builds endurance, speed, and strength, while also conditioning your mind to remain calm under pressure.
But for those who aim to study the art of war, it’s important to recognize the limitations of sport-based training as well. While it excels at attribute development and honing certain skills, it exists within a controlled environment governed by rules, referees, and specific objectives. Real combat, however, doesn’t play by those rules. It demands adaptability, creativity, and a deeper understanding of tactics and strategy.
That’s where the fusion of sport and combative science becomes critical. Sport-based training is a stepping stone, a method to elevate your skills to a higher level. By integrating its benefits into a broader framework of combat science, you create a complete system that prepares you not just for the ring but for the unpredictable, chaotic, and unforgiving nature of actual combat.
We need sport-based training—it is an indispensable tool for reaching higher levels of knowledge and skill. But for those who truly seek to master the art of war, it must be paired with a commitment to understanding combat science at its most fundamental level. This fusion of sport and warcraft is what creates a well-rounded, adaptable, and truly formidable fighter.
Keysi Fighting Method’s 4-Man Box Drill: A Dynamic Approach to Training
The 4-Man Box Drill, a signature exercise of the Keysi Fighting Method (KFM), is both a practical training tool and a unique method for analyzing and refining fighting techniques. In this drill, the practitioner stands in the center of four training partners positioned at equal distances, creating a controlled yet unpredictable environment. The purpose of this setup is twofold: to train under high-stress conditions and to serve as a “laboratory” for testing and improving techniques and fighting concepts.
As a laboratory, the drill allows practitioners to evaluate their techniques in a multi-directional context critically. Consider the classic jab-cross combination: a staple of striking arts, this technique is traditionally designed to deliver force in a single forward-facing direction. However, in the 4-man Box Drill, the practitioner must question whether the techniquecan effectively generate destructive force against opponents from all directions. This questioning leads to further exploration: can the technique be adapted to handle multiple attackers, or should it be replaced with an alternative that better suits this scenario? This analytical approach is a core principle of KFM and the C-Tac system; both emphasize the constant evaluation and evolution of techniques to ensure they meet real-world demands.
The drill also offers an opportunity to train under high-stress conditions by transforming the laboratory into a chaotic, real-time engagement. In this scenario, the four surrounding individuals begin attacking simultaneously, forcing the practitioner to adapt their techniques while managing multiple threats. This high-pressure environment exposes gaps in knowledge and highlights weaknesses in training, providing invaluable insights into what works and what doesn’t.
The 4-Man Box Drill builds critical skills essential for real-world combat. It enhances 360-degree spatial awareness, teaching practitioners to recognize and respond to threats from all directions. It also develops efficient movement, encouraging dynamic repositioning to avoid being flanked. Furthermore, it fosters creative problem-solving by challenging practitioners to adapt traditional techniques for unconventional scenarios.
This drill’s true value lies in its dual purpose: it’s not just a physical exercise but a mental one. By questioning the effectiveness of techniques and exposing flaws under pressure, the 4-Man Box Drill ensures that training remains practical, adaptable, and relevant. It aligns with the mindset of KFM and the C-Tac system, both of which prioritize evolution and real-world applicability over tradition for its own sake.
Whether used as a controlled laboratory for technical refinement or a stress-inducing simulation of real-world chaos, the 4-Man Box Drill exemplifies the innovative and practical approach of the Keysi Fighting Method. It challenges practitioners to think critically, adapt dynamically, and prepare for the complexities of actual combat.
Now, let’s imagine placing ourselves in the same 4-Man Box Drill, but this time, standing in our favorite fighting stance.Immediately, you can see how this scenario forces you to reevaluate your approach. The drill challenges your preconceived notions about positioning, effectiveness, and how well your stance holds up under these conditions. Very quickly, you realize that there are no leads—no fixed positions of dominance. Regardless of your stance or direction, you need the ability to deliver destructive force in 360 degrees. It doesn’t matter which way you’re facing; the threats are coming from all sides, and if your setup doesn’t allow you to respond dynamically, it’s time to take a closer look.
Now, let’s push the boundaries further. What happens if you’re no longer standing? Imagine being in a kneeling position, sitting on the floor, or even seated in a chair or booth at a restaurant. How does your fighting stance translate to these new realities? Suddenly, the dynamics of movement, power generation, and defensive capability shift dramatically. The drill now forces you to reconsider your techniques and strategies from entirely new angles.
