Check out this short video of training that we have been doing recently at the Tactical Arts Academy. In the video, you will see edged weapon survival techniques from our Self Defense class. The series is from the Edged Weapon Survival module. Included in the video are a few basic tips for applying the techniques.  If you are interested in learning more about Self Defense, consider joining the Tactical Arts Academy Self Defense Program. Training includes learning to survive a knife attack as well as weapon retention, weapon disarming, other weapon skills and empty hands. Click the button below to learn more about the program and sign up for a free visit. You’ll learn more about Tactical Arts, you’ll have the opportunity to watch our classes in action, and you’ll discover if our traini...

A good self defense program is based on an observation of reality.  It is based on a practical understanding of potential threats.  By understanding a threat, we can develop a relevant defense. In developing your approach to self defense, there are many things to consider.  These considerations should affect your decision of what to train, how to train, and how to prioritize what you spend the majority of your training resources (time, energy, money) doing. Initially, it helps to identify what or who you are fighting.  The following three assumptions about who that is will direct your other training choices.  They are significant because they will frame your entire outlook.  The assumptions are: The opponent is armed.  The opponent is trained.  There...

A guerrilla force is a small group of fighters that is agile, elusive, and carefully selective in how it engages a larger military opponent.  Guerrillas do not use a force of numbers or size of arms to overwhelm an opponent.  They use strategies and tactics that are indirect and misleading.  They use distractions to setup an attack.  They attack along lines that are less expected.  Guerrillas position themselves so that they can gain an advantage and limit the options of their enemy.  Guerrillas seek to demoralize their opponents in order to gain a psychological advantage.  Guerrillas use these tactics to be successful against a larger, more powerful opponent. You need to learn to fight like a guerrilla to defend yourself.  You cannot afford to stand...

The stress created by a deadly threat in a survival situation, can suddenly cause your body to respond with physical and psychological (biochemical) changes to prepare you for survival. Your breathing and your heart rate will become faster, blood with fill your large muscle groups and your body will become warmer in an effort to boost physical performance. This physical arousal of your body readies you for action, and is mostly caused by the release of adrenaline in your body. It is commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response. Whereas some physical arousal is good for effective performance, too much is a problem. If your heart rate and breathing become too fast, you will experience a degradation in your motor skills and difficulty with cognitive abilities. In other words, it wil...

Being armed is an essential part of self defense.  Not every scenario can be solved by talking, running or even by using your empty hands.  If you do decide to arm yourself, you need to make sure you choose the right weapon for you and that you learn to use it properly.  This process starts with your personally outlook on life. Is Carrying a Weapon Right for You? You need to start by asking yourself some very important questions.  Are you capable of violence?  Do you believe it is ok to hurt someone else in order to defend yourself?  Are you willing to take a life in order to protect your own?  How about your family members and other loved ones?  Your religion, personal philosophy, and values will be your primary guides here. If you are not willing t...