The Paradox of Violence | Tim Larkin | TEDxGrandForks

[@josephmorott9660]

This is a fantastic presentation. The subject may be a bit uncomfortable, but Tim does a great job of explaining why it shouldn't be taboo.

[@SzaRzaGza]

I hate that people who consider themselves educated and feel they are in a place to educate others ,totally negate the importance and utility of violence. You cannot always wait for justice...many times it doesn't come and i wouldn't be caught dead ever hanging hope on that in the moment . Society teaches children to hold off and in earnest creates more opportunity to be victims where there could be a better understanding that circumstances can change if you know when and how to act because everybody is not thinking the way you are. Its not scary to prepare. Its scary to send loved ones out w lessons that take away from their instinct to defend themselves. Im pleased ted talks,having thought provoking lectures acknowledged the importance of times to be more physical and urgent. We exist in a physical world and have the privilege when we have the safety to think and educate ourselves.

[@apalumbo8585]

gillecroisd 92 I thinking that violence is a part of everyone will make you handle better the situation where violence occur and you will be able to do more good because you know that this is a part of human nature

[@Alex-ud6zr]

Violence is sometimes the answer. However, I have a bigger issue with people employing violence and justifying it on untenable grounds, but believing themselves it is indeed justified based on basking in a continual inundation of their ideology.

[@jh9725]

@@Alex-ud6zr well we wouldn’t be individuals if we all thought the same . Different mindsets

[@noblebrown6077]

Historically, violence is the only way to achieve a political paradigm shift. Even on an individual level, violence is often the only way to shift a badly skewed power balance. Violence isn't the problem. Problem is that our current political system doesn't budge unless violence is employed. We shouldn't have to resort to violence in order to get heard.

[@vitalfitnessselfdefense9648]

"The best protection for good people against violence are good people trained better at violence" Sgt. Rory Miller - Meditations On Violence

[@KrwiomoczBogurodzicy]

+Vital Fitness & Self Defense "Being good at violence doesn't make you a violent person..." - Mike Gillette. May I recommend Tom Kurz - Basic Instincts of Self-Defense DVD. Because Tim Larkin's stuff is good, but it can get you jailed in some countries. Unfortunately what we (laughingly) call "THE LAW/JUSTICE SYSTEM" doesn't always protect the victim(s).

[@dininelbourne]

I downloaded that book an hour before reading this comment. Looking forward to the read.

[@chriscrawford7240]

Vital Fitness & Self Defense "How to Survive the Worst 5 Seconds of Your Life" is a seminal book by Tim Larkin and his co-founder. The most important concept is crippling/killing an attacker by specifically targeting key body points.

[@jvincent6548]

What a terrible world that would be.

[@aptcmpasion]

rather: good people KNOWN to be better at violence

[@bmclaughlan]

A needed dose of reality. Predators don't think of violence as distasteful. They just think of winning.

[@Wraith.Genesis24]

Your message is true however you sound like doctor lecter rn xD

[@n.randall6152]

@@Wraith.Genesis24 Its okay to be Lecter when needed.

[@LOKI77able]

Doesn't the same mindset apply to sports in many cases?

[@lifesabuzzwhoopwhoop]

To predators violence is a means to an end, like the guy says "violence is a tool"

[@dotinglydreaming5486]

As a naturally violent person and drug addict i can confirm that violence is used by people with different views.

[@adeolaola4516]

"Wolves don't kill unlucky deer. They kill the weak ones." Wind River

[@liljohntownsend7180]

Nice

[@gamesbulshitery9395]

but tigers kill everything

[@Fr0zenP3nguin]

@@gamesbulshitery9395 nope they like all predators single out the young,old weak & lame.

[@gamesbulshitery9395]

@@Fr0zenP3nguin you clearly dont know how they act when they realy hungry

[@sirsir9665]

Life can not go on unless another dies. Is either directly or Indirectly. There is no getting around that and people fail to realize this.

[@jbriansimsmd652]

Tim tells it like it is. Having done his training I can tell you it gives you a different perspective that is needed in this violent world we live in.

[@aaronr.2974]

I highly recommend his book. How To Survive the Most Critical 5 Seconds Of Your Life. This is essentially a 17 minute distillation of the book.

