Tim Larkin PROT3CT #9 - Geoff Thompson (Pt 1)

Check out Tim's bestseller "When Violence Is the Answer" with over 1500 Five Star ratings on Amazon! -- amzn.to/3nRQksj
Hey Everybody!
Tim Larkin here. Today we have the privilege of speaking with Geoff Thompson. He has seen extreme circumstances, dealing with multiple attackers, and has lived with extreme violence. He is now a very prolific writer on self-defense and needs no introduction in the world of self-defense. This is a 4-part interview, and I hope you find it as useful as I have.
00:00 Introduction
02:54 Interview w/ Goeff Thompson Part 1
04:17 Childhood In Coventry
12:13 Free Masterclass At SurviveViolence.com
12:34 Writing Everything Down
13:40 Confronting My Fears
18:39 What A Rough Night Club In The UK Is Really Like
25:10 In Closing & Please Subscribe

[@alantinoalantonio]

Wow heck yeah you actually got Geoff Thompson on here! Such a great channel!!

[@stevenclarke7185]

I can understand why trouble makers bullies underestimated Geoff because he is a very softly spoken and thoughtful man. I had the honour of meeting him a few years ago such a polite friendly guy. But never push your luck with him ! Painful total respect.

[@jfilm7466]

Listening to Geoff makes me wonder what will happen to the kids the police ignored in Rotherham. How will they turn out and how will they act towards society and their groomers?

[@DocJJohnson]

Wonderful interview thank you excellent choice

[@ShukokaiStu]

Geoff is an absolute legend. Great guy. One of my Ju-Jitsu instructors used to attend Geoff's courses. They had a great saying regarding what techniques work etc. "What does it matter the colour of the cat, as long as it catches the mice". So as long as you got the result or injury, then who cares. Cant wait for the next segment of this fascinating story! Thanks Tim & Geoff.

[@jasonvichinsky1458]

Brave. Thank you for sharing this. You are not alone. God bless you.

[@Stewbular]

Fascinating!! When I heard “Zen like”, I was like “yeah, right” the word Zen is so overused. Actual Zen is rarely understood & even rarer, practiced & experienced But Geoff is the real deal I was unfamiliar with this gentleman Such a complex personal history Such bravery to share his early experience My only complaint is it was over way too soon

[@octoary]

good news: it's only part 1

[@philipharman974]

Brilliant to see this interview. I'd love to see one with Peter Consterdine.

[@andrewsilverstein6186]

Wow Geoff Thompson, bravo

[@eleesaffold]

THis was interview with a person that would clearly understand my subconscious motivations for being always prepared for violence and willingness to be violent to protect myself. Over time, my will to be violent has caused me to constantly be aware of how I can avoid it at all cost because if I did not I would end up ruining my life. Yet, I have never lost the intent to address an threat with severe violence when it is force upon me in such a way that I cannot escape it. Thanks for this interview because it helped me to recognize for the first time, that I must embrace the fears that drive me subconsciously toward violent reactions. The wise options are to avoid it and when avoidance is not possible address it with the most efficient and effective method by actions that are proven to work.

[@torstenscott7571]

I like how he addressed early trauma as an underlying factor that motivated violent or fearful behaviors later in life. Many of us at a young age are drawn to martial arts in the attempt to seek some measure of control over a dangerous environment from our past. It's great how he referenced far eastern philosophy merged with psychology in order to recognize those often subconscious motivators. I never heard of him before this interview, but I like what he's presenting.

[@bigdsson]

I had a very similar experience in the 5th grade and also turned to martial arts. I think it was a generational thing with our parents. When I reached out to my Mom at 13 about a suicidal thoughts and depression she said " Don't talk about that. Do you want to get locked up? They lock up people who talk like that." So I held that in and those pains for decades until I got to recover in AA.

[@torstenscott7571]

@@bigdsson I hate a violent stepfather who beat me bad when I was 3, and my mom hated my dad so she took it out on me for years. It's surprising how difficult it is to recognize and overcome those issues.

[@nickashton3049]

He has a channel on here called:- "Geoff Thompson Official" which is well worth checking out, plus he's authored many books you'll no doubt find of interest.

[@torstenscott7571]

@@nickashton3049 thanks, I'll have to check it out.

[@nickashton3049]

@@torstenscott7571 I forgot to say you'll also find some Geoff's old instructional videos on here as well.

[@628steves]

Awesome. Great interview.

[@andresratti2308]

Geoff comments resonated with me at a deep level, I am so glad I listened to him. God bless him.

[@thenebraskan6977]

Thanks for the awesome video. He gives you a lot to think about. Keep up the good work.

