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Negative Space – The AUDIO BOOK!

We are pleased to announce that that due to popular demand, our book, Negative Space: A Guide To Personal Security, is now available as an audio book on Audible and iTunes.

After receiving many messages and emails asking for an audio book version, we took the leap and had the audio book produced to make it even more accessible. It is available as a download from us directly, through Amazon/Audible and iTunes as well (links below).

Buy Direct from us HERE!

Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/3ubAj7W

Amazon US: https://a.co/d/3n1B2jH

Stay Safe and #staycrafty!

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Event Calendar 2024

See below for upcoming events in 2024 (will be updated periodically):

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NEW – Sunday Safety & Security Skills Seminar Series (S6)

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.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

#staycrafty

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Mission Darkness Faraday Gear

Use Promo code TNTRADECRAFT to save on your purchase.

Mission Darkness (MOS EQUIPMENT) provides faraday electronic emissions shielding gear to protect your electronics from damage and compromise.

Their proprietary shielding fabric blocks all signals, in and out, from cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and RFID, protection.

This technology aids in passport/ID protection, wireless testing, travel data privacy, corporate information integrity, personal security, digital forensics and evidence protection. Protect your data from compromise and destruction with hard-wearing, waterproof, weatherproof and signal-proof.

It can also protect equipment from electro-magnetic pulses (EMPs) prior to, and during, disaster scenarios.

Cellphone, tablets, computers, even your car key fobs can be protected from compromise via intrusion, emmination or remote access.

Be sure to invest wisely in your Electronics security with quality products from Mission Darkness and don’t forget to use promo code TNTRADECRAFT to save on your purchase.

Use Mission Darkness gear to protect your electronics.

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The Last Page: Recoil OFFGRID Issue 46

I am very humbled to share that Recoil OFFGRID has allowed me to contribute to their magazine again – this time it was The Last Page: a book review.

The editors suggested that I review the infamous ANARCHIST COOKBOOK, and to furnish my thoughts about it to their readers.

The infamous Anarchist Cookbook

So, if you go to HERE , you can read the entire review.

THE ANARCHIST COOKBOOK REVIEW: A RECIPE FOR CONTROVERSY

OUR REVIEW OF THE INFAMOUS 1971 COMPENDIUM OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DRUGS, WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES, AND GUERRILLA TACTICS.

For those of you who have never heard of it, or ever read it, do give the review a read.

https://www.offgridweb.com/preparation/the-anarchist-cookbook-review-a-recipe-for-controversy/

Till next time, stay safe and #staycrafty.

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CTV News Spot – Festival Safety Tips

On Tuesday, June 18th, 2019, I appeared on the CTV Morning Show in Ottawa.

I was asked to comment on the shooting incident the day previous in downtown Toronto during the celebration festivities of the Toronto Raptors’ NBA Championship win. Estimates placed the crowd sizes at 1.5-2 million. It was just huge.

You can view the full clip on YouTube here. (https://youtu.be/0aQZk7VnACM)


You can also read our previous posts on similar topics below:

To learn more, come to one of our workshops, book us for your private event or attend the German Security Conference in Toronto, Oct 18-20, 2019.

Stay tuned for info on upcoming training and follow us on Instagram and Facebook ( @truenorthtradecraft ) for the latest.

Stay Safe & stay crafty!

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Accommodations Security While Travelling.

Even when staying at really great digs, always remain vigilant.

There is a lot to be said about ensuring your safety and security where you hang your hat while travelling. With Summer approaching and vacations being planned, take some time to include your safety and security considerations into your trip planning.

Not everyone who goes on vacation goes with a “tactical” mindset. You don’t have to be an operator or security specialist to be vigilant of your environment, you just need to be informed and proactive. To that end, we’re adding more tips and info for you in addition to our previous travel security posts. (You can read them through the links at the bottom of this article.)

Prior to your travel, procure some local maps (if you’re a member of CAA they give them to you as part of your membership, or use Google Maps and print them off) and learn the location of your accommodations in relation to local hospitals, police/fire/ems/military stations, friendly embassies/consulates, transit routes, banks.

Get yourself a transit map and ask/research how to use the local public transit (cash, tokens, PRESTO card, etc.) Find out if you can purchase them at the front desk upon arrival. If you do find yourself using public transit, sit yourself in a position so that you can see the driver/conductor and they can see you.

Do your research. Read the local news and weather reports (you can use Google Translate or an extension on Chrome and translate the entire page) to get a feel for where you will be. This allows you to make informed decisions on travel plans. Don’t forget to check for travel advisories on the Government of Canada site here and the Department of State site here.

Learn a few words in the local language where you’ll be. It can help you get what you want/need, understand what locals may be saying about you and can aid in making you seem less like an “ignorant tourist” to the locals because at least you’re trying to fit in. Simple words like “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me”, “bathroom/wc”, “how much?” and “do you speak English? (French, Spanish, Croatian)” can be very helpful.

Part of my Every Day Carry (EDC)

Pack and carry appropriate emergency supplies. Anything you can’t take with you on a plane should be sourced locally as soon as possible upon arrival. You can identify locations (drug and hardware stores, department stores) prior to arrival or from hotel staff.

Always have multiple methods of payment available to you, as well as emergency back-ups. Example, if travelling to, let’s say, Italy, consider the following:

  • Credit Cards (VISA and Master Card preferred over others);
  • Debit card (PLUS or CIRRUS network-enabled);
  • Euros (local currency, primary);
  • Euros (local currency, emergency reserve);
  • US Dollars (readily accepted worldwide, emergency back-up cash);
  • Mini gold bars (very optional, but may be worth a look depending on where you’re travelling to or through).
  • Remember: CASH IS KING – but if you lose it, you’re screwed.

