Defense

You win fights with offense but you lose fights from a lack of defense. How many just read that and automatically thought, "The best defense is a good offense". And while that old saw is true it is also true that we are always open when attacking and it is wise to have your defense built into your offense.

There are only two things that I want my fighters to do while fighting and that is move and fire. Firepower (attacks) and mobility win wars and when we build our defense into our offense we become much harder to hit. It doesn’t matter if we get hit standing or caught in a submission on the ground, a lack of prevention caused us to get caught and maybe even lose. Defend early and avoid being caught by strikes, position or submission. In seminars I am often asked how to escape this choke or that armbar and my favorite answer (before I show the escape) is don’t get put in that technique. I don't want you to defend the right cross after it has hit you on the chin and while there are many good sound escapes to virtually every submission the best strategy is to not get put in the position.

Desire – Discipline – Defense These are the cornerstones for success in the ring, on the mat or in the cage. The parallels to everyday life are abundant and worth your consideration.

Danny Dring