Thursday, October 21, 2010

How To Increase You’re Striking Power When It Comes To Baton Use

One of the important factors when it comes to getting a powerful strike when using a baton is the positioning of your hand on your weapon. Where you position your hand on the handle plays an important factor of how much force the impact of your swing will be.

You want to avoid holding your hand at the bottom or end of the handle. Instead you want to place your hand an inch up from the bottom that way you have a stronger grip and more control of your weapon. This then increases the force of your blow when making impact.

Another suggestion is when practicing your baton striking tactics or any striking tactics with the use of items such as pipes, pool cues or sticks is to wrap a towel around the handle area. This thickens the handle area forcing your hand to squeeze harder when picking up your weapon and striking your practice target. This in turn makes you instinctively have a tighter grip when holding your baton.

Test and play with what feels best for you. Remember everyone is different when it comes to their grip strength, size of hand and the type of baton or weapon they are using.

Note: Push button batons tend to be harder to grip on to due to the fact of how the handle is set up with the extraction button right on it. So keep that in mind if this is a baton you’re thinking of purchasing.

Remember there’s no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm Bettencourt

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

HAMMER FIST CONDITIONING

Hi everyone,

If you have taken my TACT System you realize that I avoid teaching people how to punch due to the fact that it takes years of training to become proficient at it. When you witness people punching in a street fight they usually throw ‘feather punches”. These are punches that have no power behind them because there is no hip rotation when the punch is thrown so no weight is behind it.

So instead I focus on teaching people palm strikes or hammer fists. So in today’s post I would like to show you an exercise that will help increase the power of your hammer fists with a conditioning technique which I found is extremely effective. If you have a wooden beam which stands horizontally in your basement hammer a nail into it so the tip is firmly inside the beam. Get a thick piece of wood that you can comfortably hold with one hand and place it on top of the head of the nail. With your free hand make a hammer fist and begin hammering the piece of wood that is on top of the nail.


Your goal is to be able to eventually be able to hammer the nail flat into the beam using only the power of the hammer fist strikes. A key tip when it comes to striking is this. When it comes to striking most people will strike their target then remove their body part that they hit with quickly away from the target. This does not allow the force of your blow to do maximum damage. Let the body part that you hit with remain on your target for a slight second after impact. By following this technique you will find your blows much more powerful.


Till the next time remember there’s no such thing as a dirty fighter…only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Sunday, September 12, 2010

COMBAT QUOTES TO LIVE BY & TIME SENSITIVE INFO

Hi everyone,

In today’s post I would like to share with you some of my favorite combat quotes. I would also like to invite all members to share and post their favorite combat quotes as well.


“K.I.S.S Keep It Simple & Similar”

“Just Because You’ve Trained For A Situation Doesn’t Mean
You’re Prepared For It”

“Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect, Perfect Practice Makes Perfect”
“In The Real World You Are Only Half As Good As How You Train,
So Make Your Training As Realistic As Possible”

“Don’t Go To A Gun Fight With A Knife, You’re Going To Get Killed”

“Don’t Fight To Teach Someone A Lesson Or You Might Get Taught A Lesson Yourself”

“Two Eyes For An Eye Mentality”

“He Who Elevates The Violence Quicker Wins”


“Ruthless Determination Will Overshadow Technique or Choice Of Weapon Every Time & Will Get You Up Off The Ground After You Have Been Beaten, Stabbed or Shot”

Don Pentecost

“It’s Not The Size Of The Man In The Fight But The Size Of the Fight In The Man”

“I Rather Be Judged By Twelve Than Carried By Six”
“There’s No Such Thing As A Dirty Fighter, Only An Educated One”
“He Who Draws & Uses His Weapon First Wins”

“Go With The Flow Of The Blow”



“It’s Better To Die On Your Feet Then To Live On Your Knees”

“The Little Black Book of Violence”


A lot of these quotes are included inside my book Instinctive Combat Self Defense (formerly known as Secrets of Street Fighting). I also go further into discussing why these quotes and other’s are important for your mindset when it comes to surviving violence. Remember your most powerful weapon is your mind.

As you have noticed I have changed the title and cover of the book Secrets of Street Fighting. We have also added some new exciting material to the book as well. We are currently selling it in E Book format. As a special promotion I have decided that all members of the Secrets of Street Fighting Reader’s Group and TACT Tips Newsletter Subscriber’s should get a 50% discount when purchasing the book. So instead of paying $37.00 you get it for only $18.50 USD.

