This class is a comprehensive collection of information related to all aspects of threat assessment – including the fundamental concepts of recognition, intuition, readiness, anticipation, expectation and “situational awareness.”
This Dynamic Threat Assessment Class will also demonstrate and give you the know-how to respond appropriately during dynamic situations… the When and Why in regard to application of the techniques and tactics you’ve learned and practiced.
With over 3 hours of education, this class features the best material available on these topics, developed over the past 20 years by Rob Pincus and many other contributing experts in the field of self-defense.
This class is divided into two primary areas. The first is intended to help you be prepared to recognize important things in your environment through the concept of Practical Situational Awareness. It should provide you with the tools so that you know what to be aware of and are more likely to recognize a pre-attack indicator or imminent threat even when you are not actively paying attention to a potential threat.
The second area of focus in this class is Appropriate Responses. If you are properly prepared, you should not only be able to recognize a threat, but also recognize and begin to apply the appropriate response to the threat without having to spend much time deliberating or “deciding” what to do. Appropriate Responses, which might include any of the things you’ve learned and practiced, should be automated.
This class features contributions from many instructors and is one of the most unique video education classes offered in the training community. It might also be one of the most important classes you could ever take.
Among 4 BONUS video sessions you’ll get with this class, is nearly a full hour of interactive discussion covering Legal Issues related to Self-Defense, featuring expert advice from a variety of sources.
Beyond the videos you’ll receive with this class, you’ll have access to 3 helpful downloadable PDF documents, covering a variety of perspectives on situational awareness.
Class Sessions
Class Overview
4:35
Ron Pincus opens the class with a broad overview of the key concepts that you’ll learn in this comprehensive collection of instruction. Starting with “Situational Awareness,” we’ll cover concepts of recognition, intuition, readiness, anticipation, and expectation. Then the course turns to “Appropriate Responses.” If you are properly prepared, you should not only be able to recognize a threat, but also apply an effective response.
Awareness
13:43
“Awareness” has become a buzz word in the personal defense community. This session focuses on the concept of Awareness and what it means to be “aware” in regard to your personal safety. There are many myths and misunderstandings about awareness and our capability to collect information from our environment. In order to really take advantage of information, we need to process it. This session also features an in-depth exploration of “Practical Situational Awareness” and the importance of acknowledging the possibility of being Ambushed.
Readiness, Anticipation & Ambush
9:02
This session covers the difference between “Readiness,” “Expectation” and “Anticipation.” Counter Ambush Training is really defined by understanding the differences between these concepts. Far too often, training and practice is done in a way that only allows you to understand your performance potential under the conditions of Expectation. Training to be capable of applying your skills in a more realistic way must account for some chaos and reduced awareness.
Recognition in Context
10:53
This session covers Recognition, the method of an expert. Recognition is developed through repeated exposure to patterns that can be learned. These patterns include your responses to predictable events.
Intuition
28:58
We’ll explore Intuition and the role that it plays in your personal defense preparation. There are big differences between things that are Instinctive and Intuitive that should be understood so that you can train and practice in a way that best prepares you to apply your skills efficiently. The role that your perception of things plays in allowing you to respond intuitively is also discussed.
Managing Your Emotions
10:24
Managing your emotional response during a dynamic event is incredibly important. If you don’t have a plan that specifically fits a situation that you are facing, you might let your emotions direct your actions leading to elevated risk, unnecessary use of force, a lack of action that could save you or someone else, or unwanted aftermath issues. The best way to prevent your emotions from taking the lead during a crisis is to have a well-rehearsed plan to follow.
Permission to Act
7:24
Giving yourself Permission to Act in an emergency is something that you should do ahead of time. Understanding pre-contact cues, appropriate levels of defensive force, and your legal obligations ahead of time can help you to set appropriate points at which to apply specific responses.
Triggers to Violence
14:00
William April is an expert in the field of Violent Criminal Behavior. In this session, he discusses some of the triggers to violence that could lead someone to threatening you or someone you care about. Violent Criminal Actors do have some traits in common that you can learn more about and be prepared to recognize.
