The below SlideShare presentation will give you an overview of the 10 areas of concern that influence our training methodology.
More details on what we train in and how we train in a later post, but check this presentation out.
tactical civilian combatives
Sparring Gear for Combatives Training
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:
HeadgearÂ
Eye protection
Mouth Guard
Neck Guard
Sparring Gloves
Forearm guards
Elbow Pads
Groin Protection (Men)
Groin Protection (Women)
Knee Pads
Shin & Instep Guards
I hope this helps you in your training pursuits.
Martial Arts -vs-Combatives – Which is better?
So, before I answer the question, let me explain the differences between the two.
Martial arts is about tempering the soul through body conditioning, the study of warrior ways (psychology and philosophy) and introspection — looking into oneself. Martial arts tend to be codified systems with established curricula and a hierarchy.
Combatives is about focusing on quelling violent attacks as efficiently as possible by training in live (i.e., sparring) and reality-based scenarios. Combatives are ever-evolving with no formal ranking structure and tend to borrow techniques and weapons from various established martial arts.
So, which is better? BOTH! It is not what you train in, but HOW you train.
If you train in a traditional martial art, make sure to have at least one “live” training session a week. By that I mean light to medium contact (with protective gear) and or free grappling (“randori”). That way you will know what you can really pull off under stress against a resisting opponent.
Now, go train.
The 8 Parts of a Combat Throw
In Japanese martial arts, there are three parts to a throw: Balance Breaking; Positioning; and the Throw (kuzushi, tsukuri and kake respectively). The way I teach throws is 8-part:
- Block/Evade
- Strike
- Balance Disruption
- Getting in Position
- Throw
- Strike
- Turn-Over (onto opponents belly)
- Pin/Hold-Down/Submission
Here is a video where myself and Sempai Erica Cole demonstrate these eight steps:
I hope that you found this video helpful.
5 Things to Focus on in Self-Defense
Below are five things that I suggest you focus on in self-defense:
° Function Over Flair — The tactics you employ need to have a high probability of successful execution. Leave the “oooohhs” and “ahhhhhs” for Hollywood.
° Barrage Over Big Shots — It is best to train in combination striking rather try to get that one big shot in. This way you stay in motion and blitz your attacker.
° Multi-Purpose Movements Over Specialized Maneuvers — When teaching weapons work, I teach weapons that allow the wielder to use similar movements.
For instance, a pocket stick, a Sharpshooter Keychain(TM) and club are different lengths. Also, unlike the pocket stick and a club which are solid weapons, the Sharpshooter Keychain(TM) is a flexible, flailing weapon. However, you can easily use the Filipino cinco teros strikes with all of these weapons. Also can be done easily with the sjambok which is a stiff whip.
° Hands-Free Throws Over Grabbing Throws — Some martial arts like Judo – which I respect a great deal, rely on the grabbing of your opponent’s jacket to break her/his balance. For self-defense purposes, it is best to modify the throws by using your arms as levers to disrupt your adversary’s balance.
For instance if performing osoto gari, use your forearm in an upward motion under the attacker’s armpit while the other forearm pushes in a downward motion on the opposite shoulder.
° Flow and Feints Over Commitment — You must have a next step with each technique; look for opposite options. For example, if you get heavy resistance while attempting an ikkyo, immediately change to a shiho nage or if attempting a nikkyo your opponent not tapping in pain or about to snatch away, change to a kote gaeshi.
With Judo-like throws, if you can’t stick the uchi mata, transition to tai otoshi. CLICK HERE to see what I’m referring to. With striking, eye and quick body feints work well. Don’t over do it. Your job is to stop the threat as quickly as possible and escape.
I hope that you found value in this blog post.
Thank you for your time.