So to make it super simple follow these links below:

If you wish to order the Instinctive Combat Self Defense E book for only $18.50 USD (regular price $37 USD) visit
http://www.tactselfdefense.com/secrets-of-street-fighting-book.php (you can view the E book details on this page)



If you wish to receive my book and 3 disk DVD set for only $73.50 USD (regular price $147) visit
http://www.tactselfdefense.com/combat-self-defense-package.php (you can view the E book and DVD details on this page)

Those pages will give you all the details on the products you are ordering. To order go directly to www.paypal.com and make the payment to tactselfdefense@yahoo.ca when you leave a comment just state that you are a member of the Secrets of Street Fighting Reader’s Group or a TACT Tips Newsletter Subscriber and you are purchasing your E Book or DVD/E Book Package at 50% off.

P.S This offer is time sensitive and will only be valid until September 19, 2010 at midnight (pacific).

Till the next time I will leave you with my favorite quote.

There’s no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Monday, August 09, 2010

RUTHLESS DETERMINATION

Hi everyone,

As you know I believe that you’re mindset is you’re most powerful weapon. For combat is 90% mental and only 10% physical. It all boils down to you’re will or determination to survive. As Don Pentecost puts it “Ruthless determination will over shadow technique or choice of weapon every time & will get you up off the ground after you have been beaten, stabbed or shot”. Most criminals have this ruthless determination compared to the average law abiding citizen who doesn’t.

So when I get countless emails asking me why it seems that criminals always seem to win in violent encounters “determination” is the answer I give them. Your determination alone will regardless of how powerful you’re tactics are will either make you a victim or victimizer in an all violent attack. It is this factor and this factor alone that separates the boys from the men when it comes to knowing how to use violence to you’re advance.

When criminals use violence issues of legal and moral consequences never are factors that they consider. They have no hesitation of seriously harming or killing you regardless of the consequences that they may face. For the average person however legal and moral factors do come into the equation. This in turn creates mental barriers and subconsciously causes the person to hold back when using violence.

So instead of focusing on only your physical training try focusing on you’re mental training as well. Try focusing on what you’re mental barriers are and eliminating them. Also focus on a trigger that makes you have that ruthless determination that will make you the last man standing in an all out violent attack.


Till the next time, there is no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Monday, July 26, 2010

WHAT TO SAY TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AFTER USING VIOLENCE

Hi,

One of the few things covered when it comes to self defense is the issue of what to say to law enforcement after using violence to protect yourself. Most people would speak openly and freely to law enforcement because they are law abiding citizens and feel they have done nothing wrong. The reality is law is not about right or wrong it’s about loop holes. If a lawyer can find a technicality or find that his client’s rights were violated regardless if his client is guilt or not it is his/her job to get them off the hook.


So regardless if you are minding your own business walking to your car at night with your wife and kid. Then all of a sudden 3 armed thugs show up out of no where demanding your cash and there way with your wife. You’re trapped and can’t get away and fight them off and seriously hurt these assholes you could be held liable and charged. So the last thing you want to do coming down off an adrenaline rush is start talking to the cops about what happened. Most people begin digging a deep hole for themselves when they do this.

Bottom line you may be innocent but those insignificant words that have come out of your mouth during the police interview can lead you into a ton of hot water. So let your lawyer do the talking that’s what they get paid for. You do not have to answer any questions that law enforcement asks you. That is a legal right that you have plain and simple. All you have to say is that you feared for your life and safety and that you will not speak to anyone until your attorney is present.

This goes with Canadian Citizens and I believe US Citizens, citizens reading this from other countries will have to check out there countries laws. So remember these words “I feared for my life and safety and that I will not speak to anyone until my attorney is present”. Remember it’s not only important to know how to protect yourself physically but legally as well.


Till the next time there’s no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Sunday, July 11, 2010

HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR FEAR OF BEING HIT

Hi everyone,

If you have been reading my articles for the past little while you know that when it comes to my philosophy on street fighting I always say that “combat is 90% mental and only 10% physical”. When it comes to dealing with fears such as the fear of being hit the same motto holds true. Think about this for a second what is the scariest thing about violence? Is it the fact that when you are actually fighting you could be in pain after getting hit? Or is the scariest thing about violence the anticipation of getting hit before the physical act of violence even occurs.

Bottom line the anticipation of violence is much worse then violence itself.


