After looking at all the different versions of 'The Fence',i came to my own conclusions (rightly or wrongly!!) that there are different types of 'Fence' for different types of threat,ie if you look at Dave Briggs 'Control And Destroy' Videos/DVD's this is his interpretation of the fence but i feel more geared towards gratuitous violence in the street.The tactile fence is maybe better suited to those who work in the security industry etc but it also has merit in the street.Al Peaslands 'Fence Concepts' (Excellent DVD & Book!!) is geared towards street robberies/mugging/rape which then could end up in gratuitous violence etc.
I feel the best teachers in this area are,
1.Geoff Thompson
2.Al Peasland
3.Dave Briggs
4.Mo Teague

what are forum members opinions regarding this?

Marc

I Totally agree Marc

But think you may have the order of 1 and 2 slight out of synch

Only Kidding mate

Flattering to be included with those other names in your list and yes, I guess everyone teaches the same thing with their own flavour and their own slant.

For me, I tried to show how the Fence is more subtle and not as obvious as just sticking your arms out in front of you kind of technique (something which I think has been badly learned and interpreted by alot of people over the years)

If I was just to stick my arms out in front of me, I might as well just put up a guard and be done with it. The whole point of the fence is that it is invisible, undetectable to the person on the otehr end of it.
It's your passive sensor that, if needs be, can be "upped" in order to control space for a momentary second while you engineer the situation to administer your pre-emptive strike.
Anything more prolonged or static than that and it will be seen, noticed, or even recognised by your opponent and your advantage has been lost

That was generally the message I tried to get across in my DVD and Book to try to help show those who'd perhaps learned it third/fourth/fifth hand and started to introduce bad technique into their Fence training

However, I'm only speaking from my own experience and that of people like Geoff whom I've seen work it and been trained by at length

Nice post - would be interesting to hear what the other members think as it's always nice to have constructive feedback on anything you/I do - it's the only way we move on and progress

Take care all

Al

In case anyone is interested i did a review on Al Peaslands fence concept book and dvd.Its very interesting!!!

i think the uke is cute..in a ruggedly handsome sort of way
mick x

well post it here es

For me I have always used what I call a prayer position as a fence. Hands together raised etc. This helps protect my centre line and gives me a chance to wedge through any attack. It also looks like nothing when you are being put under pressure by an aggressor/twat. Having said that, pre-emptive attacks are king on the street as long as you can justify them.

Thank you Peter,

Here is a copy of my review, if anyone should wish to purchase these contact Al Peasland.

Hi guys. I have just completed and watched both the book and dvd of the fence concept by Al Peasland. I have to say they are an absolute must for the beginners or more advanced people from the martial arts world.Al describes each section, in an easy to read way, and also easy to watch routines on the dvd.He takes you through all the various types of fence, with some illustrations, which help you to understand also.Included is his humour, which you might chuckle at!!! There is a section on how to deal with the law, should you need to!!! There is sections on where you might make mistakes, which is useful! I wont tell you too much otherwise that will spoil the need for you to go and buy both at a discount for the book and dvd from Al Peaslands website. But as i already said im a relative beginner, and this has helped me to understand more about the fence.Also isnt there a saying " you are never to good to learn some more" Happy reading and watching guys.

Nice informative review esther!,although Geoff Thompson is still number 1!!

Marc