Tactical Civilian Top 40
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
- Palm
- Chop
- Hammer Fist
- Crane Head
- Ax Handle
Foot/Leg
- Front Kick
- Roundhouse Kick
- Side Kick
- Back Kick
- Oblique Kick
Close Quarters
- Elbows
- Knees
- Head Butt
- Shoulder Bump
- Hip Bump
Break Falls
- Front Fall
- Back Fall
- Side Falls
- Forward Shoulder Roll
- Backward Shoulder Roll
Throws
- Body Drop
- Major Outer Reaping
- Minor Outer Reaping
- Front Entering
- Floating Hip
Wrist Lock Take-Downs
- Wrist Turn-Out
- Wrist Turn-In
- Four Directions
- Goose Neck
- Floating Arm Bar
Escapes
- Front Choke
- Blood Choke
- Head Lock
- Full Nelson
- Guillotine
Weapons
- Pocket Stick
- Griffin Grip
- Pepper Spray
- Sharpshooter Key Chain
- Kuba Kicks
How to Use a Flashlight in a Tactical Situation [in part]
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.
What Is a Tactical Flashlight?
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.
Why Every Man Should Carry a Flashlight
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.
Flashlights: The Most Underestimated Tool for Personal Defense
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.Â
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. Â
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.
Which Flashlight Is the Best Flashlight in Tactical Situations?
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:
- Small. You want something small enough to carry in your pocket every day. Your flashlight should be no bigger than the size of your palm.
- At least 120 lumens of light output. For a flashlight to be an effective self-defense tool, it needs to be bright enough to disorient attackers. Anything less than 120 lumens just won’t get the job done.
- Simple. There are flashlights on the market that have strobe or SOS functions, or flashlights that allow you to change the brightness of your light output depending on how many times you push the on/off switch. While many tactical flashlight users swear by these features, Mike recommends keeping things simple. You don’t want a flashlight so complex that you have a hard time using the primary feature (bright light) when you really need it. A simple on/off switch should do the trick.
- Waterproof. You want a flashlight that will work in ALL situations. Get a flashlight that’s waterproof so it will work even in the rain or other wet conditions.
- Ruggedly constructed. Your flashlight will likely see a lot of action, so get something that will withstand the use. Look for one made from hard anodized aluminum. It’s a tough, yet light metal. Also, make sure the metal on the flashlight is machined so that it’s easy to grip. You don’t want to drop your flashlight when you need it most.
- LED or incandescent? Mike prefers LEDs because in his experience incandescent bulbs break easily when dropped while LEDs can withstand a beating. Incandescent bulbs also aren’t very energy efficient. You’ll burn through bulbs and flashlight batteries faster than you will LED bulbs.
Suggested Tactical FlashlightsÂ
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.
How to Safely Maneuver in a Dark Space With a Flashlight
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:
- Light on
- Scan environment. Look for threats.
- Light off
- Move
- Repeat
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.
How to Use a Tactical Flashlight When You’re Unarmed
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.
Top 5 most distracted behaviors and how to change them
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.
The right way to wash your workout gear
(BPT) – If you’re finding more stains on your clothes because the weather is warming up, you’re not alone. You may find yourself doing more loads of laundry during the summer, when outdoor activities like hiking and sports are likely to cause extra stains.
To help you take on your growing laundry pile, Whirlpool Corporation’s Institute of Home Science cleaning expert Mary Zeitler weighed in on the best ways to wash workout gear and remove your toughest stains:
Washing athletic clothes
Zeitler suggests turning running shorts, yoga pants, lycra and spandex garments inside out before washing. You should also wash these garments in warm – not hot – water, and stay away from liquid chlorine bleach which can break down the fabric.
Dirt and mud
Remove excess dirt and mud from the surface and rinse in cold water before adding to the washer. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment with a gentle detergent and, if necessary, you can follow up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. For grass stains, Zeitler says to check the care label and soak the garment in a mixture of detergent and water before adding to the warmest wash that’s appropriate for the material.
Sweat and odors
Apply liquid detergent or a pre-treater to help loosen deodorant, which can trap sweat and odors. If the odors persist, you can always send the garment through another cycle before transferring to the dryer.
No matter what kind of stain you’re working with, don’t put your stained clothes in the dryer until you are sure it was successfully removed.