[@MarkBennett007]

What a great guy. Hope he continues in a part 2

[@triggerhappyhippie]

Powerful stuff. It's rare to meet people with experience of real violence like this that is still alive and articulate, and can reflect on it. I would never willingly subject myself to such situations that he describes working as a doorman, but it's important some did, to tell the story and unique insights from it. I'm slowly getting my brain used to the idea of using real violence for self protection, but it is still hard to fathom for my moral and intellectual system.

[@kakodae6298]

Please keep them coming Sir!👍🏿

[@josecuriel1328]

Mr tim what a great interview ,and thank you for all this information hope there's a part2

[@agr5228]

Great work getting Geoff Thompson on. Amazing interview!

[@charlesg8359]

Geoff confronting his fear by writing really resonated with me. I have some writing to do.

[@randyhetlage9202]

Excellent , God bless...

[@gregoryalbertini153]

Geoff is a Legend ! The evolution of the SPIRIT AND SOUL ! HE IS TRULY A SPIRITUAL WORRIOR

[@bryancarter9462]

Allways been a fan of Geoff his books are amazing

[@pmacc3557]

I just clikd the like and was surprised: only 3 likes! but now i see it aint started yet - smthn to look forward to. good stuff.

[@carls72dart]

Great insight!

[@martynking]

Hi Tim, got your book and follow you diligently. Jeff Thompson is great, I followed him for several years, bought two books also. I will buy your other book as well lol. Stay safe my brothers.

[@johnmann8518]

Man is a absolute legend. he had the most single efect on martial arts uk has ever seen.

[@tkm69u]

One of the best from the old school.

[@bobadams7654]

Gold from the legend known as Geoff Thompson. Anyone not familiar with his books, read them..the fence etc. Also "Watch My Back". Gripping account of his life on the doors.

[@wallrider73]

Geoff is one of a kind. The journey he is on and the knowledge he has shared is amazing. A true 'auto didact' in that he recreated himself and taught himself. Thanks for this. Looking forward to the other parts. You've had Rory Miller and Geoff Thompson on the channel. If you can get Mick Coup too then that's the big three for me.

[@tomboy7153]

Thanks Tim for your wealth of info. God bless you always.

[@clintfisher5826]

Fantastic information and honesty.

[@NorthernAtlantic1980s]

Be first be fast be Ferocious

[@barryleventhal9188]

Great Interview

[@MrStevemarc]

Went to one of his seminars late 80s When he finished the doors , he made the cross - over from semi contact to full contact, one of the hardest weekends I done .... and I done alot of boxing , learned alot cheers Geoff.

[@skulijakobsson5116]

Remarkable Man.

[@brandonm3375]

Fucking love it so far! This dude hits so close to home it's almost hard to watch. Can't wait for the rest of the series....

[@mstephen666]

Great vids.Love Geoff's books.

[@rodvan-zeller6360]

I have watched many of Geoff's videos and have read several of his books. He knows what he is talking about. What gave me a greater understanding of all these mind processes was studying "Polyvagal" theory. It explains at a visceral/mind level what exactly happens to cause the dissociation freeze reactions triggered by early trauma and it gives methods to deal with it.

[@gregoryalbertini153]

Geoff was knocking out 4 to 6 thugs a night for years !!

[@andrewsilverstein6186]

Remarkable

[@Hoserfishing]

So true how the actions of many people are fueled by the treatment they have had in their upbringing. Reminds me of how some animals reflect our energy back on us...such as a horse.

[@samweller2099]

Geoff is an absolute treasure to humanity, Watch my Back, Dead or Alive and From a Factory Floor are three key pieces of literature for anyone interested in real violence and spiritual transformation.

[@aguidefortheadvanced]

Hey Tim, the photos you used at the beginning one is Geoff the other is Kevin O'hagan (who is also a legend).

[@gregoryalbertini153]

Don't let his looks fool you ! This guy worked the Doors of HELL !!

[@MOTIVATION-fr2hy]

Great interview Geoff s a legend

[@tonybreward8678]

When I was 15 I used a public toilet cubicle only to come out and be confronted by a large male paedophile, Long story short he tried to block my exit and said disgusting terrible things to me, I kicked him full on in the balls out of sheer survival and terror, It only gave me enough time to get out where he was trying to grab me but I ran for my life. It was a long winding walled road that lead to a camp site and I was running so hard I fell over and he nearly caught me, As soon as I was out the bottom into the camp site he turned back, I was so terrified I couldn’t speak to tell my parents and also ashamed of the things he said to me . It still to this day comes into my mind that he might have abused and killed me.

