Understanding Fear & Adrenaline

Combat is 90% mental and only 10% physical when people experience a threat one of two things happen to them. They either experience the “flight/freeze response” (I place the freeze response into the flight category to simplify things) or they experience the “fight response”. Most people forget this vital concept when it comes to personal protection.

People usually focus on practicing physical techniques and fail to realize that if you cannot control your thoughts flight (fear) will set in and you will freeze up and not be able to do anything to protect yourself. It’s just like what a deer does when it see’s a car’s headlights coming straight for it, it just stands there looking at the vehicle headlights and bam it gets hit by the vehicle. This is exactly what you will experience when you are experiencing a threat if you don’t train your mind to go into the “fight response”.

“Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out.”

                                                                                                       Karl A. Menninger

We as humans are born with only two fears the first is the fear of loud noises (startle reflex) and the second is the fear of falling (avoidance reaction) every other fear is learned, so we can reprogram our brains to not be afraid of violence, pain or of being hit or struck.

Understanding fear, adrenaline and the effects it has on you physically, mentally and emotionally will put you in a better position to understanding and controlling fear.

There are two types of fear:

1) Recreational Fear: This has an element of control such as a mixed martial arts match due to the fact that there are rules to abide by and there is a referee in the cage. The athletes/fighter's know that the violence is controlled due to these factors and that they will not be seriously injured.

2) Fear: This occurs when things are out of your control such as a violent street attack which could end in death. You can control your fear of a violent altercation by being tactically prepared (physical, psychological and emotional training builds confidence).

Adrenaline Symptoms During & After Violence (Autonomic Nervous System)

Physical:

Upset stomach: butterflies/nausea

Increased blood pressure

Increased perspiration

Sweaty palms or sweaty

Bowel/Bladder Urgency: Defecating or urinating oneself, everyone hates admitting to this but it is very common with the manliest men

Diarrhea

Chills

Chest pain

Tremors/shakes

Muscle tightness

Dizziness

Thirty

Jumpiness

Hyperventilation

Dry mouth/throat: Cotton mouth

Fatigue

Restlessness

Visual/audio changes: Sometimes these changes are beneficial such as having visual enhancement and being able to see the bullets in the cylinder of a revolver. Sometimes it can be detrimental to the person such as tunnel vision which excludes your peripheral vision making you more vulnerable to an ambush because you ca not see the stimuli coming around you.

Outer Body Experience: This is when you feel like your watching the violence you are experiencing from outside your body.

Increased Heart Rate: Beats per minute (bpm)

60-80 bpm (code white) normal resting heart rate

80-115 bpm (code yellow) alert to your surroundings.

115-145 bpm (code red) optimal survival and combat performance level for complex motor skill, visual reaction time, and cognitive reaction time

145-175 bpm (code grey) complex or fine motor skill deteriorates,  loss of depth perception, auditory exclusion

Note: Using gross motor skills is paramount when performing street survival tactics. If you are focusing on fine motor skill tactics you better be training long and hard as a Navy Seal and most people do not have the time or dedication to train this way.

175-220 bpm (code black) loss of near vision (tunnel vision), reduced bleeding from wounds, flight/freeze response, submissive behavior, bladder /bowels loosen

Mental:

Concentration problems: After the violence the person may not remember what even happened during the violent altercation due to memory loss, this usually comes back a couple of days later.

Memory distortion: This is when you think you see a loved one get hit, shot or stabbed but in reality they were not even touched.

Word finding problems

Dazed

Time Delay: Everything happens in slow motion, you see the bullet coming straight for you just like you were in a Matrix movie. This can also be confused with "freezing" because paralysis sometimes takes over your body such as not being able to feel like you can move your legs. Instead this is just time delay you are experiencing because you are moving your legs very slowly.

Emotional:

Decreased emotional control

Playing the event over and over in your mind

Second guessing yourself

Irritable

Anxious

Scared

Numb

Overwhelmed

Happy you survived

Note: It usually takes three or four days for the body to get to normal after experiencing a major adrenaline dump.

 "The key is to understand and manage arousal, not attempt to prevent or eradicate it."

                                                                 Michael J. Asken, Ph.D

Do not get down on yourself for feeling this way instead accept the fact that you will feel fear and these sensations for fear is actually your friend because it prepares you for combat. The majority of law enforcement, military personnel & security professionals experience these signs of stress when confronted with violence. Remember you want to control and manage your fear by understanding it. Your job is not to try to be fearless or fear will control you.

To find out more visit  http://tactselfdefense.com/fearmanagement/

Tactical Muscle Training For Grip & Hand Strength

Here is a video to increase your grip and hand strength for tactical combat purposes.

Tactical Muscle Training

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

Norm Bettencourt

 BELT BUCKLE KNIFE

This video will show you how to get the element of surprise behind you using the belt buckle knife so you can quickly and effectively take out your enemy.




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

Norm Bettencourt

How To Successfully Get In Your Pre-emptive Strike Without Your Enemy Realizing It

Check out this latest video post from Tactical Self Defense at



http://youtu.be/3zJs5p8zvwI Secrets To A Sucessful Pre-emptive Strike



There's No Such Thing As A Dirty Fighter Only An Educated One

Norm Bettencourt

The Six S's of Combat

In the Tactical Self Defense System there are six important concepts or principles to combat which all start with the letter “S” that should be applied to every violent situation. By following these concepts and principles which have been taken from systems that the military, FBI, CIA use as well as what convicts and street fighters use will put momentum on your side to help take out your enemy.


The First “S” = Situational Awareness

By having situational awareness, you are never caught off guard so you can either avoid or deal with whatever situation comes your way all due to having time to respond because you are alert to your surroundings because you are in a “code yellow” condition. Most people walk around being in “code white” not paying attention to their environment, thinking about what they have to do throughout their day, such as picking up the dry cleaning, doing groceries and so on.

So how do you have situational awareness and be in “code yellow”? Here are some suggestions.


Use Reflections: Be in the present moment and while going about your day use reflections from windows of buildings and cars to see what is happening around you, this will give you a complete 360 degree view of your surroundings making it harder for you to be caught of guard.

Keep Your Distance: Take corners wide. This way if someone is waiting for you around the bend, you will have time to respond to the stimuli and not be caught off guard. When walking, keep your distance from people walking next to you or while walking near people seated at side walk cafes. As well when walking next to bushes and other objects you want to give yourself some distance away from these objects incase someone is hiding near them.


Shadows: Notice shadows that are coming up on you while walking. This gives you an indication that someone may be making their move. While walking to your car or doorway observe to see if there are shadows around.


Senses: Use your senses such as sight which we have already gone into but smells as well. Do you smell cigarette smoke, body odor, alcohol? What do you hear - foot steps, a group of people coming your way from behind or a car speeding up towards you? These are all things that can help you either to avoid a situation from happening or to prepare yourself to deal with that situation so you can catch your enemy off guard and take him out. Always trust your gut instinct if something doesn’t feel right. Listen to what your gut is telling you.


The Second “S” = Stance & Spacing

Whenever dealing with anyone, you want to keep at least five to ten feet away from your enemy this way you have more time to respond to the stimuli that comes your way. You want to stand at a 45 degree angle with your knees slightly bent, hands up chest level while always talking with your hands. Have your chin slightly tucked in, so you’re protected if your enemy tries sucker punching you, you won’t get knocked out. This stance as well makes you less of a target then standing directly in front of your enemy and allows you to move away from your enemy’s attack quickly. Keep in mind to never back yourself into a corner. Always have your back towards a door, and if you need to back up, take one step back then turn so your back is always facing an exit this way you always have a way out.

