Multiple Opponents — Standing Fight (Green Belt)

Multiple Assailant Example

Multiple Opponents:  Standing Fight (Green Belt)

The axiom that street violence is volatile and unpredictable could not hold truer than when facing multiple assailants. Facing multiple assailants, let alone multiple armed assailants, is an extremely dangerous proposition. Try to recognize the situation as soon as possible, such as if two people are walking toward you and suddenly fan out to your left and right. Running and escaping is your best solution.

When facing multiple assailants, you must only engage one at time using optimum combatives and movement while putting that opponent between you and any others. The key for successfully fighting multiple armed adversaries (and unarmed adversaries) is to neutralize one threat at a time brutally and efficiently. To re-emphasize, you cannot get caught between two assailants.

If you cannot escape, there are two cardinal rules you must follow: (1) do not place yourself between two or more assailants and (2) do not end up on the ground.

• Tactically, to defend against multiple assailants, always use flanking maneuvers.
• In other words, if an assailant initiates to your left or right, engage him while keeping him in between you and any other assailants.
• If facing three or more assailants, even if you were attacked by the assailant in the middle, still move to one of your flanks.
• Never engage an assailant if the defense would put you in between two or more assailants.
• Techniques and tactics do not change, but you must modify your defenses to keep an opponent between you and any other assailants as long and as often as you can.
• You must keep your footing and balance to avoid falling or being dragged to the ground. If you are dragged to the ground, you must get up immediately.
• As the situation unfolds and necessity dictates, it may behoove you to put your back up against a solid object to prevent anyone from attacking you from the rear. This, however, hampers your mobility, so you should only do it as long as it is necessary.
• It is paramount that you keep moving.
• Do not give the assailants a stationary target or any opportunity to coordinate their attack.
• Try always to position the first threat in between you and any other threat(s) to use him as an obstacle or barrier to shield you and buy time for you to gain the upper hand.
• Fight with extreme prejudice.
• Maim and cripple your attackers as necessary and escape as soon as possible