[@maxclaire732]

Proven warrior with many real war stories on a spiritual journey, too many cqc guys in the space claiming to have bounced while only having a few KO'ed drunks under their belt. Mr. Geoff Thompson and the bouncers surrounding him have been in savage fights!

[@michaelsanchez8457]

Alison Armstrong talks about the sedona method. It is a similar "accepting" version of dealing with anything that bothers you. If you can just be with a fear, ot something that occurs as bothering you, it is far superior to trying to hide from it.

[@adonikam1]

Up until he spoke about working at the club I was staring in the mirror! His words just made me rent my shirt and opened my eyes to the prison I have been in... it's horrendous to be bound as this or any other way!!!

[@yiannis1977]

Great video, big fan of Geoff Thompson! But the pictures on screen in the introduction (from 1:10), the man in the blue Gi top is not Geoff, it's Kevin o' hagan (also an amazing martial artist and author).

[@paxonearth]

Love Geoff.

[@alphavegeta5148]

The only way to beat a monster is to be a bigger monster. Intent. Capability. Opportunities. Equality. The reality of getting into a violent situation is that you could die. Or even worse, lose a limb or get paralyzed for life. The criminals are not fair. Logic cannot be expected from them. Normalcy bias gets people killed more than often . Most times you will be met with an asymmetrical response. The criminal will attack you in multiple numbers; with weapons; when you're not ready and will not give you an opputtunity to regroup. The only concept of self protection is to mould yourself like a criminal. Having the tools and the mindset to kill easily. This also explains how you should only engage when it's okay to kill people. Always choosing a weapon over empty hands. Something as simple as a knife can become a deadly weapon in the hands of even an inexperienced; scrawny; timid and weak individual. Situational awareness and telegraphy are the foundation of self protection. Of one is aware and can spot danger way ahead and evade along with one's loved ones, nothing's better than that. Avoiding is better than colliding. The best rule of self defense is not be there in the first place. Just knowing where the exit is scan save Ones life. Carrying a gun is another great advantage. ESPECIALLY in western countries, were almost every criminal is packing heat. Elementary concepts of boxing; muay thai kickboxing; wrestling; judo; jujitsu (in short MMA) is necessary. Not in a sports focused way but in a TFT way. The most efficient; fast and brutal way of dealing with criminals is to kill them. in most cases, you have to sut down Communication first. Body v body or body v planet. Understanding the difference between anti social agression and asocial violence is if paramount response. No half assing is also very important. You have to commit. like a criminal Knowledge of anatomy is PIVOTAL as well Assessing the situation and deciding whether to engage. Keep your ego aside and never get into a situation that you cant win. evade I such situations. Never underestimate or overestimate anyone. Dont think, act. Hit first. Go all the way though. Physical fitness plays a major role. Though not necessary. Master the fundamental body weight exercises atleast. Hesitation /fear - might hurt the other person -> police case (law) - may take revernge alone on with friends (revenge) Pity/Kindness/geneousity - might hurt the person (generosity) - no need of fighting (morality) - no need of fighting with people with whom I have to live in the same hood (humanity) Half measures (smiling) No mercy Weakness We dont stop when our enemy are down. Our enemy deserves pain Trying to reason/negotiate/buy only bully (avoiding) CRIMINALITY

[@goglowdaddy1686]

Brother. Incredible! Thank you for your wisdom. I wish to learn more. -DJ

[@hazel9815]

It would be really helpful to give advice to someone like me who has been stalked for more than a year by an aggressive ex (including as of late death threats).

[@orwellian88]

Might be missing something but the guy in the gipictured on the title card at beginning is Kevin Ohagan not GT?

[@raygsbrelcik5578]

Has anyone "Out there," learned the fine Art of...PEACE--KEEPING?

[@Victor-hb4hj]

He sounds like a cooler from a movie with Patrick Swazey. Roadhouse I believe it was.

[@defendomexico011]

He was indeed a legendary bouncer

[@robertryan2542]

Tim this is incredible. Thank you both. A man, actually an exorcist priest that has founded an order of exorcist priests , Fr. Chad Ripperger FSSP, gave an excellent lecture on actual possession from child rape. God bless ye. From Ireland 🇮🇪

[@rogerkreil3314]

Well at least he got empowered! 😀

[@williamsmith8790]

You need to get Kelly McCann on here.

[@ewakozak5523]

👍

[@jeffblacky]

Street fight - simple goes back to the Stone Age . Nothing more to add

[@conorfields2660]

A guy I knew had an uncle who once knew where Geoff lived

[@williamsmith8790]

Geoff is still the Gold Standard for self defense.