Note: There are situations where having your back towards a wall can be helpful such as using it as a support so you don’t fall to the ground or having your back against a wall so you don’t have to worry about someone coming up from behind you.



The Third “S”= Scanning

While using situational awareness, you want to scan your surroundings. By scanning you prevent tunnel vision which is a major problem for people in a confrontation because then you exclude stimuli that could be coming their way such as the friends of your enemy coming into the picture while in the heat of the moment, or afterwards when the fight is over. Note what you can use in your environment to take out your attacker, items such as garbage bins, bus stop benches while fighting out on the street. While fighting indoors items such as vases, pots, pans, chairs and tables are all things that will make your life easier and safer for you to take out your enemy, more on this in a later chapter. So begin making it a habit whenever you walk into a room or in any environment to scan and see what you can use as a weapon if crap hits the fan and you need to take someone out.

You want to scan your enemy’s body language for cues that will indicate that he may become violent. Most people usually don’t have a clue on what to look for when it comes to the enemy’s body language to tell what his true intentions are when both of you are at a stand off before the first strike is thrown. Body language says more than verbal communication and is 60% of how a message is communicated. So what are some of these body language cues to look out for that tells you that a person will attack?

- Is he making a fist?
- Tight lips or jaw line
- Clinching his teeth
- Exaggerated motions such as swinging his arms
- Red face (angry/drunk)
- Staring at you (more than 70% of the time)
- While looking into his eyes his stare changes or he quickly goes off some where in his mind (he has triggered himself)
- Trying to invade your personal space
- Sweat dripping of his face (possible drug use)
- Aggressive tone
- What do you smell on him (alcohol/drugs)
- Changes from being in your face to being nice to catch you off guard
- Ignores you when your speaking to them
- Suddenly holds his breath (is getting ready to strike)
- Has his hand in his pocket while being verbally threatening (usually has a weapon in his pocket ready to pull it out and use it on you)
- Is quiet (watch out for the quiet ones)

Whenever dealing with anyone you want to keep at least five to ten feet away from your enemy this way you have more time to respond to the stimuli that comes your way. As well when dealing with someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs there behavior will be unpredictable so stay alert. Always focus on your enemy’s’ shoulders for this will give away there movement before actually attacking.


The Fourth “S”= Surprise

By having and using the element of surprise you now place momentum on your side. Remember what I have stated earlier “There’s no such thing as a dirty fighter…only an educated one” So if someone calls you out and begins taking off his jacket as he is taking off his jacket–attack him then¬–and keep attacking till you know he won’t be getting up. Also if someone calls you outside to fight when he turns around to walk out the door, hit him with a chair while his back is towards you, or strike him using your favorite tactic. There’s no such thing as a dirty fighter and if people want to call you that, then they have no idea what street fighting is about.


If you are in a situation where you are minding your own business and someone approaches you in a threatening manner, play timid but in your mind you are tapping into your “killer instinct mindset” and getting ready to execute your “specialized sucker punch”. What is a specialized sucker punch? It is any tactic that you do to catch your enemy of guard without telegraphing your intentions, surprising him and overwhelming him with your assault.

It could be bringing your hands in surrender mode and talking with your hands while stating “I don’t want any tro…” before you finish your phrase, you attack in mid sentence catching him off guard with either a finger jab to the eyes or a palm upwards to your enemies chin, and continue your assault till your attacker can’t get up off the ground..

Another way of doing this would be if you have a drink in your hand. Play timid. State your phrase, and before finishing it, throw that drink in your enemies face. This tactic can also be done with dirt being thrown into your enemy’s eyes. This then puts momentum on your side and all your enemy can do is go into a defensive state.

The Fifth “S”= Speed

By using the element of surprise, you also put speed on your side because your enemy doesn’t see your attack coming until it’s too late. When you attack, it must be done quickly, violently and in a committed manner. There should be no mercy. Once you have thrown that first strike, you continue striking your enemy as fast as you can without stopping. Do not throw one blow and then stop, for you are allowing your enemy to respond and shift the momentum onto their side. You want keep the momentum on your side at all times and that’s where speed comes in.






The Sixth “S” = Slaughter

This is what we call “code black” when you attack, you must have no reservations and be fully committed in your ambush. You should not be thinking of legal consequences of your actions or thinking that you don’t want to hurt your enemy that you just want to control him. Like I stated in a previous chapter, it would be like going to a gun fight with a knife. You’re going to lose because your enemy has a more powerful weapon than you do. Remember your most powerful weapon in self defense situations is your mindset.



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


Norm Bettencourt

The Best Self Defense Training Knives

I am always looking for ways to make my self defense training as realistic as possible. I find that sometimes some of the training tools that I use sometimes will either help or hinder my training. Take for example self defense training knives that are out on the market today.

There is the traditional rubber knife which has been used for years. Regardless that this knife is made from rubber it still can injure someone during training sessions.I have suffered a few minor cuts from it's pointed tip when my training partner goes full speed trying to slash or stab me. What happens next is that my training partner slows down on his attack due to his concern in injuring me. My knife training scenario's now becomes extremely controlled and unrealistic.

Then there is the Shock Knife which is a great training tool. This knife sends off an electric shock to the person being cut during a training session. It gets practitioners adrenaline and blood pumping which is what you want happening in your training sessions. This then mimics the affects adrenaline plays on your body during a real life violent encounter while your training. You also are more hesitant in executing your knife disarming tactics compared to being up against a rubber knife when using a Shock Knife. This is exactly how you will be feeling when dealing with a real knife which is a good thing. There are a few of downfalls to the Shock Knife the first only law enforcement or military personnel can get there hands on it. Second is it's cost, a bit pricey. The third is that your training partner will still hold back on his attack because the Shock Knife can injure the practitioner due to it's hard surface.

Then there are foam knives that regardless of how fast and hard you go at your training partner the foam knife is extremely safe and your training partner will have no hesitations of going full speed on you. You can also place lipstick on these knives as well so you can see if you have been stabbed or slashed. This then shows you what you need to adjust in your knife disarming tactics so your better able to handle a real life knife attack.

All in all I like the Shock Knife for it's special characteristics but also like foam knives better. Foam knives make your training more realistic because your training partner is actually trying to slash ans stab you from every angle and at fast speeds. Foam knives are also dirt cheap or you can make them yourself as well. My vote goes to foam knives.

There's No Such Thing As A Dirty Fighter Only An Educated One.



Norm Bettencourt

BEWARE OF THIS KNIFE DEFENSE TACTIC


Hi everyone,

In today’s post I would like to discuss a common tactic that is taught when dealing with knife attacks which in my books is one of the top no no’s when it comes to knife defense techniques and I will explain why.

The common tactic that I am referring to is the front kick or the push kick when someone comes at you wielding a knife. The basic idea is that the leg is longer then the arm which supposedly allows you to maintain distance between you and your enemy so your enemy cannot close the distance entering the kill zone and be able to slash or stab you.

So when executing the front kick the goal is to kick the knife out of your enemies’ hand which seldom works or when using the push kick tactic you want to push your enemy back increasing the distance between your enemy so he/she cannot stab or slash you.

Now try this test stand face to face across from someone extend your leg out in front of you as you are going to do a push or front kick and as you do have the person across from you hold a rubber knife and see how far up they can reach and touch your leg with the blade of the knife.

When doing this test the majority of people can reach the knee area. Now guess what is located near the inner portion of the knee about an inch upwards towards the thigh area?



The femoral artery:


This area is a general term comprising a few large arteries in the thigh. They begin at the inguinal ligament femoral head and end just above the knee at adductor canal or Hunter's canal traversing the extent of the femur bone.


