by Sammy Franco
The Widow Maker Program
Extreme Self-Defense for Deadly Force Situations
By Sammy Franco
Published by Contemporary Fighting Arts, LLC
P.O. Box 84028 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20883
http://www.sammyfranco.com
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Copyright © 2014 Sammy Franco. All Rights Reserved. No content may be reproduced without the express written permission of the author.
First Edition
ISBN 978-1-941845-04-2
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This e-book edition was created at FoliumBookStudio.com
Also by Sammy Franco
Maximum Damage: Hidden Secrets Behind Brutal Fighting Combinations
The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall
Self-Defense Tips and Tricks
When Seconds Count: Self-Defense for the Real World
Kubotan Power: Quick and Simple Steps to Mastering the Kubotan Keychain
The Complete Body Opponent Bag Book
First Strike: End a Fight in Ten Seconds or Less!
Heavy Bag Training: For Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts & Self-Defense
Gun Safety: For Home Defense and Concealed Carry
Out of the Cage: A Complete Guide to Beating a Mixed Martial Artist on the Street
Warrior Wisdom: Inspiring Ideas from the World’s Greatest Warriors
Judge, Jury and Executioner
Savage Street Fighting: Tactical Savagery as a Last Resort
Feral Fighting: Advanced Widow Maker Techniques
War Craft: Street Fighting Tactics of the War Machine
War Machine: How to Transform Yourself Into a Vicious and Deadly Street Fighter
First Strike: End a Fight in Ten Seconds or Less!
1001 Street Fighting Secrets: The Principles of Contemporary Fighting Arts
Killer Instinct: Unarmed Combat for Street Survival
Street Lethal: Unarmed Urban Combat
Warning!
The self-defense techniques, tactics, methods, and information described and depicted in this book can be dangerous and could result in serious injury and or death and should not be used or practiced in any way without the guidance of a professional reality based self-defense instructor.
The author, publisher, and distributors of this book disclaim any liability from loss, injury, or damage, personal or otherwise, resulting from the information and procedures in this book. It is the reader’s responsibility to research and comply with all local, state and federal laws. This book is for academic study only.
Before you begin any exercise program, including those suggested in this book, it is important to check with your physician to see if you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous exercise.
Epigraph
“He who does not punish evil commands it to be done.”
- Leonardo Da Vinci
Preface
The Widow Maker Program is a very unusual and unorthodox form of hand-to-hand combat. As a matter of fact, it’s a revolutionary style of fighting that you won’t find in any martial art school or self-defense class. The self-defense techniques featured in this fighting style are hard-core, indefensible, and utterly devastating. However, the true power of the Widow Maker Program comes from its ability to psychologically terrorize your adversary while simultaneously tearing him to pieces.
The objective of the Widow Maker Program is to teach you (the law-abiding citizen) how to use extreme force when faced with the immediate threat of unlawful deadly criminal attack. This combat program is also particularly useful for military personnel who require an efficient and effective way to eliminate a formidable enemy when engaged in unarmed combat.
The information presented in this book is not intended for sport combat, tournament competitions or any self-defense situation that does not justifiably warrant the use of deadly force.
Deadly force is defined as violent action known to create a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily harm. A person may use deadly force in self-defense only if retaliating against another’s deadly force.
Much of the information contained herein is lethal and should only be used to protect yourself or a loved one from immediate risk of unlawful deadly criminal attack. Remember, the decision to use deadly force must always be a last resort; after all other means of avoiding violence has been thoroughly exhausted.
The Widow Maker program consists of four chapters. Each one covers a critical aspect of my unique fighting methodology. In addition, since the lexicon in this book is defined within the context of the Widow Maker and its related elements, I have included a glossary of terms.
Like many of my previous publications, the Widow Maker program is both a skill-building workbook and strategic blueprint for combat. Feel free to write in the margins, underline passages, and dog-ear the pages.
Finally, I strongly recommend that you read this book from beginning to end, chapter by chapter. Only after you have read the entire book should you treat it like a reference and skip around, reading those sections or topics that interest you.
Welcome to the Widow Maker Program!
- Sammy Franco
www.SammyFranco.com
Chapter One: The Art of Webbing
The Widow Maker Program encompasses my two unique fighting methods: Webbing and Razing. Interestingly enough, both can serve as devastating “stand-alone” techniques that can effectively neutralize your attacker. However, when you combine these two methods of fighting into one seamless method of attack, you create an unstoppable force. Having said that, let’s first look at webbing.
The Widow Maker Program is comprised of two fighting methods: webbing and razing.
