The core principles of Strike Combatives (STRIKE) are as follows:

S: Strike first, strike fast, strike firm, strike to finish the fight.

T: Train the way you will fight.

R: Realistic training.

I: Intentional and with intensity.

K: Keep calm.

E: Evangelize

Principle of Strong Side/Weak Side:

This principle applies to an attacker's posture before the fight. The weak side is usually forward, and the strong side is usually back. For example, a boxer jabs with the weaker arm, and the rear arm is the strong side. This stance creates a balance of power for the boxer; however, for combatives, most offensive techniques will target the weak side, since the weak side exposes vital targets and places the combatant outy of range of the strong side,

Levels of Violence:

Low : The attacker is trying to cause damage, but not significant damage.

High: The attacker intends to inflict serious damage.

Shock and Awe Principle:

1. Attack fast and firm to shock the attacker in place. This allows multiple strikes in a split second while the attacker is briefly stunned.

Double Strike Principle:

1. Blocks are strikes.

2. Block and strike the attacker at the same time.

3. Understand the attacker's transition and counter the transition with simultaneous blocks and strikes.

4. Be prepared for grappling within strikes and blocks

Spiritual De-Escalation:

1. With hands in the guard position pray for the attacker out loud.

2. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ to save the attacker's life for heaven.

Show Mercy:

1. Fight with the same intent as the attacker-nothing more or nothing less.

2. Show mercy to the attacker when the fight is over.

3. Help the attacker.

The last principle is the principle of 7 level sequence fighting. I teach Strike Combatives within the sequence of 7 level fighting in order for students to learn how to fight from a grab to on the ground. An attacker can attack with a push, a grab, a grab and strike, a take down, and the student will learn how to fight in the transition from a grab to a take down. There are 7 levels in the sequence below and notice how each level relates in the transition from one level to the next and or skipping a level, such as a level 2 attack transition into a level 6 attack. Strike Combatives training is based on each level.

I believe there are 7 levels in the fight sequence:

Level 1: The attacker violates the victim's space (such as getting face-to-face).

Level 2: The attacker reaches in to grab or touch the victim (such as poking the chest).

Level 3: The attacker grabs the victim with one hand and prepares to punch with the other hand.

Level 4: The attacker grabs the victim with both hands and begins to grapple.

Level 5: The attacker is holding the victim and uses the legs to take the victim to the ground.

Level 6: The victim is on the ground.

Level 7: The attacker is on top of the victim and pulls out a knife or other weapon.

In Strike Combatives, you will learn to fight at all 7 levels with one attacker, one attacker with a weapon, one attacker in a corner and against a wall, two-attackers in a corner and against a wall, an attack near your car, attack on various surfaces, an attack while sitting, and how to use items in the area as a weapon - pencils, keys, school bag, skate board, utensils, and other tools for protection. Each level of a fight has transitions which will enable the defender to gain some control of the fight.