Introduction to Fancher's Street Edge:Self Defense Systems

We had an excellent seminar at the school last night taught by 4th Degree Black Belt Instructor Mr. Tim Fancher of Columbia, MO. Mr. Tim Fancher has over twenty five years of martial arts experience training and teaching the cutting edge of combat technique and knowledge. As a professional personal protection specialist he teaches seminars around the country and has been featured many times on both radio and television as an expert on the subject. His experience as a police officer, security professional, and martial arts instructor informs his unique and assertive approach to staying safe in any dangerous situation.

Attendees of the seminar were taught a variety of techniques including -

• Defenses against Straight Wrist Grabs using strikes against vital targets
• Driving Takedowns from 12 o'clock against Straight Punches
• Defenses against Rear Bear Hugs using Groin Grabs and Piston Striking
• Techniques for Controlling and Transporting a Subject using Wrist Locks

Mr. Fancher also discussed Key Concepts for preparing for and surviving violence. Environmental Awareness, Visualization, and Crisis Rehearsal prepare us for the assault. Quiet Confidence, Intuition, and Zero to Sixty Mentality, inform our reaction to violence. Ask Them/Tell Them/Make Them and Plus One Theory help us to respond with the level of aggression appropriate to the context of the situation.


The Seminar ended with a study of Pressure Point/Pain Compliance techniques. Each of these techniques was practiced against specific, vulnerable targets on the opponent with the intent of changing their position or compelling behavior.

Pressure point – Jugular Notch (Suprasternal Notch)
Location: The trachea and small nerve fibres in the jugular notch region.
Direction of pressure: Pressure is in a downward direction towards the centre of the body at a 45-degree angle from the front of the opponent.

Pressure point – Clavicle Notch
Location: Located directly behind the clavicle bone in a depression, which is approximately half way between the shoulder joint and sternum.
Direction of pressure: Applied downward pressure at a 45 degree angle towards the body centre

Pressure point – Mandibular Angle
Location: Where three nerves come together at the base of the ear lobe, behind the Mandible.
Direction of pressure: Pressure applied inward and upwards towards the center of the skull.

Pressure point – Hypoglossal Nerve
Location: Under the chin inside the mandible approximately 15 to 20 degrees from the forward apex of the lower jaw.
Direction of pressure: Pressure should be applied in an upward direction, past the mandible, towards the centre of the skull.

Pressure Point - Infraorbital Nerve
Location: At the point where the upper lip meets the base of the nose.
Direction of pressure: Pressure should be applied inward and slightly upward towards the center of the skull.

Mr. Fancher emphasized the importance of preparing for the engagement beforehand, with the right mental attitude, visualization, and physical training. There was plenty of body work and repetition, allowing each of the students to perform their techniques with energy and resistance. The techniques and intensity he brought to the seminar gave each of the students an expanded toolbox for identifying dangerous situations, and for defending themselves and others.

We look forward to seeing Mr. Tim Fancher again and continuing to benefit from his unique approach to personal protection. Mr. Fancher offers both private and group lessons in Fancher's Street Edge:Self Defense Systems, and can be contacted at http://www.facebook.com/Streetedge and timothyfancher@gmail.com.