Like I have mentioned in my previous posts before every feeling there is a thought. So if you are standing across from your enemy at a stand off before the physical act of violence occurs you will experience multiple thoughts that are playing in your head. If you are afraid of being hit this will usually factor in fear based thoughts about being hit going off in your head. Think about it for a second when you actually get hit do you feel pain? The answer is no because your adrenaline is pumping so high it protects you and heightens your pain tolerance. Like I said earlier the worst thing about violence is the stand off seconds before the physical assault takes place because you start to over think things. When the blows start coming those feelings disappear and you do not feel any pain when you’re being hit.

So the next question is how I go about conquering my fear of being hit? First by retraining your brain to have a trigger that puts you into a “killer instinct mindset” (I have written about this in previous posts so I won’t go over it again). You can also perform this physical training exercise. Stand blindfolded with your arms and legs spread. Have a partner while wearing boxing gloves or pads begin striking you with there hands and feet at about 50% of there force. Have them strike you’re arms, chest, torso, legs and face (when striking the face only use in minimal amount of force this prevents trauma to the brain).


What you will find by performing this exercise is that since you cannot see when or where your partner is going to strike your brain will work in over drive because it will anticipate where the next strike will occur. This will force you to control your thoughts while at the same time give you confidence in your ability to handle being hit.


As you perform more of this exercise, have your partner add more force to his strikes. Please remember that you do not want your partner going full force on you and keep the striking power to the head and face to a minimal for your useless if your have any brain trauma.

P.S. When getting hit remember to breathe out on impact and to go with the flow of the blow.

Till the next time remember there’s no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Sunday, June 27, 2010

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM A KNIFE STABBING OR SLASH

Hi everyone today’s post I would like to talk about the realities of a knife attack. When most people think of a knife attack or defense for it they usually have an idea that they will see the knife thrust or slash coming in there direction in plenty of time to respond to it. The reality of it is that you won’t. Here are just a few links to knife attack video that are posted on YouTube to show you the realities of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suNKWwPnkJ0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEjKU0p9JZw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlb6qGyblR8&feature=related

No one is going to let you know in advance what is about to occur and no one after stabbing or slashing someone with a knife will leave there arm out so you can grab it or perform some bullshit joint lock to twist the knife out of your attacker’s hand.

The reality when it comes to dealing with a knife attack is that you will most likely get cut. There are a few things that you can do to protect yourself so that the slashes and cuts do not end up being fatal. The 1st tip is to grab anything that you can use as a shield between you and the knife. This can be a back pack, book or chair etc.

The 2nd tip is to tuck in your chin so you do not get your artery cut in the throat area. Also stand at a 45 degree angle (bladed position) so the arteries just above your knee on the inner part of your leg do not get cut. As well you will naturally go into a fetal position you want to use your forearms as a shield between the blade and your torso to protect you. I have included a link to the video that explains the forearm shield.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62rY_wRT1hI


You also want to control the hand holding the weapon. Focus on grabbing the elbow not the hand of the arm holding the blade. This will make it a little easier for you to grab the hand that has the weapon.

P.S. There are new Skull TACT T shirts available you can purchase them at http://thetactstore.spreadshirt.com



Till the next time remember there’s no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Sunday, June 13, 2010

HAVING THE RIGHT MINDSET WHEN DEALING WITH MULTIPLE ATTACKER'S

Here is a video that I thought shows the right mindset to have when dealing with multiple attacker’s when all else fails and you have no why out. Notice that it’s a 5 on 1 situation but the lone person had made the right decision and that is to “give the beating” instead of being a victim and “taking the beating”.

My philosophy when it comes to combat is this” Combat is 90% and only 10% physical” you have to go into the fight without having any reservations in attacking or harming your enemy. This guy proves this philosophy by having the “psycho mindset” or “killer instinct mindset”. If he had decided to wait for his attackers to take the first swing or remain calm and zen like then the outcome of the fight would of not gone his way.

To view video click this link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAsPe98w-5c

Till the next time remember there is no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Hi everyone last week I witnessed an interesting situation. I witnessed an individual driving and talking on his cell phone cut someone off who crossing the street on foot. The person was nearing hit by this dump ass driver who was to busy talking on his cell instead of paying attention to the road.

The individual who was nearing struck by the car was pissed and slammed his fists on the car yelling to the driver to get off his f**king phone and that he was going to kill him.

The driver slowly stopped his car the angry man approached the car cursing and swinging his fists stating that he was going to beat the living crap out of the driver. Now before I continue what would you do if you were in this situation?


