Introduction: Real-World Self-Defense Philosophy

Master Rubin distinguishes Tom Cat Style from traditional martial arts like karate and boxing, which rely on force-against-force engagement. This system instead teaches practitioners to redirect and utilize an attacker's own force, making it more effective in real-world confrontations. The technique prioritizes efficiency over raw power.

Origin: Learning from Animal Mechanics

Master Rubin developed this system by observing his cat's fighting technique against a snake. He noticed the cat maintained relaxed, fluid hand movements while remaining effective, demonstrating that tension inhibits speed and adaptability. This observation led him to study and replicate these natural movement patterns in martial application.

Core Principle: Relaxation and Forward Movement

The Tom Cat Style emphasizes remaining relaxed rather than tensing during defense, allowing practitioners to respond more quickly to attacks. Rather than retreating when attacked, students are trained to move forward into the attacker's space, neutralizing their striking distance. This principle prevents the opponent from delivering follow-up attacks.

Technique One: The Thumb-Cut Defense Sequence

When an opponent punches, the defender steps forward while simultaneously blocking the strike and counter-striking the attacker's hand. The three-part combination—block, counter-strike, and lock—happens in one fluid motion. This sequence prevents the attacker from recovering and launching additional attacks.

Technique Two: Inward-Tilted Front Kick and Balance Disruption

After establishing control of the attacker's arm, the defender delivers an inward-tilted front kick targeting the opponent's knee. This leg placement serves a dual purpose: if the attacker attempts to grab the leg, the downward motion disrupts their balance. The kick is positioned close to the opponent to maximize control and minimize defensive opportunities.

Key Strategic Principles: No Retreat, No Resistance

Practitioners must avoid backing away from attacks, as this grants momentum and opening for follow-up strikes. Instead of meeting force with resistance, students allow the attacker's power to pass by while executing counter-techniques. This principle applies whether attacks come from the front or side.

Application and Accessibility

Master Rubin demonstrates that the technique is simple enough for young children to execute effectively due to its reliance on timing and positioning rather than strength. The speed and efficiency of the three-part sequence make it practical for self-defense situations where a single decisive response is preferable to extended exchanges. Consistent practice ensures the technique becomes instinctive.

Master Rubin's Tom Cat Style Fight Technique 1 & 2 - Using The Attacker's Force Against Them

PG-2-GP Fitness

Inward-Tilted Front Kick

2 min read·7 key moments·PT9M28S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction: Real-World Self-Defense Philosophy
•Origin: Learning from Animal Mechanics
•Core Principle: Relaxation and Forward Movement
•Technique One: The Thumb-Cut Defense Sequence

Face Any Size Attacker & Fight Like a Pro - Learn Street Fighting/ Anti Bullying/ MMA Style Fighting Techniques CAUTION/ WARNING: Please note that these moves are extremely dangerous and cause serious injury/ bodily harm including breaking of bones and should not be used unless there is a serious threat to someone’s life requiring extreme measures of self defense. TOM CAT 1 (Left Side)/ TOM CAT 2 (Right Side): Defense against upper body frontal attack and counter attack AREAS ATTACKED: Upper body (Chest, Face and/or Head area) FEET MOVEMENT: Forward smooth motion towards the attacking arm (into the attack rather than moving back and movement is towards shoulder of the attacker) STANCE: Back Stance DISTANCE: Depending on the height of the defender, foot placed close to the leg of the attacker (outside of the attacking foot) by engaging hip and shoulder to maximize power. HAND POSITION: Fingers/ palm tapping or slightly touching the attacking arm and the other hand moving to chamber position ready to hit. STEPS EXPLAINED: 1- The person being attacked does not back off or resist/ struggle against the force of the attack and rather moves towards the person attacking him/her. The movement consists of simultaneous movements of one of the feet and both hands in such a way that body automatically gets out of the line of attack while opening up the attacker for counter attack or at least get him/her out of balance. 2- The foot on the side of the attack moves forward with toes slightly bent inward for the next steps. Just this movement of the foot will help the person being attacked get out of the line of direct hit. This will also enable the person being attacked to get behind the attacker. This way the attacker cannot use their other hand to attack any further and have no more momentum to hit back. The foot is extended in a way that it gets the body out of the line of attack while engaging hip and shoulder to gain maximum strength to reach behind the attacker. 3- Note that the hand on the side of the attack moves upward at the same time when the foot moves forward and is gently pushing or deflecting the attacking arm further out of the way. This also gets the attacker out of balance. The key is not to push or exert any force and rather let the attacker use his /her own force to become out of balance. Dep[ending upon the level of threat, the second hand throws a counter attack (punch) or goes to chamber or ready position (cocking position) for counter attack.

Related Techniques

Double Front Kick Drop Twin Front Kick Switch Front Kick Tiip Trong Drop Front Kick

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about inward-tilted front kick?

This video covers introduction: real-world self-defense philosophy, origin: learning from animal mechanics, core principle: relaxation and forward movement. It provides detailed instruction from PG-2-GP Fitness.

How long does it take to learn inward-tilted front kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.