13/11/2007 - More cool stuff - don't miss Metal Mastermind Martin Popoff's "Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal Vol 3" - the good,the bad and the rare all get reviewed, with 1000s of albums getting the once-over. This volume focusses on the 90s - check it out at www.martinpopoff.com

Also - there's a box set of some of Alfred Hitchcock's movies from the early 50s going cheap in HMV at the moment - "I Confess", "North By North West", "Strangers on a Train", "Dial M for Murder" and "Stage Fright" and "The Wrong Man" - not a duff one among 'em, snap this one up if you like a good thriller!

“The Three Second Fighter – The Sniper Option” – Geoff Thompson

This DVD follows on from and develops the themes and concepts introduced in Geoff’s “The Fence” dvd (see previous review), although it could also be used effectively as a stand-alone programme. Geoff begins by describing three common types of combat situation, match fighting, three second fighting, and ambush fighting, and illustrates how and when these situations arise, along with the appropriate type of response to be used in each circumstance.

As with “The Fence”, Geoff stresses the importance of maintaining a high level of awareness, and makes a crucial distinction between reaction and response when confronted by an attacker. There’s a lot of very interesting information presented on this theme, with information about adapting dojo techniques to street situations, body language, the role of muscle memory and the psychological aspects of dealing with an aggressor. I found this information was easy to take on board, as it was illustrated with practical examples of people putting the concepts described into action.

Geoff defines three second fighting by pointing out that in many cases fights start and end very quickly, and take place at very close range. We are shown how to train efficiently by developing a small number of key attacks which can be used in close-up “three second fighting” situations whilst keeping up a fence, with examples of both training ideas and realistic combat situations in the dojo which “pressure test” what’s been learned.

A key aspect of Geoff’s teaching is to look at the body language and psychology of both the attacker and the person responding to the attack, and there are plenty of very useful insights given in “The Three Second Fighter”, particularly in the area of dealing with the flow of adrenalin. Later in the dvd, Geoff also illustrates ways in which someone facing multiple attackers could use a psychological fence to keep a potential assailant from getting involved in a fight that’s already happening.

In addition to three second fighting, the dvd shows the importance of developing a good support system of techniques for use when a situation goes on longer and moves into the area of ground fighting. In this section of the dvd, we see line training and circle training sessions in which Geoff’s students defend themselves against ambush attacks. Geoff points out that the fights we see here are “scruffy”, i.e. not a gracefully choreographed exchange of blows, but rather the kind of situation that would take place in real life. Effective use is also made of slow-motion footage here, allowing a clearer view both of the attack and the defence against it.

The sense of realism is heightened in the combat training sections of the programme by the fact that those playing the role of the aggressor do so realistically, with their mannerisms and language being coarse and in-yer-face. This is not done gratuitously, but is presented as a way of being able to respond to this aspect of an attack rather than being shocked or caught off guard by it.

Once again , Geoff Thompson delivers the goods, and as with “The Fence”, this is a dvd which would benefit both beginners and experienced martial artists alike.
check it out at www.geoffthompson.com

Geoff Thompson - “The Fence” DVD Review

This DVD, subtitled “A Unique Protection Principle”, is the first in Geoff Thompson’s “The Method” series of DVDs (although it’s also available as a single DVD, as are all titles in the series). It’s interesting to note that in the bonus interview included on the disc, Geoff states that if he could leave one chapter of his extensive teaching on self-defence as a legacy, it would be this one.

Geoff’s teaching is widely respected in the world of martial arts, with none other than Chuck Norris (who, let’s not forget was a seven-times world karate champion and not just an on-screen tough guy) having invited him to speak and instruct at seminars in the USA. And, as this DVD gets underway, Geoff tells us that it was his teaching on “The Fence” that prompted the ol’ Texas Ranger to call on his services.

One viewing of “The Fence” illustrates perfectly why Geoff’s expertise and practical experience in using the idea of putting up a defensive “fence” between yourself and a potential attacker is in such demand. Not only does he go into the physical side of combat, he also shares insights on the instinctive physical and psychological processes programmed into the human body, and how these can be used to gain a vital advantage over an assailant.
This distinguishes Geoff’s teaching from a lot of other martial arts teaching, and should make interesting viewing for both experienced martial artists (like Chuck) and complete novices (like me) alike.

Geoff’s experience as a doorman and veteran of some 300-plus fights adds weight and conviction to the material covered here; the fence, most simply explained as putting your hands up in front of you in the space between you and your opponent, is something Geoff used constantly in real-life violent situations and the fact that he’s here to tell the tale (with all his facial features and both ears intact to boot!) surely speaks volumes about it’s efficiency.

Not only do we get an insight into how the fence works in close-up street situations, we also get blow-by-blow analysis of how violent confrontations may be averted, or dealt with quickly and effectively if all else fails. Geoff demonstrates how to use the fence not only as means of defence, but also as a barometer to gauge the aggression and intent of an attacker, before going on to show how it may be used as a springboard for attack. Tips on what type of attacks may be used are given, and the difference between what works in a dojo and what works on the street or in a crowded pub is respectfully explained. Again, if you’re an experienced martial artist, I’d imagine that you could pick up tips on how to modify techniques you’ve learned, and if you’re a beginner there are useful tips on what areas to seek training in.


The analysis of body language, thought processes and even the way in which we speak to a person threatening us are also explored, and the information shared here is worth the price of the DVD alone, and sets Geoff’s teaching apart from a lot of teaching on martial arts and self defence (at least some of the stuff I’ve read at any rate). What also struck me was that I wished I’d seen this DVD when I was at school (except they didn’t have these new-fangled DVD things back then); seriously, if you have kids and want them to avoid getting a hard time from bullies, show them “The Fence”. Obviously it’s not a cure-all but it would give them a distinct advantage and improve their confidence.

Geoff’s approach is to stress that violence should only be used as a last resort, and his style of presenting the material taught is calm, engaging, and intelligent; he goes into the realities of how situations can escalate or be defused with a mixture of humour, striking examples and a lively delivery that really helps the salient points to sink in. He leaves the viewer in no doubt as to the grim reality of violence, but does so without scaremongering.

In short, I found the information presented in “The Fence” easy to digest and understand from a non-martial artist’s point of view, but equally I’d have no reservations about recommending it to friends who have a lot of experience in that area. The key point that struck me about this DVD was that it raises the viewer’s awareness, even on first viewing, and that’s something that repeat viewings could build on effectively. Again, without scaremongering, any information that enhances your awareness as far as personal safety goes is a good thing, and on that score “The Fence” is right on the money. The principles taught here can be applied by anyone who has two hands that they can put up in front of them, and if you only ever buy one book or DVD on self defence, you can’t go wrong with this one.