[@aptcmpasion]

right, got it!

[@tygersoul]

Excellent point at the end about mindset. "I am the dangerous one." "I am the tiger that eats wolves." Also, good point about combat competition and how unrealistic it is with all it rules. To explain it in a better way, Martial Arts (the school of violence) are divided into two categories: Sports (competition), and Warfare (self-defense). Many of the worlds Martial Arts systems have been watered down into sports since the advent of the gun. The core; the true purpose and origin of Martial Arts is to understand and harness the realities of violence in the mindset of Warfare. In this way I've become a strategist; I understand wolves because I have thought like a wolf. Lastly, It's good that he has the mind, but the body must match the mind or you will lose. When you are attacked first, if you don't know any techniques and have no experience you will die. If you run out of breath bc you're out of shape, you will fail. If you are physically weak, you should have a weapon.

[@starsixtyseven195]

If you fear your opponent has a weapon you should have armor

[@The2012Victory]

This is a hard but important subject to think about. Most people want to get along with others and think others should do the same. No matter how much we might wish to bury our heads in the sand, long-term that can lead to a significant loss. Tim Larkin teaches not only the mechanics of how to stop a violent attacker, but also the mindset, which is where most people need to begin.

[@MrGospelGuitar]

Baron Dekalb You said it best here. Mindset is the most important part.

[@The2012Victory]

I deplore violence, but after being 'run over' a few times, and seeing other innocent people killed by however warped individuals with a cause or a habit, I have decided to stand up to these people as much as I am capable. Tim Larkin helps honest people become more capable...

[@andrewdomenitzdmd]

You got that right. Need to be ready for anything, exactly when you probably ar not ready. There is not going to be any "fair " fight.

[@whitecrow1949]

I appreciate your honest, frank examination of violence. I have witnessed it more times than I would want. I have been threatened with serious harm. Grace, patience, & a strong community of protective warriors have kept me safe.

[@ronselliers6951]

Tim's stature and demeanor add so much to his presentation. He is the perfect person to make us realize that we need to be able to understand violence to begin to be able to face an unwanted situation.

[@felinedorcus]

I remember how someone who teached me martial arts once said to his students, in the moment of danger you shouldn't care about the law or that kind of stuff, the number one thing to protect is yourself. Now I realize what he was trying to say...

[@scotttrail522]

When you're faced with a kill/be killed scenario, it's not so much that you have to physically prepare, but . . . you also have to mentally prepare for what's going to happen. When something is happening all at once, whether it's someone hurting another person or that person is hurting you, you don't have the right amount of time to physically prepare, it's mostly about mentally preparing. When "physical prepare" isn't enough, it comes down to the point of "mental prepare".

[@deidrarae9286]

As a martial artist, I approve this message. There are no rules in a real life fight. You do what you gotta do to survive. In competition, it takes more strength and control to not cause physical harm.

[@brandonm3375]

Tim Larkin should be a regular presenter on here. This is information everyone needs, but few are willing to embrace.

[@charlesg8359]

Man, condensing this topic into a 17 minute talk is a tall order. He didn’t even go into the distinction between antisocial aggression (where there’s choice; think deescalation/defusion/verbal judo/walking away) and asocial violence (where there’s no communication, no choice; inaction equals essentially participating in your own injury/death). Confusing antisocial aggression for asocial violence is a good way to land in jail/prison. Confusing asocial for antisocial is an effective way to get hurt/killed. Studying the tool of violence is like learning to swim to survive drowning. You’d never want to experience nearly drowning again if you’ve been there. So too it is with violence. Well done Tim!

[@ggsd4903]

I really appreciate what this guy does and how he has begun this type of conversation. It's an idea that society needs to take a second look at.

[@dukeman7595]

You nailed it, people are reluctant to hurt another person, they believe they can talk their way out of a bad situation.

[@EricMerolaFilms]

Sometimes you can when one-on-one (one human to human) ... but you can't talk yourself out of a country-on-country, like USA/NATO vs. Russia. Russia can only be defeated with violence, not "talking". (Russia understands this). "Talking to Russia" is Russia's indication of your inherit Achilles Heel of your weakness. And thus, talking to that "Federation" will end in your demise.

