In partnership with

Hey Warrior,

Most people think self-defense starts when the first punch is thrown.

That’s a lie that gets people hurt.

The real fight often starts with posture, pressure, and presence…

…long before the hands come up.

And if you wait for “permission” to defend yourself, you may be reacting too late to survive.

So here’s the question that makes a lot of people uncomfortable…

…Are you allowed to strike first?

Let’s talk about it.

PREEMPTIVE STRIKING ISN’T DIRTY. IT’S SMART.

In this week’s scenario (Jackpot Jawbreaker), Subject 2 gets knocked out by a man who never shouted, never threatened, and never swung — until he did.

The guy circling with a calm face was the real threat.

But what if it was flipped?

Let’s say someone’s in your face.

They’re yelling.

They’re walking you down.

They’re bigger, louder, and closing space.

They haven’t touched you yet, but they’re clearly forcing the confrontation.

So when do you go?

Here’s the truth…

…If you’re unable to walk away — because of space, position, duty, or people behind you — and the threat is closing, you may need to strike first.

That doesn’t mean looking for a fight.

It means recognizing when you’re being prevented from leaving one.

And if that’s the case, waiting for the first blow isn’t noble — it’s naive.

TRAIN TO THINK LIKE A WEAPON

If this concept makes you pause — good.

Because now it’s time to turn that thought into training.

When practicing scenario drills or sparring, start adding these layers:

✅ Verbal Pressure Drills
Simulate someone crowding you. Add loud verbal aggression. Train maintaining posture while trying to de-escalate — but be ready to strike.

✅ Distance Integrity Work
Focus on keeping one arm up as a frame. If they close distance while you’re de-escalating, that’s your “green light” moment. Don’t wait to be hit.

✅ Preemptive Strike Timing
Practice recognizing intent in body language — angle shifts, eye targeting, weight loading. Then act decisively before the attack lands.

You don’t have to be paranoid. You just have to be prepared.

WATCH THE VIDEO AGAIN

Rewatch Jackpot Jawbreaker and ask yourself:

• Could Subject 2 have spotted the incoming strike?

• Were there signs in Subject 1’s footwork and posture?

• If you were in that casino, how would you have known it was about to go physical?

👉 Watch the video at Fight or Flight

and then join us for discussion in the…

👉 In the Operators Lounge (Facebook Group)

This time, don’t just watch the hit — watch everything before it.

✅ Before You Go...

Here’s your thought for the week…

Would you rather be the first to strike — or the last to know?

The goal isn’t to hit people. It’s to not get hit.

And sometimes, that means recognizing when your only way out… is through.

Think like a weapon.
Train like one too.

– Paul Simoes