We are thrilled to be able to offer a wide-spectrum of training to you.
Following our May Cowboy Karate combatives class with Ace from Delta2Alpha, we have a selection of classes for Fall.
Our new flagship class, Urban Survival, Evasion & Escape class, will catapult you into a resilient, capable bad-ass who can handle tough, dangerous situations. Think Jason Bourne, but for real.
We are also back to offering Covert Entry, both for public enrolment and an Agency-Restricted version. If you’ve ever wanted to develop an understanding and capability of physical security systems and how they can be compromised (so that you can prevent it).
Our November Counter-Custody & Mixed-skills class will empower you to self-rescue from restraints and abduction.
Finally, we end the year with our Disaster Preparedness class. We cover static and mobile preparedness to build an adaptive and resilient plan for yourself, your home and your business. Don’t be left unprepared.
If you or your group are looking for tailored or private training, Contact Us directly.
After such a great response from the last class we had where we hosted Ed Calderon & crew (April 2025) this iteration went even better.
The Urban Movement class was designed to enable students to navigate a hostile environment in an urban setting. This was a very well-attended offering here in Toronto. Students came from as far away as Alberta and Los Angeles. Several American attended as well as people from different provinces. I was somewhat pleasantly surprised by the mix in the turnout.
From the Manifesto’s Website, the course is described:
Protecting yourself from pick pockets to escaping a foreign country as it’s collapsing, you will learn how to observe – exploit and disrupt.
The world’s most unpredictable environments aren’t always overseas—they’re often the streets we walk every day. Urban Movement, designed by renowned unconventional security specialist Ed Calderon, is a deep dive into the mindset &methods of staying one step ahead wherever you are.
Blending street-level criminology with field-proven tradecraft, this course reveals how to see the world through the eyes of a threat actor—whether it’s a pickpocket, scammer, or violent criminal—and use that perspective to sharpen your own situational awareness.
A wide breadth of topics were covered in this class: Social engineering, urban “flow” and dynamics, discussion of contemporary examples of the use of these methods, discussion about entry methodologies as well as building structures and codes.
There was a great deal of discussion and coverage about the technical side of surveillance and counter-surveillance, namely how various tools are employed against you and what you can do about them. We got to discuss the Flipper Zero, along with other devices which are complimentary. One of the fascinating angles covered was one’s electronic signature and how much you actually emit from your personal devices when you’re casually just walking around. To this end, the discussion then turned to things like burner phone and of course, considerations and best practices of how one would travel safely with technology.
One of the fascinating lessons was on the use of various information platforms out there and how they can be leveraged in both offensive and defensive intelligence roles if you suspect you may be compromised or even just a target. This then led down the path of how to source and build various tools which could aid in building a multi-layered defensive posture using easily-sourced equipment. From there we moved on to so interesting show-and-tell (and try) with access cards and IDs, and then *SURPRISE* how to apply all this stuff within the context of the events that were unfolding that morning in Mexico, especially alternative communications methods and access denial in a travel mode.
This all led to our final exercise where students were tasked with leaving the “safe house”, finding NFC tags with instructions, connecting with a contact, getting a clue which they then had to follow-up on to get their next task which, when completed, would direct them back to the safe house again. This all took place outside and then in a sketchy mall just to make things interesting. All in all, the entire weekend was full of huge gobs of information, plenty of involved taskings and a great deal of fun.
Absolutely loved having Ed, Eddie and Zach back up and we are looking forward to next time.
Till then, stay safe and Stay Crafty!
Shout-outs to: Atlantic Avenue Athletic Club for allowing us use of their space; Ten Catering for the awesome food; Survival Tactics for the nifty giveaways; Urbex_gta for the medical and logistical support. Thanks to everyone who attended. See you again soon!
Our host.When Mexicans come to Toronto in February.Become Ungovernable.Learning…Spittin’ factsTech…lots of tech.On the streets of TO.The stuff you see…Dealing with emerging situations…So much knowledge!Mystical.
Protecting yourself from pick pockets to escaping a foreign country as it’s collapsing, you will learn how to observe – exploit and disrupt.
The world’s most unpredictable environments aren’t always overseas—they’re often the streets we walk every day. Urban Movement, designed by renowned unconventional security specialist Ed Calderon, is a deep dive into the mindset &methods of staying one step ahead wherever you are.
Blending street-level criminology with field-proven tradecraft, this course reveals how to see the world through the eyes of a threat actor—whether it’s a pickpocket, scammer, or violent criminal—and use that perspective to sharpen your own situational awareness.
What You’ll Learn:
Environmental Exploitation
Criminology
Technology & Tactics
Surveillance & Counter-surveillance
And much more
Whether you’re a civilian traveler, a law enforcement professional, or a military operator, Urban Movement equips you with an adaptable framework for navigating uncertain environments.
Why Take Urban Movement?:
This is not a course about theory—it’s about experience. By training your perception, sharpening your decision-making, and practicing deception from both sides, you will learn to see the world differently. You’ll walk away with a heightened awareness, unconventional problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt in dynamic, unpredictable environments.
