Top Dog Fighting – Closing the Distance (Part 2): Mismatched Leads in Full Contact Stick Fighting

From Class held on 05-09-2026 - Closing Lefty versus Righty Most Filipino Martial Arts practitioners spend countless hours learning how to strike, block, and counter against an opponent who mirrors their own stance. Since the overwhelming majority of people are right-handed, training often assumes a right-handed fighter facing another right-handed fighter. Unfortunately, reality doesn't always cooperate. In Part 2 of this series on closing and finishing, we take the next step by exploring one of the most overlooked concepts in stick fighting: *closing against an opponent whose lead does not match your own.* While many instructors teach that the mechanics are essentially the same regardless of whether your opponent is right or left handed, our experience in *Dog Brothers-style full contact fighting* has shown otherwise. In actual combat, mismatched leads create entirely different angles, timing, opportunities, and dangers. Ignoring those differences can result in walking directly into your opponent's power shot. This class builds directly on Part 1, where we introduced the principles of safely closing distance behind the roof block. Now we expand that foundation by examining how those concepts must adapt when your opponent presents the opposite lead. Rather than memorizing techniques, students learn *why* the geometry changes and how that affects every step of the entry. Throughout the lesson, we discuss how lead position determines your line of attack, your defensive coverage, your available targets, and your escape routes. Small changes in foot placement can dramatically change the outcome of an exchange, especially when both fighters are moving at full speed with intent. One of the biggest mistakes seen in many demonstrations is assuming that techniques practiced cooperatively will automatically work under pressure. During controlled drills, opponents frequently remain stationary, feed predictable attacks, or unconsciously cooperate with the technique. Under Dog Brothers rules, however, none of those assumptions exist. An opponent who is trying to hit you back immediately exposes weaknesses in poor footwork. Students learn how matched leads and mismatched leads create completely different tactical problems. When both fighters share the same lead, certain entries naturally present themselves. Reverse those leads, however, and the same entry may expose your head, shoulder, or weapon hand to unnecessary risk. Recognizing those differences before you commit to closing can often determine whether you successfully enter into trapping range or absorb a fight-ending strike on the way in. As with all Top Dog Fighting classes, every concept is demonstrated with practical application in mind. These are methods developed through years of pressure testing rather than theoretical classroom discussion. The emphasis throughout the class is on making good decisions under stress. Students are encouraged to constantly evaluate: Which side is dominant? Where is my opponent's power line? Which angle offers the safest entry? What happens if my first attempt fails? Can I immediately continue forward or should I disengage and reset? Answering those questions quickly becomes far more important than simply remembering a sequence of techniques. Another important theme throughout the class is learning to recognize common training assumptions that do not always survive contact. Many martial artists unknowingly practice habits that work only because their training partners allow them to work. Once resistance increases, those habits frequently collapse. By understanding the unique problems created by mismatched leads, students gain a much more complete understanding of how to safely enter against opponents with different body orientations and weapon positions. Whether your goal is competition, realistic self-defense, or simply improving your understanding of weapon fighting, appreciating the differences between matched and mismatched leads will make your entries safer, more efficient, and considerably more effective. This lesson continues our multi-part series on closing and finishing and lays the groundwork for future classes covering clinch control, tie-ups, weapon trapping, and finishing opportunities once inside. If you enjoyed this lesson, consider subscribing so you won't miss the next installment in the series. New videos include technical instruction, sparring footage, equipment reviews, and insights gained through years of full-contact stick fighting experience. Train hard. Train smart. Respect the weapon. *Training Location* ACS Mixed Martial Arts La Marque, Texas, USA *Instructor* Eric Knaus Top Dog Fighting *Video Equipment* Insta360 X5 Insta360 X4 Camtasia Studio *Music* "How I long for your love" — John T. Graham Licensed through Epidemic Sound