[@dukeman7595]

Buulsh*t, I think you need to do more study on the subject. Believe you have it in reverse.@@EricMerolaFilms

[@mykalsavage2041]

Until you have settled it in your heart, that you are willing to do whatever it takes to survive, you will perish when violence comes to your doorstep. Tim is spot on, thank you Tim.

[@drakem.9763]

I think the proper mindset is just as, or even more important than the actual technical and tactical repertoire. I learned so much from you Mr. Larkin (presentations, blog spots, DVDs, and book.) This one is also an excellent summary of vital informations of which most of the people does not know, or not even thinking about. But they should, because in certain circumstances it can save your life, or a life of another. You are waking up sheeps and help them to become sheep dogs. Personally, your teachings helped me much. Thank you sir, and keep up that great work! All hail from Hungary!

[@gurgsindine06]

When faced with violence you respond with more violence then the enemy could ever imagine is possible.

[@BelchingBeaver69]

You missed the point of the presentation entirely.

[@Zerowolf760]

Overwhelm your enemy until tou win

[@martinjugolin2087]

When faced with violence and you respond with more, your chances of survival rise

[@mrplayboyinternational.1999]

or the opposite.

[@starsixtyseven195]

​@@martinjugolin2087 use more warcry

[@Aikidomelbourne]

Thank you, Tim. I started out looking at TED talks on peace and then thought I should check out ones on violence as a means of peace keeping. I was right: I could relate to both perspectives. Although I am very much a peace-loving person, I have been involved in Aikido for many years and this question of when is it appropriate to disable or even kill a person keeps coming up. Tim's so right. Violent criminals are far more expert than clean living martial artists. Yet that is at that base, sick level. I suspected that there were many rules in UFC - on the battlefields of old there were no rules. Aikido for me is about becoming more peaceful - that is what our training leads to and yet it also deals with the issue of responding in a physical way to violence. It's a multi faceted, intriguing topic.

[@danafreeman1948]

Tim, you are the only person with the cajones to speak what needs to be spoken. As you say, against violence by people who don't care, violence is indeed the only option! Carry on....

[@TongSing9643]

True. Facing Unemployment twice now. So just practising kickboxing during unemployment from IT industry now.

[@AnthonyDay-s1z]

People who dont care make people who dont care. And the former blame the latter when they turn violent. The majority former is your lot.

[@craigh1697]

Interesting. Now that I'm a parent, my point of view on a lot of things have changed, including protecting myself and now my family. When it comes to fight or flight and you have kids that don't have the ability to evade as you may, then the only choice would be to fight. And I'll be dammed if I let anything happen to my family.

[@lindahansen6272]

Be sure it's the only answer. And when it is - answer loudly and definitively. If you give a lethal attacker any chance to recover in ANY way, you are giving them another chance to take your life. Tim - keep up the good work to let people know the world is getting uglier and more brutal and the chance for violence in your life is ever greater. We all need to be mentally prepared to deal with it appropriately.

[@jvincent6548]

The data does not support your argument that 'the world is getting uglier and more brutal'. Quite the opposite in fact.

[@MM-Iconoclast]

@@jvincent6548 Nonetheless, we still need to be (at least mentally) prepared. Overall stats don't erase individual occurrences.

[@fuggles2544]

The world is getting more brutal according to who? 500 years ago 15% of all people died as a result of violence. In the 20th century it was 5%. Today it is less than 1%.

[@martinjugolin2087]

Use violence to defend and offend, people are getting too sensitive and peaceful like, just one bad day for peace lovers and its over

[@SteveW51]

Something that occurred to me while listening to this is that people who know little to nothing about the realities of violence almost universally espouse opinions of breathtaking absurdity.

[@margaretcarson7648]

A terrific and succinct presentation of what should be a common sense approach to extreme situations. The mindset is the thing. It all starts with stripping away the pacifistic preconceptions and mischaracterizations of violence that make us victims. As Tim Larkin says, "Violence is a tool." Stigmatizing its use in extreme situations merely perpetuates the criminal sociopath's advantage. Choose to be the winner! Intention, intention, intention.

