The Widow Maker Program

by Sammy Franco

  double-leg takedown—A takedown that occurs when your opponent shoots for both of your legs to force you to the ground.

  E

  ectomorph—One of the three somatotypes. A body type characterized by a high degree of slenderness, angularity, and fragility. See endomorph and mesomorph.

  effectiveness—One of the three criteria for a CFA body weapon, technique, tactic, or maneuver. It means the ability to produce a desired effect. See efficiency and safety.

  efficiency—One of the three criteria for a CFA body weapon, technique, tactic, or maneuver. It means the ability to reach an objective quickly and economically. See effectiveness and safety.

  emotionless—A combative attribute. Being temporarily devoid of human feeling.

  endomorph—One of the three somatotypes. A body type characterized by a high degree of roundness, softness, and body fat. See ectomorph and mesomorph.

  evasion—A defensive maneuver that allows you to strategically maneuver your body away from the assailant’s strike.

  evasive sidestepping—Evasive footwork where the practitioner moves to either the right or left side.

  evasiveness—A combative attribute. The ability to avoid threat or danger.

  excessive force—An amount of force that exceeds the need for a particular event and is unjustified in the eyes of the law.

  experimentation—The painstaking process of testing a combative hypothesis or theory.

  explosiveness—A combative attribute that is characterized by a sudden outburst of violent energy.

  F

  fear—A strong and unpleasant emotion caused by the anticipation or awareness of threat or danger. There are three stages of fear in order of intensity: fright, panic, and terror. See fright, panic, and terror.

  feeder—A skilled technician who manipulates the focus mitts.

  femoral nerve—A pressure point area located approximately 6 inches above the knee on the inside of the thigh.

  fighting stance—Any one of the stances used in CFA’s system. A strategic posture you can assume when face-to-face with an unarmed assailant(s). The fighting stance is generally used after you have launched your first-strike tool.

  fight-or-flight syndrome—A response of the sympathetic nervous system to a fearful and threatening situation, during which it prepares your body to either fight or flee from the perceived danger.

  finesse—A combative attribute. The ability to skillfully execute a movement or a series of movements with grace and refinement.

  first strike—Proactive force used to interrupt the initial stages of an assault before it becomes a self-defense situation.

  first-strike principle—A CFA principle that states that when physical danger is imminent and you have no other tactical option but to fight back, you should strike first, strike fast, and strike with authority and keep the pressure on.

  first-strike stance—One of the stances used in CFA’s system. A strategic posture used prior to initiating a first strike.

  first-strike tools—Specific offensive tools designed to initiate a preemptive strike against your adversary.

  fisted blows – Hand blows delivered with a clenched fist.

  five tactical options – The five strategic responses you can make in a self-defense situation, listed in order of increasing level of resistance: comply, escape, de-escalate, assert, and fight back.

  flexibility—The muscles’ ability to move through maximum natural ranges. See muscular/skeletal conditioning.

  focus mitts—Durable leather hand mitts used to develop and sharpen offensive and defensive skills.

  footwork—Quick, economical steps performed on the balls of the feet while you are relaxed, alert, and balanced. Footwork is structured around four general movements: forward, backward, right, and left.

  fractal tool—Offensive or defensive tools that can be used in more than one combat range.

  fright—The first stage of fear; quick and sudden fear. See panic and terror.

  full Beat – One of the four beat classifications in the Widow Maker Program. The full beat strike has a complete initiation and retraction phase.

  G

  grappling range—One of the three ranges of unarmed combat. Grappling range is the closest distance of unarmed combat from which you can employ a wide variety of close-quarter tools and techniques. The grappling range of unarmed combat is also divided into two planes: vertical (standing) and horizontal (ground fighting). See kicking range and punching range.

  grappling-range tools—The various body tools and techniques that are employed in the grappling range of unarmed combat, including head butts; biting, tearing, clawing, crushing, and gouging tactics; foot stomps, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal elbow strikes, vertical and diagonal knee strikes, chokes, strangles, joint locks, and holds. See punching range tools and kicking range tools.

  ground fighting—Also known as the horizontal grappling plane, this is fighting that takes place on the ground.

  guard—Also known as the hand guard, this refers to a fighter’s hand positioning.

  guard position—Also known as leg guard or scissors hold, this is a ground-fighting position in which a fighter is on his back holding his opponent between his legs.