Another way to wash workout gear is to take advantage of the PowerWash System within the Maytag Front Load Washer, which provides great cleaning power and the ability to handle your toughest loads.
For more expert tips on laundry, visit Whirlpool Corporation’s Institute of Home Science.
Do We Need Killer Instinct?
All over social media and ads in popular martial arts magazines, you always hear claims about programs that will help you develop killer instinct, and that will teach you the combat secrets of some kind of military special operations unit. Apparently, they are doing well because how else could they afford all of that ad space? Darn crooks are reaping profits at the expense of ill-advised clientele.
As a martial artist, do we need “killer instinct?” I say no. One of my instructors, Roman Lutak, used to tell me and his other students to have attitude when practicing our techniques. He explains that attitude doesn’t mean having a chip on your shoulder, but rather that you as a law-abiding, peace-loving citizen that generally will not attack another person without provocation, have the “might of right” on your side. Knowing that you did all in your power to avoid a confrontation (i.e. being aware, polite, and made attempts to diffuse a situation) will give you the serenity to defend yourself. One doesn’t need a killer instinct to do that.
I hear a lot of talk about people practicing possibly lethal techniques like neck-breaks, and lethal strikes with sticks and bladed weapons. Why bother focusing your training on these things? Now, knowing how to use and defend against weapons is highly recommended, but if you are focusing on slicing and dicing vitals, that is another matter all together. The law most certainly wouldn’t be kind to a martial artist that kills someone. Also, you run the risk of being sued for maiming someone or for killing them. How will their family survive without the now disabled or deceased person contributing his / her income?
It is probably highly unlikely that a civilian will have to kill someone. Of course, in a worst case scenario, one may be forced to take such measures, but how likely is that? Most violent incidents can be avoided. If you find yourself always getting into fights, you need to make some lifestyle changes because you’re probably hanging out in the wrong places and keeping company with the wrong people. Also, perhaps it is the person in the mirror that is the sociopath that brings out the worst in everyone they come into contact with. Help that individual become a better person. Maybe counseling, Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong or religion will help.
I have had two street fights in the last 25 years. In both instances the attacks came from a mentally disturbed person in the crowded streets of midtown Manhattan during broad daylight – not in a secluded back alley. As aggressive as they were, I didn’t have to kill them. In the first instance, a sweeping hip throw (harai goshi) stopped the attack immediately. Believe me, when someone is on the receiving end of a powerful Judo throw, they will cease and desist from being an immediate threat.
In the second fight, a solid step-in jab dropped the attacker, and comfortable shoes helped me get away from the scene. Yes I ran away. Making a quick escape is best thing to do because you do not know if the attacker has any weapons or if they are with others. It wasn’t killer instinct that saved me in either instance but awareness of my surroundings and the muscle-memorization of a few techniques that was achieved through repetitve drills and practice.
As a black belt in American-Te Goju-Ryu, and as a Tactical Civilian Combatives Instructor of the Minimalist Martialist Method, I have developed a new appreciation of some of the unique drills and concepts that we are practice like “The Rope,” “The Ring,” “Rub-A-Dub,” and “The Krazy Konductor”.
Through more regular practice of these exercises, I have been able to improve my technique by being more economical in my reactions and therefore much more effective. Hey, less movable parts means that less can go wrong, right? I implore my fellow martial artists to look into practicing these drills, along with the basics of their martial art on a regular basis. The above-mentioned training drills are truly the way to gain a greater understanding of martial concepts. There are several drills that you can do without a partner in the comfort of your home so don’t make any excuses and just do it!
Do not get caught up with trying to learn hundreds of techniques. In reality, the basics are all that you’ll ever really need. Focus instead on understanding concepts. I highly recommend a video by Bob Orlando called Fighting Arts of Indonesia, and a companion book entitled Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals. Mr. Orlando is a master teacher and you will not be disappointed with the way he explains concepts and demonstrates drills that really help you become “ready for action.”
Remember, when it comes to protecting yourself and those that you love, strive to be a law-abiding, peace-loving person – Not a killer.
Train hard and keep yourself safe.
The Minimalist Martialist Method 