![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martialexperience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-fence.webp?resize=300%2C279&ssl=1\")
Render unto Geoff what is Geoff's: the revolutionary concept of :<\/strong><\/h2>\n\"\u00a0The Fence\".
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\nGeoff Thompson: the philosopher of well-placed shots<\/strong><\/h2>\nYou know Chuck Norris, don't you? The guy with the invincible jokes and the action films that rocked our Sunday afternoons. Well, just imagine that this same Chuck Norris personally invited a certain Geoff Thompson to the United States to present him with his first action film. The Fence<\/em>. Yes, it's no joke: Chuck Norris wanted to understand this masterful technique that combines self-control and self-defence.<\/p>\nBut who is Geoff Thompson?
\nA former nightclub bouncer in Coventry (an English city not exactly known for its glamour), Geoff has spent nights dealing with situations where words could avoid fists... or precede them. More than a brawler, he's a thinker, a close combat strategist. Geoff is like a modern-day ninja with a pen and a microphone.<\/p>\n
And Chuck Norris? He approved it. If that doesn't prove the guy's a master, I don't know what does!<\/p>\n
\nGeoff Thompson, prolific author: words that hit as hard as fists<\/strong><\/h2>\nGeoff Thompson doesn't just teach self-defence techniques; he's also written some hard-hitting books. With over 50 books to his credit<\/strong>It covers everything from the psychology of fear to the art of masterful fighting.<\/p>\nHis most famous works include :<\/p>\n
\n- \"\u00a0Watch My Back<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>his captivating autobiography about his years as a bouncer, which even inspired a film Clubbed.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0The Art of Fighting Without Fighting<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>a tribute to Bruce Lee in which he explores the art of defusing conflict with finesse.<\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0Fear: The Friend of Exceptional People<\/a>\"(my favourite), <\/strong>where he explores how to transform fear into a powerful tool for overcoming challenges, realising your potential and achieving excellence<\/li>\n
- The fence<\/strong><\/a> The book from which this article is taken.<\/li>\n
- Novels, plays and even award-winning film scripts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Unfortunately, if you don't speak English, her books have not yet been translated into French.<\/p>\n
This guy is literally a writing and punching machine. His books are must-reads, whether you want to defend yourself physically or face up to your fears. Geoff is the coach we'd all like to have in our pocket.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
In practical terms, what does this mean? The Fence<\/em> and how does it work?<\/strong><\/h2>\nFirst of all, as you'll have gathered, 'The fence' means 'The barrier' in French, but we're going to keep 'The fence' for glamour and to pay tribute to the author.<\/p>\n
Ah, here we come: the technique itself. Talking about invisible barriers is all very well, but how do you apply them? The Fence<\/em> in a tense situation? Here's the method, step by step.<\/p>\n1. The basic posture: a discreet but effective barrier<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe main idea is to establish a safe distance with a neutral, non-threatening posture:<\/p>\n
\n- Hands in front of you<\/strong>palms open, as if you were having a normal conversation. Your arms form a subtle 'barrier'.<\/li>\n
- Feet slightly apart<\/strong>One foot in front of the other for greater stability.<\/li>\n
- Direct view<\/strong>But relaxed. No need for a Western-style staring match.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h4>\nThis form of barrier can evolve and you will see bouncers with personalised formats.<\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n2. Keep control of the space<\/strong><\/h3>\nYou can subtly adjust the distance by moving your arms or stepping back slightly. This space game lets you :<\/p>\n
\n- D'assess intention<\/strong> the other.<\/li>\n
- From react quickly<\/strong> if things get out of hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Defusing with words<\/strong><\/h3>\nBecause The Fence<\/em>It's also verbal:<\/p>\n\n- \"Hey, are you all right? We can settle this quietly.\"<\/li>\n
- \"I'm not looking for any trouble, everything can be settled quietly.\"<\/li>\n
- \"Listen...tonight's not possible, even if you seem cool, but...\"<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These words, combined with the posture, create a double barrier, physical and psychological.<\/p>\n
4. If things get out of hand: act quickly and effectively<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf the aggressor attacks :<\/p>\n
\n- Your hands are ready.<\/strong> Block, divert or strike immediately.<\/li>\n
- Your balance saves you.<\/strong> Your positioning allows you to move quickly.<\/li>\n
- Strike if necessary.<\/strong> Neutralises the threat quickly and convincingly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. The golden rule: stay in control<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe Fence<\/em>is the art of avoiding conflict before it starts. If you apply it well, you can defuse 90 % of situations. For the rest, you're ready.<\/p>\nPractical example<\/strong> Imagine an argument in a queue.<\/p>\n\n- You turn calmly, hands open in front of you.<\/li>\n
- You adjust the distance by moving gently.<\/li>\n
- You defuse the situation with an \"Everything all right?\" but you're ready to react if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With this method, you combine psychology, body language and physical self-defence. It's simple, effective and, above all, adaptable to any situation.<\/p>\n
An example from the author himself:<\/p>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Geoff Thompson: the philosopher of well-placed shots<\/strong><\/h2>\nYou know Chuck Norris, don't you? The guy with the invincible jokes and the action films that rocked our Sunday afternoons. Well, just imagine that this same Chuck Norris personally invited a certain Geoff Thompson to the United States to present him with his first action film. The Fence<\/em>. Yes, it's no joke: Chuck Norris wanted to understand this masterful technique that combines self-control and self-defence.<\/p>\nBut who is Geoff Thompson?
