Lesson 1: Stance and Structure lays the foundation for everything that follows in the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems. In this lesson, Bob Mauro breaks down the principles of proper stance, balance, and body alignment that allow a fighter to generate power, maintain stability, and move with efficiency. You will learn how correct structure supports both offense and defense, improves timing, and prevents wasted motion. This lesson emphasizes thinking first—understanding why the stance works—so every strike, step, and reaction is built on a strong, intelligent foundation that carries through all aspects of fighting.

Stance and Structure

Lesson 1 Stance and Structure

Lesson 2: The Shuffle

In this lesson, students are introduced to the shuffle as a fundamental movement tool within the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems. The shuffle is taught as a method of maintaining balance, structure, and readiness while adjusting distance and positioning. Rather than excessive footwork, this lesson emphasizes controlled, efficient movement that allows the fighter to stay grounded, mobile, and prepared to strike or defend at any moment.

Students will learn how proper shuffling supports timing, rhythm, and range control, forming a critical link between stance and effective offense. This lesson reinforces the principle that intelligent movement creates opportunity and stability in fighting.

The Shuffle Step

Lesson 2 The Shuffle

Lesson 3: The Power Shuffle (Push Step)

In this training video, students are introduced to the power shuffle, also known as the push step, as an explosive movement used to generate forward pressure while maintaining balance and structure. The lesson breaks down how power is created from the ground up, emphasizing proper weight transfer, posture, and timing.

Students will learn how the push step allows them to close distance efficiently, deliver strikes with authority, and recover immediately without overcommitting. This lesson builds directly on the shuffle fundamentals and prepares students for applying movement to offensive weapons in future lessons.

Power Shuffle

Lesson 3 The Power Shuffle

Course Description: Weapons – The Jab

In this lesson, students are introduced to the jab as a primary weapon within the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems. Far more than a simple lead-hand strike, the jab is taught as a tool for control, timing, distance management, and tactical setup. This course breaks down proper mechanics, structure, and intent behind the jab, showing how it disrupts an opponent, creates openings, and establishes dominance in both offense and defense.

Students will learn how to deliver the jab with speed, accuracy, and purpose, while maintaining balance and readiness to follow up or recover. This lesson reinforces the philosophy of intelligent fighting—using the jab not just to strike, but to think, probe, and dictate the engagement.

Developing your weapons - The Jab

Lesson 4 Weapons - The Jab

In this lesson, students are introduced to the cross as a powerful rear-hand weapon within the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems. The focus is on proper mechanics, body alignment, and weight transfer to generate maximum power while maintaining balance and control. Emphasis is placed on efficient rotation, structure, and recovery so the cross can be delivered decisively without overcommitting.

Students will learn how the cross functions as both a finishing strike and a follow-up weapon, building on previous lessons in stance, movement, and the jab to create effective combinations and tactical pressure.

Cross Fundamentals

Lesson 5: Weapons – The Cross

In this lesson, students are introduced to the hook as a close-range power weapon within the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems. The focus is on proper body alignment, rotational mechanics, and maintaining structure while delivering the strike. Emphasis is placed on generating power efficiently without sacrificing balance or control.

Students will learn how the hook functions both offensively and defensively, integrating it with prior weapons and movement concepts to create effective combinations and pressure in realistic fighting situations.

Part 1 - Mechanics and Structure

Lesson 6 – Weapons: The Hook

In this lesson, students are introduced to the power block and counter as an integrated defensive-offensive concept within the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems. Emphasis is placed on maintaining structure while absorbing or redirecting incoming force, then immediately transitioning into an effective counterattack.

Students will learn how proper alignment, timing, and balance allow defense to become an opportunity rather than a retreat. This lesson reinforces the principle that strong defensive positioning creates immediate offensive advantage.

Part 1 – Structure of the Power Block

Lesson 7 – Defense: Power Block and Counter

In this lesson, students learn how to defend against high-line attacks using the high power block while maintaining structure, balance, and guard discipline. Emphasis is placed on proper alignment and force absorption, followed by an immediate and controlled counterattack. This lesson reinforces the principle that strong defensive positioning creates instant offensive opportunity, integrating timing, structure, and efficient transition from defense to strike.

Part 1 – High Power Block: Structure and Alignment

Lesson 8 – Defense: High Power Block & Counter

In this lesson, students learn how to use the weave as an effective defensive movement within the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems. Emphasis is placed on proper body positioning, knee flexion, head path, and structural alignment to safely move under incoming strikes without compromising balance or posture. Students are guided through the mechanics of controlled head movement and how to maintain guard discipline while changing levels.

The lesson progresses from foundational structure to practical application, demonstrating how weaving creates defensive safety while positioning the fighter for immediate counter opportunities. This movement reinforces rhythm, timing, and intelligent defensive control within the larger striking system.

Joe Lewis Fighting Systems

Wesley Farnam

Course content