From these different positions, new questions arise. Can you still generate destructive force effectively from a seated or kneeling posture? How does your positioning affect your ability to transition between threats? Are there gaps in your current methodology that leave you vulnerable? The 4-Man Box Drill doesn’t just test your techniques—it reveals the limitations of your current skill set and opens the door to refining and evolving your approach.
This process highlights an essential truth about combat: adaptability is key. You won’t always have the luxury of facing your opponent in an ideal stance, on stable ground, or in an open environment. Real-world situations are unpredictable and messy and often place you in less-than-ideal positions. Whether you’re ambushed in a confined space, seated at a table, or caught off-guard while on the ground, your ability to deliver force and maintain control must adapt to the circumstances.
The 4-Man Box Drill teaches you to think beyond the traditional framework of combat training. It forces you to step out of your comfort zone, not just physically but mentally. It’s a tool for innovation, encouraging you to question what you think you know and pushing you to develop solutions that work in dynamic and unpredictable situations.
Ultimately, this drill reminds us that combat isn’t about adhering to a single, rigid methodology. It’s about developing the ability to adapt and respond effectively, regardless of position, environment, or number of threats. Whether standing, sitting, or kneeling, your training must prepare you to deliver effective force and defend yourself in all directions—because in actual combat, there’s no guarantee of ideal circumstances.
In the realm of combatives, the greatest truth is this: adaptability is survival. Combat isn’t a controlled sport or a predictable series of exchanges—it’s a chaotic, multidimensional challenge where the stakes are far greater than a win or loss. It demands more than just skill; it requires a mindset of readiness, a commitment to continuous refinement, and a willingness to step beyond the familiar to truly test the limits of your training.
Concepts like the 4-Man Box Drill, self-offense-defense, and the integration of sport-based and combat science training are not just theoretical but practical tools for cultivating this adaptability. They challenge you to rethink your tactics, question your techniques, and embrace the complexities of real-world engagements. They push you to prepare for situations where there are no leads, no ideal stances, and no clear path to victory—only the constant demand to react, adapt, and overcome.
To truly master the art of war, you must go beyond simply learning techniques. You must test them under pressure, refine them in the face of failure, and evolve them to meet the unpredictable demands of the battlefield. Whether you’re standing, kneeling, seated, or surrounded by multiple opponents, your training should prepare you to act decisively and effectively.
At its core, this journey is about empowerment. It’s about taking ownership of your training, pushing past the boundaries of comfort, and equipping yourself with the tools and mindset needed to navigate the complexities of real combat. For those willing to embrace this path, the reward is a profound understanding of what it means to be truly prepared—to not just survive but to thrive in the face of chaos.
In the end, combat isn’t about perfect stances or ideal scenarios. It’s about adaptability, initiative, and resilience. It’s about learning to lead the fight, no matter the circumstances, and finding strength in the uncertainty of battle. This is the essence of the warrior’s path—and it’s a path worth walking.
Shift Your Perspective, Take Action, & Lead Yourself To Greatness
~ Sifu Alan
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Alan Baker is renowned for his dual expertise in crafting tailored Defensive Tactics Programs and high-performance coaching. Catering specifically to law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and security firms, Alan designs training regimens that emphasize practical techniques, real-world adaptability, and scenario-based training. His approach enhances the capabilities and readiness of personnel in intense situations. His clients include the Executive Protection Institute, Vehicle Dynamics Institute, The Warrior Poet Society, ALIVE Active Shooter Training, Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, Tactical 21, and many others. Sifu Alan is the creator of the C-Tac® (Civilian Tactical Training Association) System and
Protection Response Tactics (PRT), two highly regarded training systems that emphasize realistic, adaptive techniques for both civilians and professionals in high-risk fields. Explore Alan’s tailored programs here. Sifu Alan travels across the U.S., teaching camps and seminars on the programs he’s developed and the multiple martial arts he has studied for nearly five decades.
Beyond mere tactics, Alan stands out as the paramount “Self Leadership” coach, adept at unlocking the vast potential within individuals. With a deep passion for mentoring professionals, entrepreneurs, and those on personal growth odysseys, he focuses on nurturing a mindset of excellence. Alan’s coaching hinges on practical strategies that bolster mental resilience, focus, and drive. Teaming up with Alan means embarking on a transformative path where mental barriers are dismantled, inherent strengths come to the fore, and your goals become within clear sight. His profound insights enhance performance and sculpt a mindset tailored for triumphant success.
To delve deeper into Alan’s mindset philosophy, peruse his enlightening collection of books. If you’re ready to amplify your journey under Alan’s tutelage, connect through his official website.