Drive off? Grab a weapon from your glove box? Undo your seat belt? Well to my surprise what the driver did next was none of those things. The driver instead unlocked his driver's side door, opened it and proceeded to listen to the aggressive individual's rants while the individual stood by the driver's side door. The individual then gives the driver a few good punches to the face before he walks away.

Now what shocked me more about this stupidity was that two days later a similar situation happened again to someone else and that driver unlocked and opened his door as well. All I could do was shake my head in disbelief to the ignorance of some people.

Self defense is about common sense if you can avoid violence altogether then do so for you never know what the other person is capable of doing. If your going to stay at the scene then prepare yourself for battle by unbuckling your seat belt or having your self defense product ready in hand or having your foot ready to hit the gas.

Many people tend to think that they have to stick around especially if they know that they are in the wrong to apologize but you don't. Nice guys always finish last out on the streets. So how did you answer the question of what would you do?

Till the next time remember there is no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

YOU ARE INVITED TO...

Subject: Attacked...in your HOME!

I can
Being taken hostage in your own home...

Beaten...

Tied up...

Helpless...

Forced to watch your family fear for their life (or worse, watch
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If this is too much for you to even imagine and you need to click
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Not too many people have the ability to take their "survival mind
set" to that level.

But the real "survivors" out there have already imagined what
they would do in this situation.

Are you one of them?

Do you own a gun?

Do you take pride in your role as "protector"?

Do you have any "secrets" of your own you'd like to share?

Then I want to tell you about a special FREE EVENT happening this
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What's YOUR opinion on the best weapon for home defense?

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This is your chance to share your best secrets and help your
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You'll need to register for this LIVE EVENT but it's going to be
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Here are the details:

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See you on the call!

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Sunday, May 16, 2010

DEALING WITH STREET FIGHTING WOUNDS



In today's post I would like to discuss what you can do to help yourself when dealing with a street fighting injury. As you know when it comes to street fighting it is uncontrolled violence so anything can happen. It is the complete opposite from controlled violence such as MMA or bare knuckle bouts that are recorded and played on YouTube.

So it's not just good enough to know how to fight but also how to deal with injuries that occur during violence so you can see another day.




Here are some common injuries that you may face in a street confrontation. Some are life threatening while others are not and are related to training injuries.


By following these guidelines taken from the Canadian Red Cross Society your odds of survival will increase while you are waiting for medical assistance.


INJURY TO NOSE

To control a nosebleed lean forward and pinch the nostrils together until bleeding stops if nose is broken call 911.


BREATHING HEAVY

If you are breathing heavy after a physical confrontation place both your palms of your hand on the back of your head and stick your chest out this will open your lungs up so you can catch your breathe.



UNCONSCIOUS DUE TO CHOKES

If you have assistants get them to place victim in lotus position (legs crossed) push the victims heels toward the groin while having victims knees out now you will push onto the chest a couple of times with your palms. If you are alone prop victims back against the front of your legs and push down on chest with your palms. Victim should regain consciousness if not after a few attempts call 911.



NEARLY KNOCKED OUT

If you are hit and are dropped to the ground due to almost being knocked out do not get up on your feet right away. Instead go up on one knee count to ten then slowly get up on your feet use the surroundings around you to support yourself. Follow up by seeking medical attention.




GROIN STRIKES

If hit in the groin jump into the air and land on the heels of your feet a few times this will help subdue the intensity of pain.



EYE INJURIES

If sprayed with pepper spray keep eye open and flush out eye with water/milk. If eye has been stabbed with an object do not remove object. If you can try to place sterile dressings around the object, support object with a paper cup and carefully bandage/support the cup in place. Call 911



BODY PART BITTEN OFF

If a body part is bitten off apply pressure to control bleeding, try to find missing body part, wrap in clean moist material place in plastic bag and place on ice, call 911.


HEAD INJURIES

A concussion is when someone loses consciousness for only a few minutes, anyone who is suspected of having one should see a physician

Scalp Injury this is when the scalp is bleeding, remember when dealing with a scalp injury there usually is a lot of bleeding involved. Apply pressure to control bleeding and apply dressing. If it is a deep scalp wound apply pressure with hands to the area around the wound.



DEALING WITH MAJOR OPEN WOUNDS

Do not wash wound for you can cause greater tissue damage but attempt to control the bleeding by applying pressure and elevate wounded area if you can. Use dressing, shirt towel or a hand to apply pressure. If body part has been completely cut off, find body part, wrap in moist clean material place in plastic bag and place on ice.






