I know a lot of people in the preparedness space. Some people are dead serious about it, some are not. The truth is, a lot of the folks allegedly into preparedness are actually just collectors and gear junkies, rather than actually into preparedness. How do I know? Well, I’m glad you asked, because it’s timeContinue reading “Are You REALLY In?”
Tag Archives: Self Defense
Self-Defense is on Trial
As we are all watching the Kenosha Kid fight for his freedom, we need to understand that are bigger issues at stake and consider some things. The evidence that has come to light during the trial tends to indicate that charges never should have been filed, as this was a clear-cut case of self-defense. IfContinue reading “Self-Defense is on Trial”
What is the Rule of Law?
Generally, when we think of a Without Rule of Law (WROL) situation, the first thing that comes to mind is a complete and total collapse. No police, no fire services, nothing at all. That’s generally what we mean. However, we currently find ourselves in an odd world where things seem to run normally, but theContinue reading “What is the Rule of Law?”
Knives in a Church
This afternoon, Sir David Amess of the British Parliament was holding a ‘constituent surgery’, which is what we in America would call a Town Hall meeting, inside a Methodist Church in London. During this meeting, a man stabbed Amess several times. Despite the heroic efforts of the Emergency Services, Sir David died at the scene.Continue reading “Knives in a Church”
The Current Environment
The current environment is dangerous, and getting more so every day. We are seeing more signs of division and potential Balkanization, and, by their actions, it would seem that government at all levels is doing everything they can to make that happen. Before we get too deep into the evidence and what we can doContinue reading “The Current Environment”
The Three Blade Rule
I frequently talk about the Three Blade Rule, and I thought I would take a few minutes to explain my methodology on this, and explain my own EDC tools that I use to fit this. What does the Ultimate Tactical Handbook say about this? I’m glad you asked: If you don’t have a sword, SellContinue reading “The Three Blade Rule”
Could It Happen Here?
A common pushback I get is “Yeah, but a without rule of law situation would never happen in the United States.” We’re going to talk about that, address some vulnerabilities, and discuss whether or not we are already in a WROL situation. In October of 2017, the Commission to Assess the Threat of an EMPContinue reading “Could It Happen Here?”
Book Review – Concrete Jungle
Concrete Jungle – A Green Beret’s Guide to Urban Survival is written by former Green Beret Clay Martin. I usually give things written by Green Berets the proper respect by tossing them on the bookcase without ever reading them, but since Clay was a Marine Scout Sniper before he lost his mind, I decided toContinue reading “Book Review – Concrete Jungle”
Self-Defense Climate Change
Have you had enough of 2020 yet? Honestly, if October 1st rolls around and either aliens land from space or the reptilian under-lords emerge from underground, I won’t even shrug. I can however, report that 2020 has proven that climate change is REAL. No, not that climate. The self-defense climate has completely changed, andContinue reading “Self-Defense Climate Change”
Handling Spontaneous Crowds
As the security situation continues to deteriorate, we must all improve our abilities to defend ourselves. Many in the preparedness community immediately recommend concealed carry of a firearm as the ultimate defensive capability, but I always teach that a firearm is a tool of last resort. That’s even more true inside a crowd. There areContinue reading “Handling Spontaneous Crowds”
Partner Training in Martial Arts
Two are better than one, Because they have a good return for their labor. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Everyone interested in preparedness and self-defense needs unarmed skills. Unarmed skills enable you to live long enough to get a gun in the fight. There are also times in which a gun isn’t a proper response, or you couldContinue reading “Partner Training in Martial Arts”
The Morality of Self Defense
One night, a good friend and I were discussing the escalating situation, and since we were walking out of Bible study, he said how can we justify killing in self defense, or, in a larger context, justify civil war, especially against people who might call themselves fellow Christians. Granted, this conversation was months ago, pre-canonizationContinue reading “The Morality of Self Defense”
Weapons Training For Self Defense
When most people talk about preparedness and self-defense, they immediately start talking about their guns. Guns are not the only tools you should have and in fact, in some situations, a gun can cause more problems than it is worth. There are a multitude of places you can’t carry a gun and there just asContinue reading “Weapons Training For Self Defense”
Training in Kicks
In training for real life self-defense, a common question that comes up is, “Should I train in kicks or not?”. Many schools of thought claim that being left on one leg is something to be avoided, but it’s also telling that those same voices advocate taking every fight to the ground and going for aContinue reading “Training in Kicks”
Should I Learn Ground Fighting?
