Mass Attacks

Facing multiple opponents is the worst possible situation to find yourself in, and you should avoid it if possible. If you pay close attention to your surroundings, rather than tuning out to listen to music or retreat into your thoughts, you should be able to spot a multiple ­assault before it happens. Situational awareness and avoidance is the premise on which Lee Morrison, an active combatives instructor and the author of Paladin's best-selling Urban Combatives series, has built his system for defending against multiple opponents. For Mass Attacks, Morrison draws from his vast experience with multiple threats to teach potential victims how to avoid, de-escalate, or fight against multiple assailants.

From key principles, pre-threat recognition, and physical tactics to contact management, possible ­responses, third-party protection, various scenarios and drills, Morrison stresses the importance of ­employing proactive tactics and preemptive actions when necessary. His keys to surviving an attack in which you are outnumbered include:

• Make sure that you are mentally prepared for a fight with multiple attackers. Know that just as they can knock you out, you can also knock them out. They may outnumber you, but they are not invincible.
• Show that you are a bigger predator than they are.
• Hit first, hit hard, and place clinical shots to clinical targets.
• Eliminate your opponents one by one, using each as a shield between you and the rest.

The exception to the above advice is when you are a victim of a mass attack – when you face four or more opponents. In this case, it's all about limiting damage to yourself. Don't let your ego talk you into a suicidal fight. Protect yourself, especially the head and spine, and get away as quickly as you can. That way, you live to fight another day.

"Lee Morrison is one of the nicest guys I know - until he's not. A no-shit tough guy who's earned my respect, Lee's intimacy with violence was developed over decades in the doorways of rough clubs and pubs in the UK where being a doorman is a professional pursuit and markedly different than in the US. Not only is he physically skilled, he understands violent behavior and blends together a psychological, verbal, and physical approach that is both relevant and practical. Lee's no poseur - he's fit, tough and walks the talk. Pay attention, you won't be sorry."

–Kelly McCann