When Steven Seagal steps onto the mat with a fighter like Alex Pereira, the outcome is bound to be entertaining. But beneath the surface-level humor and quirks, there are a few surprisingly effective combat tactics shared during their session—moves that work well in close-quarters or street-fighting scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of the techniques explored and why they’re worth paying attention to.
Hidden Punches That Slip Through Guards
One of the first things Seagal demonstrates is a punch that’s intended to bypass the gloves and standard defensive posture. Instead of relying on brute force, the focus is on precise angles and speed. The technique aims to land a shot in a way that opponents don’t anticipate and can’t block effectively. It’s subtle, fast, and targeted—ideal in moments where you only have a split second to strike and need it to count.
Targeting Vulnerable Areas in Close Quarters
Seagal moves on to show how strikes to areas like the throat or the soft tissue under the eye can end a fight quickly. These aren’t wild, reckless hits—they’re deliberate shots aimed at spots that don’t take much force to disable someone. In a confined space, where flashy moves might be unrealistic, well-placed chops or palm strikes to these regions can turn the tide instantly.
Front Snap Kick: A Precise Strike to the Core
While many fighters throw a front kick using the top of the foot, Seagal opts for a variation using the ball of the foot. This version of the kick is meant to strike just below the chest, around the diaphragm. It’s quick, sharp, and comes straight up the middle, which makes it hard to see and even harder to block. It also doesn’t require full commitment, so it can be delivered without risking too much exposure.
Knee Defense That Punishes Low Kicks
One standout moment came when the conversation shifted to how Pereira checks kicks. Instead of the traditional shin block, he raises his knee slightly forward, aiming to meet the opponent’s shin with the hardest part of his leg. This move, sometimes called a “knee destruction,” turns defense into offense by making the attacker think twice before throwing the same kick again. It’s a smart way to take control of the exchange without having to throw a punch.
Using Vision Obstruction as a Setup
Another tactic Seagal introduces involves obstructing an opponent’s vision by covering their eyes. This creates a split-second advantage, enough to deliver a strike before they can react. It’s not about finesse—it’s about creating confusion and capitalizing on the moment. In close combat, where there’s little room to maneuver, that brief moment of blindness can open up a window to take control.
Tactics That Break the Mold
Not everything Seagal demonstrates falls into traditional training. Some of the moves, like blinding an opponent or striking unexpected targets, feel more at home in a street-fighting manual than an MMA cage. But that’s the point—these techniques are meant for chaotic, real-world situations where rules go out the window. They may seem unorthodox, but when used at the right time, they can be incredibly effective.
Practicality Over Flash
Although there was some joking about Seagal’s delivery and presentation, even the skeptics in the video acknowledged the practicality of many of these techniques. Whether it’s the targeted chop, the body-centered kick, or the vision-based setup, each move is built around the idea of stopping a threat quickly. They don’t rely on strength or athleticism alone—just smart timing and an understanding of where to strike.
This unexpected training session might’ve started as a bit of a novelty, but it ended up being a reminder that not all good technique looks pretty. Sometimes, it’s the unconventional approach that lands the biggest impact.