  H

  half beat – One of the four beat classifications in the Widow Maker Program. The half beat strike is delivered through the retraction phase of the proceeding strike.

  hand positioning—See guard.

  hand wraps—Long strips of cotton that are wrapped around the hands and wrists for greater protection.

  haymaker—A wild and telegraphed swing of the arms executed by an unskilled fighter.

  head-hunter—A fighter who primarily attacks the head.

  heavy bag—A large cylindrical bag used to develop kicking, punching, or striking power.

  high-line kick—One of the two different classifications of a kick. A kick that is directed to targets above an assailant’s waist level. See low-line kick.

  hip fusing—A full-contact drill that teaches a fighter to “stand his ground” and overcome the fear of exchanging blows with a stronger opponent. This exercise is performed by connecting two fighters with a 3-foot chain, forcing them to fight in the punching range of unarmed combat.

  histrionics—The field of theatrics or acting.

  hook kick—A circular kick that can be delivered in both kicking and punching ranges.

  hook punch—A circular punch that can be delivered in both the punching and grappling ranges.

  I

  impact power—Destructive force generated by mass and velocity.

  impact training—A training exercise that develops pain tolerance.

  incapacitate—To disable an assailant by rendering him unconscious or damaging his bones, joints, or organs.

  initiative—Making the first offensive move in combat.

  inside position—The area between the opponent’s arms, where he has the greatest amount of control.

  intent—One of the essential factors to consider when assessing a threatening individual. The assailant’s purpose or motive. See demeanor, positioning, range, and weapon capability.

  intuition—The innate ability to know or sense something without the use of rational thought.

  J

  joint lock—A grappling-range technique that immobilizes the assailant’s joint.

  K

  kick—A sudden, forceful strike with the foot.

  kicking range—One of the three ranges of unarmed combat. Kicking range is the furthest distance of unarmed combat wherein you use your legs to strike an assailant. See grappling range and punching range.

  kicking-range tools—The various body weapons employed in the kicking range of unarmed combat, including side kicks, push kicks, hook kicks, and vertical kicks.

  killer instinct—A cold, primal mentality that surges to your consciousness and turns you into a vicious fighter.

  kinesics—The study of nonlinguistic body movement communications.
(For example, eye movement, shrugs, or facial gestures.)

  kinesiology—The study of principles and mechanics of human movement.

  kinesthetic perception—The ability to accurately feel your body during the execution of a particular movement.

  knowledge—One of the three factors that determine who will win a street fight. Knowledge means knowing and understanding how to fight. See skills and attitude.

  L

  lead side -The side of the body that faces an assailant.

  leg guard—See guard position.

  linear movement—Movements that follow the path of a straight line.

  low-maintenance tool—Offensive and defensive tools that require the least amount of training and practice to maintain proficiency. Low maintenance tools generally do not require preliminary stretching.

  low-line kick—One of the two different classifications of a kick. A kick that is directed to targets below the assailant’s waist level. (See high-line kick.)

  lock—See joint lock.

  M

  maneuver—To manipulate into a strategically desired position.

  MAP—An acronym that stands for moderate, aggressive, passive. MAP provides the practitioner with three possible responses to various grabs, chokes, and holds that occur from a standing position. See aggressive response, moderate response, and passive response.

  martial arts—The “arts of war.”

  masking—The process of concealing your true feelings from your opponent by manipulating and managing your body language.

  mechanics—(See body mechanics.)

  mental attributes—The various cognitive qualities that enhance your fighting skills.

  mental component—One of the three vital components of the CFA system. The mental component includes the cerebral aspects of fighting including the killer instinct, strategic and tactical development, analysis and integration, philosophy, and cognitive development. See physical component and spiritual component.

  mesomorph—One of the three somatotypes. A body type classified by a high degree of muscularity and strength. The mesomorph possesses the ideal physique for unarmed combat. See ectomorph and endomorph.

  mobility—A combative attribute. The ability to move your body quickly and freely while balanced. See footwork.

  moderate response—One of the three possible counters when assaulted by a grab, choke, or hold from a standing position. Moderate response requires you to counter your opponent with a control and restraint (submission hold). See aggressive response and passive response.

  modern martial art—A pragmatic combat art that has evolved to meet the demands and characteristics of the present time.

  mounted position—A dominant ground-fighting position where a fighter straddles his opponent.

  muscular endurance—The muscles’ ability to perform the same motion or task repeatedly for a prolonged period of time.

  muscular flexibility—The muscles’ ability to move through maximum natural ranges.

  muscular strength—The maximum force that can be exerted by a particular muscle or muscle group against resistance.

  muscular/skeletal conditioning—An element of physical fitness that entails muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.

  N

  naked choke—A throat choke executed from the chest to back position. This secure choke is executed with two hands and it can be performed while standing, kneeling, and ground fighting with the opponent.

  neutralize—See incapacitate.

  neutral zone—The distance outside the kicking range at which neither the practitioner nor the assailant can touch the other.

  nonaggressive physiology—Strategic body language used prior to initiating a first strike.

  nontelegraphic movement—Body mechanics or movements that do not inform an assailant of your intentions.

  nuclear ground-fighting tools—Specific grappling range tools designed to inflict immediate and irreversible damage. Nuclear tools and tactics include biting tactics, tearing tactics, crushing tactics, continuous choking tactics, gouging techniques, raking tactics, and all striking techniques.

