w/ Ace Johnson (Delta2Alpha Design)Saturday & Sunday, May 9/10, 2026 – Toronto
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We are back to training and we are thrilled to once again be bringing Ace Johnson from Delta2Alpha Design to Toronto. This time we are going to be doing a deep-dive in combatives, with a twist. Beyond “self-defence”, Cowboy Karate is an unorthodox approach to physical altercations adaptable to any environment.
In Two days: You will learn the Striking Foundation Ace wishes he learned +25yrs ago.Cowboy Karate is a High Speed – Low Drag Striking System: It is is designed from the ground up to be:
*FAST & EASY TO LEARN
*SIMPLE TO PRACTICE
*EASY TO APPLY
As a “Low Tech High Effect System Designed to deal with “The Bigger Better Bad Guy”, you will be learn how to:*Hit Hard*Control Space & Use Angles*Respond Reflexively*Engage Pre-Emptively
MOST IMPORTANTLY: The Next Time You Feel Threatened, YOU’LL HAVE A PLAN!
No Prior Training Required. If you have Prior Training we will tie into it.
Participants Will Require:*Workout Clothes & Street Clothes (Jeans, T-Shirt, Jacket or Hoodie) *Soft Soled Shoes*Mouth Guard & Groin Protection (Precautionary)*Shin Pads (Thai Style, Leather w/ Instep Protection)*Small Boxing Style Focus Mitts (Leather or Fake Leather)*Water, Snacks & A Great Attitude
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.
For those of you who may not know, 2025 has been an incredibly challenging year. It all started with a move that didn’t go quite as planned…and then all the turmoil that followed.
In a nutshell, due to a variety of circumstances beyond our control, we were waylaid by life’s fickle nature and find ourselves in a position where the “retail” part of our business has suffered immeasurably, and that has likewise affected everything else we do. On top of all that, our Instagram account is down. We will look to continue corresponding through our website and are looking into options on how to proceed…Me*ta doesn’t like us.
To that end, we are making the difficult decision to take a step back and re-tool, well, everything.
(Don’t worry, all orders still not shipped will be soon as we replace lost and destroyed inventory and try to fulfil orders as quickly as possible).
We will be closing the web store temporarily while we sort out our offerings and inventory. We will also be stepping back from social media and instead focus on developing new products and training for you – the real bread & butter of what we do. Gear is good, but skills are better.
We have a few projects on the go, including an upcoming new book, as well as some training courses in development. We are also exploring other ways to bring content to you.
We will keep our products (Books, audio books and e-books) on Amazon (around the world) and also ensure the TNT Storefront updates more regularly (see bottom of this post). We will continue to work with trusted partners to bring you new and innovative offerings.
Our sincere goal (and hope) is that we can come back stronger, more streamlined, and in a better place to offer you only the best training and knowledge available.
We will still continue to run classes and put out materials, but only in a very limited capacity. We will also remain open to providing private classes for groups (civilian and gov’t) to keep current and offer training to those who want or need it.
We have Ed Calderon returning to Toronto in February for Urban Movement (sign up directly with Ed), and we are delivering a module at the Home Invasion Defense Symposium being held by Full Spectrum Defense in Kitchener.
Thank you everyone for your continued support, and be sure to spread the word and get your friends to sign up for our newsletter.
Stay safe, stay crafty and cultivate resilience.
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Branded Products
Our merch store will still continue to be up and running and we have other items to add to it soon. Pick up your stuff and check back regularly.
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.
We were interviewed in a recent article about preparedness by The Epoch Times.
Though clearly not all of my discussions were included in the final article, I would add that the message I want to convey to everyone is one of cultivating resiliency – through building mindset, knowledge, skill, supplies and community.
Keep things reasonable, keep things focused and know that while you can’t be prepared for EVERYTHING, you CAN be largely prepared for ANYTHING. Being prepared is not some crazy thing (it’s not about preparing for a zombie apocalypse), but rather to build a level of self-reliance to weather tough times (such as bad weather or unforeseen circumstances) when regular resources are facing compromise or interruption.
