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Brett, where did the idea to develop this program for taxi drivers come from?
I have a family member who owns and operates a taxi. He and his drivers wanted some skills to give them a way to defend against violent passengers.
Many of these taxi drivers have been attacked in their careers and I wanted to create a simple yet effective program for them to defend themselves. Taxi drivers have to deal with the same people security personnel turn away from clubs and pubs every night. Some of the time they are intoxicated and angry, and ready to take their frustrations out on an unsuspecting driver. For this reason, all drivers need a form of personal protection.
How did it come about that you worked on the program together with Ray Floro, founder of Floro Fighting Systems?
A few years ago during dinner with John Will, we started talking about edged-weapon training and my love of military-based training. He started telling me about Ray Floro’s system and how it was utilised by the Australian Defence Force for their edged-weapons component in their Military Self-Defence (MSD) program. I already knew Ray by reputation, and once John recommended him to me, I was sold. Since then I’ve gone on to do many hours of Instructor training with Ray and am now a representative of FFS in Queensland.
How does the program work?
The TAXI program was designed out of need for professional drivers to feel safer when undertaking their duties, and to allow any participant — regardless of age, gender, size, fitness or skill — to defend themselves against a multitude of attacks. The first area covered is awareness, followed by basic technique, then pressure-testing drills. Once these areas are completed, we then run scenarios in the vehicle. The techniques used are a blend of my years of training in Wing Chun, combined with the highly effective techniques from FFS.
What does the pressure-testing involve?
We firstly teach all participants a basic cover-up: the ‘universal shield’, which was developed by Ray Floro as a flinch-response technique that can be used at all levels and angles, as well as against weapons. This is then trained standing up, with a partner wearing gloves. The shield is unique in that it doesn’t matter which hand attacks you, as you perform the same technique and limb-capture.
Once the participants are skilled at the shield, we then increase the intensity and speed of the strikes. As the techniques will mostly be used from a seated position, we then train the drivers in this position. They learn to defend attacks from the left-hand passenger’s seat, rear passenger seats and from outside the driver’s door. All the techniques work equally well against empty-hand attacks and weapons.
Can you give us an example of some of the scenarios you run trainees through?
We use some of our instructors to role-play with the drivers to simulate the stresses that will occur in an attack. Most taxi drivers have been attacked in the past and this can sometimes bring back bad memories, which, once dealt with, empowers them. Attacks while paying the cab fare are common, as well as group attacks when [passengers are] trying to evade the fare. Road rage from other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are covered, as many attacks can happen from outside the cab.
Are these based on reports of real incidents?
When developing the program, I interviewed a number of drivers who have been attacked to ascertain the true nature of what kind of attacks were most common. Most attacks appeared to be punch-and-run to avoid paying the fare.
The most disturbing incident involved the attacker placing a large hunting knife through the driver’s seat. The driver could feel the tip of the blade in his back as the attacker gave him directions where to go. He was in fear for his life, but powerless to do anything. After this story, we included the use of an improvise shield for edged-weapon defence. The improvised shield is no more than a street directory, thick magazine, etc. It provides protection against stabbings due to its density and can be easily slipped under the shirt if the driver suspects the passenger may use an edged weapon. Every taxi driver can carry a street directory or magazine in the vehicle without an attacker knowing its improvised purpose.
What problems did you need to solve in creating a practical program for self-defence in the confined space that is a cab?
Due to the confined nature of a vehicle, we found that the use of the legs and the closest hand by an attacker is severely hampered. This gives an advantage to the driver and the techniques employed utilises this advantage.
The universal shield works regardless of which hand attacks; the difference is in the finish. In the series of photos here, we have simulated a passenger trying to hit the driver with the right hand, followed by a straight left.
Are pre-fight and post-fight tactics covered also?
When we train the drivers in pre-fight awareness, we ensure they keep the passengers in their field of vision, always keep the vehicle’s engine running and their seatbelt off. We train them to keep the driver’s window up and door locked. One problem with multiple attackers can be that while the driver is busy being paid by one passenger, another can attack from behind through the driver’s door or window.
Once an attack has started, the drivers initial thoughts should be self protection and control of the aggressor. If multiple attackers are present, then using the first attacker as a shield will help the driver defend. After an incident, the driver should ensure he waits in a safe location for the arrival of police to give his statement. With most taxis equipped with cameras and emergency switches today, the drivers need skills that can stall or subdue an attack until help arrives.
What about passengers positioned behind the driver — how is that dealt with, if they attack or threaten the cabbie?
One of the benefits of being attacked in a vehicle is that there are a number of useful shields to use. The drivers and passenger seats create a small attacking lane that only allows one person at a time through. This laneway is very restrictive and gives the driver an advantage when being attacked from the rear. As the roof, doors, seats and centre console all create a confined space for the attacker, knowing how to defend and attack in this environment gives the driver an advantage, even against a stronger opponent.
Try hitting someone in the head when they are protected by the seats headrest: you can only go one way, which makes it easier for the driver as he already knows what the attack will be.
Who is Brett Fenton?
Sifu Brett Fenton has been involved in martial arts for over 30 years. As a child in a country town, he trained in taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai. Eventually, in 1990, after honing his combat skills in the Australian Army Infantry, he started training in Wing Chun, Jow Ga and Wu-style tai chi under Grandmaster Tom Lo.
In 1994, he opened his first branch for Grandmaster Lo then in 1997 opened his current school. In 2000, Fenton was awarded the title of Sifu by Grandmaster Lo, under who he continues to train. In recent years, Fenton has also been training with Jow Ga expert Sifu Randy Bennett, BJJ Australia’s John B Will, Aussie legend Richard Norton, FFS’s Ray Floro and world-renowned lion-dance teacher, Sifu HP Siow.
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