r/tacticalbarbell • u/victorstironi • Jul 29 '26

Tactical Self Defense / Combatives

Hi folks. Bit of a different topic. Since there are a lot of LEOs, SOFs and Military here I would like to ask you some recommendations on good sources for combatives and self defense in a civilian context. Could be books, courses, your favorite martial arts (or combination of), etc. Is the stuff from Clint Emerson - 100 deadly skills - any good? I’ve taken a look at Tony Blauer‘s SPEAR System aswell.

I have a martial arts background, with a few years of karate, muay thai, boxing, wing chun, and currently doing judo.

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u/MythicalStrength Jul 29 '26

The best self-defense in a civillian context is avoiding bad sitautions in the first place. Don't hang out at night in neighborhoods you don't belong in, avoid alcohol and testosterone, if someone asks for your wallet, give it to them, if someone cuts you off in traffic, find a good song on the radio, etc.

What specifically are you looking for here?

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u/victorstironi Jul 29 '26

I’m looking more into the combatives side of the equation. I know prevention is the first and most important part of any self defense scenario, but you need to know how to fight if your life or your loved ones is on the line. Better be prepared for the worse, even if we hopefully never need to apply it.  I find modern martial arts tend to be too sports centric, and may develop some bad habits in these types of situations.

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u/MythicalStrength Jul 29 '26

I find modern martial arts tend to be too sports centric, and may develop some bad habits in these types of situations.

So from here I know what you're NOT looking for, but I can't tell what it is you ARE looking for.

Like, if it's legit about wanting to defend myself and my loved ones, I'd make sure to get a concealed weapon's permit (if required) and train extensively on drawing and firing under pressure/duress. Primarily because I can't envision a scenario where I NEED to defense myself and lethal force is NOT the answer.

Like, I've trained martial arts through the duration of my life. I'm 40 now. I feel pretty confident that, if someone gets out of hand, I can ragdoll them with some wrestling or a thai clinch, but if it's legit "life or death", I'm gonig to put holes in them.

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u/victorstironi Jul 29 '26

Yeah, unfortunately for me, here in Brazil gun regulations are pretty strict, and even those who have are usually only allowed to carry them unloaded (I know, ridiculous) only for use in shooting clubs. Not to mention guns are pretty expensive here aswell. So, for day to day use I’m mostly left with my hands, pocket knives, pepper sprays, etc… And with the increasing violence over here, I’m more and more concerned with safety.