DEALING WITH MINOR OPEN WOUNDS

Wash wound with soap and water, place dressing over wound. When to get stitches? Stitches are usually needed for face and hand lacerations when edges of skin do not fall together or when any wound is longer than ½ to 1 inches.



ABDOMINAL WOUNDS

Carefully position yourself on your back, do not apply direct pressure. Do not push back into the abdomen any organs that may be protruding from the wound. Remove clothing around wound apply moist sterile dressing loosely over the wound (warm tap water can be used) call 911




ARTERIAL WOUNDS

When an artery gets cut you want to apply pressure on it immediately by using a shirt or hand. If it is the artery in the wrist that is wounded elevate the hand as you apply pressure while placing two of you fingers from you other hand up into your arm pit area so you slow the pulse down.

If it is the artery in your thigh (slightly above the knee area) you want to apply pressure immediately using a shirt or your hand. Place your other hand/forearm in the crease of your groin and hip area and apply pressure to help stop the flow of blood to that area. Seek medical attention immediately with any arterial wound it is considered life threatening.

P.S. When stopping blood flow to the area you only want to do this for 10 minutes any time after that you begin to cause damage to that body part. Also if an object is lodged in the body, do not pull it out for it will cause severe bleeding.



BOTTOM LINE


These are effective quick ways to control an injury from becoming worse so time is on your side. Always call for medical assistance as soon as possible.



Till the next time remember there is no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

Friday, April 30, 2010

IT'S ALMOST OVER


Hi this is my final and very quick message about my discounted price of 50% off the TACT DVD Fighting System Series or The Secret of Street Fighting Book & DVD Special (it’s about to expire in 24 hours)

Once again this offer is only valid to anyone who has purchased my book Secrets of Street Fighting or is a TACT Tips Newsletter Subscriber or member of the Secrets of Street Fighting Readers Group on Face Book.

You get my 3 disk DVD Fighting Series teaching you the entire TACT Self Defense Street Fighting System for only $47 or get my book Secrets of Street Fighting plus all 3 DVD’s for only $72 (once again this offer is about to expire depending on when you read this, it may already have).

It simple go to www.paypal.com and make the payment to tactselfdefense@yahoo.ca leave a note indicating what you have ordered and that’s it.


Here's your last chance to grab it cheap

Check it out at

http://www.tactselfdefense.com (Get the DVD details here)

http://www.tactselfdefense.com/silver-street-fighting-package.php (Get the book & DVD details here)




Remember there’s no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt



To unsubscribe go to unsubscribe@tactselfdefense.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF P****ING

Hi everyone,

In today's post I would like to discuss another one of my favorite tactics and what I find to be a very effective self defense tactic. It's the basic art of pinching. Yes you heard me right pinching. Ever get a tit twister or someone grabs your inner thigh and pinches you as hard as they can? Then you know how effective that tactic is.

When performing any pinching tactic you want to try and focus on pinching bare skin. Yes it is still effective when done on top of clothes but it's much more effective on straight flesh. When pinching you want to dig your nails and fingers deep into the skin then twist hard and violently and keep twisting. You want to try and tear the flesh off of your attacker's face or whatever body part your pinching. Do not let go when your attacker screams keep pinching for as long as you can while you bite, eye gouge, head butt or whatever else your doing to your attacker so you destroy him.

SPECIAL OFFER TO ALL MY READER"S



I first would like to thank all those who have purchased there copy of my book Secrets of Street Fighting the sales of the book have been astronomical all thanks to you. So as a thank you to all those who have purchased my book (I even decided that I am even going to do this if you’re a TACT Tips Newsletter subscriber or a member of my Secrets of Street Fighting Reader’s Group on Face Book) I am going to give you my entire DVD Series at 50% off as a special thank you gift.

For a limited time only I am giving away my 3 disk TACT DVD Fighting Systems Series set that shows you the complete TACT Self Defense Street Fighting System which is usually priced at $97.00 USD for a discounted rate of only $47.00 USD (once again that’s over 50% off).

Its simple all you have to do is make your purchase through PayPal www.paypal.com make a payment of $47 USD to tactselfdefense@yahoo.ca and leave a note stating that “I want the Special DVD offer”.

