People ask me what they should by to have a “live” experience when training in combatives. Over time there are various pieces of equipment you should purchase.
Here is the list with recommended vendors:
The best advice for practical personal protection is to focus on fundamentals.
Below are 40 effective, high probability of success techniques you can use.
I am not saying that these are the absolute best techniques, but in my experience they work quite well.
YouTube video tutorials are forthcoming. Stay tuned.
Hand/Arm
Foot/Leg
Close Quarters
Break Falls
Throws
Wrist Lock Take-Downs
Escapes
Weapons
I came across a great article on a really cool website today. This is an excerpt from an article entitled “How to Use a Flashlight in a Tactical Situation.”
The full article, written by Brett & Kate McKay, can be read by CLICKING HERE.
It’s late Friday night and you’re walking to your car after a fun evening with your friends downtown. As you turn the corner down an unlit side street, you see a shadow dart across the wall and hear footsteps. The hairs on your neck stand straight up. You quicken your pace, but the other footsteps speed up as well. You look around trying to make out shapes in the dark, when out of nowhere a fist connects with your cheekbone. The sucker punch takes you to the ground and you can feel your wallet being taken from your back pocket.
Before you have time to react, your assailant has disappeared back into the cover of darkness.
You really could have used a flashlight.
If you’re like me, you typically think of flashlights as something you keep in your kitchen drawer in case the power goes out, or as what you bring along on an infrequent camping trip so you can find your way back to the tent after you take a middle-of-the-night leak. But according to Mike Seeklander, firearms and tactical trainer with Shooting Performance, a flashlight is something every man should have with him at all times. I met Mike over at the US Shooting Academy here in Tulsa to go over the ins and outs of using a flashlight in a tactical situation. Here’s what he told me.
In today’s post we’re not talking about just any old flashlight. We’re talking about tacticalflashlights. What makes a flashlight tactical? A tactical flashlight is simply a flashlight that’s been designed for tactical (i.e. military or police) use. Many tactical flashlights are designed to be mounted to a weapon for low-light shooting. They’re typically smaller than traditional flashlights, emit much more light, and are made of weapon-grade aluminum for maximum durability. While tactical flashlights are designed primarily for military and police units, as we’ll see below, they’re also a really handy everyday and personal defense tool for the average civilian.
Before we even get into the tactical and self-defense uses of a flashlight, let’s talk about why you should start carrying one even if you don’t plan on using it to thwart would-be attackers. Next to a pocket knife, a small, tactical flashlight is one of the most useful and versatile tools a man can have in his Every Day Carry kit.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been in a situation where a flashlight would have been handy, but I was left stumbling in the dark. Take the other day for example. I was trying to fix a connection on our TV’s audio output, but I couldn’t see a thing behind the stand. So I had to go rummage around my house looking for a flashlight. I could have saved myself about 15 minutes if I simply had a small flashlight tucked in my pocket along with my knife.
And as the residents of the Eastern seaboard learned firsthand last week, electrical power can go out at any time and for long periods. Having a flashlight on you can save time and toe stubs as you navigate about your darkened apartment.
And, besides helping you fix wire connections or navigating your home after a power outage, a flashlight can also be used as an effective self-defense tool.
If you use a handgun as a personal defense weapon, a flashlight is vital for low-light shooting. Not only does it help you to identify your target, but it also allows you to see your gun sights in the dark. Even if you don’t carry a gun for personal defense, a flashlight, when used correctly, can be very handy in tough situations. (We’ll talk more below about using a flashlight when armed or unarmed.) They can be taken into places like movie theaters or airplanes where guns are banned, and are great for men who live in countries with strict weapons laws, but who still want to carry something for personal defense.
There are two important self-defense functions that a tactical flashlight serves, plus one bonus use.
Helps identify threats. Attackers often use the cover of darkness as an advantage. A bright flashlight can help identify threats in a low-light environment and eliminate the advantage of an attacker stalking in the shadows. Simply shining a light on a bad guy can be enough to get him to take off.
Momentarily disorients attackers. Have you ever had a bright light shined in your eyes when it was dark outside? You probably felt disoriented and even blinded for a bit. You can take advantage of that natural reaction to bright light to defend yourself against would-be attackers.
Whenever you encounter a possible threat, shine your flashlight directly in their eyes, or as Mike says, “dominate their face.” Your assailant will likely reach his hands up to his face and experience three to four seconds of disorientation and semi-blindness. That gives you enough time to either flee or attack.
Bonus use: Improvised weapon. Some tactical flashlights have a serrated or toothed bezel. Manufacturers advertise these specialty bezels as a tool that can be used to break car windows in an emergency. But according to Mike, breaking a window with a small, tactical light is easier said than done. “Me and a bunch of Military Special Operations personnel tried for hours to break a car window with the toothed bezel of a small tactical flashlight. We never broke it.”
