The PROT3CT Podcast

Tim Larkin

Welcome to the PROTCT!Self-protection expert and founder of Target Focus Training (TFT), teaching realistic violence prevention and personal safety strategies for over 30 years.Former military intelligence officer with specialized training in close combat scenarios.This podcast offers practical self defense knowledge focused on understanding when violence is avoidable, unavoidable, and how to respond effectively.

  1. 05/13/2025 · VIDEO

    #163 - How Criminals Use Simple Tools to Catch Victims Off-Guard

    In today's analysis, I examine a concerning technique I've observed in my global security work - what I refer to as an "assist takedown." This footage demonstrates how quickly someone can incapacitate a completely unaware person using just a simple accessory. Notice the approach from behind, the quick motion, and how the victim immediately loses balance - simultaneously falling and experiencing pressure to sensitive nerve points in the neck. What makes this technique particularly concerning is it combines two elements: first, it uses the person's own center of gravity against them by disrupting their balance, causing them to fall. Second, it applies pressure to areas with important nerve clusters, causing a rapid temporary loss of awareness. Watch the victim's movements - you can see the moment they transition from alertness to disorientation as pressure is applied. The entire incident takes just seconds, after which the person is easily moved away. The lesson here isn't about this specific technique - it's about understanding how critical situational awareness is to your personal security. This person never saw what was happening because they weren't scanning their environment. No physical skill would have helped because they missed the critical first step of self-protection: awareness. For a comprehensive approach to developing heightened situational awareness and other self-protection skills, visit surviveviolence.com to access my 11-module program. Remember: The most concerning situations are the ones you never see coming.

    6 min
  2. 05/12/2025 · VIDEO

    #162 - The 3-Second Subway Confrontation That Ended in Tragedy

    In today's analysis, I examine one of the most tragic examples of why violence is always unpredictable - regardless of your intentions when it begins. This viral Philadelphia subway confrontation demonstrates a truth I've taught for decades: once physical contact occurs, you have absolutely no control over the outcome. What began as posturing between two men ended with one falling onto the tracks as a train approached. Notice the size difference - the larger man likely felt confident in his physical advantage. Yet it was the smaller man's single move that created a fatal momentum shift, demonstrating that size alone provides false security when balance and environment become factors. Neither man woke up that morning planning for this outcome. One is now potentially facing manslaughter charges, the other severely injured or worse. And for what? A completely avoidable subway confrontation. There are no technical lessons here - only the stark reminder that violence is unpredictable and must be justified by truly being devoid of choice. This wasn't self-defense - it was ego, followed by tragedy. For a comprehensive approach to avoiding violence entirely while being prepared to protect yourself when truly necessary, visit surviveviolence.com and access my 11-module program designed to keep you and your family safe. Remember: The consequences of violence are always worse than you imagine. Avoid the avoidable.

    6 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the PROTCT!Self-protection expert and founder of Target Focus Training (TFT), teaching realistic violence prevention and personal safety strategies for over 30 years.Former military intelligence officer with specialized training in close combat scenarios.This podcast offers practical self defense knowledge focused on understanding when violence is avoidable, unavoidable, and how to respond effectively.