This is as wordy as I am going to get because I hate self defense instructors who try overcompensating by sounding smart because they use medical terminology but yet they have no clue on what violence is actually about. If you want more information on the femoral artery you can just Google the term.


When this artery is severed you will only have minutes to survive before you bleed out. When you’re going up against a knife exposing your leg is one of those last things you want to do because of this very reason. Why would you want to expose a major artery when someone is trying to kill you you’re just helping him/her out? All the attacker has to do is grab your leg and stab this area or slash it as he/her tries blocking your kick

The bottom line in a knife attack is to protect your major arteries and to be offensive but that’s another topic for a different post. By protecting your arteries your survival rate increases dramatically. Through the countless people that I interviewed that had survived knife attacks and/or witnessed friends die from knife attacks most individuals stated that they didn’t even know that they were stabbed until after the altercation was over and their adrenal rush had diminished. They continued to fight even after being stabbed because there injuries were not life threatening.


The ones that did know that they were stabbed or didn’t survive the stabbings were due to this one reason and this one reason alone when they were stabbed they dropped like dead weight because they had an artery punctured and it took the fight right out of them or worse yet the life right out of them. So protect your arteries not expose them for you will survive a knife attack, you will be able to continue fighting even after getting stabbed and your injuries won’t be life threatening.


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

Norm Bettencourt

Protecting Yourself and What’s Yours

Hi everyone here is a guest post by Brian Robson

Did you know that every year more than 2,000,000 home burglaries are reported in the United States, alone? That’s a home being invaded almost every 13 seconds. And to make matters worse, about 85% of these break-ins are being committed by non-professionals. Why is that worse? Think about it. A professional thief has a plan and they aim to get in and get out as quickly as possible – they aren’t looking for a fight. Unfortunately, most of the break-ins happening in this country are being committed by desperate individuals with nothing to lose and, as we all know, there’s nothing more dangerous than a man with nothing to lose.


In this particularly turbulent economy, where the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” is constantly growing, it has never been a better time to learn how to protect both yourself and what is yours, and there are a number of ways you can do this. You could invest in some new locks if you feel like the old ones aren’t up to task or do some research on Home Security Systems if that would make you feel safer. If that doesn’t do the trick you could invest in a good dog or go to your local department store to take a look at some anti-theft locks and other deterrents. These are all good ideas for defending yourself and your home, but what do you do if an intruder actually does make it into your home? Well, we have a few thoughts on that too.

You could purchase a firearm, although it would be unwise to do such a thing without first knowing how to use the weapon or having some experience firing it. Plus, if you have children, you run the added risk of them discovering where it is if you don’t properly put it away, and that could lead to tragedy. Another thing you could do is designate a safe area or panic room where you can barricade yourself and your family safely from danger. You would obviously want to make sure that you can call the outside world in the event having to use said room, but at least it would be a place where you and your loved ones could seek refuge during a home invasion. If you are looking for a more proactive approach to dealing with a home invader, you could look into some self-defense courses. However, as we stated before, you should never underestimate the resolve of a man with nothing to lose, and a full-on confrontation should not be taken lightly no matter how confident you are in your abilities.


And no matter how much you rehearse how you will act, nothing you do can account for the invader’s motives. Your best bet at protecting yourself, your home and your family is to take measures to prevent an invasion before it even has a chance to start. Lock your doors and windows, draw the blinds, don’t advertise your opulence and as far as guns, self-defense and home security go – that’s your call. Use your discretion.

HOW TO MAKE TACTICAL DECISIONS DURING VIOLENCE



As many of you know when adrenaline hits making a simple decision can be a difficult thing to do. You’re at an altered state unable to think clear and at times even have a hard time remembering something as simple as your name when it comes to an all out violent attack. Everything is a blur and is absolute chaos.

So unless you constantly train yourself to make tactical decisions during an adrenalized state will you be able to succeed at tactical thinking. So how do you become a skilled tactical thinker?


One way of going about it is the next time your training and going through adrenal stress training (this is mock fighting scenarios with a training partner but without knowing how the scenario will play out so your forced to improvise while fighting at full speed as your wearing protective body armor).


Have someone ask you a series of questions while you are fighting your training partner. Questions like “When is your wife’s birthday?” or “What does 7x7 + 16 =?” What this does is get you to problem solve when you’re under extreme stress as you are fighting and disarming your training partner.




This in turn teaches you how to think through and make critical decisions during an adrenalized state. You will then be able to think tactically when using violence and things won’t seem to be a blur or haze and you will feel in control of the situation. You will be better off on picking and choosing targets when you see openings and be able to see and use objects around you to help you take out your enemy. The bottom line is by training this way you avoid making haphazard decisions on the street which could cost you your life or worse yet the life of someone you love.


Remember your mind is your most powerful weapon and you must train your brain just as much as you train your body so you can use violence effectively and to your advantage.


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

Norm Bettencourt

CAN YOU KILL A MAN WITH ONE OR TWO BLOWS?

Hi Everyone,

In today’s post I would like to discuss empty handed “kill shots” or “deadly strikes” and if they actually exist or work.

First I would like to mention that yes a man can be taken out and killed with a single blow. There are cases where a man has been punched once in the head and has fallen to the ground and has knocked his head on the concrete and has been killed due to this trauma but the reality of this actually happening is very low.

When it comes to successfully using violent trauma to someone many variables come into play. Remember adrenaline increases your pain threshold, prepares the human body for combat by doing a number of things internally to protect the body from trauma (I won’t bore you with the medical terminology and try to show you how smart I am).


Other variables such as the receiver of the trauma defending themselves and moving around making it much more difficult to strike these “kill targets” accurately. Take for example striking someone in the temple the odds of actually taking another person’s life while striking this area is very slim remember in an altercation no one is static, people are consistently moving, dodging, fighting back and slipping strikes. It becomes extremely difficult for most people to strike the temple right on the button. Even if you were to strike the temple with perfect execution the odds of the person dying are still slim.



Realistically it is extremely rare and very difficult to kill with one or two strikes regardless of who you are, think you are or what combat system you have taken. The human body is very resilient and can take on a ton of punishment.

NOTE: Your success of killing someone will increase if you use a weapon to cause trauma to your enemy’s body but this is still not a guarantee for a successful kill.


This can be proven simply by listening to the news and hearing of people who have suffered severe blunt trauma by multiple attackers or multiple stab and gun shot wounds and have lived to tell about them. These are not just 1- 2 stab wounds to vital areas but multiple stabbings occurring 13-15 times to their body.


There are even more extreme cases where people have survived trauma in a high speed motor vehicle accidents or being pinned under a semi truck in a motor vehicle accident. Once again the human body can take a massive beating.


So when I hear of combat instructors indicating that there system teaches how to break necks or shows kill shots with minimal strikes I always shake my head in disbelief and hope people are not hanging on to these people’s claims or else they are going to be in for a very rude awakening.



So my suggestion to reader’s is look into the information you are receiving not by asking questions to your instructor because they are bias but by asking questions to those who know the human body best and those people are physicians. They will set you straight without any bullshit.

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

Norm Bettencourt

Back Up Weapons: Useful or Useless?


Hi everyone,

In today’s post I would like to discuss the topic of back up or secondary weapons and how useful they actually are for people that carry one in an event that their primary weapon has been disarmed from them.

I would first like to discuss the reality of how accessible it is to obtain your “primary weapon” during an adrenaline dump/rush situation. Many people assume that if they have a weapon on themselves and if crap hits the fan then it will be easy to deploy and use on their attacker. The fact is that this is far from the actual truth.

When your body is affected by adrenaline the simplest of tasks are extremely difficult to perform especially tasks that are based around fine motor skill which weapons deployment falls under this category.


