The Paradox of Violence | Tim Larkin | TEDxGrandForks

Violence is rarely the answer, but when it is... it is the only answer. This provocative talk explores the uncomfortable realities of violence. There is no greater fear that being physically dominated by a bigger, faster, stronger attacker. Yet there is actually little good information on how to use the tool of violence. Here you will learn the surprising truth about violence and how we have stigmatized the study of violence to the point that only the criminal elements have access to it.

A former military intelligence officer, Tim Larkin was part of a beta group that redesigned how special operations personnel trained for close combat. He has a 25-year career, training people in 52 countries on how to deal with imminent violence. Over 10,000 clients are trained in his Target Focus Training (TFT) from military special operations units, special law enforcement teams, celebrities, and high profile business leaders on how to use physics and physiology to injure any human(s) trying to attack them.

The nation’s leading pro-victim rights and personal safety advocate as well as a member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame, Tim’s numerous magazine covers and articles in the martial arts and self-defense industry are as controversial as his "pro-victim advocate" position on self-protection.

[josephmorott]

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.

[bmclaughlan]

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

[vitalfitnessselfdefense]

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

[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.

[jbriansimsmd]

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.

[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.

[adeolaola]

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

Wind River

[whitecrow]

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.

[ronselliers]

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.

[TheVictory]

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.

[aaronr.]

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.

[brandonm]

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

[charlesg]

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!

[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...

[gurgsindine]

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

[duke]

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

[ggsd]

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.

[scotttrail]

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".

[mykalsavage]

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.

[danafreeman]

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....