While the bezel on a tactical flashlight isn’t going to break windows, it can be used as an improvised striking device during an attack. After you’ve shined the light in your attacker’s eyes and disoriented him, strike his face with the toothed bezel as hard as you can. The motion should be like stamping him with a giant rubber stamp.
Mike says to be careful with the toothed bezeled flashlights when flying. He had one taken away by a TSA agent because it was deemed a “striking tool.” When in doubt, put your flashlight in your checked bag.
So a tactical flashlight is a great self-defense tool. Which one should you get? There are literally nearly 100 different models on the market. The one you choose will typically come down to your budget and personal preference. But here are a few things you should look for when selecting a tactical flashlight for everyday carry:
Suggested Tactical Flashlights
Surefire P2X Fury Dual Output LED. After the tragic shootings in Aurora, former Navy SEAL Brandon Webb wrote an article about what citizens could do to help protect themselves in a similar situation. His number one recommendation? Carry a super bright tactical flashlight with you at all times. He recommended the Surefire P2X Fury Dual Output LED flashlight. This bad boy puts out 500 lumens of light. Downside of the Surefire is price. This little guy will set you back $121. Ouch.
Streamlight 88031 Protac Tactical Flashlight 2L. If you’re looking for a more affordable tactical flashlight, check out the Streamlight ProTac. Its 180 lumens of light output is more than enough to blind an attacker so you can escape and evade. $44.
NiteCore Extreme LED Flashlight. Mike’s go-to flashlight. His has taken a beating and been through the wash three times, but still works like a champ. Unfortunately, it appears NiteCore no longer makes this flashlight, but you still might find some places that still sell it new. If all else fails, look for a used one.
When you hear something go bump in the night and you think that something might be armed and dangerous, there’s a particular way you want to maneuver in a dark space when using your flashlight to maximize your safety. Here’s how to do it.
Try the light switch first. If you’re in a low-light environment, your first step should be to simply turn on the main light source if it’s convenient and safe to do so. Don’t be like the forensics teams on CSI. The more light you have, the better.
Of course, there will be situations when turning on the main light source is impossible — you’re not near the switch, electricity is out, you’re outside, etc. In that case you’ll need to use your flashlight. But if you suspect there’s an attacker nearby with a weapon, you’ll need to use your flashlight in a certain way to keep yourself safe.
Light on, scan, light off, move. When you’re maneuvering in a low-light environment and believe there’s an armed attacker nearby, you don’t want to leave your flashlight on the entire time. That just makes you an easy target. Instead, follow this sequence:
Your threat will likely shoot at or attack where they last saw the light from your flashlight. By turning off your light and then moving, you’ll increase the chances that you’re not standing where your threat is going to shoot or attack.
Even if you don’t carry a firearm, you can use a small flashlight to defend yourself from a would-be assailant. Whenever you encounter a threat, shine the light on his face, and dominate his eyes. The bright light will cause momentary blindness and disorientation, giving you enough time to flee or engage your attacker. If you don’t have any combatives training or if you don’t know whether or not your threat is armed, your best option is to flee. No need for the macho stuff; living is manlier than having your gut poked through with a knife.
If you must engage your attacker, a quick, hard hit to the face with the toothed bezel on your tactical flashlight should incapacitate him enough for you to get away. Low, hard kicks to the groin or knees are also effective in this situation as he won’t be able to see them coming with the light shined in his eyes.
As a personal protection instructor, one the the main things I talk about ad nauseam is awareness. People are so easily distracted these days. Walk down any city street and you’ll see folks texting away, strolling along with their headphones or ear buds in. When a person is so distracted, they make themselves a target for criminals who will either take their property by force, or pick their pocket. Below a few tips that can help keep you safe:
(BPT) – With the average attention span only lasting eight seconds, and the need to multitask to keep up with an on-the-go lifestyle, it’s no wonder so many of us are easily sidetracked during routine tasks. Mace, a globally recognized leader in personal safety and security, offers valuable tips to combat the five most distracted behaviors.
Running with headphones
Whether training for an upcoming marathon or jogging around the block, we often take the time to develop the perfect playlist to keep us going, but don’t consider the risks of tuning out the outside world. Before you press play, consider your personal safety: leave the headphones at home, especially at night. If you’re streaming music through your smartphone, make sure the volume is low enough to hear the traffic around you.
Texting while walking
Did you know that nearly 60 percent of pedestrians use a smartphone while crossing the street, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration? Combine that with the average five seconds a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting, a statistic from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the results can be deadly.
Don’t walk and text. If you need to take a call, move to the side until your call is complete. Always be aware of your surroundings. A distracted pedestrian can be an easy target for potential criminals.