At your accommodations:

  • Take pictures of everything that you may need reminding of – hotel address, parking spot, taxi/Über driver ID, street signs or intersections, pictures of your credit cards (front & back), travel documents and travel itineraries.
  • Ask the front desk if they have dedicated security. If so, ask about the local areas to avoid. If you’re in more private accommodations (like an Air BnB) ask your host about safety concerns in the area.
  • If your room has an adjoining or connecting door, ensure that they are locked and that you have some method of securing it or enabling an early-warning alarm. (Remember, locks only keep honest people honest.)
  • Use your Do Not Disturb sign and deadbolt at all times when in your room and don’t answer the door for unanticipated visitors.
  • Employ a secondary method of securing your door, such as a door wedge, the “fork method” (view an example HERE), or a door wedge alarm. *NOTE: don’t secure the door in such a way as to prevent your escape in the dark in case of fire or other emergency.*
  • Use a single garbage bag in your room to collect all your refuse from your trip. This will help control your “information footprint”. A lot can be gleaned about you from your trash. In some countries, the information left in your room is used by criminal elements to target tourists for victimization. Be sure to dispose of your trash at a different location to minimize your exposure. If you have a rental car, sleep as close to it with your keys near you. In an emergency, you may be able to activate the alarm on the car to draw attention. (Thanks to Ed Calderon of @edsmanifesto for the tips. https://edsmanifesto.com)

It is now, before you set out into the world, to learn the necessary skills to keep you and your loved ones safe. Learn first aid, combatives, survival skills (including restraint escape, urban evasion and lock picking) to give yourself the best chance of surviving hostile situations.

Wherever you go, stay vigilant, be respectful to all but maintain awareness, stay crafty and always have an escape plan.

Safe travels!

See below for further reading on travel security.


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Personal Security Tradecraft & Combatives w/ Delta2Alpha

On March 30 & 31, 2019, True North Tradecraft, joined by Ace from Delta2Alpha, will be delivering a Personal Security & Combatives workshop in Toronto.

Sign up today! Space is limited!

True North Tradecraft will show some key concepts of escapology.

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.

Sign up today! Price goes up soon!!!

***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.***

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Book Review – 375+ International Prisoner Survival Tricks

 

A while ago I heard about a book which chronicled the history and evolution of skills and tips for the Prisoners of War (POWs) or captives in a foreign land.  After much digging, I contacted the author, Mr. Joseph A. Laydon Jr., and arranged to purchase a copy to be shipped to Canada.

Mr. Laydon was very kind and forthcoming in his communications with me and I received my copy (and a bunch of other goodies) from him shortly afterward.

Mr. Laydon’s compendium is a ~350-page tome of well researched historical material.  He has dug deep into the world of POWs (in an American context, specifically) from the US Civil War to Cold War-era and their methods of survival, escape and reunification through simple tips as well as in-depth case studies.

American POWs in Hanoi, North Vietnam.

As the nature of warfare has changed with the introduction of ever-advancing technologies, the realities of captivity remain.  Allied soldiers have been held captive in more recent conflicts such as the Gulf Wars, The Balkans/Former Yugoslavia and in the Middle East.  And though one never knows in advance the circumstances of one’s possible captivity, a study of historical methods (both by captors and captives) is beneficial.  It gives scope and depth of knowledge which may be adapted in given circumstances.  In some current theatres of conflict, one’s adversaries may tend to be on the less-technologically advanced side.  If one is to be effective in combating such foes, a study into their “low-tech” methods will yield insight into their weaknesses.  To that end, studying past historical methods of captivity and restraint allows for the operator or agent to understand the weaknesses in those methods and train to exploit those weaknesses to one’s advantage.

Captured “enemy combatants” in Ukraine.

As an example, “high tech” security features, such as locks and handcuffs, may be in use by one’s own forces, but in some areas in the world, technology may be 50-80 years behind the times, often using outdated and “low tech” restraints and locking mechanisms.  Awareness and training in the exploitation of these are crucial to one’s survival.

You never know where you’ll end up. Prepare now.

I would also argue that even by reading through it in a non-military or operational context, if one were to find themselves kidnapped or held in unlawful confinement, some of the points discussed in this book may be of help, again depending on the circumstances.  But the more you know, the more options you may have.

To bring this around full circle, Mr. Laydon does an excellent job of providing a thoroughly researched historical account of survival methods used by POWs and also the captivity methods of their captors and aggressors over a very long period of time across a wide range of theatres.  Even more useful are his personal notes from his time in the Military and through various survival schools.  All very useful information.  There are many practical and informative (and genuinely interesting) tips and tricks covered.  It is not an instructional manual, per se, but rather an in-depth reference highlighting many historical and contemporary methods and ideas for use in such environments.  The author has augmented historical methods with personal anecdotes and experiences to bring context.  There are no pictures or diagrams to see (though there are a few exercises to learn some of the tricks shown) however the sheer multitude of referenced tips and tricks leaves one much to internalize and think about.  I would recommend this publication to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of this subject matter.  Sometimes, the saying “what’s old is new again” may come to pass.  You never know, it may come in handy some day.

Though the information in this book is good to know,  Would highly recommend finding training in these skillsets in-person.  Nothing beats hands-on instruction and personal first-hand experience.

Joseph A. Laydon Jr. can be reached through www.survivalexpertbooks.com or at [email protected] and this book can be found on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca .  He has written many other books on various other survival-related topics, similarly sized and deeply researched.

Till next time, stay safe and Stay Crafty.