A couple months ago, we allowed a company that creates short news videos to shoot a segment from one of our live training sessions. We had expected to see the finished piece before it was offered to network television stations for use in local news stories. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
While the included video footage of the class was pretty good, its the stuff they included at the end from ‘other’ sources that’s causing quite a stir. Here’s what I mean…
Earlier last week I emailed everyone on our TFT mailing list a note explaining why SLOW training in TFT is not only incredibly effective… it’s also extremely safe.
At the end of the email I included a link to a news story (based on the video I described above) produced by the largest CBS affiliate in New York. I did this (even though the reporter was obviously highly biased against TFT — it was a story on women’s self defense) because I wanted you to see the footage from the class showing how slowly (and safely) everyone was training.
If you missed it, you can click here to watch the CBS video now.
Unfortunately, the “going safe and slow part” has become completely overshadowed by the comment from a university professor included at the end of the piece stating those trained in TFT may be held to a “higher standard” (in the use of lethal force) than regular citizens.
As you may have noticed, a number of people left comments directly on the CBS site, taking this ‘expert’ to task.
Rather than me add to this, I went straight to our resident expert, TFT Master Instructor and practicing California attorney, Matthew Suitor, for his interpretation. You can read Matt’s response here.
And so you know: Matt’s legal practice focuses on criminal violence.
Expect to see more excerpts from this video popping up everywhere. A 3rd station has done it’s own story and includes a further comment by the same ‘expert.’ This time she talks about how most people can’t remember actual techniques in the face of violence. And then the reporter returns, saying I teach you to ‘constantly practice.’ (Has anyone checked their facts?)
You can see this video below (since it’s from the station’s own website, there’s a short 15 second local commercial in front of it):
Rather than me respond to these two comments, I’d like to hear yours instead:
- The professor is correct, people often can’t remember a series of techniques under the stress of fear. What’s different about TFT that “allows you to act in spite of fear?”
- Instead of constant practice (this makes it sound to the listener like you’ll need years and years of practice to retain competence, just like a sport or martial art), what is it that all TFT instructors say at the beginning of each live class?
- Finally, there’s a serious misquote by the reporter in the first video link (the CBS video). Did you catch it?
One last note: we have changed our comment form to make each easier to read, and also added a reply button so you can reply directly to a specific comment (you can also subscribe to these follow-up comments via email). Check it out.
-Tim Larkin
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“While Larkin said killing is never justified, sometimes it may be necessary.”
What? That doesn’t really sound like Mr. Larkin. If there was no way to justify it legally TFT couldn’t be taught. And if he personally can’t morally justify it, why go into Navy SEAL training or teach TFT? This report confuses and annoys me. I’m mostly just glad that it wasn’t my first exposure to TFT or the ‘can’t remember a series of techniques under the stress’ bit might have turned me off your classes.
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The “held to a higher standard” slant they are using is pure “martial arts mumbo jumbo” in one of its most naive forms, if you ask me. Just because I have practiced martial art X for Y number of years (or had a class in TFT), doesn’t mean those violent and armed gang bangers are any less dangerous to me than to the average person.
What they also failed to mention was that truly practicing TFT in daily life definitely involves doing anything and everything possible to avoid ever having to put your fighting abilities to the test.
You fully realize what violence is and how it works, therefore you do not need to cling to stuff like:
A) a naive and romantic martial arts view (“I are kung fu – so nobody will be able to hurt me!”)
or
B) that anyone using violence as a tool is automatically a criminal
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I am attorney, have been working for about 22 years as criminal defense lawyer. I have been training various kinds of martial arts for 35 years. Between 1981-1984 I was in special forces in Former Yugoslavia where we were trained by Russian Systema instructors.