You can put this theory to the test by striking a punching dummy/bag at full speed and power or spar with a training partner. As you are executing your hand to hand skills have someone yell out “deploy” at any given moment. When they do see how fast you can actually deploy your “primary weapon” of choice. The odds will be that you are slow, sloppy and will fumble around trying to get to your weapon as you’re being attacked. You usually will not be able to deploy it or if you do the reality is that if it were in a real violent situation you would be severely injured to get to it and use it in time.




Now think in terms of trying to obtain your “secondary/back up weapon” in the same given scenario but instead of deploying your weapon from an obtainable area such a belt (primary weapon is usually a folding or fixed blade clip knife etc) this time from an area such as a boot (boot knives are usually back up weapons of choice). What you’re going to find that this is going to be even more complicated and difficult to deploy your weapon during an adrenalized state. You are now going to have to lower yourself down to the ground to reach your boot knife while trying to raise your pant leg as you’re fighting someone off. This position makes you extremely vulnerable to attack.


Many of men have had themselves assaulted without having a fighting chance to deploy their primary let alone their secondary weapon. The only way you are actually going to have success in deploying your weapon is if it is deployed before the physical altercation has taken place (this is where situational awareness is vital) and not during and if it is during the odds of success have been drastically lowered.

Now don’t get me wrong weapons are good to carry but don’t be overconfident with them especially with back up weapons. Bottom line they are only obtainable if you have time to get to them but during the heat of the moment it’s easier said then done.

So the next time your training in weapons deployment try what I have previously suggested but add a twist to it. Wear a pair of gloves preferably Kevlar gloves when practicing drawing and retaining your weapon that way you prevent your hand from being cut. This will give you a realistic feel on how it actually feels when you’re trying to deploy and retain your weapon when under the stress of adrenaline. This will also condition your hands to have better grip strength when using a weapon under stressful situations.





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

Norm Bettencourt

BELT BUCKLE KNIVES FOR SELF DEFENSE

Hi everyone,

In today’s post I would like to discuss belt buckle knives for self defense purposes. As you know if you have been reading my posts for awhile now that I am not much of a fan of folding knives and many of the belt buckle knives come in a folding knife model.

Folding knives take much longer to deploy and open. It takes 2 steps to deploy (pull it out of the buckle area then opening the blade) compared to a fixed blade which only takes one step to deploy (pull knife out of stealth and that’s it). Also you have a greater possibly to losing your knife if you are trying to fiddle around trying to open it especially under stressful situations (fine motor skill which goes out the window during an adrenaline dump). Folding knives are also weaker and much smaller than a fixed blade on a belt buckle knife.


I also prefer a belt buckle knife over any other type of knife such as a clip on knife attached to a belt, pocket etc. This goes with boot knives as well because realistically you are not going to be able to bend down and pull your knife from your boot during an all out altercation. Belt buckle knives are easy to get to when seconds count.


That is why I like this Valois belt buckle knife model because it’s simple and very quick to deploy and feels great in your hand even with such a curvature that exists on the handle. It feels very natural when I am gripping it in my hand.



The knife is completely concealed inside the belt buckle and there is no need to worry when you’re bending over if your going to get your guts ripped out because the stealth is solid and high quality so the blade won’t penetrate through the stealth.




Belt Buckle Has A Hidden Stealth Knife

Belt 1-1/4" wide X 54" long & easily adjusted to any size

Quality Stainless Steel knife with 3-1/2" Blade

Overall length of knife is 7-1/2"

Weight 1.5lbs.

Partially serrated and straight blade



I am not an affiliate of any type regarding this knife but have been using it for the last mouth and feel it’s a great weapon to have for self defense purposes. Just Google “Valois Belt Buckle Knife” and you will find countless sites that sell this product. Prices will vary from site to site. Happy shopping!

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

Norm Bettencourt

HOW TO MAKE YOUR SELF DEFENSE WEAPONS SEEM INNOCENT IN NATURE

Hi everyone,

I love the quote stating “I rather be judged by twelve than be carried by six”. I myself agree with this quote completely and rather face a judge and jury of twelve and deal with the legal consequences of using deadly force then holding back on my attack and getting killed and have six of my closest friends carry my casket because I was afraid of the legal consequences of my actions if I ended up killing some scum bag trying to harm me or my loved ones.


This goes with what I like to talk about in today’s post. I would like to discuss how to soften things up when it comes to your true intentions with your weapon that you choose to use for self defense purposes in case you go to court for using it. Now regardless if you are in the right or wrong to use your self defense weapon which is the jury’s job to decide it is your lawyer’s responsibility to prove that you were in the right regardless of the circumstances of the situation.


So here are some suggestions that may help your case and make yourself look a little bit softer and innocent in the eyes of the jury regarding your intentions and purposes for using and having your self defense weapon. Now before I begin I would like to mention that I have made a post in the past that goes along with this regarding what to say to law enforcement after you have used force to protect yourself. I suggest you check it out if you haven’t done so already. The post is entitled “What to Say to Law Enforcement after Using Violence”.


Bottom line the post states if you’re asked questions posed by law enforcement after you have used violence to protect yourself state that “I feared for my safety and life and that is why I took the actions that I did”. You then ask for your attorney and state that you will say nothing else until your attorney is present to instruct you.


Now here are some things you can do to make your intentions seem a little softer and innocent when it comes to your intentions on using & carrying weapons for self defense purposes.


If you use a baseball bat as a self defense weapon regardless where it’s stored (car/home) make sure to also have a ball and glove placed next to it so it looks like your intentions for having such an item around is for sport related purposes. By just having a bat lying around can be seen as having bad intentions. This goes with other items such as chains, crow bar, tire iron etc make sure they are stored next to items that relate to them such as tools.



If you carry a knife on your persons instead of carrying a big survival knife which makes you look like a paranoid nut bag carry a smaller utility knife or even a pink knife so it looks like you intentions for carrying such an item is innocent and for work related purposes only. Remember it not the size of the knife that matters but knowing how to use it that counts. Try to also comply with blade length regulation laws in your area.



In many states and provinces carrying pepper spray is illegal. Instead carry perfume or men’s spray such as “Axe” in your purse or man purse bag. Spraying such products into someone’s eyes will burn and impair the person’s vision. You can also place near your doorways at home wasp/hornet spray which can shoot up to 20 feet in distance and will stop an S.O.B from entering your home. Be aware that this stuff can be lethal but once again I will take my chances if it protects my loved ones and me. Air fresheners can be placed around the home as well to use as an improvised pepper spray.


Here is a trick that I teach escorts that will work with females who are having a date in there home. Place a pot of water on your stove and boil the water moments before your date is coming over. Keep the water hot by leaving it on the element. If crap hits the fan pick up the pot and throw the water onto your attacker. This can also be done with any drink in a night club to impair someone’s vision so you can follow through with a more devastating tactic. When walking on the street and your holding a hot cup of coffee or beverage throw it into you enemies face then run or follow through to finish him off.


So all of these items that I have suggested their primary purpose is either for sporting purposes or are basic household items or items designed for your personal enjoyment. They were conveniently around at the time when you were being attacked and due to you fearing for your safety and life were the reason why you picked up these items and used them as a weapon to protect your family and yourself with. Hopefully this will help you look a little softer and innocent in the eyes of a judge and jury if you ever have to use force to protect yourself and hopefully will help the jury buy into your story.


So take a look at what you have around as weapons and see how you can make them blend in into your daily life so they seem innocent in nature to have around.


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

Norm Bettencourt

A No NO In MY Books When It Comes To Self Defense

Hi everyone,

When it comes to combat there are a few principles that I try to emphasis to all my students when they are in an altercation. One principle I emphasis is to avoid bending down or going on top of your enemy (mounting him) when executing your assault on him.