\nA former nightclub bouncer in Coventry (an English city not exactly known for its glamour), Geoff has spent nights dealing with situations where words could avoid fists... or precede them. More than a brawler, he's a thinker, a close combat strategist. Geoff is like a modern-day ninja with a pen and a microphone.<\/p>\n
And Chuck Norris? He approved it. If that doesn't prove the guy's a master, I don't know what does!<\/p>\n
\nGeoff Thompson, prolific author: words that hit as hard as fists<\/strong><\/h2>\nGeoff Thompson doesn't just teach self-defence techniques; he's also written some hard-hitting books. With over 50 books to his credit<\/strong>It covers everything from the psychology of fear to the art of masterful fighting.<\/p>\nHis most famous works include :<\/p>\n
\n- \"\u00a0Watch My Back<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>his captivating autobiography about his years as a bouncer, which even inspired a film Clubbed.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0The Art of Fighting Without Fighting<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>a tribute to Bruce Lee in which he explores the art of defusing conflict with finesse.<\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0Fear: The Friend of Exceptional People<\/a>\"(my favourite), <\/strong>where he explores how to transform fear into a powerful tool for overcoming challenges, realising your potential and achieving excellence<\/li>\n
- The fence<\/strong><\/a> The book from which this article is taken.<\/li>\n
- Novels, plays and even award-winning film scripts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Unfortunately, if you don't speak English, her books have not yet been translated into French.<\/p>\n
This guy is literally a writing and punching machine. His books are must-reads, whether you want to defend yourself physically or face up to your fears. Geoff is the coach we'd all like to have in our pocket.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
In practical terms, what does this mean? The Fence<\/em> and how does it work?<\/strong><\/h2>\nFirst of all, as you'll have gathered, 'The fence' means 'The barrier' in French, but we're going to keep 'The fence' for glamour and to pay tribute to the author.<\/p>\n
Ah, here we come: the technique itself. Talking about invisible barriers is all very well, but how do you apply them? The Fence<\/em> in a tense situation? Here's the method, step by step.<\/p>\n1. The basic posture: a discreet but effective barrier<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe main idea is to establish a safe distance with a neutral, non-threatening posture:<\/p>\n
\n- Hands in front of you<\/strong>palms open, as if you were having a normal conversation. Your arms form a subtle 'barrier'.<\/li>\n
- Feet slightly apart<\/strong>One foot in front of the other for greater stability.<\/li>\n
- Direct view<\/strong>But relaxed. No need for a Western-style staring match.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h4>\nThis form of barrier can evolve and you will see bouncers with personalised formats.<\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n2. Keep control of the space<\/strong><\/h3>\nYou can subtly adjust the distance by moving your arms or stepping back slightly. This space game lets you :<\/p>\n
\n- D'assess intention<\/strong> the other.<\/li>\n
- From react quickly<\/strong> if things get out of hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Defusing with words<\/strong><\/h3>\nBecause The Fence<\/em>It's also verbal:<\/p>\n\n- \"Hey, are you all right? We can settle this quietly.\"<\/li>\n
- \"I'm not looking for any trouble, everything can be settled quietly.\"<\/li>\n
- \"Listen...tonight's not possible, even if you seem cool, but...\"<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These words, combined with the posture, create a double barrier, physical and psychological.<\/p>\n
4. If things get out of hand: act quickly and effectively<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf the aggressor attacks :<\/p>\n
\n- Your hands are ready.<\/strong> Block, divert or strike immediately.<\/li>\n
- Your balance saves you.<\/strong> Your positioning allows you to move quickly.<\/li>\n
- Strike if necessary.<\/strong> Neutralises the threat quickly and convincingly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. The golden rule: stay in control<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe Fence<\/em>is the art of avoiding conflict before it starts. If you apply it well, you can defuse 90 % of situations. For the rest, you're ready.<\/p>\nPractical example<\/strong> Imagine an argument in a queue.<\/p>\n\n- You turn calmly, hands open in front of you.<\/li>\n
- You adjust the distance by moving gently.<\/li>\n
- You defuse the situation with an \"Everything all right?\" but you're ready to react if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With this method, you combine psychology, body language and physical self-defence. It's simple, effective and, above all, adaptable to any situation.<\/p>\n
An example from the author himself:<\/p>\n
But who is Geoff Thompson?