The Webbing Strike
The webbing technique is unique to my Contemporary Fighting Arts (CFA) self-defense system. To some, it might look like nothing more than a reinforced palm heel strike. But in reality, it’s much more than that!
As you will learn, the body mechanics and footwork required to deliver a proper webbing strike differ drastically from the standard or “run of the mill” palm heel. In actuality, comparing the palm heel strike to the webbing technique is like comparing a 9mm handgun to a Howitzer.
I have named this technique “webbing” because your hands resemble a large web that wraps around the opponent’s face. Webbing is also a multi-purpose combat technique that serves several functions in unarmed combat. Some include the following:
Entry Tool - In order to apply the razing method of fighting, you first need to get close to your adversary. Unfortunately, numerous fights will begin outside of close-quarters combat range (CQC). You must find a way to safely close the distance gap between you and your adversary. Fortunately, webbing can be used as a safe and dependable entry tool to CQC range (the distance where razing techniques are applied).
First Strike Weapon — Like I stated earlier, webbing is a devastating “stand-alone” striking technique. It’s virtually undetectable when executed, making it an ideal candidate for a first strike weapon. When delivered correctly, the webbing strike is safe, efficient and extremely effective striking technique. As a matter of fact, if the webbing technique is delivered correctly, your adversary will become instantaneously disabled.
Sets Up Razing - If your webbing strike doesn’t knock- out your adversary, it will most certainly soften him up (physically and psychologically) for the second phase of attack — razing!
Defensive Tool - Webbing can actually be used as a defensive response against an attack and it’s particularly effective when used in conjunction with my de-escalation stance.
The webbing technique is the heavy artillery of hand strikes. Here, Sammy Franco demonstrates the proper hand and arm positioning for
the technique. Also observe that his head is slightly angled down.
Here, the author demonstrates how the webbing strike can be used as both an entry tool and defensive technique at the same time. Notice the protection offered to both his face and head.
The Webbing Stance
Theoretically you can launch the webbing strike from any standing posture, however there are two ideal stances that will maximize your odds of successfully landing a devastating hit. They are: First Strike and Natural stance.
As I have mentioned in my previous books, a skilled fighter will never stand squarely in front of his adversary. If the opportunity is presented, you should always try to assume a strategic stance. Remember, a stance defines your ability to defend or attack your enemy and it can play a substantive role in the outcome of a street fight.
A strategic stance is crucial for effective webbing for some of the following reasons:
It minimizes your target exposure
It enhances your balance when fighting
It promotes rapid foot work and mobility
It amplifies striking power
It provides both a kinesthetic and psychological reference point for webbing deployment
Just remember, a stance in a true luxury in combat. There will be situations and circumstances that will not afford you the opportunity of assuming a stance. So always be prepared to deploy your webbing strike without any foundational structure. Having said that, lets take a look at some of the strategic postures you can use with the webbing technique.
The First Strike Stance
The webbing stance is used prior to initiating your strike. It facilitates “invisible deployment” of a webbing strike while simultaneously protecting your vital targets against various possible counter attacks. This stance is almost identical to my de-escalation and first strike stances. The proper webbing stance is acquired first angling your body at approximately 45-degrees from the enemy.
Pictured here, the first strike stance.
Then keep both of your feet roughly shoulder-width apart and have your knees slightly bent with your weight evenly distributed.
Your hand positioning is another critical component of the webbing stance. When faced with an opponent in the kicking and punching ranges of unarmed combat, keep both of your hands open, relaxed and up to protect the upper gates of your centerline. Both of your palms should be facing the opponent with both arms bent approximately 100 degrees. This arm positioning is critical because it “loads” the webbing strike. When faced with an adversary in grappling range, keep both of your hands a bit closer to your body and maintain the same leg positioning.
Also remember to keep your torso, pelvis, head, and back erect and stay relaxed and alert—while remaining at ease and in total control of your emotions and body. Be sure to avoid any muscular tension—don’t tighten up your shoulders, neck, arms, or thighs (tension restricts breathing and quick evasive movement, and it will quickly sap your vital energy).
THE NATURAL STANCE
The webbing strike can also be launched from the Natural Stance. The Natural stance is often used when approached by an individual (i.e., drunken bum, street vagrant, typical stranger, etc.) who appears non-threatening, yet very suspicious.
Here, the author demonstrates the natural stance.