More than a class, this is a mindset—a way of seeing the invisible patterns in the urban landscape, and learning how to move through them
The other week, True North Tradecraft, along with Eclectic Survival Systems, had the distinct honour of delivering a robust covert (non-destructive) entry class to Emergency Response Team (ERT) members of RCMP “H” Division and the Halifax Police Service.
This group of professionals spent two days with us, learning everything from next-level physical security to hands-on entry methodologies using the latest gear.
We even made a slight nuisance of ourselves when practicing (all approved, of course).
All in all, a fantastic time with much learned by all.
If your Unit or Team would like to learn these skills, contact us at [email protected] for a quote.
Our first event of 2024 will see us hosted by Full Spectrum Defence in Kitchener, Ontario.
In this joint 1-day class, we will be delivering an introduction to counter-custody and restraint escape while knife defence will be delivered by other instructors.
See the link below for more information and to sign up. See you there! #staycrafty
A new approach for 2024 to bring our skillsets to you in a more accessible format.
Starting in early-2024, We will begin offering 1-day Seminars, covering our legacy curriculum in a new format and making both the price point and time commitment more accessible to those with busy schedules. They will be on Sundays, during the day.
Of course, we will still plan to have our weekend-long immersive workshops, as well as Mixed-Skills classes with trusted partner instructors. We also continue to be available to be hosted to deliver these seminars to private groups.
***NOTE: We still offer RESTRICTED-LEVEL CLASSES in COVERT ENTRY and COUNTER-CUSTODY to LE/MIL/GOV organizations. Email us at [email protected] for details.***
In the meantime, we will be offering Seminars on the following topics:
Situational & Behavioural Awareness – S.A.F.E. (Situational Awareness For Everyone)
Introduction to Personal Safety & Security
Disaster, Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
Lone-Worker Safety
Travel Security (AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
Women’s Safety (Women-Only) (AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
Introduction to Counter-Custody, Self-Rescue & Restraint Escape – (Part 1 of 2)
Counter-Custody, Self-Rescue & Restraint Escape – (Part 2 of 2)
Introduction to Lock Picking (Pt 1 of 2)
Physical Security and Non-Destructive Entry Methods (Pt 2 of 2)
The Back-Up-Bag Protocol
***Stop The Bleed first aid classes (to be added to the above)***
And more to come!
These Seminars can be taken individually as a stand-alone or together in series towards building a wide-spectrum of skill sets. Depending on the subject matter, there will be differing ratios of theory and practical learning.
Soon, we will be listing the classes individually on our web store, with dates and seminar outlines, to sign up to.
Have you ever felt afraid or threatened while walking alone at night? When out and accosted by some creep? When travelling in unfamiliar places? Felt something was ‘wrong’ in your gut but didn’t know what to do about it? Want to learn how to get out of handcuffs and other restraints?
Learn to understand your instinctive fears and use them effectively through understanding and awareness. Decrease and control your fear while maintaining awareness of threats and dangers, implementing personal security and risk management strategies and security tradecraft while building confidence in your abilities through training and learning.
Designed and developed to give you an advanced working knowledge of skills and principles which can be used immediately.
This class is exclusively for women only as it is tailored to providing a safe and positive environment for learning while highlighting women’s-specific issues with regards to personal security and safety.
Our goal is to arm you with knowledge and skills while empowering you to take control and responsibility for your own safety and security.
Topics covered include:
Situational Awareness (SA)
Survival Mindset
Social & behavioural analysis
Security risk management
Hostile surveillance awareness
Violence dynamics
Kidnapping and abduction awareness
Unlawful custody – methods and motivations
Introduction to common restraint escapes and counter-custody (theory & practice)
Every Day Carry (EDC) recommendations
Personal protection principles & improvised weapons
Ambush response and immediate actions to attack
Travel security
Home security
No other self-defence class in Canada will prepare you to avoid violent encounters and give you the skills to facilitate escape from unlawful custody or personal security threats at home or on the road.
You can contact us directly to book a 1 or 2 day workshop for your group (Varied formats depending on length of workshop and group requirements).
On March 30 & 31, 2019, True North Tradecraft, joined by Ace from Delta2Alpha, will be delivering a Personal Security & Combatives workshop in Toronto.
You will have the chance to learn, practice, and be coached through escape from some restraints commonly used in unlawful confinement; your success is guaranteed.
*pre-manufactured and improvised options will be covered*
Delta2Alpha will take you through a systematic approach to dealing with the common ranges where most fights are won or lost. Through a unique objective-focused method you will learn:
How to work in your existing skillset;
Earn your deployments;
Rapidly neutralize your immediate threat.
Come and learn how to find the calm in the storm, and what it takes to win…when the only way out…is through.
Designed as a fast paced, practical approach to get you started on your personal security plan.