To many times I see inexperienced combat instructor’s leaning over or mounting their enemy or dropping down to the ground to strike or knee the back of their enemies’ neck or base of the skull to take them out. Now the tactic itself of striking the back of the neck or base of the skull is effective, what’s not effective is to lower yourself down to the ground to execute your tactic.

The reason being is that in a street fight there are no rules so by lowering yourself down closer to ground level makes you vulnerable to an attack by multiple attackers or vulnerable to falling over and ending up in a grappling match. Instead stay standing upright on both your feet and just stomp on the base of the skull or back of the neck using the heel of your foot. That way you’re quicker at executing your tactic because you are using the principle based around the economy of movement. Also just incase multiple attackers come into the picture you are in a better position to protect yourself and escape.

So the next time you see a tactic and it involves having to bend over and lower yourself or to drop down to the ground to mount someone try to find another way to execute the same tactic while staying upright.


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

Norm Bettencourt

Desensitizing Yourself To Violence

Hi everyone,

If you have been reading my posts for a while you know how much emphasis I place on the mental element of combat. I believe and I can’t repeat this enough that combat is 90% mental and only 10% physical. We need to train our minds to let go of barriers that inhibit us from becoming vile, raw and animalistic when it comes to using violence.

I remember the first time I bit someone in a fight I placed my enemies’ finger into my mouth and bit down hard. As I bit I watched the horror and shock inside my enemies’ eyes. I felt his bone of his finger make contact with my teeth and at that moment in time I knew that if I was going to bite down any harder their would be the sound of crackling bone and the warmth of blood that wasn’t inside my mouth.

I had prepared myself in my training to expect this and to make this event as something normal for me to do just like eating a piece of steak. I was prepared and ready for the brutality that I was to set upon my enemy. When I explain this to new students who come to train with me they all have the same reaction. They tell me that they understand that is something that they might have to do to survive violence but they do not know if they have it in them to rip and tear another human beings flesh off due to its brutality.

This is where the mental training needs to come into play for a person to be able to bite and tear flesh off of another person and be comfortable to have warm blood dripping and human meat dangle from their mouth. Or to be able to stab someone and feel the warmth of their enemies blood dripping on their hand as they penetrate a piece of cold steel deeper into their enemies’ body and watch the life of the person evaporate from their enemies’ eyes as they do so.

These are not tasks that anyone can do and are not like what you see in the movies. They are close quarters and very personal in nature. You need to prepare yourself to be able to do these things. So how do you go about doing this?

1.Go hunting and learn how to kill another animal and skin it. Remember respect nature when doing so by thanking the animal for their sacrifice and only taking an animals life for the purpose of food and not for the excitement of the kill.

2.Meditate vividly on images such as what I have described in this post like biting and tearing the flesh off someone or stabbing someone as you look into their eyes.

3.Look over real life images of someone being violently attacked if you can. There are countless images taken from security cameras in this regard. This will help desensitize you to the horrors’ of violence.

4.View footage from surgery’s or autopsies. Some medical agencies for a fee allow you to view medical professionals dissect a corpse for educational purposes.

5.Train your mind to go into the “Killer Instinct Mindset” when you are threatened with physical violence. More on this at http://www.tactselfdefense.com/fearmanagement.php


So those are just some of the things that helped me along the way to help me break down my mental barriers when it comes to using violence to its full potential.


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

Norm Bettencourt

COMBAT EXERCISES

Hi everyone,

I have been getting a few emails asking me what type of exercises I do to stay in shape for combative purposes. Now before I begin I would like to say that you do not need to be in great shape to successfully be able to protect yourself in a violent altercation but it does help. Most altercations only last between 5-20 seconds so you don’t need to train like an MMA fighter doing five, 5 minutes rounds on the bag or in the ring and doing a ton of cardio.


What you want to keep in mind when training is to perform exercises that are functional which simulates real life activities that you will need to be able to perform when you’re protecting yourself. This is exactly how the great warriors of the past have trained such as the Spartans, Gladiators and the Romans trained. This in turn makes you faster, stronger in executing your tactics and you have greater self confidence in your combat abilities. Being physically fit also makes you mentally tougher and more focused then someone who isn’t fit.


You want to perform compound exercises which are great for strength training. They involve multi joint movements that work several muscles at the same time because in reality you will be using multiple muscles at the same time when executing your combat tactics or tasks. An example of a compound exercise would be a squat this exercise works the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, glutes, lower back and the core. Try to avoid focusing on isolation exercises which only work one muscle group at a time. An example would be the bicep curl which only works the bicep muscle. This way when you’re engaging in your combat tactics or activities such as running away from a group of guys wanting to swarm you your muscles can perform the task at hand without failing you especially in times when you need them most.


So here are only a few exercises that I use that I find is beneficial to my survival skills.

Kettlebell exercises but with a spin instead of using a Kettlebell I use two (one for each hand) 5 gallon water cooler bottles filled with either sand or water. You do kettle bell exercises which are great compound exercises but by using sand or water it makes the weight unstable making you work harder to lift and stabilize the weight. This also has an added bonus by increasing your grip strength.



Note: Another alternative to Kettlebell training is sand bag training or water bag training which is basically an exercise ball filled with water this training also works grip strength at the same time.



Urban running is a great way to condition yourself to be able to escape and evade multiple attackers who want to swarm you. Remember when dealing with multiple attackers your goal is NOT to fight them but to hit and escape. So how does urban running work? Basically run for a distance then immediately sprint for a short distance then begin jogging. Find barriers that you can jump over or go under while running such as benches, climb over fences, run up stairs 2 or 3 stairs at a time you can also scale walls (basic parkour training). To increase intensity put on a weighted vest or a back pack with weight plates in it. This way your body is accustomed to this type of running and overcoming physical obstacles that get in your way allowing you to create barriers between you and your enemies so then you can lose them.


Sprints while pulling a weight sled this increases speed and gives you explosiveness you can also wear a weighted vest or back pack while doing this.



When performing any basic exercise such as chin ups instead of performing them under hand perform them over hand. The reason being is that when you need to bring yourself up over any type of barrier such as a fence you won’t be using an under hand grip to pull yourself up you will be using an over hand grip instead. To help increase your grip strength when performing chin ups place foam from a swimming pool noodle where your hands grip onto the bar, this will make it harder for you to grip onto the bar and raise yourself up. You can also do this with your dumbells and barbell giving you an instant cheap fat bar.



Neck curls are a great exercise because they help prevent your head from jarring back abruptly when someone tries taking off your head with a knock out punch. Basically grab a pail, tape pipe insulation foam on the handle and place your desired weight inside the pail. You then grab the pail using your teeth and curl the bucket up and down using only your head. This in turn builds neck strength preventing your head from being easily jarred back and also builds jaw strength when biting someone and tearing off flesh down to the bone.



So those are just a few of the exercises that I do to give you an example of how I go about working out for combat. When setting up your own workout routine ask yourself if the exercises you are performing will enhance your combat skills so your muscles are functional, explosive, and strong and can get the job done when crap hits the fan.




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

Norm Bettencourt

TIPS ON CHOOSING A SELF DEFENSE BLADE

Hi everyone,

I have been getting a few emails asking me what type of knife I like to carry for self defense purposes. So I have decided to share my thoughts on the topic in this post. Now there are a few things to think about when choosing a knife for self defense purposes and I won’t go into all the topics in this post. Instead I will address just a few very basic considerations that I think about when it comes to my knife selection.