[@carlgoulding2587]

I've followed Tim Larkin for years. I see the wisdom in his approach. It's been difficult to wrap my mind around the core concept, that I need to be the aggressor, the person who will take injury to an attacker FIRST and FAST. And it's mostly because doing so is going to make me be a murderer, (in all likelihood), but also because the culture has been so influential through every good-guy movie, portraying the only "good" good guy, is really the guy who come's from behind, after a terrible beating to win by virtue of his ... "virtue". I never go out (where I'm possibly vulnerable to attack), without the knowing ahead, how my key's are going to be my weapon to tear with, to get me in position to really hurt or end that threat, ... that I didn't ask for. Thanks for the message.

[@spiorad8008]

Carl Goulding There's a big difference between murder and self-defense. Learn the law about when deadly force is justified. Firearm training usually covers this pretty well, and the same principles apply with other weapons or empty hands. With firearms, you shoot to stop a threat, not to kill. Once the threat is stopped, you stop; otherwise, you get into murder. Same thing with causing injury by any other method. Stop the threat, then stop.

[@MrGospelGuitar]

Thomas Caruthers I've watched several of the Target Focus Training videos and it seems the idea is not to get away when you are the target of predatory crime. Rather it seems the idea is to render the predator totally non functional and the best time to do it is after you've knocked him down. In other words pile on and keep injuring him. I'd like to add here that if I did that I wouldn't call 911 and wait for the police to come and arrest me, I'd just get the hell out of there. And don't worry about any witnesses. There aren't going to be any because nobody wants to get involved in asocial violence and they will just assume it was gang related anyway and he got what he deserved.

[@bigal6114]

Foxwalker With a firearm training do you take careful aim to wound the attacker, assess the effect of the first the shot, and only if necessary shoot again?

[@spiorad8008]

Big Al First, never shoot to wound. Whether you agree with that or not, that is illegal in most places, on the idea that if you're only shooting to wound, you are not facing grave bodily injury or death. If there is an imminent threat of grave bodily injury or death, you have the right to respond with deadly force to stop the threat (some states require retreat if possible, others not (Stand Your Ground)). Don't take my word for it, read up on it. Some firearm schools teach you to make two shots to center mass/thoracic cavity (double tap), and if that doesn't stop the threat, go for a head shot. Other schools do not teach two shots specifically but rather two to five, and may say heart or head rather than center mass. Despite what you see in movies, a center mass shot will often not drop a person immediately but more like in 10's of seconds or even minutes. Also, a head shot does not mean the forehead as bullets have been know to travel under the skin around the skill, which is thicker and harder above the eyebrows. A head shot means the band around the head between the eyebrows and bottom of the nose, as that's where the head is softer and has openings (eyes/nose/ears). After you stop shooting, all schools I've been to teach you to assess and scan the target and the environment around you one way or another (and reload if you can). One way is FAST: Fight, Assess (target), Scan (Environment), Top Off (reload). Many would throw Move (to concealment or cover) in there after Fight.

[@jvincent6548]

Surely if he is as good as he says he would have noticed you following him by now and turned around and beaten you to pulp !

[@bobbygray3220]

This is a topic that frightens people but needs to have the light of truth shined upon it. No one wants to be a victim of violence, but what Tim Larkin presents provides the comfort to be prepared to act when necessary and to be successful. Don't be part of the 70% that waits until it happens to them or someone they know. Get trained and be ready to respond.

[@pepehorhae]

he knew, humans are savages in nature, no matter how you sugarcoat it -Rorshach

[@rcushen]

Tim-you made a great point about how a criminal views violence.I am a counselor & I work for the NYS DOC.S.Violence for them is a way of life and they do see themselves as the aggressors.They are predators and relish in knowing that they will go to whatever length to take someone out and to reach whatever their objective is irrespective of the consequences to themselves or others.Great work you are doing.

[@springbloom5940]

The problem is that in reality, in a Civilized society, most people dont have it in them to intentionally injure another person. Its hard to stick your finger into someone's eye and pick it out like a booger, or to bend someone's arm over your knee and break it like a tree branch.

[@memberman]

Brillant presentation. This is much needed in our society especially for good men who can handle their violence for moments like this.

[@localmarketingresourcelmrv4347]

Thank you for your No nonsense, practical, cut through the bullshit methods for anyone, any size, and a great knowledge to have hoping you never need it. Be safe-not sorry and learn his teachings. .