[@marcusgough6309]

Geoff has said in the past he's now lost roughly 95% of his friends from his past and social circle etc, you should always question why??

[@nealbeard1]

Just a quick aside. It is possible to have a quiet drink in an English pub.

[@dhand1452]

cant here you---raise ur voice thanks

[@patmark3059]

Be violent, attack an destroy your sins and your attachments to them.

[@christopherwinrow3878]

Geoff is boss mate YNWA

[@antejamio4517]

Good interview mate. But at the beginning you got a picture of Kevin O'Hagan and Geoff Thompson. Just wanted to point that out to you mate. At some point though it would be cool if you had Kevin on. Cheers

[@PROT3CTPROJECT]

Thanks my team made a mistake when they grabbed pics.

[@irvingbrown2389]

Great person to explain self defense!! He looks very unassuming! Very unthreatening! The type of person that would not or could not defend themselves. I don’t know what he looked like at 30 but right now a great example of Never, ever judge a book by its cover and never assume anything! I’m 48 and a big physically intimidating person, but am the nicest person and would avoid physical altercation aant time I can. I’m very good at communicating and talking my way out of situations that could have gone bad. I’m liked by most and honestly have no enemies. I play in a pool league every Monday, In bars there’s always people not in their right state of mind, often younger crowds stroll in and may not have the respect and responsibility to be in a bar and conduct yourself in a responsible manner. I’ve been playing pool for years and am very comfortable in who I am and my capabilities and also well aware as a pool player I’m usually carrying several sticks, great tools if need be, not just to win billiard matches but in a last case scenario use them as a tool to keep distance from me and a potential threat or to eliminate the threat, I completely understand the weight of the decision to use physical violence so know it’s always a last resort. I was also assaulted 7 years ago drastically changing my life. It was a situation where I had never met the person, never spoke to them, never saw them , ever before in my life. I was with my wife and went to leave and this guy was on his way in , in passing he struck me with brass knuckles knocking me unconscious immediately and I hit the floor face first causing more damage besides the initial strike. This was a situation caused by something I couldn’t have known was going on or going to happen to me, wrong place at the wrong time. This situation severely changed my life forever, taking away my ability to work a normal 9-5 job and after recovering from the physical part , healing from injuries, the mental aspect never went away and took much longer to heal and there are certain things that will never heal although I have learned to cope with them, feelings of anxiety and always observing my surroundings, never leaving myself exposed, always knowing who’s behind me and why and not particularly liking anyone behind me regardless of the reason. It caused a mistrust in many things that some I may never get over. I just recently started watching your channel and am always interested in learning about human nature and how to better be prepared for unwanted situations or if I had to protect my family. I grew up in a tough area and am no stranger to physical altercation. Although throughout years of aging and gaining wisdom I’ve learned to diffuse and walk away whenever possible. But their are always those times when you may not have the time to diffuse or change what you see happening. I look forward to watching your channel and hopefully learning new responsible techniques to protect myself if need be and the quickest way to eliminate a threat to myself or my family. Glad I came across your channel. This is something I think about , and even though I’m pretty good at handling myself you never know what someone else is thinking, what they know, what their skill set is. I love playing billiards and would hope it’s always just a game that like minded people play who know one another, but we all know a bar is s uncontrolled environment. Not just your buddies are there. Any stranger can walk in at any time. Would be great to learn some techniques that in a last case scenario should things become physical, I can feel confident in eliminating the threat the best way possible. Hopefully this is something I can learn through your channel. If not learn give me some ideas I can further research. Thanks very much. I truly appreciate what you do. I honestly believe we’re living in a different world right now where tensions are at an all time high . Between covid and the economy times are tough for many and when tensions are high and people are desperate they often act out of Character. I sincerely hope this changes and people start realizing we’re in this together as human beings and need to help one another not fight. All that aside were no where near a safe world right now and for myself I’d rather be better prepared for the unseen or the things you don’t expect, just better prepared in general. Thanks Tim, I really like your channel and will definitely be watching more and will check out your link for the master class or any other helpful information you offer. Thanks again. I believe the world needs this channel more than ever. Anything I learn will be passed to my 23 year old son who was brought up much more sheltered than myself and could also use a couple tips on self defense. Thanks again, look forward to learning from your channel. Take care, stay safe and healthy!

