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Do You Have Bad Intentions?

Welcome Back!

Jim West was recently at our studio to provide some expert instruction on a few new weapon projects. As expected, we had a great time. Jim has a way of tossing out nuggets of combat wisdom in passing that really stick with you. Here’s one thing he brought up that many of us don’t give enough thought to:

“Bad Intentions”

Jim pointed out that in a life or death self-defense situation, you MUST have bad intentions. If you aren’t mentally prepared to hurt your attacker, you are much less likely to survive. The survival mindset is an aggressive one.

For Jim, it’s about flipping the switch from polite citizen to “ass kicking” mode as quickly as possible. How fast can you make the switch? Seriously, think about that for a minute…

Most of us grew up being told we have to be kind to others… and we should. Most of us were scolded for hitting others at a young age… also a good thing. Because of our parent’s strong values and guidance we developed into kind and respectful citizens.

Here’s the Problem…

If kindness and respect are your norms, how do you “flip the switch?” For some, it’s very difficult and can take a second or two. For others, they just can’t seem to make the switch. Why is it so difficult for us? We are conditioned to be non-violent. Criminals expect good victims, and for the most part, people are. The criminal’s instinct is to take what they want through intimidation, deception, and violence. Ours is to earn what we want through honest, hard work.

In the critical few moments leading up to physical contact, most of us are looking for ways to de-escalate the situation, or are simply paralyzed by fear (or an ingrained hesitancy to hurt another human being). All this works to the criminal’s advantage.

So You MUST Be Proactive

If you wait for a life-threatening situation to decide what to do, you are leaving too much up to chance. You must decide ahead of time where your “line in the sand” is. And if it’s crossed, how far will you go?

Ask yourself the following questions:

  1. How dirty will you fight?
  2. Are you out for blood?
  3. Will you wait to be hit first?

Don’t Get Me Wrong

I’m not suggesting you fly off the handle at the slightest chance of a conflict. But when trouble comes knocking, you’d better be mentally prepared to take care of the problem and resolve yourself to do what you think is necessary.

Keep in mind hundreds, if not thousands of people have been killed with just one punch. So, as far as I’m concerned, there are no “little scuffles” in the street. This isn’t the playground. A grown man trying to hit me IS life threatening, every time. When you engage you must truly intend on hurting the person. You can’t fake it.

Aggression and self-preservation are basic animal instincts. Use them. If you are simply defending (as in, only using defensive moves) your attacker will likely keep at it, until he has worn you down. Your defense has to hurt him. It must have those bad intentions.

The Reality Is This

With the exception of a skilled counter-fighter, aggressors control the encounter. If you willingly let the attacker maintain his role as the leader in the encounter you are leaving too much up to chance. Hoping he’ll give up, hoping somebody will come to the rescue, hoping he won’t hurt you too bad, or hoping he’ll leave your family alone.

Don’t hope… ACT. We’ve talked about mindset before and this won’t be the last time we talk about it. But I think Jim West has a unique and valuable way of looking at this issue, that may resonate in a different way than some of our previous articles.

What Do You Think?

When trouble comes, will you have the strength to flip the switch? Let me know in the comments below!

For a safe life…

Dean Horine, Special Projects
FightFast/TRS

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696 thoughts on “Do You Have Bad Intentions?”

  1. Superb advice! A person can never be too careful of their surroundings and whats going on around them. I truly believe if it was me or that other person, there would be zero hesitation on my end. I am a licenced carrier for a reason. In today’s world you have to be a little rough around the edges. Growing up I was always taught to never throw the first punch- but I better finish it. I tell my boy’s this all of the time. Do not take anyone’s crap period and if someone lay’s their hands on you, ya better finish it and make sure they ain’t getting up. It’s funny I come across this Blog tonight.. My niece whom is seven stated to me tonight that her one “friend” always slaps her. Without hesitation I replied, you better slap her little a** back! She says Auntie I don’t know how to fight- Girl you better learn!

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  2. As an older person (female), naturally I was brought up to not fight…..ladies don’t fight. Me, being me, I’ve never been one to back down if confronted. Thankfully, I’ve not had to fight for my life, but I’m DEFINITELY not opposed to causing an attacker some pain. If I get angry enough to cry, you better run…..because if I get that angry, I lose any and all fear (not a good thing, I know…but seems to be a built-in part of “me”). Between you guys, and some other tactical companies, I’ve been building my Arsenal of knives. Easier for a 62 year old woman to carry…..and I can carry many at one time if I feel the need. My husband thinks I’m nuts, but he still supports me in this. He got me an amazing metal sharpening stone for Christmas…the only thing I asked for. I’ve been putting sharper edges on all my tactical knives.
    Can I flip that switch if needed….HELL YEAH!!!!