The National Crime Prevention Council suggests you switch directions or cross the street if you think someone is following you. If the person continues to lurk, move quickly toward an open store, restaurant or lighted house. Add an additional layer of protection by arming yourself with the BoobyTrapBra, a Just In Case bra designed to hold your pepper spray where you can easily reach it, empowering you to live an active life with peace of mind.
Walking your dog at dawn and dusk
Fido requires multiple daily walks to stay healthy. If your schedule only allows for exercising him in the early morning or late evening hours, you may find yourself walking in the dark when you’re overtired, which can delay reaction times when they’re most critical.
Keep dogs on short leashes for more control in heavy traffic. If you walk your dog in the dark, wear light colored clothing with reflective strips so drivers can see you. Nite Beams are equipped with LED safety lights that provide high and instant visibility up to 1,400 feet or a 1/4 mile from every direction. Available in wrist, arm and leg bands for you, and collars and leashes for your dog, these bands will help to provide safety for everyone.
Navigating the parking lot
Whether working late or tackling weekly errands, busy parking lots and garages can be dangerous if you are distracted by an armful of bags, children or technology. Leave the balancing act for a secure location to ensure you safely get in your car and on the road.
Before making your way to your vehicle, be sure your keys are in hand. Pay attention to your surroundings and other vehicles entering and exiting the lot. Consider walking alongside the aisle instead of taking the stairwell, or ask a security guard to escort you to your car. To buckle a child into a safety seat, get into the backseat with the child and lock the doors rather than doing so from outside the vehicle.
Zoning out on public transportation
One of the perks of public transportation is the ability to use your travel time to multitask, like getting a jump start on your day by checking work emails. While you may enjoy not paying attention to the road, don’t let productivity goals get in the way of your personal safety.
Ride in the first car or closest to the operator (insider tip: the train conductor is usually in the second car). If you are traveling at night, do your best to avoid dark or isolated stops. Remain aware of your surroundings as you exit, with keys in hand when you depart from the stop or station. For added protection, include the compact and easy-to-use Mace Brand KeyGard on your key ring.
Whether walking, running, driving or riding, incorporate these tips into your everyday habits to help keep yourself safe and secure throughout the day.
(BPT) – What does oatmeal, beans and skinless chicken have in common? They are all heart healthy foods, yet don’t do a whole lot to tantalize the taste buds. Fortunately, eating for heart health doesn’t mean a life sentence of bland foods or boring flavors.
By thinking beyond the oatmeal box, you can reinvent your meals while keeping heart health top of mind. This is important for everyone because heart disease – which includes stroke and other cardiovascular diseases – is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.
Mindful eating is one of the best ways to maintain heart health. With these 10 heart-healthy foods, you won’t mind sitting down to a wholesome meal that supports the hardest working muscle in your body.
Berries
Munch on blueberries and strawberries – your heart will thank you. By eating three or more servings of these berries a week, women can reduce their risk of heart attack by 32 percent, according the journal Circulation.
Sprouted grain English muffins
Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Flax English Muffins are made with heart healthy flax seeds loaded with omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Just pop them in the toaster for a rich nutty taste that excites the taste buds! Sprouted to maximize nutrition and digestibility, each muffin provides an impressive amount of plant protein, too. Learn more at www.foodforlife.com.
Potatoes
Spuds get a bad rap for being a starch, but they actually are a positive part of a heart-healthy diet. Rich in potassium, potatoes can help lower blood pressure. Remember to avoid frying potatoes and try baking or boiling instead.
Tofu
Looking for a great meat alternative? Because tofu is made from soy protein, it is believed to help lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), making it fantastic for heart-healthy eating. Explore new recipes or use it as a substitute in current favorites.
Red wine
Say cheers to good heart health with a glass of red wine. The Mayo Clinic notes alcohol and antioxidants in red wine may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of the good high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and protecting against artery damage.
Spinach
Popeye was right – spinach is an amazing food that packs a heart-healthy punch. Full of vitamins, fiber and carotenoids that act as antioxidants, spinach is a mean, green superfood. Add to sandwiches, salads and smoothies regularly.
Dark chocolate
Have a sugar tooth? Indulge it while bettering your heart. A square or two of dark chocolate may be good for your heart, just make sure the bar is 70 percent cocoa or higher.
Salmon
It’s easy to cut down on red meat consumption with versatile salmon. Its meaty consistency is satisfying while offering endless options for grilling, steaming or baking. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon will make your heart jump with joy.
Tomatoes
Packed with lycopene, vitamin C and alpha- and beta-carotene, tomatoes are a smart addition to any heart-healthy meal. Eat them fresh or sundried to enjoy the many benefits. Plus, because they’re low in calories and sugar, they make an ideal guilt-free snack.
