The Fence And Multiple Attackers

Just how effective is using the fence in regard to multiple attackers?,on the street in a robbery (mugging) situation when dealing with multiple robbers it works well but also when dealing with people who have had too much to drink and then turn aggressive,but using it against multiple attackers in a pure gratuitous violence situation ie (lads who like a fight at the weekend) it may not be as successful because as Mo Teague once said they recognise and know what the fence is.

Marc

I actually have some excellent video footage of Al teaching this very thing at one of my training sessions.

I need to get around to editing it and posting it online, if Al has no objections?

Please remember the fence is not just one move and really should be referred to as A fence. A fence is a feeling/ A space/language/body language or physical too many people talk about the fence like it is a set move.

it may not be as successful because as Mo Teague once said they recognise and know what the fence is

In my eyes if you use it properly then they shouldn't know your using one

I actually have some excellent video footage of Al teaching this very thing at one of my training sessions.

I need to get around to editing it and posting it online, if Al has no objections?

I would like to take a look at that

''In my eyes if you use it properly then they shouldn't know your using one''


I feel it take loads and loads of practice in different training situations to perfect it,the only person i feel who has mastered it down to a fine art and you could put him back on any nightclub door today or in any situation and watch him use it and you still wouldn't be able to see it is Geoff Thompson,

Here's some good instructional footage of Mo Teague giving his views on 'The Fence',

http://www.woma.tv/movies/2S/mo-teague-master-class-part-1--the-fence.html

Marc

Marc1978 wrote:I feel it take loads and loads of practice in different training situations to perfect it,the only person i feel who has mastered it down to a fine art and you could put him back on any nightclub door today or in any situation and watch him use it and you still wouldn't be able to see it is Geoff Thompson

Anything worthwhile, effective and functional takes years of dedicated practise to own it, but I don't think you ever perfect anything. As long as it works when you need it to work then I don't think we need to make it any more complicated than that.

In terms of the link, bear in mind that some people do seem to make an industry out of doubting methods that perhaps they simply don't have the attributes to effectively deliver.

Even if they recognize "the Fence" they still have to get through it, so I can't see what the problem is, Geoff Thompson's book and dvd clearly explain and show how you should practice and work "the Fence" to make it your own.It's a bit like a boxer and his guard, everyone knows he's keeping his guard up he's making no secret of it, but they still have to get through.

Look the Fence (and the Guard which is similar but slightly different in application) are just TOOLS you can use in situations
just like power talking, or even running away

the trick is to train for all eventualities

In the SDF we call the principle "The first line of defence".. within that you have 'positioning'. 'postures' 'power talking' 'the Fence' 'the Guard' etc etc etc

each situation requires its own most appropriate principle to apply and each situation has several 'variations' on the principle you are applying at that time

with multiple attackers you have (just a few as examples there are many more variables)

Are the actually attacking or posturing, is there one or more 'leaders' is it one guys with his mates just 'there' ... are they attacking with impact, or weaons or pushing or what

as I said several variations require flexible applications of principles .... its too simplified to ask does the front kick work against a charging bull or can I wrist lock a male silverback gorilla..

try out various adaptations of whatever principle you are training on in that particular training session.... see what you think might be valid and what isnt

Head - Brick wall = Bang! Bang! Bang!

The fence is a tool that should be used when appropriate to the situation. You can't make a situation fit to the tool. Watch Geoff's 3 second fighter or read the book. In there Geoff explains that you have the square go, the ambush and the 3 second fight. The fence is used in the 3 second fight where people come to you to interview you. So if a group approaches you and starts to intimidate you to see if you are a easy target the fence might be effective to for example foil their pincermovement and controling your space, they know that you know what they are on about and might look for an easier victim. However if the pack is in the proces to actually attacking you the fence phase is skipped and you better go like fuck. I think Al Peasland explains this in his book and DVD fence concept. I will post up a review later on.

Kind Regards,

Nick Engelen

Hi Michael

Yes, please feel free to use whatever footage you have - so long as you get my good side on it

Marc - Nick pretty much summed it up. If you are talking about a group of individuals who have already set the fight in motion and at the point of kicking off - then a Fence tactic is only going to buy you an extra second or so - to get a better pre-emptive strike off on the first - and hopefully - most threatening individual in the group.

You are then fighting

I've said this many times - that I've seen alot of footage of people training "the Fence" and after taking out the first person - they resume a Fence position again. It looks very static, it looks very obvious and no longer serves the purpose.
Once you've hit someone - you've told everyone watching that you are now fighting - you might as well then put your guard up properly instead of just holding your arm out in front of you.

Your Fence should look natural - not obvious - it should be used to monitor the situation before it gets physical.
Done correctly it will help you control your own personal space, and afford you a little more time and a few more options before it kicks off.
It is not a magic pill - it will not fit every situation

If the first thing you know about a confrontation is a group of lads launching punches at your head - I would suggest, as Nick mentioned, forget your Fence and start fighting.

As a conclusion here's a short clip of the master in action,talking hands baby!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBwy8jQ9VDc

Marc

learn from nature. The posturing, no fence and the concequence :-)

Enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1YmWNB_FiE

Kind Regards,

Nick Engelen