Still Getting Asked This After 40 Years…

“I’D JUST BREAK YOUR FINGERS”

Man… if I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me.

I've been teaching the SPEAR System® since 1987. That's 38 years of seminars, classes, events, and emails.

Let's say I got asked that question just once a month at one seminar. That's 12 questions a year… for 38 years…

That's 456 bucks.

Not enough to retire on, but enough to buy an ice maker machine on Amazon… so I can ice my fingers. 😉

Anyway—

Here's an actual email I got:

"Why do you want to splay your fingers all the time?? Seems like it's more telegraphic and an opportunity to jam a finger or give him a chance for a small joint manipulation?"

🤯

So I finally decided to record a detailed reply and put it online for everyone who doesn't understand the startle response, the crossed extensor reflex, fear, physiology, and how the SPEAR System® reimagines self-defense by integrating neurobiology into our methodology.

Before you hit play, one more thing to consider:

The video explains the science behind the physiology and kinesiology of the "fingers splayed"…

But what often gets overlooked in martial training is the subtlety of psychology.

Remember, the mind navigates the body.

And most of the questions I get are about the things that people think could go wrong…

ProTip: Consciously or unconsciously, focusing on what could go wrong adds an emotional weight—a burden to focus—which 100% will interfere with performance.

Don't worry about what the bad guy can do to you. Focus on what you must do to the bad guy.

That reframe matters.

In a fight.
In life.

Let me know:

• Did you originally believe that quote?

• Did my explanation shift your perspective?

That video was just 12 minutes. Imagine what you'd learn over a full weekend!

Let's Go Deep…

Our next SPEAR System® Level 1 Instructor Certification Course is August 16-17, 2025

If you teach martial arts, defensive tactics, concealed carry, or just want to understand the science behind real-world defense, this is where to start.

We also have courses October 11-12 & November 15-16. Learn more about the program here.

Something even more personal?

Apply for the Elite Training Retreat —a 2-day immersion at my home with a small group of motivated practitioners. We go deep into fear, physiology, movement, and mindset—it's all SPEAR & KNOW FEAR® all weekend. 3 spots left for the October 17-19 event! Apply here to reserve your spot.

Stay dangerous,

Coach B

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