🥊✈️ Master the Loop. Win the Fight.

In partnership with

Hey Warrior,

Weekends are when most people unplug.

But warriors? They refine.

So today, we’re going deep into a mental model that separates those who react from those who respond with intent.

It’s called the OODA Loop.

And if you’ve ever heard the phrase "fight smarter, not harder" — this is what they were talking about.

The OODA Loop… What It Means

OODA stands for:

• Observe

• Orient

• Decide

• Act

It was developed by fighter pilot and military strategist Col. John Boyd to explain how combat decisions are made in rapidly changing situations.

But here’s what most people miss…

…The OODA Loop isn’t just for combat pilots. 

It’s for anyone under stress, anyone in a fast-moving threat environment—like self-defense.

And it loops. Constantly. That’s the key.

You observe.

You orient to the situation.

You decide what to do.

You act.

Then you observe again.

Whoever runs that loop faster—wins.

Why the OODA Loop Matters in Self-Defense

Most people don’t lose fights because they’re weaker.

They lose because they’re behind.

Behind the action.

Behind the decision.

Behind the threat.

If your attacker has already acted and you’re still orienting… you’re late.

That’s why scenario-based training matters.

That’s why you drill pressure.

That’s why we do what we do in Fight or Flight.

Because we’re not just training movements. We’re training the loop.

How to Train Your OODA Loop

Want to react faster under pressure?

Don’t just hit pads. Don’t just rep technique.

Train like this:

• Observe: Practice reading body language. Spot cues. Track shifts in posture, gaze, and hand movement.

• Orient: Do mental walk-throughs of scenarios. "If he does this, what’s my line?"

• Decide: Create decision trees in your training. If A happens, then B. If B fails, then C.

• Act: Drill full-speed commitment. No half-measures. Build trust in your movement.

Then start the loop again.

It never stops.

✅ Before You Go...

Ask yourself…

Where in the loop do you freeze?

Do you hesitate in the Observe phase?

Do you get stuck overthinking in Orient?

Do you flinch on the Decide?

Or delay the Act?

Knowing where you stall—is how you fix it.

Train to move through it faster. Train to weaponize the loop.

Until next drop, Stay dangerous,

– Paul Simoes