TenThree Combatives, a comprehensive self-defense system that focuses on utilizing 10 weapons and targeting three critical areas of the human body to neutralize threats effectively.
TenThree Combatives derives its name from the 10 weapons and the three targets that form the core of the system. The first eight weapons are the body's natural impact weapons, including the hands, elbows, feet and knees.
These are the primary tools used in the TenThree system to deliver powerful strikes and counterattacks.
The ninth weapon is referred to as an "opportunity weapon," which encompasses any object or tool that can be used to defend oneself in a given situation. The final weapon in the TenThree system is grappling.
TenThree Combatives 1-8
Hands: The first weapon in the TenThree system is the hands. Techniques such as palm strikes, hammer fists, and finger jabs can be used to target an attacker's vulnerable areas, such as the eyes, nose, and throat.
Elbows: Elbows are powerful weapons that can be used to strike an attacker from various angles, including the front, side, and back. Common elbow strikes include horizontal, upward, and downward strikes.
Knees: Knees are another powerful weapon in the TenThree system. Knee strikes can be delivered to an attacker's groin, abdomen, or face, depending on the situation.
Feet: The feet can be used to deliver powerful kicks to an attacker's vulnerable areas, such as the knees, shins, and groin. Front kicks, are common techniques in the TenThree system.
TenThree Combatives Opportunity Weapons #9
In addition to the primary weapons listed above, TenThree also teaches individuals to use objects in their environment as weapons. This can include items such as pens, keys, or even a rolled-up magazine, which can be used to strike an attacker's vulnerable areas.
Grappling #10
The grappling aspect of TenThree is particularly important, as it allows practitioners to control and subdue an attacker without causing serious harm. By learning how to use leverage and body positioning, a TenThree practitioner can effectively neutralize an attacker and maintain control until help arrives.
The Three Targets
The three targets that TenThree focuses on are the three primary vulnerabilities of the human body. By targeting these areas, a TenThree practitioner can effectively disrupt an attacker's ability to continue their assault, allowing the defender to escape or call for help.
TenThree's approach to self-defense is rooted in the principles of practicality, efficiency, and adaptability. The system emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.
TenThree training is designed to be accessible to individuals of all ages and fitness levels, with an emphasis on building confidence and mental resilience alongside physical skills.
The TenThree system is structured around a series of progressive training modules, each focusing on a specific set of skills and techniques which allows users to learn at their own pace. This system allows people to start with the basics and gradually build upon their knowledge and skills, ensuring a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced techniques.
The modular approach means that users can focus on the areas that interest them the most or that they feel they need to improve upon. Plus, the flexibility of this system means that users can learn all the modules or progress to their ability, making it an ideal solution for people with varying levels of experience and skill. These modules include:
Awareness and Avoidance: Understanding the importance of situational awareness and learning how to identify and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Mental Conditioning and De-escalation: Cultivating mental resilience, emotional control, and de-escalation techniques to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Basic Strikes and Defenses: Developing fundamental striking and defensive skills using the body's natural impact weapons.
Advanced Strikes and Defenses: Mastering advanced techniques and combinations to maximize the effectiveness of strikes and counterattacks.
Opportunity Weapons: Learning how to identify and utilize everyday objects as self-defense tools.
Ground Fighting and Escapes: Developing skills to defend oneself and escape from an attacker while on the ground.
Multiple Attackers and Weapon Defense: Understanding the dynamics of facing multiple attackers and defending against weapons.
Gross Motor Skills
TenThree Combatives utilizes gross motor skills that involve large muscle movements, which are easier to execute under stress and require less precision than fine motor skills. This means that when adrenaline is pumping and the body is in fight-or-flight mode, users will be able to perform these actions more effectively.
Gross motor skills can include actions like striking with the palm of the hand, pushing, pulling, and using the legs to kick or create distance. These movements are generally more powerful and can help them fend off an attacker more effectively.
Moreover, gross motor skills are typically learned and practiced more often in self-defense training, making them more ingrained and easier to recall in a high-stress situation.
The system's emphasis on practicality, adaptability, and mental conditioning makes it a powerful tool for anyone looking to protect themselves and their loved ones in an increasingly unpredictable world.
The TenThree self-defense system, developed by the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense, offers a comprehensive and practical approach to personal safety. By focusing on 10 weapons and targeting an attacker's abilities, TenThree empowers individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones in various situations.
Equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to protect themselves, TenThree is paving the way for a safer and more secure future. With its emphasis on practical techniques and the use of everyday objects as weapons, TenThree is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their self-defense skills.
Violence Prevention and Self Defense Resources
The goal of the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense is to stop violence by educating at-risk people and empower them with the skills needed to protect themselves both online and live training. CVPSD's live training is available to people of all ages.
Through workshops and seminars we educate participants about violence prevention and guide them on assessing risk factors while establishing boundaries in relationships. Additionally practical self defense classes equip people with hands on skills and effective strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of assault.