[@beth-bi9yv]

Wow....the demo he did was very enlightening. I didn't for a second consider what my actions would have been as the aggressor.

[@ThePuff18]

Violence is never a solution. Its a question. And the answer is yes. -Sun Tzu

[@Noone-rt6pw]

In a peaceful world, a person can direct their energies towards bettering themselves,however this can lead to the delusion of what us in the world, which predators prey on.

[@keithhay2599]

Sir! Thank you for the work that you do. It is so important, but a difficult lesson for most to learn. I am a Krav Maga instructor where the fact that there are no rules is a key component. Yet I am amazed at the look on my student's faces when I discuss the answers to "real violence". Students who have no problem throwing punches at another's face become faint when I discuss the possibility that gouging an eye might be necessary in an asocial violence situation. This is why TFT and your continued efforts at education to the public are so crucial. Evil walks this earth and we the sheepdogs must not only stand guard, but help the sheep to understand what they themselves can do to stay safe and survive.

[@gilpineda1116]

Absolutely love this philosophy. I've studied martial arts for decades, (boxing, korean traditional system, krav maga, etc) and this makes to most sense if you value your life.

[@dantheman4421]

This is a good piece, Mr. Tim Larkin. I teach these same ideas to my martial arts students...competitive sports is one thing, but in a real life fighting situation when your life is on the line, the eye jab/gouge and groin kick are the FIRST unarmed tools to be trying to use. End the threat to your life as fast as possible.

[@AikiBudo22]

Well done, Tim! If people don't "get it" after hearing this, they are destined to remain the victim of whatever criminal they happen to be unlucky enough to fall prey to.

[@davem4757]

I ONLY CAME ACROSS, TIM LARKIN A COUPLE MONTHS AGO, AND THIS GUY IS MADE OF ALL THE RIGHT STUFF!!! THANK YOU, TIM!!

[@joanneyankovich8787]

An excellent talk. This information saved my life.

[@MM-Iconoclast]

Care to share?

[@rebelmia4751]

How so?

[@mayankraj2294]

.....how? How so? Care to share/elaborate?

[@geralddavis3903]

Tim I love your talk and your course. The demonstration you presented points out that all self defense starts with your mindset to preserve your your life and physical being. Great job Tim----Thanks!

[@rudyperez5656]

I've been impressed with Tim's presentations and have ordered his online training. This information is explosive and should be used judiciously but, thank God, Tim has made it available to us just in case.

[@DavidLilyMae]

Tim Larkin's message rings true. I recommend his training to anyone, no matter your age nor fitness.

[@davidcollins1221]

That was Great Tim! I'm certain that opened a lot of peoples eye's about how to react to a situation as well as always be alert. Sorry you had so many problems on the trip... All the Best! David

[@GITMachine]

One of my original instructors (karate) would always talk about the difference between competition and 'real' fighting. He would say that competition was a noble pursuit and that the training would make you a better athlete, a more humble person, but he would always emphasize that it wasn't complete as there was no element of life or death. "Dark alley fighting" as he would call it, involved an element of kill or be killed, and he would remind us that if a fight like that lasted for more than 20 seconds, you were doing something wrong. The uncomfortable truth is that sometimes violence is the only answer.

[@frankr7068]

Tim is absolutely correct. Every fight I've been in was absolute chaos. Nothing like the movies or martial arts. The only thing the other folks wanted to do was injure me. Having TFT training gave me the answers on how to injure first to win the fight. Without it, it's hard to stop the other person cold. Doesn't matter your strength or size, injury is the key.

[@missnikitas8316]

Excelente ,impresionante su punto de vista ,real ,gran profesional ,sigue salvando vidas ,gracias

[@ronlysonly8742]

I have been looking for this for a long time. Maybe it is not too late, I'm 68 years young. LOL I am sending the link to my two daughters and their husbands. I believe bad times are coming and I want them to have the very best chance to live fairly fear free. Thanks Tim. Ron

[@thenebraskan6977]

Tim Larkin is the best in what he teaches. His book “ When Violence Is The Answer” is the key to opening the door on your journey of self protection. Don’t delay or one day it may be too late!!

