Learn simple, high-percentage defenses for common street grabs with options to strike and exit.
The Bottom Line
You get standing defenses for wrist grabs, headlocks, guillotines, and bear-hugs. There are weapon scenarios, but the value is mostly posture and exits, not fantasy disarms. If your focus is competition BJJ, this sits lower on the list.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Self-defense learners
Skip if: You only compete
Tech focus: Wrist Grab Defenses, Bear Hug Escapes, Standing Guillotine Defense, Headlock Defense, Opponent Control, Strikes To Exit, Situational Awareness
Biggest takeaway: Posture, strike, and exit safely.
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What You'll Learn
A four-volume self-defense series covering grips, standing chokes, bear-hugs, and weapon scenarios. It prioritizes awareness, posture, and decisive exits.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Wrist Grab Defenses
- Bear Hug Escapes
- Standing Guillotine Defense
- Headlock Defense
- Knife Defense Basics
- Gun Defense Basics
- Collar Grab Defense
- Opponent Control
- Strikes To Exit
- Situational Awareness
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 3 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Skip. I rate self-defense modules by simplicity and exit routes; this checks both boxes but still needs realistic scenario training.
Why Georges St-Pierre?
GSP brings MMA-tested posture and clinch skills to self-defense. He holds a BJJ black belt under Bruno Fernandes and a long record of practical takedowns. The series focuses on high-percentage stand-up defenses and leaving safely.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Firas argues MMA-oriented grappling fits self-defense better than sport BJJ.
- Members say train with gloves, strikes, and cage to reflect reality.
- Advice threads stress defensive cage work and safe standups.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Many warn multiple attackers make the ground risky outside the gym.
- Skeptics dislike pricey self-defense instructionals and prefer live training.
- Instructionals outside BJJ can feel less valuable to sport-focused players.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Core Striking Combinations and Tricky Attacks by Firas Zahabi – You want simple striking combos that pair with clinch exits.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Winning The Street Fight: The Self-Defense Encyclopedia for Surviving & Dominating Physical Attacks on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