  O

  offense—The armed and unarmed means and methods of attacking a criminal assailant.

  offensive flow—Continuous offensive movements (kicks, blows, and strikes) with unbroken continuity that ultimately neutralize or terminate the opponent. See compound attack.

  offensive reaction time—The elapsed time between target selection and target impaction.

  one-mindedness—A state of deep concentration wherein you are free from all distractions (internal and external).

  ostrich defense—One of the biggest mistakes one can make when defending against an opponent. This is when the practitioner looks away from that which he fears (punches, kicks, and strikes). His mentality is, “If I can’t see it, it can’t hurt me.”

  P

  pain tolerance—Your ability to physically and psychologically withstand pain.

  panic—The second stage of fear; overpowering fear. See fright and terror.

  parry—A defensive technique: a quick, forceful slap that redirects an assailant’s linear attack. There are two types of parries: horizontal and vertical.

  passive response—One of the three possible counters when assaulted by a grab, choke, or hold from a standing position. Passive response requires you to nullify the assault without injuring your adversary. See aggressive response and moderate response.

  patience—A combative attribute. The ability to endure and tolerate difficulty.

  perception—Interpretation of vital information acquired from your senses when faced with a potentially threatening situation.

  philosophical resolution—The act of analyzing and answering various questions concerning the use of violence in defense of yourself and others.

  philosophy—One of the five aspects of CFA’s mental component. A deep state of introspection whereby you methodically resolve critical questions concerning the use of force in defense of yourself or others.

  physical attributes—The numerous physical qualities that enhance your combative skills and abilities.

  physical component—One of the three vital components of the CFA system. The physical component includes the physical aspects of fighting, such as physical fitness, weapon/technique mastery, and combative attributes. See mental component and spiritual component.

  physical conditioning—See combative fitness.

  physical fitness—See combative fitness.

  positional asphyxia—The arrangement, placement, or positioning of your opponent’s body in such a way as to interrupt your breathing and cause unconsciousness or possibly death.

  positioning—The spatial relationship of the assailant to the assailed person in terms of target exposure, escape, angle of attack, and various other strategic considerations.

  post-traumatic syndrome—A group of symptoms that may occur in the aftermath of a violent confrontation with a criminal assailant. Common symptoms of post-traumatic syndrome include denial, shock, fear, anger, severe depression, sleeping and eating disorders, societal withdrawal, and paranoia.

  power—A physical attribute of armed and unarmed combat. The amount of force you can generate when striking an anatomical target.

  power generators—Specific points on your body that generate impact power. There are three anatomical power generators: shoulders, hips, and feet.

  precision—See accuracy.

  preemptive strike—See first strike.

  premise—An axiom, concept, rule, or any other valid reason to modify or go beyond that which has been established.

  preparedness—A state of being ready for combat. There are three components of preparedness: affective preparedness, cognitive preparedness, and psychomotor preparedness.

  probable reaction dynamics - The opponent’s anticipated or predicted movements or actions during both armed and unarmed combat.

  proficiency training—A CFA training methodology requiring
the practitioner to execute a specific body weapon, technique, maneuver, or tactic over and over for a prescribed number of repetitions. See conditioning training and street training.

  proxemics—The study of the nature and effect of man’s personal space.

  proximity—The ability to maintain a strategically safe distance from a threatening individual.

  pseudospeciation—A combative attribute. The tendency to assign subhuman and inferior qualities to a threatening assailant.

  psychological conditioning—The process of conditioning the mind for the horrors and rigors of real combat.

  psychomotor preparedness—One of the three components of preparedness. Psychomotor preparedness means possessing all of the physical skills and attributes necessary to defeat a formidable adversary. See affective preparedness and cognitive preparedness.

  punch—A quick, forceful strike of the fists.

  punching range—One of the three ranges of unarmed combat. Punching range is the mid range of unarmed combat from which the fighter uses his hands to strike his assailant. See kicking range and grappling range.

  punching-range tools—The various body weapons that are employed in the punching range of unarmed combat, including finger jabs, palm-heel strikes, rear cross, knife-hand strikes, horizontal and shovel hooks, uppercuts, and hammer-fist strikes. See grappling-range tools and kicking-range tools.

  Q

  qualities of combat—See attributes of combat.

  quarter beat - One of the four beat classifications of the Widow Maker Program. Quarter beat strikes never break contact with the assailant’s face. Quarter beat strikes are primarily responsible for creating the psychological panic and trauma when Razing.

  R

  range—The spatial relationship between a fighter and a threatening assailant.

  range deficiency—The inability to effectively fight and defend in all ranges of combat (armed and unarmed).

  range manipulation—A combative attribute. The strategic manipulation of combat ranges.

  range proficiency—A combative attribute. The ability to effectively fight and defend in all ranges of combat (armed and unarmed).