Finally Tuned Machine

In our instructor courses I talk about the importance of developing the two confidences. The first is skills confidence. What you need to technically be proficient at the skill or skills. This is where you put the hard work into your development as a shooter. You learn the basics, drill them over and over. Start to fail, learn why you fail and work to improve. Then fail again, repeat as necessary. At some point, you have developed your skills to what I call command performance level. That means, at any given time, in all manner of conditions demonstrate your skill to a minimum standard.

The Truth Hurts

It sounds easy, truthfully it is pretty easy. The hard part is patience and discipline it takes to get to the level where you can now push into situational confidence. The mistake made is trying to jump right into the situational confidence arena. It may not be bad, you learn really quick how ill prepared you are and well worth the price you paid. You walk away realizing, well that didn’t go according to plan. It can force you to work harder, seeing your failures in all their glory. Or, it can do the opposite. It can solidify the notion of not wanting to be put in that awkward and uncomfortable position…ever again.

Baby Steps

Situational confidence is about taking your proven skills confidence; which is typically void of realism and applying them in realistic settings. These don’t always have to be in force on force scenarios, even just role playing with unloaded or even prop guns can scar someone. The importance of situational confidence is huge, but it is also part of a linear progression philosophy. One where you build from one level to the next, only advancing when you have developed a level of proficiency or meet a standard.

The Unknown

This is where the rubber meets the road, where you want to spend a good amount of your training resources. The reason situation confidence is so important is because it both familiarizes you with an unknown as well as inoculate you to the unknown. The more you dabble in this field the more gaps you bridge; which allows you to better react in real time. A major problem this solves is critical decision making under stress.

Rehearsals & Looks

Trying to perform any task under duress is challenging enough. Trying to do it without ever having been in the situation can be Herculean. We call these “looks” and a major reason we spend so much time doing rehearsals. The insight was ridiculously valuable, but it was only available if you were willing to see it over your ego. You had to recognize you made a mistake, try to understand why you made the mistake and then work towards changing the behavior that lead to said mistake. It is a process and no amount of good intention can replace the skill needed to take advantage of the benefits.

Put the work in to build your skills, hone them to a razors edge. Then test, test them until the fail, then test them again.

The post The Two Confidences appeared first on Trident Concepts.

It’s not about being nice

Not long ago, I was out eating lunch near downtown. It is no secret there is a terrible problem with pan-handlers. Some who use aggressive or threatening means to exploit money from passerby’s. While you may feel sympathetic to their plight you cannot allow that to cloud your safety. Can you stay vigil while being targeted is a good question many should ask themselves first. Rather than wait until it is too late because you put yourself in a compromising position. Your safety should always be the top priority, even over being nice or friendly.

Take a look around

Have a plan thought out in advance for when confronted by a pan handler. It should start by staying alert to your surroundings. What is happening around you, are you at a busy intersection or parked in a car. Look around you to make sure there are no accomplices or other suspected actors. Not only are you looking for other suspected actors, but quick escapes or withdrawals. Leave yourself an out in the off chance you can avoid the whole situation by quickly moving to an exit. If not, then have a place to go that put distance between you and the suspect.

We are social creatures

It should go without saying you should avoid using smart phones or other similar devices in this circumstances. They are one of the biggest distractions and we volunteer our distraction with them. Keeping a watchful eye to your surroundings may very well keep you out of their sights. Knowing you are looking or are aware of their presence. Even if you do the best job, you may still be approached. It is as this point you are most vulnerable because their intentions have not be clearly defined. We live in a world where we need to interact with other humans on a constant basis. Having a short pre-planned response is the key.

No Thank You!

It doesn’t have to be fancy, it doesn’t have to specific. Instead, keep it simple. Short phrases you can use in a variety of circumstances are preferred. In other words, you don’t want them to be so specific you have to think whether they are applicable. Phrases, like “no thank you” or “I cannot help you” are simple and easy. Said in a firm tone while making eye contact should convey not just your thoughts, but your intentions. Time is money and when they realize their efforts will not produce results they more than likely will move on to their next target.

Going sideways on the sidewalk

If the move on, that is great. If they don’t or if they become agitated by your lack of sympathy it should be pretty obvious the situation is going sideways. Considering your escape withdrawal plan will come in handy at this point. Don’t be afraid to repeat your comment, give them the benefit of the doubt maybe they didn’t hear. Your next comment should have the same conviction if not more. Stay the course, don’t cave in to their demands unless it serves you a tactical advantage. At this point using non-threatening gestures that can be convert to what my good friend Tony Blauer calls a “non-violent” posture help should the need to defend yourself arise.

No matter their intentions, your safety is the priority. Don’t be afraid to use a stern tone when your safety is in question.

The post What’s the Time appeared first on Trident Concepts.

Know what you are getting into

I’m not saying you shouldn’t have legal representation, I’m not saying you shouldn’t consider services from these insurance companies. It is prudent and almost necessary for today’s concealed carry holder to consider having a lawyer on retainer. It is a sensible measure for those who carry concealed. What I am saying is know what you are getting involved with and what they will and will not do when you need them most. It seems  unlikely they will come to your rescue. More than likely they will refer you to a group of “recognized” lawyers you will have to pay in addition to your “annual fee”. What really pisses me off is when organizations prey on your fears with catch phrases such as “peace of mind” and “legal defense”.

Do some homework first

I’m pretty sure you will not have peace of mind after a self defense shooting. What you will need is competent representation who will not only defend you in a court of law, but defend you from yourself. You would be much better off doing some homework to locate a local lawyer instead of paying this flat annual fee. If you do, here are a few things you should look for to help you pick the best lawyer for you.

What is their profession

The first thing on your list when speaking with an attorney is asking them if they have experience in the field of self defense shooting. Specifically, how many cases have the tried and how many did they win. Their “batting average” should be pretty important to you and if they avoid giving you a direct answer walk out right then and there. There are plenty of lawyers out there, don’t waste your time with one who won’t even start out honestly with you. You are looking for a lawyer who has tried self defense shooting cases, not a defense attorney who works with criminals. You want someone who is accustomed to working with innocent people who were in fear for their life and employed lethal force to protect their life or the life of their loved ones.

Follow their instructions

If you find one who makes it past the first hurdle, the next hurdle is coming to an agreement they will represent you should the need arise. This should include a 24 hour “hot-line” directly to them with clear instructions on what you should do up to and including contacting them after the call. You undoubtedly will be shaken up and a good lawyer should speak with you before hand on your conduct, actions and communications to law enforcement. You may not understand or agree, but they are your lawyer so listen up and commit to memory. The biggest mistake you could make post shooting is incriminating yourself accidentally and unknowingly. During the conduct of the investigation the job of the investigators is determine if a crime was committed and by who.

Remember, law enforcement does not represent you, they represent the law. Your lawyer represents you, do your homework and choose wisely.

"Everyone's got a plan until they get hit." Joe Louis, World Heavyweight Champion

The post Same Scam; Different Industry appeared first on Trident Concepts.