To assume this stance, angle your body 45-degrees from the suspicious individual and keep both of your feet approximately shoulder-width apart. Your knees should be slightly bent with your weight evenly distributed. Keep both of your hands in front of your body with some type of natural movement (e.g., rub your hands together, scratch your wrist, or scratch your temple), which will help protect your upper targets from a possible attack. Do remember to stay relaxed but alert, avoiding any muscular tension in your shoulders, neck, or arms. Under no circumstances should you ever drop your hands below your chest level when assuming a natural stance. While this may seem like a “natural posture” it offers too many vulnerabilities that can be exploited by your adversary.
The Webbing Target
The webbing strike is delivered specifically to the enemy’s chin. This anatomical target is ideal because when struck at a forty- five degree angle, shock waves are transmitted to the cerebellum and cerebral hemispheres of the brain, resulting in paralysis and immediate unconsciousness. Other possible injuries include broken jaw, concussion, whiplash to the neck, broken neck, permanent paralysis, coma and death.
Webbing should never be delivered to the opponent’s collarbone, chest or stomach. Such anatomical targets will yield poor results and simply enrage your adversary.
The target for the webbing strike is the opponent’s mandible (chin).
Striking the opponent’s chin at a 45 degree angle will maximize damage to his brain and cervical vertebra.
While the chin is your exterior target, the ultimate objective is to send shock waves to the opponent’s brain.
Webbing Body Mechanics
The webbing strike is not just a matter of simply launching a double palm heel strike at the enemy. There is a lot more to it than that. It does require precise hand and arm articulation, proper body mechanics and correct timing. However, once mastered, webbing will feel natural and will become an instinctual body weapon that can be delivered under the stress of a deadly criminal attack.
What follows is a detailed breakdown of the proper body mechanics for effective webbing. Keep in mind, proper webbing body mechanics should take less than one second to execute.
Step 1. From a right lead (your right leg is forward) stance. Simultaneously overlap your left hand on top of your right hand. Your right thumb should be lined under the 5th metacarpal of your left hand (see illustration). Your right palm is the striking surface while your left reinforces the structural integrity of the strike. The left hand is also particularly important because it significantly reduces the risk of a wrist or hand injury and it magnifies the power of the blow.
When performing a right hand webbing strike, be certain your right thumb is placed under the 5th metacarpal of your left hand.
In this photo, the right palm is the striking surface while your left reinforces the structural integrity of the strike.
Step 2. Once the hands are correctly joined, forcefully extend both arms into the enemy’s chin. Your elbows should also be slightly bent when impacting with the target. Do not completely lock your elbows. Unlike conventional punches, your body does not torque when launching the webbing strike. Destructive power comes from the synergistic use of your major muscle groups (i.e., back, chest, shoulders and triceps) accompanied with forward momentum.
When the webbing strike is executed properly, your arms and shoulders should resemble an isosceles triangle.
Step 3. The trajectory of the webbing blow should be approximately 45-degrees to the enemy’s chin. Remember, you are trying to transmit shock waves to the cerebellum and cerebral hemispheres of the assailant’s brain. Make sure that both of your palms are perpendicular to the floor. This palm alignment will minimize finger sprains and ensure flush contact with the target.
The webbing strike should be delivered at a 45-degree angle to the opponent’s chin.
Step 4. You can launch the webbing strike while remaining stationary, however forward momentum will increase the power exponentially. Forward momentum can be generated in one of two ways: the Half Step and Full Step.
The Half Step - this movement generates significant striking power. To perform the half step, your lead foot moves forward approximately 24 inches, while the rear foot remains stationary.
The Full Step – this movement generates maximum striking power. To perform the full step, move your front foot forward (approximately 24 inches) and then move your rear foot an equal distance.
Webbing Footwork: The Half Step
Pictured here, the starting position for the half step.
To perform the half step, move your lead foot forward approximately 24 inches, while the rear foot remain stationary.
The F
ull Step
Pictured here, the starting position for the full step.
To perform the full step, move your lead foot forward approximately 24 inches, let your rear foot follow an equal distance.
Step 5. Once the two hands make solid contact with the target, allow both hands to split apart. Your left hand grasps the nape of the opponent’s neck (this is referred to as “anchoring”) while the right hand begins to raze the adversary. See Chapter 2 for more information about Anchoring.
Webbing Demonstration
Step 1: Begin from a first strike stance.
Step 2: Simultaneously overlap your left hand on top of your right hand. Your right thumb should be lined under the 5th metacarpal of your left hand.
Step 3: Once your hands are properly joined, forcefully extend both of your arms forward.
Step 4: Drop your head slightly downward as you step forward.
Step 5: Make certain your elbows are slightly bent when impacting with the target.