I read your newsletters and blogs and I can see many people have concerns about excessive use of force. Well, these people do not understand that every, and I repeat here – every, violence used against you is a life-or-death situation. You never know in which part of your body the attacker is going to hit you. He hits you in your head – you can die. He hits you in your neck – you can die etc. You never know if he is going to stop after he injured you ones or he is going to continue until you are dead. You can not predict results of these kind of situations.
Furthermore, you never know if the attacker has a knife or a gun, or both. But you have to assume that he has them.
Let us look at this situation. A criminal has a knife and he orders you to give him your wallet, mobile phone etc. Police always say: give him your money and avoid further conflict. Yeah? But criminals do not want witnesses, right? If you witness against him he can expect to spend rest of his life in jail. Does he want this? Of course not. So, this situation is not a joke – this is, by definition, life-or-death situation.
Why an attacker shows you his knife in the first place? Just to threaten you or to kill you after he took you money? I don’t know the answer, and nobody knows the answer. We can not read other people’s mind. But what we can do is to act to prevent the worst case scenario.
If we don’t use ‘excessive’ force to pacify the attacker be sure he is going to use excessive violence to pacify you.
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The reason a creep displays a weapon during the commission of a crime is to scare the victim. The goal is to induce the fight or flight response and diminish the capacity of higher thought. After an elevated heart rate is induced, by threat, or injury, ect, fine motor skills and clairity of thought are reduced, thereby making compliance probable.
He might not know that. He probably just likes the way the terrified look on her face makes him feel.
This is why we train, so that the sight of a weapon does not scare us, but motivates us to action.
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It’s simple, don’t complicate. If you use a firearm you may or may not kill someone. It has the potential to kill but it’s purpose is to project your life.
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What you might have to prove is that you were not training to look for a fight, but training to fight for your life if it came to you.
Has anybody asked Chelsea King’s, or Amber Dubois’ parents if this type of information is nessasary?
Sadly enough you might have to understand before you even consider this type of education that your choices might lead to that fork in the road; One way goes to jail, and the other way goes to the hospital, or morgue. The way it was explained to me is, “you have to be willing to sit in your cell knowing that you did what you had to do.” If you’re not willing to commit homicide, not murder, to save your life, then this isn’t for you. It might happen that you’ll have to wait in holding while the district attorney dissects & second guesses your actions made at that moment from the safety of the courtroom.
That’s fine by me. Thus the quote, “It’s better to be tried by twelve, than carried by six.”
I’d like to thank Mr. Larkin & everybody at TFT.
Dan
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My introduction to Tim Larkin and his TFT series of vidieos and instructional manuals that accompany them came as a result of being a Life member of, and training with, Dr. Ingatius Piazza’s Frontsight Firearms Training Institute.
I’ve been a sport’s / target shooter most of my life. As a young man I joined the U.S.Army during the Viet Nam Era and was “trained” to use deadly force if required. Even with that Army training – I took to heart that caveat reguarding the use of deadly force “if required” to heart.
I’ve recently turned 65, and as that reporter points out in her statement concerning the increased incidents of attacks on women, unfortunately attackes on seniors are also increasing. It it this fact that has led be me to seek out the best “refresher training” experiences that I could find – both Dr. Piazza’s Training at Frontsight and Tim Larkin’s TFT – to my mind fit the need I was seeking.
Both of these programs address the knowledge of how to effectively prevent or stop a potential attacker and the development of the skills necessary to defend one’s self or one’s loved ones while at the same time stressing that while the use of this knowledge and skills is potentially deadly, the use of that knowledge and skill is justified up to and including the termination of the threat – which may or may not result in – the the use of deadly force.
One of the most effective and important lecture sessions at Frontsight is the lecture session on the development, and adoption of a “Color Code of Mental Awareness” – which in many or most situations will result if the avoidance of situations which would put us “in the situation” of needing to use the higher skill levels for which we’ve been prepared and trained.
By Choice, or by restictions imposed by act of law, there are instances where being armed is not allowed – TFT awareness and training fills this gap.