First, let’s dispel the notion of “Ground Fighting”. In real life self-defense, you don’t want to fight on the ground, ever. Fights do end up on the ground, but this isn’t the UFC are you aren’t going for submission. What you really need to learn is “Ground Survival”, and it’s very different from “Ground Fighting”.Continue reading “Should I Learn Ground Fighting?”
How Much Training Do I Need?
The answer to this common question is simple: MORE. No matter the skill, every physical skill needs practice or the skill will deteriorate over time. This axiom is true whether you are talking about martial arts, gun handling skills, or carpentry. Don’t take my word on it…Let’s ask Bruce Lee: “I fear not the manContinue reading “How Much Training Do I Need?”
Know Your Surroundings
An important part of personal safety and tactical awareness is understanding your surroundings and how to find help or refuge in an emergency. That’s our topic today. What does the Ultimate Tactical Manual (The Bible) say about it? Before Joshua led his people over the River Jordan, he sent out a recon team, telling them:Continue reading “Know Your Surroundings”
Guarding Your Information
Our modern social media landscape has convinced us all to share every small detail of our lives with people we haven’t spoken to in person in years. Think about the implications of that. Samuel Culper, of the outstanding website Forward Observer, has this to say about Social Media: “We should farm data from it, butContinue reading “Guarding Your Information”
Mindset – Should I Train In Unarmed Self Defense?
In this modern era of “Shall-Issue” Concealed Carry Licenses, a common question that arises is, should I train in unarmed self defense? The answer is a resounding yes for a few reasons: You can’t carry a gun or a knife everywhere, even with a permit. Not every threat justifies the immediate use of deadly force.Continue reading “Mindset – Should I Train In Unarmed Self Defense?”
Should I Train to Fight With A Knife?
This question comes up often in the current climate of concealed firearm permits…Should I train to fight with a knife, since guns are so common? The answer is a resounding yes, for a few reasons. Let’s discuss why first, then I’ll give some practical exercises and resources. Reasons to train with a knife: There areContinue reading “Should I Train to Fight With A Knife?”
Solo Training During Quarantine
Maintaining your self-defense skills is important at all times, and it’s critical during the current Stay-At-Home Order situation. Police departments have advised that they are limiting services and avoiding non-essential public contact, so you are truly on your own. Training without a partner can be just as effective as training with a partner. When weContinue reading “Solo Training During Quarantine”
On Being Ready – Nehemiah
Nehemiah is one of my favorite characters and one of the first people to live a tactical/preparedness lifestyle. He was appointed as the governor of Jerusalem and was sent to rebuild it by the King. There was just one problem though….Jerusalem was surrounded by people who didn’t want to see it rebuilt. Does that soundContinue reading “On Being Ready – Nehemiah”
Having a Team
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, a cord of three strands is not easily broken” – Ecclesiates 4:12 Many people in the preparedness and tactical training community train to defend themselves as a single entity in a Without Rule of Law (WROL) situation, such as a disaster, rioting, or emergency. While thatContinue reading “Having a Team”
Adapting Forms Training to Self Defense
Many proponents of so-called “real-world self-defense” downplay the value of traditional forms training, saying that it’s outdated or “too rigid” to be used for self defense. I say that depends on how you train. Now, if you go to a McDojo and everyone learns forms just because it’s needed to advance to the next level,Continue reading “Adapting Forms Training to Self Defense”
Martial Arts Weapons & Self Defense
I frequently get asked, “Can martial arts weapons be used for self defense?” The answer is both yes and no, and there are some caveats to consider before launching into a program. First, understand that most schools that teach weapons are teaching things that look great in TOURNAMENTS to WIN MEDALS, not self defense. EvenContinue reading “Martial Arts Weapons & Self Defense”
Being Ready – Nehemiah
When the Jews returned to Jerusalem with Nehemiah, they were returning to a destroyed city, completely surrounded by enemies. The lessons taught in the Book of Nehemiah are just as valid today in either a Without Rule of Law (WROL) situation, or even in everyday life. Nehemiah 4:23 says “Neither I, nor my brothers, norContinue reading “Being Ready – Nehemiah”
Why Do They Still Teach Wrist Grab Defense?
A common question I hear is why do traditional martial arts schools teach wrist grab defenses? Is there some epidemic of bad guys running up and grabbing people by the wrist? Is there any value at all in modern self defense to learning wrist grabs? The answer is a resounding YES. Here’s why: if I’mContinue reading “Why Do They Still Teach Wrist Grab Defense?”
Tactical Wisdom 