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  3. Years ago I drew that line in the sand. I call it my two foot circle. If you step into that circle or appear to be coming into that circle then I will hurt you. Of course doesn’t pertain with weapons involved. And if its family protection instant on. Other wise let me be.

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  4. I was taught to not hurt people when I was young, mainly because I was stronger than my brother. I grew up in a Christian background, and they think it is wrong to hurt people, I disagree. It is only wrong to hurt people for fun, or because he got the last donut. But I solemnly believe that it is right to hurt people that is threatening you, your family, your friends, or your spouse. One thing I have to cope with is that I probably don’t have the courage to “flip the switch”, but if someone tries to hurt me, I will try to make it a reflex to punch first and talk later.

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  5. Bad intentions….i like it. This combined with the knowledge that a black eye is better than a black bag is something one must always remember. So many ppl let the fear of being hit leave them vulnerable and perpetual victims. In the heat of the moment let the pain be your fuel. You’ll be proud of that black eye when the bad guy is retreating.

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  6. I moved from Boston to N. Idaho. and I’ve seen alot of crap living there, you need to be aware of everything and always always look over your shoulder especially at night. Never walk alone if you can help it but if you do “walk aware”. No training in the world will help you if you succumb to fear. The only fear anyone should have is with the LORD GOD HIMSELF. We’re living in the devil’s playground and his punk azz followers always will prey on the weak so be prepared, be aware and be safe. Nevermind what they can do to you but mind what you can and will without fear do to them.

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  7. Best advice Ive seen in any email I have recieved. I was raised to be polite and very respectful however ever since I was a kid and would get into fights I always through them first punch. Dont get me wrong I was in no way a bully or like fighting however like what was said it when it comes down to knowing your going to have to fight I wasn’t the one who would stand their talking crap or pushing I would rather end it while the other is waiting on the opportunity. Now that I am an adult 7 years ago my best friend was killed by being hit one time and his head hitting the payment. The 3 guys that jumped him did not see one minute in jail or handcuffs because of it being a small town and politics run everything. I will forever remember him and even though he was a great fighter how fast your life can be taken so now I dont give it a split second. The best way said is its a switch, an automatic act that comes from your subconscious. Meeting me you would never know it as I am a kind god fearing man that has a different person inside at the flip of a switch.

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  8. Violence is a tool. One of many (hopefully) on the belt. In my opinion, if you have to use this tool, then you’d better be fully committed to doing serious harm to someone. If you can’t see yourself popping someone’s eye out of its socket with your thumb, or kicking their teeth out, then you are not committed. I also think people need to get used to the idea of throwing the first punch instead of reacting to their attacker. You hear about victims in morgues having defensive wounds all the time. Not so much about the attacker having offensive wounds though. Just my opinion.

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  9. I can’t count on one hand how many I can let into my space, if you enter it crossedeyed, I will end you. By that I guarantee you will be eating out of a straw the rest of your natural life. Or the alternative, if it warrants… you could be graveyard dead!

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  10. Being kind to others is a good rule of thumb, however being constantly diligent and even on guard is an important rule of thumb for these days. A friendly face and pleasant disposition can be a deceptive mask.

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  11. I always have Bad Intentions.( EX Merck) I’m 84 and have lots of was to do extrema damage to any enemy if i have to. (Wraith)

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  12. Absolutely every fight should be taught not to win but to survive. I always assume the person attacking me wants to take my life. You must be ready and willing to get mid evil violent. In survival situation there are no rules, you are not in a ring with breaks in between rounds.

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  13. Excellent article about flipping the switch I’ve seen it happen as they say under stress you will default to the lowest level of your training that’s why I go out and drop 50 rounds down range every week and not from a static position constantly moving and getting off the X I am a Custom Knife Builder and my main back off weapon is a custom-built Damascus dagger with a six-inch blade I call it my Sharp pointy get away from me thing which hopefully will buy me enough distance to disengage and go for my primary weapon thank you for that great article I know I can flip the switch

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  14. Be kind to others, but always be mindful of your surroundings. A must living in the burbs’ of Chicago. Always be prepared to defend yourself and take the bad guy out! . As a senior citizen I never leave the house without my EDC

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  16. I was in the Marine corps for 6 years four of them was being a recon unit I learned to do things I never thought I’d do and learn how to get down and dirty and as you say flip a switch very quick but I like the products you’ve been selling. Since I’ve been out of Marine corps I’ve been teaching self-defense classes martial arts classes and how to use different types of weapons.