[@AnaghaWinifred-pn1bz]

So true … we are so quick to dismiss any act of violence

[@douglaswood9159]

Great talk! I have purchased several DVD packages and am a member of the TFT online training program. My background is in traditional martial arts and World War 2 combatives. The information they teach is based on principles that work! It is well worth your time and money to get this training! I hope to be able to attend a live seminar in the future.

[@davidkeck1878]

Those that have never encountered true asocial violence truly cannot fathom the truth behind Tim's words. Most people want to feel that they are good moral people and therefore nothing like this should ever happen to them. Unfortunately that is the exact mindset that a predator will depend on.

[@lyndafrizzell6707]

As always, Tim tells it like it is. The truth is not candy-coated, but a reality we all face on a daily basis. I've read and purchased several of his training videos. They are well worth the time and money. To everyone watching this Ted Talk: be prepared, stay safe.

[@rickandchrismetz265]

Fantastic!!! This needs to go viral!!!!

[@speedbuggy16v]

great video, things to remember if you have to fight, fight like a cornered cat, and speed, surprise, and violence of action. No one is going to save you but YOU.

[@26michaeluk]

War in Iraq and Afghanistan showed me just how violent I could be. We've all got it in us. I embraced violence and that's why I can write this statement today.

[@Nightstick24]

I think we absolutely should teach people violence isn't the answer... Until it is. I'm not sure who it was that said it but someone said "When you choose to use violence make absolutely certain you are using the same or a greater level of violence than the other party." Violence shouldn't be your first choice, but when you choose it you have to give it everything you've got. You can't limit yourself to a set of rules the other party won't follow. If that means going for the groin, or the eyes, so be it. The most important thing to do is to inflict as much pain as possible as quickly as possible so you can either disengage and get away or take control of the situation.

[@MrEdium]

THIS IS THE PERFECT ANSWER TO WHY YOU NEED TO NOT JUST STUDY BUT TO USE HIS SYSTEM WITH A CLEAR CONSCIOUS. THANK YOU SIR.

[@AT_68]

Rather than teaching children to hide and cower when violence pounces on them, parents should take the time to educate them with the facts - in 99.99% of the time, they will need to defend themselves without police presence. Thanks Tim, I hope this makes it into every household.

[@MrGospelGuitar]

***** But teaching Target Focus Training to children creates real problems. For instance if a couple of grade school kids square off Bruce Lee style and one of them eats a spinning back kick and gets a broken rib he will get over it. If he gets his throat crushed because his classmate used Target Focus Training that creates a problem. So in the sense you wouldn't give a child a concealed carry permit and a Glock you shouldn't really make Target Focus Training available to them until they get old enough to use good judgement about when to use it.

[@AT_68]

MrGospelGuitar - Thanks for bringing that up. I should have clarified myself by saying we should teach the message, not training the children. I have watched the training videos many times - they are meant to teach a person how to kill another when their life is in danger of being taken. A lot of debate by all of the "child experts" would probably say I am wrong, nonetheless, I would rather teach the children reality and not fill them with hope that could get them killed. I would absolutely not train a child to kill someone, no more then I would encourage them to watch pornographic videos as a means of learning about sex. Appropriate message at the appropriate times during their lives will hopefully stop them from believing in the Easter bunny at age 18, or that all people are nice and will not hurt you if you reason with them. Tim's message, I believe, is that violence is the only answer at times. Hurling harsh words at someone coming at you with a meat cleaver will usually result in a waste of precious oxygen on your part, followed by the person dismembering you in seconds. Reasoning is for rational people, and has no place when someone is trying to kill you or your family.

[@MrGospelGuitar]

***** Well put. It's been said that the mind is the only real weapon, everything else is only a tool, and I can see you're mind is in good shape.

[@wallrider73]

I've studied martial arts since I was a kid and in the last few years my focus has been on personal protection. The information in this talk is gold. I've never trained with Tim or in his system but I would jump at the chance now. Forget the step by step Jason Bourne fantasies in a lot of krav type classes; the mindset Tim presents here is invaluable.

[@aaronr.2974]

Grab his book if you can. It's life changing.

[@wallrider73]

DAVID BARON Huh? You lost me there pal.

