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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
Trauma Medicine in Times of Chaos “When EMS won’t come—or is overwhelmed—YOU are the medic.” It’s June 2025, and once again, civil unrest is gripping parts of the country with the potential to spill into our communities. At Sentinel Combatives, we take the position that it’
When it comes to real-world self-defense, few things are more critical—and more dangerous—than a fight involving a firearm or other weapon. Whether you're a civilian concealed carrier, a home defender, or a professional in harm’s way, weapon retention can mean the difference between survival and
At Sentinel Combatives, we teach that situational awareness isn't just about scanning your surroundings or checking corners—it’s about reading people. And one of the most critical tools in this process is body language. Whether you’re walking through a parking lot, riding public transit, or having
College life is exciting—but it can also bring unexpected risks. Whether you're walking across campus at night, attending social events, or living in shared housing, the ability to protect yourself isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. At Sentinel Combatives, we’re located within walking
Real Training for Real Life When it comes to personal defense, knowing how to shoot, strike, or grapple in isolation isn’t enough. Real-world violence doesn’t happen in neat, organized steps—it’s fast, messy, and pressure-filled. That’s why Sentinel Combatives has officially partnered with Integrative Defense Strategies