P.S If you still haven’t purchased your copy of my block buster book Secrets of Street Fighting and want to purchase it plus get the DVD Special Offer I have a deal for you as well. Once again make your purchase through PayPal www.paypal.com make a payment of $72.00 USD (that’s 50% off the regular $147.00 regular price) to tactselfdefense@yahoo.ca and leave a note stating that “I want the book & DVD offer”.


NOTE: You better hurry both these offers are only valid until May 1/2010 until midnight.



Here's your chance to grab it cheap.

Check it out at

http://www.tactselfdefense.com (Get the DVD details here)

http://www.tactselfdefense.com/silver-street-fighting-package.php (Get the book & DVD details here)



Remember there’s no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm “The Cannibal” Bettencourt

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

IMPROVISED BATONS

Hi everyone today's post I would like to discuss the topic of improvised batons. Now like I have stated in my previous posts you want to try to see what is around you in your immediate environment to see what you could use as a weapon if need be.

Now I want you to think for a moment when you walk around during the day what do you carry on you that could be transformed into a baton? Well there are a couple of things umbrellas which should be carried from the tip so the handle makes impact on your attacker if you were to strike him with it. The handle is much more damaging to strike with then with the end or tip of the umbrella.

Another everyday object that you can use is a rolled up newspaper or magazine. To see how effective this home made baton can be simply make a fist and strike your fist with the magazine or newspaper. Some guys like stuffing the magazine or newspaper with a piece of wood to give it even more striking power.

Now when it comes to techniques with striking someone using the news paper umbrella or whatever you transform into a baton there is none. Simply strike the S.O.B in the hand if he is holding a weapon and until he releases it. You can also club or strike him in the face, chin or neck area. This will definitely do some damage to your attacker.

Till the next time remember there's no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt
http://www.tactselfdefense.com/secrets-of-street-fighting-book.php

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

HITTING HIGH COMPARED TO HITTING LOW...WHAT'S BETTER

Hi everyone hope everyone is doing well. In today's post I would like to discuss what is more effective striking someone high or low on the body. When ever the human body see's a stimuli coming it's way it goes into the flinch response. Basically the hands go up to block what is coming in there direction. This response is a natural and instinctive response that does not need to be learned we are simply born with it.

The TACT Self Defense Street Fighting System bases it's blocking tactics around the flinch response because it does not have to be taught. It is already ingrained in your muscle memory so you don't need to learn some complicated blocking technique that requires thousands of repetitions for it to be remembered.

As well the brain naturally responds to a stimuli coming high such as a punch towards the face much quicker then responding to a stimuli that is low such as a kick to the shin. The flinch response kicks in and the hands come up when a high level attack is coming. But the brain finds it harder to see and respond to a low line strike. The brain takes more time recognizing what is going on and responding to the low line attack. This in turn means that by striking low your odds of striking your attacker are much better then striking high.


BTW You also have more power in your low line tactics then you do when attacking at high levels.


Till the next time remember there's no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

Saturday, March 27, 2010

EVERYDAY OBJECTS THAT WILL PROTECT YOU FROM PUNCHES TO KNIFE SLASHES

Hi everyone today's post I would like to discuss how you can protect yourself from slashes from a knife or any other type of blow such as from a fist or pipe. Now most people when they teach defense from knife thrusts/slashes or any other kind of blow focus on empty hand tactics. What the TACT Self Defense Street Fighting System focuses on is using your environment to shield yourself from the blade or fist coming your way. Yes sometimes circumstances can't allow you to grab something but if you can then do it. It will finish the fight that much faster.

This in turn makes the situation a bit safer to deal with and also makes it a little easier to disarm your attacker. Now before I go into what you can use as a shield I want to remind everyone of one thing. You want to make it a habit whenever entering a room to scan the area to see what you can use to protect yourself with in that environment.

After a while it becomes second nature for you to automatically scan and pick out weapons in your environment without even realizing it. Basically if you can pick it up use it as a shield and as a weapon.




So here are some shields that you can use regardless if someone is punching, kicking, thrusting a knife at you, swinging a pipe or using any blunt object on you.

Chairs
Briefcases
Books
Back packs
Duffle Bags
Stools
Grocery carts
Cutting Boards
Slash resistant shirts ($250 per shirt and looks like an ordinary long sleeve shirt)
Kevlar gloves (slash/stab resistant gloves allowing you to grab a knife/needle from your enemy)


Remember don't stay in defense mode immediately attack your enemy with the shield so he is forced into defensive mode and you take control of the situation.