[@paulyhart]

yeah. a month in a muy thai kali training camp or tim... either one.

[@jvincent6548]

They're ain't no martians I keep telling you, at least none that are artists!

[@chrishelmuth4065]

Such a HUGE help for curing women. You Rock Tim Larkin! 🤗😎🤩 Now to teach pre-MMIW. I've been fighting death for 50 years living in mainstream. Plan on living to 100!

[@Liberum69]

I stopped training in MMA when I read about the Rough-and-Tumble fights they used to hold in the southern United States 200 years ago. They regularly gouged eyes and ripped off testicles. There's no preparation for that other than just getting big, strong, fast, and carrying a gun or carrying the largest knife you're legally allowed. It was then that I learned that the only fights that are worth fighting are those that are worth fighting unfairly. The ones that are thrust upon you when you didn't want any violence. After all, the only people that will push that on you are those with severe advantages (they're bigger than you or have more friends). So why fight fairly?

[@victorhurtado6523]

The unasked question is thoroughly and undoubtedly answered in 17:11 minutes.

[@samiannetta]

Great presentation Tim, all I can hope is that people take this the right way and learn some REAL high quality Self Defense which starts with an offensive plan. Thanks Tim.

[@ThadForester]

Great information. I fully trust everything Tim Larkin teaches b/c I have his TFT Survival Pack and he teaches how to deal with reality. With help from Tim's training, I hope I'm always ready and able to protect my family and myself.

[@johns-videos3455]

I have bought several of Tim's DVDs and attended two of his live training seminars. All present a realistic and effective tactics to survive a violent encounter.

[@franciscolima5892]

I’m here after reading the book!🔥🔥

[@rickdamico7146]

Tim Larkin's training is the only self defense system that really works and will save your life. Awesome!

[@jfilm7466]

Thank you, Tim.

[@raymondjuliano1390]

Excellent presentation...altho difficult to accept, we need to look at violence like that...Tim tells it like it really is...no sugar coating, as your life will often depend on knowing the truth about violence and how and when to use it.

[@robertfoertsch]

Excellent, Shared Millions Of Times Through My Liked Videos Playlists...

[@rickporter1869]

It's about time someone has the guts to call it like it is! I really don't care if it isn't politically correct to state that, "If you are dealing with a sociopath, who is either going to plead that he was insaine when he committed a crime against you, or that he wasn't responsible, when he commited a crime against you, because he has a horrible childhood, you should be able to state that you were well within your rights to respond to this sociopath's attack with equal and opposit force, because you didn't want to be killed, injured or maimed by an insane, or damaged person, who also feels they are well within their rights to distroy you! I'm fed up with the attitude that we should let violence happen, and live with the consequences, while the crimminal element run's wild and fills our jails to capacity and then complains that our jails are overcrowded! They are overcrowded, so stop committing acts of violence and they won't be! I supposedly have the right to defend myself! I think Mr. Larkin knows exactly what I need to do to accomplish that, and let's see congress try and pass a law saying I can't do that, because with the way thing's are going in this country, the right to bear arms is a lost cause! Let's hope we still have the right to protect our lives from a criminal who want's it!

[@MrGospelGuitar]

Rick Porter I understand how you feel. Here's my solution. I've already decided if I have to hurt someone in a asocial situation I'm just going to walk away. The police probably won't care anyway because he was a career criminal and got what he deserved and any witnesses won't want to get involved because they will assume it was gang related. Also I live in LA County so I can't get a CCW anyway but since I don't live in a bad area I don't worry about it too much. But if I didn't live in a good area and I needed to carry I'd do like the Nike commercial says and JUST DO IT. Better tried by 12 than carried by 6.

[@rickporter1869]

I'd love to walk away also, but what we are both talking about is, "What if you can't walk away? What if this sociopath just will not consider you walking away an option? What then? Let him kill you? I lived in LA for 15 years, and walked away a lot, and mainly was lucky enough to be aware enough to walk before I didn't have a choice, but lately it's getting harder and harder to walk away!

[@MrGospelGuitar]

Rick Porter I meant walk away after you kill or maim him. Don't call the police and wait for them to come and take a report and arrest you.

