hilliard – Aaron J

Can’t Fill From an Empty Cup

I am an absolute believer in the idea that, being successful comes down to helping OTHERS be successful and reach their goals. This isn’t a new idea by any means, but at the root of it, some of the most successful and impactful people in the world have that at their core. Like anything in…

The Hawk!!!!!

My signature back take against a turtled up opponent. This technique is not only effective but #fashionforwardAF ladies and gents! This is guaranteed to not only get you the back, but to get you at least 17 more followers on Instagram. Check it out and release your inner Hawk! Ca-Caw!!!!

ASR/RAK Defense: Striking from Standing

One area often overlooked in programs is the practical use of striking from a standing position when getting hands on with an armed attacker. This potentially takes place in three ways: from Distance/Ambush, from Clinch, or pinned against a third leverage point. The elements for dealing with the third leverage point are very similar to…

ASR/RAK Defense: Takedown Concepts from Contact

The drills we laid out in the first nine videos of our ASR/RAK Defense series covers the majority of what we discuss and teach in our seminars. These drills will give someone very good hands on practice with dealing with a dynamic and violent encounter. One area we haven’t discussed it doing purposeful takedowns from…

ASR/RAK Defense Part 9: Break Things

We’ve covered a lot of ground to this point and yet, in the realities of the fight, we are only talking mere seconds. From impact, to control, to most likely hitting the floor or a wall, the longer the fight goes on, the more opportunities for the bad guy to harm us. With that in…

ASR/RAK Defense Part 7: High Tackle

Now we’re starting to get into the idea of intentionally putting the attacker on the ground. Again, let’s remember a few things: 1) The defender is under a HIGH level of stress 2) They are making very quick decision 3) There are a lot of variables they have to process and adapt to 4) They…

ASR/RAK Defense Part 6: Transitioning to the Ground

To this point, all of the drills have started standing. That process allows the students to learn the concepts and apply them under resistance and not overloading them with too much. Now that said, the longer a struggle for a weapon goes on and the more aggressive (and sloppy) the fight, the more likely it…

Knife Defense: Moving Around the Back

In this video we’re taking a look at a knife attack where the person has attached to you first with the other hand (a common occurrence) and is keeping you from efficiently addressing the knife arm. This is just one option/concept to keep in mind. If I can’t efficiently address the knife arm, and assuming…

Pushes, Pulls, Pivots, and the Path of Least Resistance!

In fighting, there are two general energies: pushing and pulling. In this video we’re looking at a basic concept of pivoting based off the pressure you’re getting from the attacker. Relatively simple concept but that can be used in so many situations. Check it out. Enjoy!

Forcing the Over and Under Hook

Understanding the basics of grappling is very important in a wholistic approach to self defense. All too often systems get caught up in one control position. This is a very simple simple drill you can add in to help students gain a sensitivity for controlling from an underhook or overhook position beginning in the basic…