Western Piper Methods & Medusa: Expanding the Blade for Civilian Defense

Western Piper and Medusa bring deception, adaptability, and aggression into civilian self-defense. Here’s why Sentinel Combatives added these systems.

Fighting vs. Self-Defense: Why the Difference Matters

Fighting in the ring has rules, referees, and weight classes. Self-defense doesn’t. Learn why the difference matters for survival in the real world.

October 7th: Lessons for the Citizen Defender

Remembering the Victims On this day, we remember the horrific events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists launched a brutal and coordinated attack against Israeli civilians. Over 1,200 men, women, and children were murdered in their homes, cars, and communities. Hundreds more were kidnapped, raped, and dragged across

Pekiti Tirsia Kali: Footwork and the Geometry of Survival

Footwork is survival. In Pekiti Tirsia Kali, angles and geometry decide whether you escape or get trapped. Here’s how this Filipino system shapes combat.

The Blade as a Civilian Equalizer: An Introduction to Pekiti Tirsia Kali

The blade is history’s equalizer. In Pekiti Tirsia Kali, edged weapons give civilians practical options for survival. Here’s how we introduce the system.

Women and Self-Defense: Beyond the Fitness Class

Self-defense for women isn’t about calories—it’s about capability. Learn why Sentinel Combatives goes beyond fitness to build real-world protection skills.

Digital Deception: Spotting Bots, Trolls, and Fake News

Fake news and bots aren’t just online annoyances—they shape perception and influence behavior. Here’s how to spot and counter digital deception.

Krav Maga for the Civilian Battlespace: Direct, Aggressive, Effective

Krav Maga isn’t sport—it’s survival. Learn how Sentinel Combatives teaches civilians in North Georgia to fight back with simple, aggressive tactics.

Podcast Interview: Sentinel Combatives on Krav Maga, Self-Defense, and Preparedness

Podcast interview: Sentinel Combatives on Krav Maga, Israeli Kickboxing, and self-defense training for families across North Georgia and Western NC.

Counter-Custody Basics: Escaping Restraints

Most people assume abductions or unlawful restraints are problems for other countries. The reality: cartels, traffickers, and organized crime groups are already using these tactics here and now. Whether overseas or at home, the ability to escape restraints is one of the most empowering skills you can learn. At Sentinel

Situational Awareness in Transitional Spaces

Violence doesn’t usually come when you’re locked in your house or sitting at your desk. It happens when you’re moving between safe zones—parking lots, gas stations, ATMs, lobbies, and public transit stops. These are called transitional spaces, and they’re some of the most dangerous environments

The Everyday Carry Mindset: Tools for the Modern Protector

When the unexpected happens, you don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to your level of preparation. At Sentinel Combatives, we train not only your body and mind but also your ability to adapt with the tools you carry. That’s why Everyday Carry (EDC) isn’t just about

Gray Man Tactics: Blend In Without Being a Target

In a world where standing out can get you noticed—and sometimes targeted—there’s real power in being invisible. At Sentinel Combatives, we teach not just how to fight, but how to avoid a fight altogether. One of the most effective strategies is the Gray Man mindset: the art

Bonus Post – Information Warfare: How to Detect and Resist Influence Operations

Most people think warfare only happens with bullets, bombs, or blades. But today, some of the most dangerous battles are fought in your mind—through news feeds, social media posts, and subtle manipulation campaigns designed to shape your perception of reality. These campaigns are called influence operations, and they’re

Using Everyday Objects as Improvised Self-Defense Weapons

At Sentinel Combatives, we train for the real world—not the perfect scenario. You may not always have a firearm, a blade, or even your hands free. But what you do have in nearly every situation is your environment—and that means tools, leverage, and options. Improvised weapons are not

How Technology Can Enhance Situational Awareness

In a world that’s faster, louder, and more chaotic than ever, maintaining situational awareness isn’t just a good habit—it’s a survival skill. And while we train the body and sharpen the mind at Sentinel Combatives, we also recognize a powerful truth: Technology—when used intentionally—can

Building a Safe Room in Your Home

“When danger comes to your door, you need more than a plan—you need a place.” Whether it’s a home invasion, natural disaster, or civil unrest, one of the most effective defensive tools you can have inside your own home is a designated safe room. Often overlooked or misunderstood,

Why Counter-Custody Training Matters for Families

Lessons from Ed Calderon’s Course & the Real-World Need for Escape Skills This past weekend, I attended a Counter Custody course with Ed Calderon—one of the most respected voices in non-permissive environment training. His material is gritty, tested, and refreshingly honest. But the biggest takeaway wasn’t just

Stories of Survival: Women Who Fought Back. Inspired by “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker

At Sentinel Combatives, we believe that real self-defense begins long before any physical altercation—it starts with intuition, awareness, and the willingness to trust your instincts. Few resources capture this better than Gavin de Becker’s landmark book, The Gift of Fear, which powerfully underscores that intuition is our most

How to Secure Your Home Against Intruders

At Sentinel Combatives, we teach our students that self-protection doesn’t start when the fight does—it starts with prevention. Your home should be your sanctuary, but without proper security, it can become your greatest vulnerability. Whether you're home alone, asleep with your family, or away on vacation,

Close Quarters Defensive Pistol: Real-World Skills for Real-World Threats

When people think about defensive pistol use, they often imagine standing on a flat range, firing at a paper target from 15 feet away in a perfect stance. But in the real world, that’s rarely how violence happens. Most violent encounters occur within arm’s reach, in crowded or

🔥 SPECIAL EDITION: Civil Unrest Preparedness — Part 4

What to Do If You Inadvertently Walk or Drive Into a Riot “Situational awareness is survival. Composure is the force multiplier.” Despite your best planning and awareness, you may still find yourself caught in the middle of an active riot or violent protest—on foot or behind the wheel. Riots

🔥 SPECIAL EDITION: Civil Unrest Preparedness — Part 3

Vehicle Readiness for Civil Unrest “Your vehicle is your lifeboat. Treat it like one.” In periods of widespread unrest, your vehicle becomes more than just transportation—it can be your lifeline, your shelter, and your fastest path to safety. But that only holds true if you’ve prepared it in

🔥 SPECIAL EDITION: Civil Unrest Preparedness — Part 2

Area Study & Pattern Recognition “Avoidance is your first and best win.” It’s June 2025, and civil unrest continues to erupt with little warning, rapidly spreading across urban and suburban environments. In volatile times like these, the ability to read your environment can be the difference between evasion and