Till the next time there's no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

ASKING QUESTIONS PUTS MOMENTUM ON YOUR SIDE

Hi everyone hope everybody had a great week. This weeks post I would like to talk about how asking questions before the act of physical violence starts can put momentum on your side catching your attacker off guard.

In my new book Secrets of Street Fighting I talk a lot about the importance of putting momentum on your side so you control the fight from start to finish. So how do you do this? Will one why is by attacking your enemy in mid sentence or phrase and continue attacking until you feel it's safe to stop. Another way is by asking your attacker a question such as "When's your birthday?" or "Do you want to go for a drink?'". When you ask anyone a question an automatic response the brain has to it is to think about it.

Now it is vital that in the split second after you have asked your question when your attacker is thinking about what was just said (he will either think of his birth date or will think why the hell are you asking this) that you attack full force without any hesitation. This in turn puts momentum on your side because by the time your enemy has gotten his mind back into attacking you it will be to late because his is flat on his ass.

To read more about putting momentum on your side go to

http://www.tactselfdefense.com/secrets-of-street-fighting-book.php

Till the next time remember there's no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

Sunday, March 07, 2010

HOW TO PREVENT A FORCED ENTRY

Hi everyone today's post is about how to prevent a forced entry. In today’s society it is becoming all too common to hear of another home invasion, or a forced entry in our local newspapers, and media. Many times the victims were unaware of how they could have prevented this situation from escalating. I can tell you first hand that statistics have shown that criminals have become so brazen that they no longer care if there is anyone in the home when they enter to rob, rape, and destroy anything in their paths. There are of course many ways to protect yourselves in your homes, but I would like to just start by giving you a simple technique that anyone can use to protect themselves from being a victim of Forced Entry.

You hear a knock on your door, you open the door to see who is there, and before you can even understand what is happening, an intruder forces his way in by pushing past you. You and your family are now at the mercy of this intruder. Many people assume that there was nothing that they could have done to prevent this from happening, but this is far from the truth. I will now explain a simple technique that can interrupt this criminals plan.

First always look to see who is at your door either through the peep hole, or by asking who it is. If your gut instinct is telling you something is wrong then listen to that feeling and do not open the door. Just because someone is knocking at your door doesn’t mean you have to open it or even answer. If it is a person stating that they have a delivery then tell them to leave the package outside the door and tell them you are busy and will get it later.

You can also ask them which company they work for, and call that company to confirm that a parcel is being sent to your home. It wouldn’t be the first time that an intruder has dress up in a uniform to gain easy access into a home. Now if it is a person that you do not know and they are wearing regular clothing, do not open the door period. Always ask what they want, and if they state that they need to use your phone because of an accident, tell them you will make the call, and get the information from them without opening your door.




Now if you do decide to open your door to a stranger which I do not recommend, make sure you are wearing shoes. The technique will only work while wearing shoes because you need traction against the floor. Bare feet or socks will not provide this for you.


Open the door slightly while the ball of your foot is pressed up against the door, and the heel of your foot is on the floor. Your foot should be braced snug against the door so that even if the person at the door tries pushing the door inwards, your foot will act as a door jam preventing him from forcing the door open.



Regardless of the persons size he will not be able to enter due to the leverage caused by your foot. You now can force the door closed with your hands while keeping your foot in place. Lock the door and call 911. Another good idea is to have a self defense product such as pepper spray an arms reach away from the entrance so when you do jam the door with your foot you can easily grab the pepper spray container and spray your attacker’s eyes making it easier to close the door on the intruder or fight him off.

P.S. I would like to thank all those who have purchased this week my book Secrets of Street Fighting it should be in your hands in a few days. If you haven't ordered your copy yet you can get it at
http://www.tactselfdefense.com/secrets-of-street-fighting-book.php

Till the next time remember there's no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

Sunday, February 28, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD BITE WHEN YOU FIGHT

Hi hope everyone had a great few weeks I had to do security detail for the Olympics so I couldn't make any posts for that time I was working, sorry about that.

Today"s post is from a good friend and trainer that I know and respect Christopher Bob Roberts from Extreme Measures Institute. We both pretty much have the same philosophy on self defense. He sent me this link from YouTube that I think will show you how powerful biting can be in a street fight. This also goes with what I talk about in my book Secrets of Street Fighting which I am happy to say can be ordered through my website now.

Here's the link for the biting YouTube video


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SMzF9b2Eus


Here's the link to order your copy of my book Secrets of Street Fighting

http://www.tactselfdefense.com/secrets-of-street-fighting-book.php



Till the next time remember there's no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.


Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

Friday, February 05, 2010

TARGETS TO STRIKE DURING SELF DEFENSE SITUATIONS

Hi everyone hope everybody had a great week. Today's post is regarding the best targets to strike on the human body so you destroy your attacker in the quickest time possible.

Now imagine for a second that you are up against an attacker the size of Brock Lesnor. Now many schools of self defense teach there students how to punch and kick there attacker. Now if your up against a guy the size of Brock how long do you think you actually will have trying to out box or kick him before he has you for lunch?

If your honest with yourself you know you don't have much time. If you have ever been in a fight against a guy the size of Brock like I have you learn quickly that those punches from him will do a number on you after the first one or two blows because all you will be doing is seeing stars and going into defensive mode that's if your ass isn't knocked out yet.

So a rule of thumb is never hit targets haphazardly. Hit targets that will cause a domino type of effect to your attacker's body so momentum goes on your side and your attacker is placed in a defense mode instead of offensive mode. The targets you should hit are one's that are difficult to condition and cause an immediate effect onto your attacker's body.

You should not be trying to out box, kick or out grapple your attacker trying to hit anything you can. Strike targets that stop your attacker dead in his tracks. He should become immobilized once hit (not talking about pressure point stuff either) and you keep attacking till you know it's safe to stop. By focusing on targeting instead of techniques you will have a better chance of surviving violence.

P.S There have been a lot of people asking about when the Secrets of Street Fighting Book will be ready to order. I am glad to say in two weeks time I will have the first order of books in my hands, we are just getting the web page ready so you can order it from there. So to everyone thanks for our patience and I guarantee that it will be worth the wait.

Till the next time remember there is no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

Friday, January 15, 2010

APPLYING CHOKE HOLDS PART 2

Hi everyone hope everybody had a great week. Today's post is part 2 of how to practice applying choke holds. Now in reality issues such as clothing and the size of the individuals neck play a big factor on how successful your able to execute your choke hold. So when practicing applying choke holds there is something that I do with all of my students that helps put more realism into there training.

What I do is this when I put on my protective body armor, to do crisis rehearsal scenarios (improvised hardcore sparring) I place thick padding around my nech area usually making my neck 22 inches thick. This way my students learn how to improvise when applying a choke on a moving resistant person who has an above average neck size. Students learn quickly which chokes are realistic to apply out on the street and which ones are harder or next to impossible to apply in real life violent situations.

So to get a better feel on how well your choke holds are try this training tip out. Try not to focus to much on using training dummies when practicing applying choke holds for they are static and don't fight back and give you a false sense of security of how well you can apply your choke hold tactics.

P.S. Next week I should have a link up for Amazon so you can order my book Secrets of Street Fighting, you will also be able to order it at any book store world wide as well.

Till the next time remember there's no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt.

Friday, January 08, 2010

WHEN ATTACKER'S DON'T FEEL PAIN

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone had a great New Years. Today's post I would like to discuss the issue of what you do when your attacker does not feel any pain. I have dealt with this situation a few times in my life and let me tell you that it is not a fun situation to be in.

If you have experienced this yourself you know exactly what I mean. Your attacker could be under the influence of drugs or have a mental condition and regardless of what you do he is simply immune to pain. You can break his arm, leg or pound his head against the concrete but he keeps on getting up and fighting.

So how do you stop a guy such as this? Punching his head in doesn't work, joint locks just break his limb (that's if your lucky enough to be able to apply a joint lock) and that doesn't do a thing to him. if you guessed choke holds then your correct.

Rendering your attacker unconscious is the only way to stop an attacker who is impervious to pain. A little tip here usually it takes between 4-6 seconds to render someone unconscious but make sure you hold it for 8-10 seconds that way you know that the job is done correctly.

As well when practicing choke holds when your partner taps release the pressure but maintain the form for at least 10 seconds. That way you don't get into the bad habit of automatically releasing the choke in the real world when you attacker begins tapping and clawing at your arm. Remember we fight like how we train you got to make your training as realistic as possible because out on the street your on automatic mode.

Till the next time remember there is no such thing as a dirty fighter only an educated one.

Norm "The Cannibal" Bettencourt

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About Me

Norm Bettencourt is the Creator/President of Tactical Self Defense which specializes in personal protection tactics against modern day threats of violence. For more information visit www.tactselfdefense.com