EARLY BIRD PRICE: $250 CAD per person
SUPER-DEAL: $225 CAD per person for groups of two or more *Contact us at [email protected]*
Prepare yourself for the unknowns in the world with this next-generation training.
***Note: When you purchase this item, you will receive a joining instruction sheet for download listing the location & directions, schedule timings, contact information and a list of essential and supportive gear to bring.***
Training Review: IRETC with 4TAC5, Chicago, IL, May 2018
In May of this year (2018), I travelled to Chicago to expand my skills in the field of Counter-custody and counter-kidnapping but attending the IRETC Instructor Certification with Karl from 4TAC5.
For the longest time I had been working towards attending the counter-custody instructor certification course with 4TAC5 – IRETC (International Restraint Escape Training Course). I had tried for months to connect with them and was planning to travel to their training base in England to attend it when I was referred to Aaron Cunningham of the ITTA (International Tactical Training Association) as they were going to be hosing IRETC in Chicago. As luck would have it this made things much more convenient and less expensive.
Upon arrival I made contact with Aaron and he picked me up from the airport. I treated him to breakfast for the courtesy. As I had only had communications with him through e-mail to that point it was good to finally put a face to the name and get to know him. After breakfast, Aaron and I took a little tour around Chicago (he showed me some of the sights and gave me some background to the respective history and current situations with specific neighbourhoods we were traversing) and then we did two more circles to the airport to pick up other attendees and finally to pick up our instructor, Karl, and make our way to the training facility and our lodgings.
There were 4 of us with Karl and Aaron. A small but diverse group of LEO/MIL personnel.
***I will not speak to the identities of the others in the training as they are currently operational with their respective security services, nor will I get into specifics of the training due to it’s nature. ***
Over that first evening we all had a chance to get to know one another and discuss the upcoming week of training. Admittedly, I was very excited to get the training started and build upon my existing skills.
The next day training started and we covered a LOT of ground. The content for day 1 was vaguely as follows:
Overview of material, counter-custody principles, kidnapping & hostage survival;
Detailed review of improvised restraints and manufactured restraints;
Improvised tools against restraints;
Mindset and tactics
I felt as if I’d been overloaded with information and it took me a while to process what I was learning. So much amazing stuff was coming to me – efficient and effective techniques and principles to put to use immediately. My hands and wrists were smashed and raw by the end of the day but it was well worth the pain to gain the knowledge and hands-on experience in a controlled environment where mistakes can be made and learning can occur. Very helpful when you get yourself in a pickle and need someone to cut you out so you can try again.
Day 2 was much the same in so far as having a firehose of info shot my way. After a great breakfast, we got fuelled up on coffee and a recap of the previous day’s material and dove right in.
Recap Day 1;
Tools, carry, concealment and deployment;
Handcuffs (various, identify, function, features)
More mindset and tactics;
Special tools (contents, function, use)
Anatomy of abduction and custody (phases, counter-intelligence, immediate actions)
Captivity & custody Exercise
Day 2 was a long day filled with more work, soreness and trial and error. However, the more exhaustively we practiced, the more confident I was with the little curve balls that were thrown our way and, with patience and focus, they could be overcome.
Day 2 dinner was another great time gelling with the group and expanding on the day’s lessons.
***BTW the food in Chicago was AWESOME!***
Day 3 was the Big Cahuna. Exercise after exercise after exercise, more scenarios and practice. Very involved to test our newly acquired skills and assure we’d assimilated the little tricks and remained focused on the task regardless of the negative stimulus applied. I found this culmination was a thorough test of my skills and my ability to apply them under stress and in unknown conditions.
As a finale to the week, Aaron arranged a tour of the Chicago Police Marine Unit (with associated boat ride and waterfront tour) and topped it off with a ride-along with the Chicago Police Aviation Unit aboard a CPD helicopter above downtown Chicago. And, as it was Tuesday, what better dinner to have than tacos? I guess you really haven’t lived till you’ve watch a White Sox game at Wrigley Field from a police helicopter. Karl and I had a blast. What a great night.
The following day included a debrief, discussions, clean-up and certification presentations. My trip to the airport was bitter-sweet. I had made some new friends, learned and experienced some top-tier training and was leaving a very Toronto-like city (minus the 14 people who were shot while I was there).
I extend my sincerest thanks to Aaron Cunningham and the ITTA for hosting the training and for their wonderful hospitality. True professionals doing a great job.
To Karl of 4TAC5, thank you for your knowledge, patience and great sense of humour during the week.
To the Chicago Police Marine and Aviation units – thank you for your hospitality and for the amazing ride-alongs. Stay safe out there!
And to my fellow attendees, thank you for the laughs and lessons. Stay safe in your respective areas of operation and keep in touch.
For those of you who are in Canada looking for counter-custody and hostage survival training, keep your eyes peeled for our offerings for both civilians and military/law enforcement (restricted content) or contact us directly for private training solutions for your group.
For more information on mentioned training and entities, see below and feel free to contact us.