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  18. I was always a protective person all people and their rights. I was always wanted to jump into action you hesitate you die. I truly believe and walk through life with (Hope Peace and Love)… Sadly not everyone lives like that so it takes those with courage to stand up against the wicked. There’s a saying that I love. It’s a crime what wicked men do but it’s a greater crime when good men watch and do nothing…

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  19. Excellent advice. As an ex military man. You definitely need to be prepared for anything. Don’t underestimate your attacker or apponet.

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  21. Hello Dean, and the rest of ur employee’s, i’m Rudy V i enjoyed the pick kit, n the video’s AMERICAN BADASS was a great video these put me to sleep but this one was different but i plan on going to ur video’s n check out those i could alway’s use more training. i also have been fairly pleased with all that i’ve purchased n i’m waiting on 12 item’s between u guys n a couple of other survivalist site’s.n can’t wait for my toy’s to get here now to look for one with good deal’s on weapon’s yup all kinds of knife’s n gun’s n stuff like that, i haven’t seen on the one’s i’ve been to there was one but i didn’t get the name of site or anything but i know it’s out there. ok Dean n the rest i wanted u guy’s to also know I appreciate all ur help n great price’s n Thank u for the deal’s n free item’s u all supply all of us with.u all have a great weekend i’ll be back later it’s been great coming here ok gang ttyl and NO i dont have bad intension’s toward’s anyone but if picked on well then that’s a total different story lol but i’m a good guy…….

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  23. I really like what you are doing here, but I am overcoming my difficulty with social media. So this will help me to find my words.

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  24. I always thought that I was supposed to repress these feelings because they would scare people who heard that I would give my life to save someone else.

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  25. I totally agree with proactive and violent self- defense Krav Maga style. End that fight in ten seconds or less. Then get the hell out of there as expeditiously as you can. A major issue with street fighting is you do not know your opponent, their capabilities, or if they are armed with a deadly weapon. So, if at all possible, find an escape route and take it. Better to run to fight another day when you can control the unknowns than suffer deadly consequences.

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  26. I’m a fighter I promise you I will hit back.. I’m not letting no one get the first hit on me..I took karate lessons from one of the best around…

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  27. Really good advise. If more people would think about this the police would have less criticism over their actions.( they are trained to switch to survival mode in the blink of an eye and also trained to shoot to kill)

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  28. I carry a spring assisted OTF dagger every day and I’ve had to take it out a few times, but, thankfully, never had to use it on anyone. Just pushing the button and having that lethal blade fly out has been enough to change the person’s mind about messing with me. I’ve learned great fighting tactics from you guys in case my blade doesn’t scare them away, so I want to say thank you for giving me options on how to deal with the attacker.

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  29. Please do not laugh at an 81 yr old woman following these blogs. I am very strong for my age and size. And I would have no qualms whatsoever in seriously hurting any attacker.
    And in my case I know I would have to act first with a perceived threat. My only plus factor in being a little old lady is that an attacker would not expect me to attack him, but instead would expect an immediate tearful meek cowering response.
    Due to arthritis in my hands I can no longer pull the trigger on my 22 gun. Am trying to find out which guns have a softer trigger pull. Or a more sensituve trigger. Any suggestions here would be appreciated. I am a very good shot (or at least I used to be). Due to age, loss of strength is the only thing making me seriously vulnerable. So I would have to act immediately before I was subdued.
    And I read all of these blogs, sometimes making notes. Thanks for all the good info.
    Linda

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  30. I had an advantage growing up. I come from a family of fighters by that I don’t mean that we EVER looked for a fight but if it looks like a fight is imminent we strike hard,fast, and continuously until the threat is totally out of action. My children and grandkids have been taught the same mindset. An accidental blow can be fatal and that blow isn’t going to land on me. I was blessed to be in a special unit in the military and that reinforced my training and mindset. I’m not a thug and none of my kids or grandkids are either. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention my wife she’s tougher than a 2 dollar steak and just as feminine as a lady can be but given reason she’ll see that you get a full sized all day country ass whippin’ . We don’t look for problems but we deal with them immediately! I’m tickled to see that someone has stepped up and started a blog,I’ll participate and encourage others too. Stay safe and stay strong. Roy

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  31. I’m a 73 year old man who’s concerned about the growing amount of violence in our society. I have learned combat skills in the Army but that was many years ago and I realize I need to be better prepared to defend myself and my loved ones, when necessary. And I wouldn’t hesitate to inflict maximum damage to protect myself or loved ones.