[@lordscrub]

MrGospelGuitar I hope I don't sound like a horrible person for saying this but your comment was funny as hell man

[@MrGospelGuitar]

To lordscrub. No, you don't sound like a horrible person at all. In fact to survive asocial violence directed at you, you have to become an asocial animal yourself. The difference between you and a predatory criminal is after you render him non functional by becoming a asocial predatory animal and descend to his level to do what you have to do to survive you can rejoin the world of normal people afterwards just like nothing ever happened. The asocial predatory criminal can never be a normal human being with feelings and concern for his fellow human beings. He will always be a predatory criminal.

[@CenterTree777]

Your mind is a powerful weapon. Use it. Good video.

[@jvincent6548]

The pen is mightier than the sword. The tweet is mightier than the pen!

[@wendyyoungblood1468]

Great presentation - Thank you.

[@richardwatts8832]

Real wisdom for people.

[@NareNelis]

If violence is never the anwser, why does a police man have a gun? Or why do we have an army? Exactly cuz sometimes it just is

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

In other words, there is no morals in war.

[@gamesbulshitery9395]

violence is never an answer violence is question answer is Y E S

[@eigelgregossweisse9563]

Did he not just say the first sentences, "it is not the answer, but if it is, it is the only answer."

[@eigelgregossweisse9563]

Violence, a life for a life, is a foolish response in the coming times, but it will have to be THE response. The only way to get through it...will be a huge violent man-made cataclysm, or... it will be to drive through our physical, spiritual bondages.

[@Kyusoath]

Thank you Mr Larkin.

[@Spockfucious]

Simply excellent.

[@mikebarcikowski1691]

Tim-as always great advice-victim or victor-choose victor in any of these situations instinctively

[@dradamov]

4:04 Not in Poland. The way defending against an attacker is treated here. It's sad.

[@ethanr.4992]

Probably first and only ted talk i have liked, not for the violent nature, but the analytical, teaching, spread the wisdom kind of talk. (P.S. look at the guys wikipedia page it has a hidden gem.)

[@markyb3620]

I have been fortunate enough to attend a TFT class and the information presented is priceless. Thanks you Tim and your amazing team for your insight and commitment to share this information with the rest of us "social" folks!

[@donniesmith8779]

was it worth the money you spent... just asking 7 years later..

[@WuzuquanSpain]

People think a pacifist is someone who refuses to learn how to use violence. But a true pacifist is someone who knows how to use violence but chooses not to unless it becomes, as you said, the *only* answer.

[@EricMerolaFilms]

Thank you!

[@cassandro9445]

Thanks so much, I really needed this.

[@DeerAgeGuy]

Great presentation Tim!

[@ggsd4903]

I really enjoy this guy. His book is great.

[@BHarris25]

“It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war.” Miyamoto Musashi

[@HarryD831]

Very well presented. Mindset makes the master in all confrontations.

[@scrider8464]

Tim Larkin and his team are disciples of reality.

[@stefanuskedang911]

honest explaination, thank you sir !

[@izdotcarter]

This is incredible

[@richardwatts8832]

The most solid man in the entire self defense industry.

[@balabharatb]

Wow great presentation.

[@HarryOrenstein]

In the Near East (Levant) where one lives among violent neighbours, who do not fear the ultimate sanction, situational awareness is the only answer. But if one is attacked - train, train, train and train, again-and-again (with Tim) or another.

[@kausamsalam8543]

“They don’t care that you’re a mother or father…only what they want” -(how predators think). “Violence is just a tool and is available to everybody.” (Excellent points). Mohandas Karamchand, “It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of non-violence to cover impotence.” (Great one killed by a Nationalist, not a Muslim). Alan Brien, English writer: “Violence is the repartee of the illiterate.” Sura 17:33, “Nor take Life -which Allah has made sacred, except for Just Cause.” Quran I-Ching, “Cling to the power of the Higher Deity to deliver truth where it is needed.” “I was scared…gouged his eye and prevented him from doing the shooting.” (Just cause). Every shooter or terrorist was once a stalker. Every stalker was an arrogant person. Every arrogant person was first rude to his or her mother. Every rude person thought he was the deserving one. May Almighty protect the good speaker.

[@n.randall6152]

One of the most helpful Ted Talks.