Q. I've heard much about this 'Shredder' but I'm not sure what it is, is it a self defence technique or style of fighting?

A. The Shredder is neither a self defence technique nor style of fighting, it is a close quarter conceptual tool that was designed to shift the predatory/prey instinct and bypass the startle to flinch mechanism enabling any person (any size or strength) to successfully defend themselves without any prior training. It is not a set of moves or techniques but rather a spontaneous assault of gross motor tools that are launched on a quarter beat, attacking vital areas making it impossible for the 'opponent' to intercept or stop once properly launched. The Shredder is something people have been doing since the dawn of man when faced with threat of extreme violence as it is based on simple natural movements. The Shredder is a concept that is behaviorally and scientifically rooted.

Q. Is the Shredder easy to learn and why, if so easy, is it so complicated that no one else has thought of it?

A. What makes the Shredder such a complex yet paradoxically simple tactic are the behavioral elements. People with no previous martial art or combative/self defence training pick it up much faster and almost instantaneously due to its gross motor applications. Martial artists on the other hand make the grave mistake of attempting to use a fine or complex motor oriented delivery system to a gross motor application therefore screwing up the body and mind's natural desires to function instinctively. It's actually quite simple and easy to learn because it is so instinctual and already hardwired into our survival mechanism.

Why no one else has thought of it (before Richard Dimitri put it together) is because it is so simple and because it isn't 'martial artsy' even in a macho 'combative' sense. It requires minimal training, it isn't pretty and it isn't technical in nature. Martial artists in general have a hard time understanding that self defense isn't about technique or styles or systems, it's about survival. It doesn't matter how you do it as long as you do it.

Q. What is so different about the Shredder compared to any other striking combinations?

A. Striking requires 3 elements to make it functional: Distance, grounding and torque. This requires proper positioning, strength & athleticism to a certain degree, and clarity in the moment. The Shredder requires none of these things. It can be applied in any close quarter position, whether lying down, while falling (being taken down), at extreme close range etc. It's comprised of tools that create maximum damage with minimal effort.

Conventional methods of attack are all so common that through the media, the martial arts, being exposed to real fights, entertainment etc. we have come to accept and expect a certain 'way' of fighting. We are to a certain extent, desensitised and so our minds are somewhat 'prepared' for a certain assault, a certain beat in rhythm, etc. The Shredder moves beyond the norm, using quarter beats and feral tactics that send a very strong message affecting the opponent psychologically as well as physically.

Conventional methods are designed for distance tactics (kicks, punches, elbows, knees, head butts etc.); or grappling tactics (clinch, takedowns, submissions etc.) what makes a grappler so devastating is the fact that a striker no longer has the range, torque or grounding to make his strikes effective enough to intercept or hurt the grappler. Therefore everyone figured (correctly let me add) they needed to learn to grapple as well. The Shredder is the equaliser. The Shredder works best in extreme close quarter situations, especially the dreaded clinch. The closer, the better...

Q. Based on what I have seen and/or read, the Shredder sounds like just another undefeatable or super self defence technique.

A. Remember, "The Menu is not the meal, The map is not the territory." Nothing could be further from the truth. Judging the Shredder from a still picture or an article is akin to judging a book from its cover. Unless you've trained with us personally, you will not fully grasp what the Shredder is or what it can do.

Suffice it to say that it is not an ultimate fighting technique nor is it the end all and be all, not at all. It's nothing more than a close quarter concept which has worked time and again in 'Alive' no consent scenarios, sparring & violent confrontations. It may not be for everyone, so what we tell people is simple, if you like it, use it. If you don't, then at least you gave it a shot and realised it isn't something you wish to make a part of your arsenal. No worries.

Q. I'm a grappler/MMArtist/boxer/black belt etc. can the Shredder really enhance my already existing arsenal?

A. This entirely depends on the individual. Generally, yes, the Shredder will enhance any existing arsenal as there is nothing like it around yet. However, it will not enhance a 'sport' model arsenal as it is designed strictly for survival and everything about it would be considered 'illegal' in a sporting event. Real violence generally triggers 2 distinct emotions; fear & anger, both which lead to adrenal stress. In these conditions, fine or complex motor skills don't function. The Shredder is an instinctive barrage of gross motor skills applicable under extreme stress conditions. As trained fighters already, the Shredder can only enhance your already existing arsenal. It will not 'replace' or change it but simply add to it.

Q. Is grappling a part of the Shredder concept?

A. As soon as contact is made in a close quarter/grappling range, the Shredder can and should be launched. It is not a memorised set of tools nor is it a self defence 'system', remember, it is a CONCEPT. Therefore it is interchangeable, adaptable and transcends ranges and techniques. The Shredder however cannot be used at a distance and therefore a solid understanding of all ranges is crucial. Ranges are but delivery systems, the minute you rely or focus too much on one, you hinder spontaneity and creativity.

Q. Is the Shredder good for women?

A. The Shredder is especially lethal when applied by a woman due to her lack of ego and myopic views on what 'fighting' should look like. Anyone who isn't hindered by a preconceived notion of what fighting should look like or be, and who's interest is purely on surviving violence will adopt the Shredder much faster and much easier.

Q. So how can I learn the Shredder, what are my options?

A. We have several options available:

1. Seminars, either hosting one of your own (call or email us for details) or attending a seminar we give if it is feasible for you geographically.
2. Private lessons. booking a 5 hour block of private lessons with Phil or Athena Thompson(call or email us for details).
3. Group classes. Our group classes cover the Shredder in great detail and is offered on a weekly basis at our Howick (Auckland) location.