Just a quick thought on this. Generally, I recommend palm strikes over clenched fists. However, hammer fists work well as do both horizontal and vertical punches. It depends are your training – most of us did not spend hours hitting a makiwara board so it likely that we will injure our hands when punching someone in the face as that is a hard surface.
Between the horizontal and the vertical fist, I prefer the vertical fist. It is faster and can be thrown when close in on an opponent. That’s just my two cents.
What are your thoughts?
Tactical Civilian Combatives seminar is starting Sat, 10/3. Click on this link for registration info –> http://bit.ly/1MvPJGl
SPACE IS LIMITED.
You MUST be at least 18-years-old to participate.
This course will cover the Tactical Civilian Combatives module of theMinimalist Martialist Method.
This IS NOT a new system of martial arts. It is simply about focusing on fundamentals and being practical and efficient concerning personal protection. In my experience it is not necessarily what you train in butWHY and HOW you train. The “why” you train will determine the “how” you train.
Generally speaking, the skills that will be taught can be learned by virtually anyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or a man, old or young, athletic or somewhat out-of-shape. Whatever the case may be, you need a firm grasp of the pillars outlined and core principles of fundamental techniques and tools that are simple to use and proven to work.
Classes will be taught by Sensei Tyrone Turner (3rd Degree Black Belt in American-Te Goju-Ryu).
Various strikes, kicks, throws, and escapes will be covered during this seminar series.
Some martial artists pride themselves on knowing a ton of techniques. For instances, I have heard some Aikijujutsu practitioners brag about how their system has more than 3,000 (three thousand) techniques. In my humble opinion, that just isn’t necessary for personal protection.
Let’s take a look at boxers. Boxers have five punches in their arsenal: jab; cross/straight; hook; uppercut; and overhand. Even though they are “limited” to five techniques, they can create an infinite number of combinations to disable an opponent.
If your interest and focus is primary personal protection, I highly recommend that you focus on mastering five techniques in five areas. Below are the areas and examples of recommended techniques:
HAND STRIKES
KICKS
CLOSE QUARTERS
THROWS
PORTABLE, CONCEALABLE, LEGAL TO CARRY WEAPONRY
If you focus on the above-mentioned techniques, and create drills so you can practice, experiment on applications, and explore counters to these very techniques, you will be on your way. This teaching and training method is called TDAC (Techniques, Drills, Applications and Counters) as taught to me by my primary teacher, Renshi David Bunch (“Sensei Buddha“).
As big band jazz great, Count Bassie, would say, “Less is more.”
This passed Saturday, I went down to Dover, NJ to train with my American-Te Goju-Ryu brethren. We trained in various personal protection drills, but for me the highlight was getting the opportunity to train with Hanshi Edwin Cabrera.
This is quick snapshot of some of the things that I learned from Hanshi and is not meant to be a full, detailed report
Hanshi really took me to school on the deeper meaning of kata. Admittedly, I focused more on free-fighting and self-defense, but I now have deeper appreciation for kata. For the martial artist, kata embodies the catalog of martial technique from a given system. Kata gives the practitioner the opportunity to perfect her/his technique and engage in “moving meditation.”
Hanshi really gave me a great explanation of the reasoning behind sequence of movements in given kata. He also shared with me that as a martial artist continues along her/his journey of martial training, they tend to become more concerned with aesthetics (how things look) and efficient effectiveness.
Now, kata training is not for those who are solely concerned with practical personal protection, but if you are a warrior, kata is a great way to learn more about oneself and to practice and keep the catalog of techniques within your given system alive.
Thanks for your time.
It is very important to do impact training–you must hit something. Flailing around in air just will not cut it. You can’t develop distancing and become accustomed to the shock you body absorbs when actually hitting something. You also realize that certain hand techniques are probably better suited to self-defense (i.e., palm strikes over clenched fists).
Below is quick video of me doing some striking on a standing heavy bag in my home on July 4th.
I also did another quick video of me using a baseball bat. Yes, a baseball bat. They are legal to own and carry around in your car and such. If you study traditional martial arts, you may have been exposed to various weapons that are not legal to own or carry in many jurisdictions. Also, they are not practical to carry around. For instance, Japanese sai and nunchaku can’t be easily used in the street–unless you want to go to jail. A baseball bat is practical.
I got this idea from Guro Darrin Cook of Big Stick Combat. What he teaches makes a lot of sense and is very practical.
Here is the video of me doing “big stick practice”:
If your focus is on practical personal protection, I strongly suggest that you focus on open hand techniques and becoming proficient in the use of an effective, easy to get tool like an aluminum baseball bat.
The Minimalist Martialist Method 