Hey Warrior,

There’s a lie we tell ourselves when we watch a fight end in our favor.

We think…

… “See? It worked.”

But just because you walked away doesn’t mean you did it right.

In this week’s scenario, the defender ate weak punches with his hands down and still managed to flip the script.

Slammed the guy. Knocked him cold. Looks like a win.

But that’s luck, not skill.

If the aggressor had even a fraction more power or control, that chin would’ve been glass—and we’d be writing a different kind of debrief.

And here’s the hard truth…

… If your hands aren’t up, you’re always one good hit away from losing.

Hands Up = Options Open

When someone’s aggressive—especially throwing strikes—your hands need to be up and active, not glued to your sides like you’re trying to win a staring contest.

Hands up means:

• You can block.

• You can strike back.

• You can clinch, parry, frame, redirect, or smother.

Hands down means:

• You’re counting on luck and bad aim.

Keeping your hands up isn’t just protecting your face…

…it’s positioning your entire strategy a half-second ahead.

It’s your readiness gauge.

And in a real altercation, half a second is the whole game.

Train to Think Like a Weapon

Want to be dangerous before you throw a punch?

Keep your hands up—and keep them ready. Here's how to sharpen that:

1. Structure it right:
Bend your elbows at roughly 45 degrees. Keep your hands up and away from your chest. Think frame, not flinch.

2. Add resistance:
Train with heavy gloves or small weights in your hands for rounds. Burn it into your muscle memory. Tired arms are sloppy arms.

3. Introduce chaos:
Have a partner use pads, gloves, or even a foam baton to tag you while you keep your hands up and eyes forward. You’ll feel your instincts try to fold. Fight that.

4. Get real:
Put yourself in postural stress drills. Low light, noise, verbal chaos. Then work movement with your hands up no matter what.

Hands up isn’t a box to check. It’s a way to be.

If you haven’t seen the video of the senario or any of the training you can check it out here…

👉 Watch the video at Fight or Flight

and then join us for discussion in the…

👉 In the Operators Lounge (Facebook Group)

Let’s start exploring options, building adaptability, and learning to think like someone who wins fights… not survives them.

Before You Go...

This week, look at your training through one lens…

…Where are your hands—when the stress hits?

Because posture is a decision.

And decisions made early… decide the outcome.

Stay sharp,
– Paul Simoes