
Tim Larkin | When Violence Is the Answer
04/04/24 • 81 min
For close to two decades, Tim Larkin has been a prominent figure in the realm of self-defense and close-combat training. After a tragic injury ended a career in the Navy SEALs before it began, Tim forged a new path as an intelligence officer.
As fate would have it, his journey led him back to the SEAL teams where he became instrumental in the development of the hand-to-hand fighting system, which they later adopted.
This system later evolved into the Target Focus Training system (TFT), which Tim has taught to elite military operators, police, and civilians around the world.
In this exciting episode, we cover:
- How a catastrophic injury that ended his SEAL career lead to an a life-changing discovery
- Why the SEALS were interested in a hand-to-hand system (it's not what you think)
- What people get wrong about violence
- How TFT gives you. an advantage against stronger, more skilled opponents
- AND more!
This is one of my favorite episodes, so make sure you don't miss it.
So, pull up a chair and sit a spell as we talk with Tim Larkin inside this week's episode of the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast!
Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page. Click here.
Link up with us:
Website: Pearl Snap Tactical
Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical
X: Pearl Snap Tacitical
The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates. The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice. Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor.
(Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)
For close to two decades, Tim Larkin has been a prominent figure in the realm of self-defense and close-combat training. After a tragic injury ended a career in the Navy SEALs before it began, Tim forged a new path as an intelligence officer.
As fate would have it, his journey led him back to the SEAL teams where he became instrumental in the development of the hand-to-hand fighting system, which they later adopted.
This system later evolved into the Target Focus Training system (TFT), which Tim has taught to elite military operators, police, and civilians around the world.
In this exciting episode, we cover:
- How a catastrophic injury that ended his SEAL career lead to an a life-changing discovery
- Why the SEALS were interested in a hand-to-hand system (it's not what you think)
- What people get wrong about violence
- How TFT gives you. an advantage against stronger, more skilled opponents
- AND more!
This is one of my favorite episodes, so make sure you don't miss it.
So, pull up a chair and sit a spell as we talk with Tim Larkin inside this week's episode of the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast!
Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page. Click here.
Link up with us:
Website: Pearl Snap Tactical
Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical
X: Pearl Snap Tacitical
The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates. The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice. Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor.
(Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)
Previous Episode

Avoiding the Top CCW Blunders
After safely training over one thousand security-minded citizens in the use of firearms and weapons tactics, we've compiled a list of the top mistakes and blunders we've seen from a cross-section of shooters across the country.
No one is born knowing this stuff. We all started at the same place - the beginning. That said, it's crucial we help each other avoid the pitfalls and trap doors that so many fall into as they progress along their EDC journey.
Tune into this important episode to gain valuable tips to avoid regrettable blunders and ensure your concealed carry practices are both effective and responsible.
So pull up a chair and sit a spell as we share actionable information to make you faster, stronger, and harder to kill.
It's all inside this week's episode of Pearl Snap Tactical!
Resources listed:
Books:
Shooting Handguns, Steve Wier
The Laws of Self Defense, Andrew Branca Esq.
Deadly Force, Masad Ayoob
Holsters we like:
Bravo Concealment
Blade Tech
T. Rex Arms
Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page. Click here.
Link up with us:
Website: Pearl Snap Tactical
Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical
X: Pearl Snap Tacitical
The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates. The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice. Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor.
(Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)
Next Episode

The Viking Age Mindset | Professor Tom Shippey
For three centuries, the Vikings raided, traded, and settled regions from North America to the Middle East, leaving an indelible mark on history. Despite encountering civilizations with superior organization, logistics, and technology, the Vikings maintained a significant edge.
What was the secret to their success?
Author and historian, Professor Tom Shippey, offers a compelling explanation: it was the Viking mindset. In his book, Laughing Shall I Die: the Lives and Deaths of the Great Vikings, Professor Shippey details a unique attitude towards life and death that was deeply rooted in their culture and mythology. It was this mindset that gave them such an unparalleled advantage.
Join us as we explore:
- The Viking Worldview: How their beliefs in fate and the afterlife influenced their fearlessness and resilience.
- Courage and Heroism: The values that defined Viking warriors and how these were celebrated in their sagas.
- Cultural Identity and Community: The role of cultural identity in fostering unity and effective combat readiness.
Professor Shippey provides a deep dive into the Viking ethos, offering valuable lessons in resilience, courage, and leadership. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a member of the military, or someone interested in personal development, this episode is packed with insights that resonate across the ages.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the psychological resilience and fearlessness of the Vikings.
- The role of Viking mythology in shaping their behavior and decision-making.
- The impact of Viking culture and values on their enduring success.
Get ready to take a wild ride into the past where we unearth the ancient wisdom and virtues of our warrior ancestors to revive them for the modern age.
It's all inside this week's episode of the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast!
Links and Resources:
Get the book: Laughing Shall I Die: Lives and Deaths of the Great Vikings
Additional sites:
- Professor Tom's Website
- UppsalaBooks.com
Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page. Click here.
Link up with us:
Website: Pearl Snap Tactical
Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical
X: Pearl Snap Tacitical
The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates. The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice. Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor.
(Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/pearl-snap-tactical-249287/tim-larkin-when-violence-is-the-answer-48211895"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to tim larkin | when violence is the answer on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy