There is a distinct difference between thieves and thugs. While the end result to their respective victims is usually the same, that is, a liberation of them and their money, the manner by which this is accomplished differs between them. Thieves prefer stealth, cunning, and clever application of tools to accomplish their tasks. They much prefer doing their job without being noticed until their hapless victim is long gone. Thugs, on the other hand, like brute force, usually in numbers. Intimidation, manipulation, and blatant threats are their preferred methods of conduct with people. Thieves detest this rather brutish and unimaginative manner of doing things, but in any event, they do have to admit it works in some cases. Matt and Jacob typically share tactics and other things they learn on the road. In this case, there's not much to learn besides "hit someone really hard until they give you money, then hit them again".