Fixed blade or folding knife? My choice is a fixed blade the reasons why is it’s physically impossible for any folding knife to ever match the strength and rigidity of a fixed blade. Also I don’t like the idea of spending the extra time flicking my wrist to get the blade open (regardless of how fast the folding knife can spring open). I like the idea of being able to grab my knife and be able to use it without any extra movements involved.

Straight / serrated blade or combo? My choice is serrated. Why? Because serrated blades can rip and cut through clothing and flesh much easier then a straight blade. Remember your enemy will be wearing clothing and you must factor in this variable when choosing a knife. I have known a few people who have tried slashing someone with a straight blade and had no success because their enemy was wearing a leather jacket during the altercation; this actually acts like a second skin.

Although serrated blades are harder to sharpen the only time I am going to use my blade is when I have to protect myself or loved ones so there is no need to be sharpening it because it will only be used once, more on this in a second.

I don’t like the idea of a combo half serrated and a half straight blade to get the best out of both worlds (only when choosing a survival knife). The truth is that it is to difficult to maneuver the blade from straight to serrated when urine is running down your leg when you’re fighting for your life.

After using my blade it will also be thrown away. Why? Because the blade is evidence that can be used against me. This also factors in not spending a ton of money for my blade if it is only going to be used once then thrown away. I usually only spend the max of $60 for a self defense blade more for a survival blade but that’s a different topic.

Another factor to consider is if I need a guard or finger ring on my handle. Personally this is a must for me to have. Why? The last thing I want is my hand to slide on the blade when stabbing someone causing injury myself. As an alternative some people will either place rubber or stair tape to prevent slippage on the handle as well. I like the idea of having two finger rings on the blade handle to prevent me from losing my knife during an altercation especially when your grip strength, coordination go out the window during an adrenaline rush.



There are many more factors to consider when choosing a knife (type of steel used etc) feel of the knife in your hand, local laws, your knife fighting style (some style focus on slashing more then stabbing techniques), how you want to be perceived by the courts
(some individuals will carry a little folding knife because it looks less aggressive then carrying a large fixed blade in the eyes of the law).

I wanted to keep this post simple so I just mentioned a few of the things that I consider before buying a blade. Hopefully this will help you make a more informed decision when purchasing your knife. Also remember if the day ever comes that you need to use your knife your knife does the talking not you or it will be turned and used against you.



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

Norm Bettencourt

Subject: LAST CHANCE...plus 3 "weird" survival items!

Everyone's talking about the newest release from the ISCQC
survival organization, the "Social Chaos Survival Guide".

If you haven't seen it yet, you'd better hurry because TODAY is
the last day these 2 FREE BONUSES are being given away at:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5
<= Survive Social Chaos!

Since it's release, the #1 question that's been pouring in is...

"What survival items should I be carrying
on me to prepare for a disaster or civil unrest?"

Of course everyone has their own love of certain gadgets.

But while many focus on "wilderness" survival or disaster type
stuff, the "Social Chaos Survival Guide" states that you should
be prepared for more extreme emergencies like:

* Riots
* Looters
* Mass Attacks
* Hostage Crisis
* And other dangers caused by societal meltdown

Now many of you might think this is overkill. That's fine.

But the truth is, you NEVER know when an attack is about to
happen or in what form it will come.

Sept. 11 was a good example of that. And look at all the
demonstrations that are happening these days? It doesn't take
much for these things to turn ugly...FAST!

So here are 3 of the "wierder" items most people don't think
about carrying, that the "Social Chaos Survival Guide" suggests:

1. Mini-Prybar

The number of uses for a pry-bar are endless.

The model the author carries is the "Exhumer 8" from Dead On
Tools.

If you're on the run or bugging out, you can use it for
breaching obstacles, gaining entrance to a door or even
getting out of a trapped car.

Wrap it in 550 paracord and it's a beast of a self dense
tool as both ends are brutally sharp and will seriously jack
someone up!

2. Universal Handcuff Key

As controversial as it may seem to some, you DO want to be
able to escape from handcuffs if you need to.

There are plastic keys now that fit nearly all (or all)
handcuffs universally and take up no room at all.

The "Social Chaos Survival Guide" suggests the one from
Magna Light and the author, Jeff Anderson, has sewn his
pants tag partially closed so it creates a snug pocket to
hide this key.

If you're ever handcuffed behind your back (as in say a home
invasion, hostage situation, etc.), you can easily get the
key and unlock yourself or hand it off to someone else to
unlock you.

3. Security Officer's Badge

The thing about thugs is that they know that the stakes are
much higher if they attack a police officer.

Now, I'm not saying to impersonate an officer, but let's say
you get trapped in a riot as a result of a demonstration
that went horribly wrong.

Assuming that police aren't the target of the demonstrators,
having a badge that looks like an officer's badge could ward
off attackers who think you're just another easy mark as
they rampage through the area.

You'd just take out the badge and tell them to "Back off!
Just go your way and I'll go mine and neither of us need to
make this an issue. Got it?" and then back out to safety as
you assume their agreement.

There's a bunch of other cool items that you should carry as
well.

In fact, the "Social Chaos Survival Guide" actually recommends 29
URBAN SURVIVAL RESPONSE ITEMS to carry with you at all times!

These are all items you would use for survival or during an
"escape & evasion" scenario where you were targeted or caught up
in a violent attack, (such as in a riot or looting as a result of
natural disaster, etc.)

If you want to see all of the items to carry AND how to use them
to survive ANY scenario, then check out their website on "how to
survive a riot" at:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Survive Social Chaos!

Now you'd think that 29 survival items would make you look like
you're loaded up for a trip up Mt. Everest, right?

But actually, no one would ever know you're carrying this stuff!

All of the items fit in a small survival bag (as small as 6"x7")
that you can keep on your person, in a laptop case you have with
you, or included in some other daily carry bag.

It's literally almost like having a Batman Utility Belt on you at
all times!

You can decide what works best for you, but these are some really
great items that you wouldn't normally think to carry but could
seriously save your life under even the most extreme conditions.

Again, check it out now at:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Survive Social Chaos!

You'll never be caught unprepared!

Norm Bettencourt

P.S. - I should also let you know that TODAY is the last chance
you have to grab the 2 FREE BONUSES available right now during
this week's special launch of the "Social Chaos Survival Guide".

These bonuses are worth $54 and they go away tonight so don't
waste any time, ok?

Here's the link one last time:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= 2 Extra Bonuses (Today Only!)

Enjoy!

Subject: "Bodyguard" EVASIVE DRIVING Secrets!


When you think about "self defense", you probably think about
punching and kicking skills... firearms training... edged
weapons... etc.

But violence comes in many forms.

And there's one area that most people don't even consider
preparing for, and it's a HUGE mistake!

For example, what if you were:

* Attacked by a crowd of people at a demonstration?

* Being chased by a driver on the highway who you mistakenly
cut off and he's trying to run you down?

* Targeted by a violent gang out looking for a thrill?

True story.. in New Mexico, gangs initiated new members by
driving around with their lights off. The first oncoming
car that flashed its lights as a "friendly heads up" would
become the "target car". The gang would circle around and
the new member's role was to shoot at the car... no matter
WHO was in it!

These are very real scenarios that you MUST prepare for!

For this reason, you need to include "evasive driving" in your
survival plan.

Now that DOESN'T mean you have to have a fast car and go to
bodyguard school.

In fact, here are 5 tips you can master right now for evasive
driving skills when you're being chased by a car full of
attackers:

1. "Speed" is not necessarily your friend

The one who survives a high speed car chase isn't usually the
fastest, it's the one who doesn't crash.

Watch those idiots being chased by police on shows like "Cops"
and those crazy "caught on video" shows and you'll see that all
the police have to do is follow the perp until he wraps himself
around a telephone pole and then put the cuffs on him.