[@PROT3CTPROJECT]

Irving appreciate you sharing your story. I’m glad the channel is helpful to you. Thanks for the support

[@thedopesickshow]

@@PROT3CTPROJECT I spent 5 years in federal prison on drug related charges. Prior to that I did kenpo karate open to close 6 days a week while on bond for 2 years. When half speed techniques I drilled failed VERY basic grappling taught one day weekly at the karate school saved me multiple times. I watched hundreds of fights and had a handful myself, and what I saw was after a few punches 95% of the time it ended in a clumsy standing clinch until both guys gassed out (usually a minute or less) and 25% of the time it went to the ground. I studied Geoff’s books and he called judo martial arts best kept secret. I’m now a judo brown belt under an Olympian named Tarek Moneir. For the ground I’m a bjj blue belt under world champion Paulo Santana. I also box with Scott Sigmon. Standing striking, standing clinch, and groundwork were three areas I saw I needed to be covered to handle myself. When basic karate school grappling was so effective I knew learning it in depth would be like a superpower. I’ve been off heroin since April 9th 2010, martial arts and powerlifting help tremendously and I also do work with addicts and kids today. I have a story called “prison fights I fought a prison monster” on my channel talking about the basic grappling saving me. I started 6 weeks ago, and am almost at 600 subscribers. Nothing special YET but at 100 a week it’s picking up. I have stories from prison but also martial arts I’ve been adding with help from my world champ and Olympian coach. I know a little bit, but with them helping I make sure I get it right. Anyways, just discovered your channel and like it a lot. Figured I’d share that with you. Also the book Dopesick has 50 pages of my story (now a HULU show).

[@PROT3CTPROJECT]

@@thedopesickshow I will check your channel out appreciate you sharing your story. Nice to hear how you are paying it forward now in your life reaching out to those at risk.

[@PROT3CTPROJECT]

Check out my interview with Michael Thompson (Best Self Defense info You’ll never hear is the title) former AB shot caller. Also my interview with the late Frank Windle (RIP) he discusses the importance of standing grappling in violence

[@thedopesickshow]

@@PROT3CTPROJECT absolutely! Thanks for the suggestion, that actually sounds like something I’d be VERY interested in hearing about. Also the reason I don’t train at an mma school is in part from Geoff and part from Georges St Pierre. Instead of learning from a mediocre Jack of all trades I wanted to learn from the best in each art, so I drive a 5 hour round trip Tuesday and Friday to train class, a 2 hour private lesson, and hangout alone until evening class before heading back home to train with Paulo. Judo is 40 minutes each way, I got lucky there. I have a unique advantage in judo groundwork because of bjj that allows me (and another blue belt who cross trains) to be top in the class other than the coach. Judo has allowed me to takedown all but 1 opponent and get double gold in 2 of my last 3 competitions. Geoff opened my eyes that you don’t have to pick one art, reading his books gave me a blueprint for what my life is today. I’m hoping to one day open my own gym and do things similar to “animal day” that are tremendously useful in a real situation. What also amazed me in prison was how terrible most untrained people are at fighting, and how helpful a couple years of training was. Thanks again for the video suggestion, I’ll check it out right now.

[@conorfields2660]

Hey interview micheil Mulder and he'll try to tell u what Geoff has told lee

[@gregoryalbertini153]

Bruce Lee had a very similar experience !!!

[@patricklarkin6936]

cut the carbs larkin

[@PROT3CTPROJECT]

Thanks for the advice…

[@LewisCardenas]

lol typical brother

[@littlerubster]

You people should learn to relax. Living in fear is no life at all. And don't talk shit. 99.9% of people watching this will never be a chance of defending themselves against a serious attacker no matter what you try to teach them. Try preaching peace.

[@HeWhoHath]

Part one, Jeff Thompson talks about his past (sorry you got raped) and says all traditional martial arts don’t work: trapping and striking, blocking, blocking and striking, Grappling,…. Because you worked “the doors.” However, I submit that everything you know that works encompasses some grappling, some blocking, some countering, Some trapping…. If we don’t get a very, and I mean extra very specific explanation as to what works and what does not work, this is more bullshit promoting a “I know it all“ martial arts channel.

[@bobadams7654]

It was quite long, so you might have missed it - he mentions that if you went to the ground, 10 people would start kicking and stamping on your head.

[@alantinoalantonio]

Guy, this man is a legend. He almost single handedly created the self-protection aspect of martial arts in UK/Europe. His "animal days" were vale-tudo before MMA was even a thing. As far as grappling, hes a legit judo blackbelt. Point is he knows what the hell he's talking about. The comment about his abuse is unnecessary.

[@bobadams7654]

@@alantinoalantonio well said.

[@HeWhoHath]

@G-Body Loc lol. In business when you have to tear down something or someone else to elevate your product, it speaks volumes about the product you’re promoting. I’m not the one claiming the end all to martial arts knowledge here. Keep sucking up, fanboi. It’s what you’re good at, apparently.