\nA former nightclub bouncer in Coventry (an English city not exactly known for its glamour), Geoff has spent nights dealing with situations where words could avoid fists... or precede them. More than a brawler, he's a thinker, a close combat strategist. Geoff is like a modern-day ninja with a pen and a microphone.<\/p>\n
And Chuck Norris? He approved it. If that doesn't prove the guy's a master, I don't know what does!<\/p>\n
\n
Geoff Thompson, prolific author: words that hit as hard as fists<\/strong><\/h2>\nGeoff Thompson doesn't just teach self-defence techniques; he's also written some hard-hitting books. With over 50 books to his credit<\/strong>It covers everything from the psychology of fear to the art of masterful fighting.<\/p>\nHis most famous works include :<\/p>\n
\n- \"\u00a0Watch My Back<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>his captivating autobiography about his years as a bouncer, which even inspired a film Clubbed.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0The Art of Fighting Without Fighting<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>a tribute to Bruce Lee in which he explores the art of defusing conflict with finesse.<\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0Fear: The Friend of Exceptional People<\/a>\"(my favourite), <\/strong>where he explores how to transform fear into a powerful tool for overcoming challenges, realising your potential and achieving excellence<\/li>\n
- The fence<\/strong><\/a> The book from which this article is taken.<\/li>\n
- Novels, plays and even award-winning film scripts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Unfortunately, if you don't speak English, her books have not yet been translated into French.<\/p>\n
This guy is literally a writing and punching machine. His books are must-reads, whether you want to defend yourself physically or face up to your fears. Geoff is the coach we'd all like to have in our pocket.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
In practical terms, what does this mean? The Fence<\/em> and how does it work?<\/strong><\/h2>\nFirst of all, as you'll have gathered, 'The fence' means 'The barrier' in French, but we're going to keep 'The fence' for glamour and to pay tribute to the author.<\/p>\n
Ah, here we come: the technique itself. Talking about invisible barriers is all very well, but how do you apply them? The Fence<\/em> in a tense situation? Here's the method, step by step.<\/p>\n1. The basic posture: a discreet but effective barrier<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe main idea is to establish a safe distance with a neutral, non-threatening posture:<\/p>\n
\n- Hands in front of you<\/strong>palms open, as if you were having a normal conversation. Your arms form a subtle 'barrier'.<\/li>\n
- Feet slightly apart<\/strong>One foot in front of the other for greater stability.<\/li>\n
- Direct view<\/strong>But relaxed. No need for a Western-style staring match.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h4>\nThis form of barrier can evolve and you will see bouncers with personalised formats.<\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n2. Keep control of the space<\/strong><\/h3>\nYou can subtly adjust the distance by moving your arms or stepping back slightly. This space game lets you :<\/p>\n
\n- D'assess intention<\/strong> the other.<\/li>\n
- From react quickly<\/strong> if things get out of hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Defusing with words<\/strong><\/h3>\nBecause The Fence<\/em>It's also verbal:<\/p>\n\n- \"Hey, are you all right? We can settle this quietly.\"<\/li>\n
- \"I'm not looking for any trouble, everything can be settled quietly.\"<\/li>\n
- \"Listen...tonight's not possible, even if you seem cool, but...\"<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These words, combined with the posture, create a double barrier, physical and psychological.<\/p>\n
4. If things get out of hand: act quickly and effectively<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf the aggressor attacks :<\/p>\n
\n- Your hands are ready.<\/strong> Block, divert or strike immediately.<\/li>\n
- Your balance saves you.<\/strong> Your positioning allows you to move quickly.<\/li>\n
- Strike if necessary.<\/strong> Neutralises the threat quickly and convincingly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. The golden rule: stay in control<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe Fence<\/em>is the art of avoiding conflict before it starts. If you apply it well, you can defuse 90 % of situations. For the rest, you're ready.<\/p>\nPractical example<\/strong> Imagine an argument in a queue.<\/p>\n\n- You turn calmly, hands open in front of you.<\/li>\n
- You adjust the distance by moving gently.<\/li>\n
- You defuse the situation with an \"Everything all right?\" but you're ready to react if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With this method, you combine psychology, body language and physical self-defence. It's simple, effective and, above all, adaptable to any situation.<\/p>\n
An example from the author himself:<\/p>\n
