Coach Tony Torres says that the biggest problem in Control Tactics is that people try to exert control too soon in the confrontation timeline.
The biggest problem in Control Tactics is that people try to exert control too soon in the confrontation timeline.
The Three Phases of Any Confrontation
In our 9 Attitudes methodology from the Functional Edge System, we understand that the key phases of any physical confrontation follow a natural progression. These Attitudes only become necessary when Alertness and Preventative attitudes have failed — where words and behaviour alone have failed to remove the threat from a situation.
1. Survival
Staying conscious, upright, and “with it.” Survival is the foundation — if you can’t stay in the fight, nothing else matters.
2. Reversal
Slowing or stopping the cadence and progress of the assailant’s actions. This is where you shift the momentum.
3. Engagement
Causing dysfunction to the assailant which will lead to options for resolution. Only after Survival and Reversal create the opening do you engage.
Without a fundamental level of skill in Survival and Reversal tactics, the confrontation will have a high risk of injury and a low likelihood of rapid control.
💡 Key takeaway: Control is the last phase, not the first. Survival and Reversal must come before Engagement — skipping the first two phases dramatically increases the risk of injury and reduces the chance of rapid control.
About Tony Torres
Tony Torres, based in Arizona, is the founder of the Functional Edge System and the master-trainer for Dynamis’ unique self-protection trainer programme in the UK.
To read more about the 9 Attitudes methodology, download the 9 Attitudes outline document.