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 fight.

R: Realistic training.

I: Intentional with intensity.

K: Keep calm.

E: Evangelize

Infantry Principle:

1. Adapt

2. Overcome

3. Improvise

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.

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.

2. Fire multiple strikes in a split-second.

3. Overcome the port of entry.

4. Counter resistance.

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.

Break and the Bend:

1. Find the break in any joint.

2. Find the bend in any joint.

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.

React to Contact:

1. Grab.

2. Push.

3. Pull.

4. Hold.

5. Lock.

6. Sweep.

Move to contact:

1. Control attacker's balance.

2. Control attacker's direction.

3. Control attacker's next move.

4. Control attacker's space.

5. Control attacker's momentum.