His most famous works include :<\/p>\n
- \n
- \"\u00a0Watch My Back<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>his captivating autobiography about his years as a bouncer, which even inspired a film Clubbed.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0The Art of Fighting Without Fighting<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>a tribute to Bruce Lee in which he explores the art of defusing conflict with finesse.<\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0Fear: The Friend of Exceptional People<\/a>\"(my favourite), <\/strong>where he explores how to transform fear into a powerful tool for overcoming challenges, realising your potential and achieving excellence<\/li>\n
- The fence<\/strong><\/a> The book from which this article is taken.<\/li>\n
- Novels, plays and even award-winning film scripts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Unfortunately, if you don't speak English, her books have not yet been translated into French.<\/p>\n
This guy is literally a writing and punching machine. His books are must-reads, whether you want to defend yourself physically or face up to your fears. Geoff is the coach we'd all like to have in our pocket.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
In practical terms, what does this mean? The Fence<\/em> and how does it work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
First of all, as you'll have gathered, 'The fence' means 'The barrier' in French, but we're going to keep 'The fence' for glamour and to pay tribute to the author.<\/p>\n
Ah, here we come: the technique itself. Talking about invisible barriers is all very well, but how do you apply them? The Fence<\/em> in a tense situation? Here's the method, step by step.<\/p>\n
1. The basic posture: a discreet but effective barrier<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The main idea is to establish a safe distance with a neutral, non-threatening posture:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Hands in front of you<\/strong>palms open, as if you were having a normal conversation. Your arms form a subtle 'barrier'.<\/li>\n
- Feet slightly apart<\/strong>One foot in front of the other for greater stability.<\/li>\n
- Direct view<\/strong>But relaxed. No need for a Western-style staring match.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h4>\n
This form of barrier can evolve and you will see bouncers with personalised formats.<\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n2. Keep control of the space<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You can subtly adjust the distance by moving your arms or stepping back slightly. This space game lets you :<\/p>\n
- \n
- D'assess intention<\/strong> the other.<\/li>\n
- From react quickly<\/strong> if things get out of hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Defusing with words<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Because The Fence<\/em>It's also verbal:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \"Hey, are you all right? We can settle this quietly.\"<\/li>\n
- \"I'm not looking for any trouble, everything can be settled quietly.\"<\/li>\n
- \"Listen...tonight's not possible, even if you seem cool, but...\"<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These words, combined with the posture, create a double barrier, physical and psychological.<\/p>\n
4. If things get out of hand: act quickly and effectively<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If the aggressor attacks :<\/p>\n
- \n
- Your hands are ready.<\/strong> Block, divert or strike immediately.<\/li>\n
- Your balance saves you.<\/strong> Your positioning allows you to move quickly.<\/li>\n
- Strike if necessary.<\/strong> Neutralises the threat quickly and convincingly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. The golden rule: stay in control<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Fence<\/em>is the art of avoiding conflict before it starts. If you apply it well, you can defuse 90 % of situations. For the rest, you're ready.<\/p>\n
Practical example<\/strong> Imagine an argument in a queue.<\/p>\n
- \n
- You turn calmly, hands open in front of you.<\/li>\n
- You adjust the distance by moving gently.<\/li>\n
- You defuse the situation with an \"Everything all right?\" but you're ready to react if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With this method, you combine psychology, body language and physical self-defence. It's simple, effective and, above all, adaptable to any situation.<\/p>\n
An example from the author himself:<\/p>\n
- Your balance saves you.<\/strong> Your positioning allows you to move quickly.<\/li>\n
- Your hands are ready.<\/strong> Block, divert or strike immediately.<\/li>\n
- From react quickly<\/strong> if things get out of hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Feet slightly apart<\/strong>One foot in front of the other for greater stability.<\/li>\n
- \"\u00a0The Art of Fighting Without Fighting<\/a>\"\u00a0<\/strong>a tribute to Bruce Lee in which he explores the art of defusing conflict with finesse.<\/li>\n