In a chase, try not to travel over 65mph to make sure you can
handle your car effectively on the turn of a dime.

2. Turn when they can't

Rather than try to outrun someone, let them get close enough to
you and then take a quick, last minute turn in a different
direction.

Action is faster than reaction and if they're behind you, they
won't be able to respond in time to take the same turn you just
did. They'll either crash or have to back up to follow you and
by then, you'll be long gone.

3. If on a highway, take a 4-lane exit

If you're being chased by someone on the highway, identify an
upcoming exit and move to the far LEFT lane.

With your pursuer close behind you, make sure you have clearance
and at the last minute, shoot across all 4 lanes to barely make
your exit. It will be difficult for them to back up, especially
in the left lane against traffic, to follow you.

4. Distract the driver

If you're driving at night, reach under your seat and pull out a
2- to 5,000,000 candlepower spotlight. (You can get these from
any boating or auto store.)

Shine it behind you at the driver and you'll instantly blind him.
He'll likely stop the car out of sheer panic of crashing (which
he may do).

These are just a few of the tricks you can use to escape from
someone while you're in your vehicle. For even "sneakier"
advice, there's a whole section on "survival driving" in a new
book and audio program just released on "escape and evasion
during riots".

The program's website is at:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Click Now!

It's loaded with tactical strategies not just for driving, but
for dealing with ANY situation where you're targeted for an
attack by a group of people.

Here are some of the other strategies the website offers:

* Cheap, easy-to-find, and LEGAL "weapons" you can keep in
your car that can cause a pursuing vehicle to crash or
completely breakdown. (This is real "poor man's James Bond"
stuff!)

* A 12-second "man trap" that's capable of taking out MULTIPLE
ATTACKERS!

* The first person to pick off if you're being chased by a
gang of thugs! (No, it's NOT the leader of the group!)

* 3 weird distraction devices that will shock the hell out of
your attackers allowing you to escape... or ATTACK!

* An ancient "assassin's trick" that will allow YOU to be the
first one to strike and take out at least one or two
attackers right away!

Who could pass up knowing these secrets, right?

That's why I highly suggest you go and check this out now at:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Click Now!

EVERYONE should have tactics like this on hand to make sure
they're not caught off guard by these types of defense scenarios!

Check out that website and you'll see why this is so important!



P.S. - Oh, and if you hurry, you'll see that since the program
just launched this week, there are 2 EXTRA BONUSES being thrown
in for FREE.

But they go away this Friday so don't wait around if this is
something you're interested in, ok?

You'll forget and then you'll miss out.

Go NOW to:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Click Now!

Enjoy!


Norm Bettencourt

Subject: How to survive during a RIOT!


Now I have to warn you...

What I have to share with you is at first going to seem like some
post-apocalyptic action movie like "The Book of Eli" or the "Road
Warrior".

But this isn't fantasy. It's a real-life threat that can affect
absolutely ANYONE.

You see, with all the social unrest we're now seeing on the
television (in Egypt, Libya, even in the United States during
political upheaval), you could at any time be sucked into a
whirlwind of violence.

Demonstrations can rage out of control...

Riots break out over jury verdicts to sports
championships...

Natural disasters turn neighbors into hunger-panicked
zombies...

Fact is, while we'd like to think that everyone can just "get
along" and make nice.

=========================================

Unfortunately, news reports reveal the truth!

When our social fabric gets unraveled...

...man is typically at his WORST!

=========================================

Looters will break windows, set buildings on fire, and attack
anyone they want without fear of getting caught or being held
accountable for their actions.

We've seen it countless times!

And unfortunately, you can't count on an overwhelmed police force
to help you when you need it the most.

In fact, if you're caught up in the crowd, they may even mistake
YOU for part of the "cause" of the unrest rather than an innocent
victim pulled into the firestorm by bad luck.

=========================================

That can only mean one thing if you want
to survive and protect those you love...

=========================================

YOU must take responsibility for your own survival during times
of social chaos!

Unfortunately, most survival guides don't adequately prepare you
for this type of plan.

Sure, you can learn how to start a fire with rocks or live off
the land by eating roots and berries.

But what about how to...

* Break out of a rampaging crowd before you get trampled

* Defeat multiple attackers who are swarming around your car

* Evade a gang of looters as they chase you through the
streets

* Avoid getting rammed off the road or shot at by a car full
of anarchists

=========================================

And this is where most "preppers" go wrong...

=========================================

You may already feel like you're "prepared" for long term
survival, but...

Rubbing two sticks together isn't going to take care of any
of these potential dangers that await you during civil
unrest and martial law!

Having stockpiles of food at home are only consumable if you
can GET home when caught in the middle of a violent
uprising!

You can only save your family from opportunistic anarchists
if you have the tools and skills to escape the immediate
danger!

What you need is an arsenal of "dirty tricks" for escaping,
evading and SURVIVING during social chaos!

What I'm about to share with you is THE most comprehensive guide
ever produced for the "combatives" side of urban survival.

It's called the "Social Chaos Survival Guide" and it's a brand
new program from the ISCQC, an organization dedicated to
researching and cultivating the most cutting edge survival
tactics around.

You can check it out here:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Survive Social Chaos!

=========================================

But let me be very clear...

...this is NOT your typical "survival manual"!

=========================================

It's a physical book and audio program that's sent to your door
and it's loaded with REALLY cool secrets you've probably never
even thought of!

For example, here are some of the tricks you'll discover...

* A 12-second "man trap" that's capable of taking out multiple
attackers!

* Improvised survival gadgets you can make or pick up cheap
(that really work!)

* How to drive like a Secret Service agent to escape from
pursuing cars.

* The 25 items you should have on you (RIGHT NOW!) to be fully
prepared for an instant eruption of violence.

(Think that's too much to carry? What if I told you it will
all fit neatly on your body or into an ultra small case that
can be carried around practically ANYWHERE and you'll barely
notice it!)

* The very best weapons for surviving social chaos!

* How to scale a 12' wall blocking your way...with NO tools or
climbing devices!

* The best sword to carry for escape, evasion, and fighting!
(Don't laugh! I'm dead serious and when you read this, it
makes total sense!)

Again, I know that this sounds like it's all fantasy, but these
are ALL practical skills that you'll need for when the feces hits
the electrical oscillating atmospheric modification device.

And don't worry whether you're an experienced "prepper" or a
complete BEGINNER.

=========================================

These are cutting edge tactics
that ANYONE can master!

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Click Now!

=========================================

Check this site out now and I'm sure you'll see just why this is
so "different" than any other survival program out there.

Norm Bettencourt

FREE AUDIO: Escape & Evasion During A Riot


You have GOT to check this out!

It's a FREE 2.5 hour audio program on "how to escape & evade"
looters and anarchist gangs during a riot and other forms of
civil unrest!

Nothing to buy or anything...just go and get it now at:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Free Survival Program!

Look, no matter how "prepared" you may feel you are for modern
combat, you have to hear all these tactics for surviving during
times of social unrest!

For example, here are a few things you'll discover in the program
available right now...

On this shocking audio program you'll discover...

* So called "safe spots" you should avoid! (Hint: Your first
thought may be to head to these locations for safety - and
that could be a deadly mistake even if you're injured and
need assistance!)

* Mass attack! What to do when a gang of ruthless rioters are
hot on your tail and have you cornered into a "must fight"
situation!

* The #1 mistake most people make (especially those who
consider themselves "prepared") when they think there's
trouble in the air! You'd like to assume you wouldn't do
this but the truth is, the more skilled you are, the more
likely you are to screw this up!

* A strange (but amazingly effective!) method for turning
"invisible" when you're being singled out and targeted. (Add
these 2 super small items to your briefcase and evade like a
CIA agent!)

