You might find this hard to believe but, if you want to learn how to fight fast -- and give yourself an enormous advantage over any attacker -- you should head down to your local library before going to the corner dojo.

Why?

Well, I spent several years training in psychology. I have my Masters Degree in the subject. And one of the most important things I learned (as far as fighting is concerned) was if you want to learn about a particular fighting style, system or even move...it's always best to educate yourself just a little bit on it first.

For example:

If you want to quickly excel at ground fighting...study the history, teachers and applications of ground fighting at your local library. This will accelerate the learning process for you and give you a much deeper understanding on what works and what doesn't.

Or, if you want to get better at boxing, study the history and biographies of the best boxers. Learn how they trained, what mistakes they made, how they won certain bouts, all of it.

I know reading about martial arts and fighting isn't as exciting as actually doing it. But trust me, doing just a little bit of research on that which you wish to learn about first costs little or no money and it will supercharge your progress.

It doesn't matter if you are learning about grappling, street-fighting, weapons fighting, boxing or anything else you want to excel at. On your way to the dojo, stop at the library. I promise it will make you a better fighter.