I’ve accepted personal responsibility to be prepared. Thanks to the training recieved thru Frontsight and TFT, I feel that I “am” – prepared to act appropriately, and effectively – to stop a threat to myself or my loved ones when necessary, up to and including the use of deadly force.
I accept that the “legalty” of my actions, if required, will, in most cases, be made after the fact. However, because I’ve accepted personal responsibility to “be prepared”, I do feel that I stand a better than average chance of still being around to stand and face that – after the fact determination.
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===
No-one wants to think about an unpleasant subject, such as violence. As a survivor of a violent attack, you unfortunately must think about it. Your decision is a then simple one.. If it should ever happen again, will I survive, or not. TFT gives you the tools to make that decision ahead of time.
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information.I will be blunt,I don’t like the idea of the
reporter and newsmedia trying to impose moralcodes on the
the students you are instructing.The only time violence is
the answer is when you run out of options or don’t have a
choice.There is no justification if a antisocial situation
arises.The antisocial does not warrant you to put your hands
on someone.The only time violence is the answer is when the
situation is asocial.
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It is unfortunate that one side affect of “civilization” is that people quickly turn to “others” to protect them from the nastier elements of any society. As Ltc. Dave Grossman says, most people are sheep! This is not meant in a disparaging manner as he goes on to explain that the sheep are kind, gentle creatures that couldn’t bring themselves to kill another human being but by accident. The only two other types of people are the wolves (predators) and sheep dogs (law enforcement, military, security, and generally people who will not submit to the wolves). Although the purpose of each is diametrically opposed (obviously the wolves prey on the sheep while the sheep dogs live to protect the sheep) they both have one thing in common – the capacity to use violence as a “tool.” Violence IS a tool and what matters is HOW it is employed!
Far too many people train with guns, knives, martial arts, even TFT but never think beyond the ability to defend/save themselves AFTER the successful use of self defense – only to then lose their worldly possessions, personal freedom and reputation! In other words they are lucky, or skilled enough, to survive a lethal encounter only to still become the devastated victim! As to how to “legally” justify and defend oneself AFTER a use of deadly force (and really any violent force) encounter, all we as citizens can do, is study our individual state laws, follow the trends of our U.S. Supreme Court, state and local criminal/civil courts rulings, and OBTAIN the best experts in our defense. Names like Massad F. Ayoob, Director of the Lethal Force Institute and the more recent experts with the Force Science Research Institute, should be in everyone’s personal reference directory. The one other name that would be essential is the name of an accomplished attorney in the use of Affirmative Defense.
Understanding our rights (post use of force) and what statement we will give (“Yes I did this but only because I was in fear for my life and the subject left me no other alternative. No I will not provide any further statements verbally, or in writing, until after I have met with my attorney.”) and how we will conduct ourselves with law enforcement immediately following a use of force incident is also crucial. Expect the police to be unhappy and insistent with you for more information but stand by your rights. These are the same rights that law enforcement officers are allowed and taught.
Attend a certified Use of Force class that discusses issues like Affirmative Defense, the Tueller Drill, the Castle Doctrine, the Warren Doctrine and others, because you must PROVE to the court that you knew these concepts and issues BEFORE you used deadly force! Questions like, “Why did you shoot him when he only had a 4” knife and was 10 feet from you!” or, “How do you justify your use of deadly force on the two unarmed youths?” These questions are the norm. The fact that the two “youths” were both 19 and had felony records is not the “slam dunk” you might think it would be. Finally, you must be constantly aware of your surroundings and developing situations, with your head “on a swivel” at all times. Whether you use Cooper’s “Color Code” system, the OODA Loop, or any other system that you find helpful to stay alert is often the best defense for most of the wolves in this world. They are looking for “sheep” that look easy for their two tiered attack of surprise and violence to obtain what they want with the minimal of risk to themselves.