* A sneaky trick to slip past military checkpoints unnoticed
to escape to safety...or break back INTO a danger zone to
rescue those you love!

* And a lot more.........

So grab it now and listen to it as soon as you can, ok?

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Free Survival Program!

These are tips you could be forced to use at any time and being
prepared means taking action!

Enjoy the program!

Yours in survival,

Norm Bettencourt

FREE URBAN SURVIVAL WORKSHOP TOMORROW

Forgot to mention if anyone has friends who would be interested in the FREE Urban Survival Workshop tomorrow give them this link to the sign up page


http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5


(Hurry - only 200 online seats available!)

Norm

Subject: Free Survival Workshop!


Thanks for opening up because this is a TIME SENSITIVE EMAIL I
didn't want you to miss.

This coming Thursday (February 24th), there's going to be a LIVE
online workshop focusing on how to ESCAPE, EVADE & SURVIVE during
times of "social chaos".

We're talking riots... looting... martial law... stuff that's
happened before and is likely to happen again.

Now first of all, it's a FREE EVENT!

Nothing to buy or anything...just go and register at:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= FREE Survival Workshop!

(Hurry - only 200 online seats available!)

But besides getting some great survival tips, you're going to be
able to submit your OWN tips for a chance to win one of 2
"S.C.R.A.M Bags" (a version of a "bugout bag" that's meant for
dealing with riots, etc.)

These bags are loaded with everything from environmental
protection equipment... commo equipment... breaching tools...
even weapons!

This is a no-brainer...

* Free Live Event (or grab the recording)
* Cutting edge survival tricks
* An opportunity to offer YOUR survival advice
* And a chance to win a $545 "bugout" bag?

All you have to do is REGISTER NOW at:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= 200 Seats Available

Here's a sneak peek of some of the topics you'll be able to
access:

* Real world tactics to survive civil unrest (such as natural
disaster conflicts, demonstrations gone bad, race riots,
etc.)

* How to defeat looters and violent opportunists with nothing
to fear during times of lawlessness!

* Escaping violent mobs! When the police and military are
overrun, anarchy consumes everything in the way...and you'd
better know how to leave a danger zone fast!

* "Target hardening" secrets! During times of social chaos,
the more prepared you are, the more likely you are to be
tracked and taken advantage of! We'll talk about ways to
stay hidden...even in plain sight!

* On the run! When you're being tracked by opportunists who
want what you have, you'll need all the tactics you can
muster to lose them fast and escape to safety!

* And a lot more.........

Don't miss out on this, ok?

I know many of you probably have some killer survival tips that
you've been keeping to yourself and not only could they win you a
cool gear bag loaded with survival items...

...but YOUR tips could possibly save someone's life some day!

Think about it!

I really want to make sure you grab one of these seats so don't
waste any time.

Go NOW to:

http://realselfdefensetechniques.com/go.php?offer=6661313&pid=5 <= Free Registration Page

You'll be glad you signed up!

Norm Bettencourt

HOW TO CLEAR A BUILDING




Hi everyone,

Today’s post I would like to cover the topic of how to clear a building or how to enter a room when it comes to protecting yourself and family. Now before I begin I would like to say that this is only done as a last resort such as when a loved one is inside a room or building and you need to protect them from an intruder. If your house is empty DO NOT enter go to a neighbors call 911 and stay there.


Clearing a building or entering a room when there is the possibility of an assailant inside is a very dangerous thing to do even for people such as police officers who have trained diligently in this area.

The method that I teach is called “slicing the pie” and there is a great site that has illustrations on how to properly execute this technique. Remember only do this if a loved one is in danger and you need to get to them. Before entering any room or building call 911 tell them that you are going inside and that you are armed. When law enforcement arrive at the scene put down your weapon and listen to their instructions to a “T” they don’t know who you are and could mistake you for an intruder.

Always keep your weapon close to your body so that it cannot be taken from you regardless if your weapon is a firearm, knife or anything improvised. So here is the link for it enjoy.



http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-clear-building-with-firearm-083275/


P.S These principles can also be applied to your everyday life when you are walking around and using situational awareness (i.e. taking corners wide so you are not caught off guard and attacked surprisingly etc).


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

Norm Bettencourt

SELF DEFENSE TRAINING GEAR TO HELP YOU SUCCEED

First of all I hope everyone had a great Holiday Season. I know most of you haven’t heard from me in a while but it’s been a little busy here at TSD. I have been busy re-shooting my DVD footage, writing articles, website changes etc.

This first post for 2011 I would like to give you some training tools that have helped me in my combat training. Some of you may already be using this equipment and some may not, what I would like is if anyone has any other suggestions or tips to pass them along to me and I will post them for everyone to see.

All of these items I have used in my training. I am NOT an affiliate or getting any commissions whatsoever for endorsing these products. Some are pricey but I have also tried to give you cheaper alternatives to the same product.

So here are a few training tools and improvised equipment that have made some difference in my combat skills.

Striking Targets/Dummies: The first is a head target glove which I got the idea from one of the combat organizations I belong to. Basically place a focus pad inside a head protector and there you have it. Here is a link for it

http://iscqc.org/escrimatraining/2010/10/26/the-diy-head-focus-glove/



This next item I use religiously it’s a free standing throwing dummy that you can get in different weights/heights. Mine is 150 LBS and is 5”10 a realistic size for an attacker. Mine has taken on brutal striking abuse for years and is still is good as the day I got it. I even placed clothing on it so I could grab it as well. It is also great to perform head cranks on etc and is much more versatile then a typical punching bag. Here is the link below.

http://www.combatsports.com/Dummies/products/1008/


For practicing pipe, pool cue or baton strikes hang up an old tire and strike it. The tire can take a great amount of punishment as you don’t want to strike your heavy bag or throwing dummy with these objects for they will bust them open after a while. As well striking the tire will give you a realistic feel on how it feels to make impact on a human being.



Weapons Training

Knife Disarming: This next training tool is an item I have used that makes knife training very realistic. Unfortunately to be able to purchase this product you must be in law enforcement or in the military. The product is called the Shocknife here is the link for it.

http://www.shocknife.com/

If you can not purchase this product or it’s to pricey you can always use a rubber knife and place food dye, ink or lip stick on the blade and wear an old white shirt so you can see were your partner cut you. This method doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping but will do the job if you can’t get a Shocknife.




Firearms Disarming: This next idea I do not have a link for but you can basically Google an airsoft supply store in your area to find a supplier. Basically I use an automatic airsoft hand gun when practicing gun disarming tactics this way I know when I get shot. Make sure to wear the proper eye and face protective gear when training in this fashion.


Pipe/Pool Cue Disarming Simply go to any local hardware store and purchase pipe insulation. Cut it in half and you have a perfect foam pipe that you can swing full force at your training partner and not have to worry about injuring them.


Protective Body Armor: This next product I have not used personally but it is similar to my own body armor that I have. The gear I have is a great product that protects me when I do my full on scenario training called F.I.S.T (Fighter’s Instinctive Scenario Training). Here the link

http://www.securityprousa.com/porigesetfrs.html


For a cheaper version go to any second hand sports shop and grab some padded motor cross shorts and chest protector, baseball (back catchers) shin/knee pads, elbow pads and martial arts protective head gear. This is not as protective as the riot gear but will do the job if you train using less force.



Improvised Training/Gym Equipment: This next site is a great way to save some cash when it comes to making your own training and gym equipment. Here’s the link

http://www.rosstraining.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=157


If you have any suggestions that you want to share with the rest of us pass it along and I will post it next time.


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

Norm Bettencourt

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

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

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

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

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

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