Confidence vs. Avoidance
7:28
There are times when acting confidently can help you avoid a violent attack. In other situations, taking steps to completely avoid confrontation can be the best way to stay safe. Both of these tactics can be appropriate, even though they are objectively opposite approaches. The differences and appropriate uses are covered in this session.
Pre-Emptive Defensive Actions
8:17
Pre-Emptive Defensive Action is sometimes appropriate. If you are aware of an imminent attack to you or someone else, the right thing to do may be to take action. You do not necessarily need to be under an active attack in order to defend yourself.
Carrying Defensive Tools
27:42
How you carry defensive tools in the real world shouldn’t be different from the way you are carrying them in your training and practice environment. Consistently carrying your tools means that you will be able to consistently practice accessing them in the same way(s) that you would access them in an emergency.
Appropriate Response and Resolution
16:05
Defensive Use of Force is primarily talked about in regard to the legal options available to you. There are many options available during the wide variety of potentially violent situations you could face. In most cases, thinking about how you can avoid confrontation in the first place is always going to be the best option and is often much easier than some people would make you think. The way you live your life and the way you respond to developing situations can have a much larger effect on the likelihood of being involved in violence than many people consider. Living your life in a way that avoids conflict and seeks to de-escalate situations can also have a positive effect on the aftermath of any violent event that you are forced into.
Class Summary
4:24
The Summary of this class includes reminders as well as information about the material that supplements the video chapters.
BONUS: Filling Your Self-Defense Gaps
6:50
After watching this session, you’ll be able to determine the best ways for you to spend your limited training and practice resources.
BONUS: Managing an Unknown Contact: Verbalization
5:51
In this Bonus video, you’ll learn from Craig Douglas some key principles in how to manage space and interactions with an unknown contact who may be approaching you in an uncomfortable manner. Using movement and verbalization, you can see how to create space in an encounter and decrease the chances of a negative result from such interactions.
BONUS: Managing an Unknown Contact: Hand Motion
6:45
Craig Douglas will continue sharing his expertise in managing an unknown contact, with this Bonus session on how best to use movement and hand position in the case of an unexpected and threatening approach from another person or persons.
BONUS: Legal Issues Related to Personal Defense
54:12
In this 54-minute representation of a PDN Facebook Live online event, you’ll see and hear from a panel of experts covering a variety of legal issues related to the use of force in defending yourself. Led by Rob Pincus, the panel includes attorneys and law enforcement for a wide-ranging discussion.
Your Instructor
Rob Pincus
As Executive Director of Personal Defense Network (PDN), Rob Pincus is the embodiment of PDN’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible, practical personal defense information and effective training for the masses. Rob has produced over 100 Training DVDs, published 9 books and written countless articles on topics related to all aspects of personal defense. His I.C.E. Training Company has developed many training programs and certified hundreds of instructors to help others be prepared to defend themselves and those they care about. Rob currently serves as a Reserve Deputy with the San Juan County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office.
Bonus Material
Class PDF: Evaluating Human Behavior
This 3-page article discusses key considerations to assess dynamic situations.
Class PDF: Situational Awareness Rainbow
This 4-page resource outlines a spectrum of awareness.
Class PDF: The Myth of Situational Awareness
This 3-page article addresses some common misconceptions of situational awareness.
Class PDF Worksheets
Download 3 Worksheets to help your practice of awareness training
Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Rob Pincus.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How Do I Know What The Class Covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I Have To Be A Member Of Personal Defense Network To Purchase A Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on PDN Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great defense videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How Do I Purchase A Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How Do I Access/View My Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Personal Defense Network. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I Have To Take The Class Right Away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is There A Limit On The Times I Can View My Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I View A Class On My Tablet Device Or Mobile Phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on Personal Defense Network, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How Do I Get Access To The Bonus Materials For The Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How Does The Class Q&A Resource Benefit Work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and PDN contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I Print Out Class Details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What Are PDF Downloads?
These are simply documents, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are There Any System Requirements To View The Class Video Content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why Do You Need My Email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to personaldefensenetwork.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Personal Defense Network from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I Get A Refund If I Don’t Like The Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How Do I Contact PDN Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from a PDN Academy Instructor or contributor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at pdnsubscription@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-231-0650. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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