Finally, (I do tend to drone on) training and mental preparation are absolutely essential! Understanding that action beats reaction every time is key. Remember, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog :-}
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Television 101 —
“Now …there’s a new class that not only wants to teach you how to protect yourself but also how disable your attacker.”
Oh my…this is controversial…what is this “new class” that “wants” to teach me how to disable? How do I feel about this…?
“…authorities warn it can also get you in trouble with the law.
Oh my…that is troubling…who are these “authorities”? What kind of “trouble” with the law can I “get into”? I’m concerned…
“It’s…literally a course on killing.”
Oh my…now that is shocking…a class “literally on killing”! I am feeling worried….
“Regardless of how you feel about the course, some legal experts warn if you take it you may be held liable.”
Oh my…I do need to consult my feelings here. How do I really feel? I feel even more troubled that I might I get sued!!!
“Other critics argue… panic may still prevail in the real scenario.”
Oh my…now there are “other critics”? There must be a lot of people who have doubts about whether this stuff even works at all. I am having my own doubts….
“TFT weekend classes cost about $1000”
Oh my…Now I know how I feel about it! It might even be a rip off! A confusing, controversial, troubling, even shocking “new group” who “literally” teaches you how to kill in spite of what “some experts” warn! And they charge $1000? This might even be a CULT!! I’m grateful CBS is such a good public servant to bring this to my attention. I want to keep watching CBS.
This junk reporting is sad because it creates controversy and doubt in the minds of people about this program, hindering some from learning the material that can save the lives of themselves and their loved ones. The TFT class is presented in a very transparent and straightforward manner. It is very clear on the proper methods, appropriate uses and safe training. Shame on CBS for how they chose to spin it.
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Actually, it’s not that and it’s also worst than that.
Look up JournoList and BigJournalism on a search engine.
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I’m not sure wanting to see more BS is good for you heh
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Just thought you should know CBS does influence some people just not the way they imagined it would work out.
I signed up for Front sight class. TFT was the missing piece and I was wrestling with that. Thanks to CBS my doubts are gone. They would not attack you unless you were the real McCoy.
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As a licensed Calif. Attorney (since 1982) who also practices some criminal defense, I have NOT ONLY watched the TFT video and read the written training materials, I have read Tim’s statement above, I have watched the Christina Whatsherface’s CBS2 report, and I have read Matt Suitor’s response. I totally agree with all that Matt has said, and I agree with all of the comments made in the video supportive of TFT.
Bottom line: If Christina Whatsherface were herself being mugged, raped — or someone in her immediate care, etc., were so being “done”, there is no question in my mind that she would kick the attacker in the groin with all she has; she would likely then determine that she was safe enough to walk away; or she might not, and thereafter move in to “finish the job”, as it were. If she had taken a course in Tae Kwan Do, or some other “martial art”, and utilized one of the techniques she had learned there, would she be held to a higher standard because of that? Or perhaps because she had taken a woodshop course and learned how to wield a hammer, or even taken a baton twirling course and had somehow learned to wield either of those in such a fashion as to convert them to weapons to deal with the immediate task at hand, i.e. defending herself/family, friends as I mentioned above. Would she then be held to a higher standard?
I think that Matt is right on in his comments. And to those I yield in closing these comments. Good job Matt. Tim and other TFT Instructors, in my opinion, need not worry. You all have been very clear about the use of violence, and learning to be able to discern asocial vs. social violence. I thank TFT, Tim and Staff for a fine job. By the way, I have always known (from a very young age) that when there is no other alternative to violence. . . .