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.
A common question asked of me when discussing preparedness as a topic, is “what are important things to carry” or “what stuff should I prepare for a disaster”?
As an addition to my previous posts on Preparedness (see HERE) one often-overlooked or not thought-about part is how important one’s feet are in the overall picture of being prepared for a disaster.
One of the most important aspects of preparedness is mobility. Oftentimes, the best way to avoid a bad situation (especially if you have advance warning of it) is to not be there. However, there will be times when there is little or no warning and staying put then changes to moving out. Relying on a vehicle to get you where you need to go is convenient, but may not always get you all the way there. Vehicle breakdowns, blocked roads, extreme weather – all can contribute to the need to transition to a moving on foot. At that point, you are ultimately going to have to rely on your own feet and their ability to get you through.
Be sure to include at least one spare pair of quality socks into every kit and bag you have. If you have a family of four you need to plan for, the same applies. Buy a good pair of hiking socks which will provide cushion, wick moisture away, insulate, breathe and wash/dry easily for all members of your group. If you need to transition from mounted (in a vehicle) to dismounted (on-foot) to cover distance and terrain to your destination, being able to change your cocksure both supportive of foot care and help boost morale. There is a wonderful feeling one has when you are cold, wet, sore and exhausted but you change your socks for a dry, clean pair. OH! It makes a world of difference. Just ask anyone who’s done a lot of hiking or been in the military. Dry, clean socks are game-changers.
In addition to the above, invest in the best footwear you can – solidly built, broken-in and in good repair. Depending on the profile and expected terrain you may be traversing, you may be looking for something more suited to the wet and cold of the outdoors or the roughness of the urban environment. Either way, research what works for you and get something you can rely on. You should also consider packing some Advil, Moleskin and duct tape. And an extra pair of laces (made from 550 paracord wouldn’t hurt you either).
I recently had the opportunity to have a behind-the-scenes look at the making of some of my favourite socks, right here in Toronto! J.B. Fields makes an array of high-quality socks from premium materials. Living in a colder region, I have been partial to their Icelandic wool socks and hikers for their incredible warmth and versatility for some years now.
Full disclosure: I am NOT being paid for this endorsement nor have I been furnished with any consideration, I just really like their socks AND I like that they are an old, Canadian-based company making a quality product at an affordable price.
I reached out to JB Fields and connected with Sid, one of their employees, and set up a meet to go in and pick up some end-of-season deals at their factory store. Sid graciously offered to show me their factory and how the socks are made, along with the features that make them the quality they are. (SEE PHOTOS AT END OF POST)
There are three styles which I really love:
the Merino Wool Weekender: 96% Merino wool. VERY comfortable but not very resilient, so don’t get them for hiking of boot socks. But casual wear for comfort, yes!
Regardless if you go with JB Fields or other great sock manufacturers (such as Darn Tough or Smart Wool are both VERY good choices), just be sure to invest in a quality sock for supporting your mobility in an emergency for your preparations.
Having appropriate footwear (boots, or shoes), keeping your feet in good health (clean, dry, free of infection/fungus, nails trimmed, space to breathe in shoes, etc) and investing in quality socks will be a key foundational piece to build upon. Getting blisters, frostbite or other foot injuries can be crippling very quickly and ground you, thereby taking away your potion to move from a bad situation. Movement and mobility are life-giving and without hem, you are at the mercy of circumstance and other parties. Stay capable, maintain the capacity for mobility and invest in preparations BEFORE you need them.
Till next time, stay safe and #staycrafty!
Front doors to the factory and shop.
A few facts about this old, Canadian company and their socks.
A selection of their fine Icelandic wool socks. So warm!
Unfinished socks prior to washing and finishing.
Sock-weaving machines and spools of thread ready to go.
These machines require constant attention to maintain up-time.
More spinning machines pumping out socks.
This thing makes a tube of a sock using various types of yarns and colours. Very cool.
Shapeless tube socks being formed into foot-shapes.
Finished product – a very well-made and reliable sock to protect your feet.
I keep a pair in my go-bag at all times. You should too!