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  35. Well I’m 60 years old and not in to good of health burning can still squeeze a trigger and hit my target. . I don’t fight I stop the fight. . I’m not a military man . Many in my family were. . I tried to join just because of 2 cracked vertebra and 2 out of place they would not let me go. HELL I picked produse bailed hay painted water tanks radio towers. And if you know anyone that has ever done those jobs they will tell you they are not a easy job . but I did learn how to shoot and hit a target . And I will figjt for the country our kids deserve to live free in.

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  37. Combine different types of fighting to stay safe, I won’t have to go to far to stay in one piece, am a peaceful person till pissed off then it’s every one for them self. Unless it’s my family then all bets are truly off.

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  39. I was brought up in a Christian house and taught that it was best to avoid trouble but also not to run from it and to always take up for weaker persons. This has served me well throughout my life. I will attempt to deescalate a confrontational situation initially however I will absolutely do everything to destroy anyone who attempts to initiate violence on myself, family or the innocent/helpless.

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  41. Against someone you don’t know flipping the switch comes way easier once the alarm hits your core and senses… But the other day, I had a business friend go south- you know the type always quick to temper and talking tough and violence all the time… a good guy at times made for a soft spot and I found it extremely hard to flip the switch. I decided just to stay away until I’m ready to.

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  42. When the time comes you better get mean, nasty and don’t hold anything back it may be your only chance to live.

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  43. I had a very interesting childhood. It was my job to calm down my very hardworking dad who would periodically go into psychotic rages over his business. I learned to deal with very dangerous people this way which I then went on to draw towards me throughout the first half of my life. I got out of this pattern, but I never forgot the skill. Many of these kinds of people later told me, “You are the most dangerous person I have ever met.” When I asked why, they would say,”because you are so quiet . Be careful of the quiet ones.” The only advice I can give is this, In the situation you find yourself in, take the relationship you are in with the predator very seriously. Your God given ability to respond will come out in you as it did when I was a child. I know many of you will not understand what I am talking about here, but maybe the person that needs to see this, will see it, and understand.

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  44. These words have never been more true. Our fight or flight instinct is not even known to us until a situation arises. It will shock you when your mind is screaming run save yourself run for safety, and yet your body does the complete opposite. Being prepared is the only way to feel confident that should something happen you can adapt, improvise and overcome.

    You said that you feel if a grown man is going to punch you act as if it is life or death. I absolutely agree. Criminals are used to passive behavior. They will be shocked when you don’t just rollovvervv

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  45. I can flip the switch at any moment. I’m a Marine so I’m always keeping situational awareness at the fore front no matter where or what I am doing. Case in point stopped their car 2 feet in front of me and I immediately went into MILITARY MODE. I was ready for whatever intention this person had. When this person decided they were going to open their door at 2345 I had my German Shepard in front of me and my hand on pistol , ready to draw. I always have a round in the chamber. That half second of chambering a round could be the difference between life or death. Of course the pistol is always on safety so I constantly train on drawing the pistol and at the same time switching safety off and ready to squeeze the trigger if necessary.

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  47. I hve everything around as a weapon. I was taught well. A receipt is a weapon. I stand my ground everytime and if you push, I strike with precision. Hand to hand is fine if you hit first, good for you, but I go for maximum velocity and I don’t hold back. I may be one of the few that knows what I do, but flip the switch and go crazy.

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  48. This is a truth I learned the hard way early in life.
    I have learned to make situational awareness a priority because of those early experiences, and luckily I was able to survive and learn from them, but they left scars.
    This is great advice, dudes!

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  49. Bob and everyone at TRS:

    Thank you for all you do. You are doing a great service to our great country! As a Veteran and fellow patriot it is our moral duty and obligation to continue to fight for Freedom and destroy the Evil that wants to kill us or subject us to perpetual Slavery. Keep up the good fight!

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  50. I’ve never been the aggressor type,but always backed the aggressor down when it come to it.Just letting them know they could get hurt just like you makes them think about it.

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