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I subscribed to your training and have benefitted greatly from it. I’m an ex cop now 67 years old; if I have to “get in a fight” it needs to be very short and decisive. I’ve had a heart attack and I’ve had back surgery–no room for screwing around with an attacker. I practice in my mind and with my wife who actually attends kickboxing classes for women (obviously not heavy duty practice). All the hoopla from the “news” and the “experts” about constant training reminded me of a story from the Viet Nam war: there was an officer held captive in the Hanoi Hilton for seven years and to maintain his sanity he played his home golf course in his mind every day. When he was released and returned home his first round of golf at his home course was the best round he had ever shot (mental training). I am licensed to carry a concealed weapon; it’s pretty difficult to “practice” shooting someone in self defense so it has to be “practiced” in your head; just like TFT has to be practiced in your head. If you are not mentally prepared to employ whichever tactics might become necessary at a critical moment, no amount of PRACTICE will serve the situation. Stay alert, stay safe and thank you for the good work that you do.
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In the end, what matters is I know how to protect my life and that of my family and these useless maggots do not.
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Beware of backstabbing reporters. They enable crime, for the most part. So it’s not in their interest to cater for 2nd Amendment stuff. CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Associated Press. Find their enemies and ally with them. It’ll be better strategy in the long run.
Jim of Blackfive does some interesting guest appearances at the Alyona show on gun rights for Chicago and other sectors of America. Interview wise, it is of a higher quality.
What’s different about TFT that “allows you to act in spite of fear?”
Certain levels of fear creates an adrenaline rush. Where the body dumps a bunch of organic compounds into the blood stream which takes effect in seconds. This can level out or it can increase further, depending upon external stimuli. Thus what TFT provides in the moment of need is non-fine motor actions using the large muscle groups of the body. To accelerate your own body forward, is a simple command to give that uses large muscle groups which do not require fine control. Fine control is defined as, say, servo motors on a robotic arm. There are numerous things happening at once, requiring a specific “order” in which each impulse must be fired for the total net effect to work.
Most inexperienced individuals that aren’t familiar with adrenaline or have not trained under some sort of adrenaline-mental setup, will find that it is hard for their brains to produce results with fine motor actions in the moment of need. It’s easier, meaning it takes less time to think and less time to do, to go with the gross motor controls.
When a person has calmed down or the adrenaline has taken time to spread out a bit more evenly, then they can more reliably use their fine motor skills. It’s a trade off in aggregate. Adrenaline provides speed increases and strength multipliers. The more adrenaline, the faster you can accelerate your body and the faster you can stop your body. As your inherent pharmacological boost wears off or is countered by something, fine targeting and complicated moves now can make up for the fact that you weren’t as strong or as fast as you were when you first encountered the danger. Maybe cause you have perceived a decrease in the danger. Or because you have had time to react to the danger, where before you had no time and thus felt a boost in fear and adrenaline.
TFT does cover the fine motor attacks, but that always takes practice. More practice than usual. You have to etch the specific order in which you command your muscles to move, so that when your mind and body are in an altered state, you can smoothly give commands to your body without some kind of communication problem arising. In this arena, some experience is orders of magnitude better than no experience.
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If you feel the answer is ”Yes”, do it. If you feel the answer is ”No”, do something else on the TFT force continuum – it’s not as if you don’t have options.
This is just another way of protecting yourself, immediately (from the violent threat) and subsequently (from a court threat).
Works for me…
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> spite of fear?”
I have never used any TFT techniques for real, but hypothetically, my answer is: that I know what to do.
Before I learned TFT, my thoughts when seeing a guy bigger and stronger and imagining getting into a fight with him was:
1) whatever techniques I know, he’ll be likely to know them too, and he is stronger, and
2) whatever I can do to him is unlikely to make him uncapable to injure me,
so should he choose to attack me, I would be in deep shit.
After I learned TFT, I know that:
1) I have several tools at my disposal that give me a good chance to incapacitate him for good, and
2) an average street thug won’t be familiar with TFT methods and fighting principles,
so should he choose to attack me, I’d have a reasonable chance of defeating him. I no longer feel helpless.
The traditional martial arts techniques seem clearly unapplicable in real fighting situations (Taijiquan) or to require superior speed, flexibility, strength and coordination (Karate). Neither is the case with TFT techniques. That’s what’s different.
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