Surviving a violent encounter is more about what is between the ear than whats in your hand. While a tool like a firearm can be extremely helpful in defeating a criminal that is trying to harm or kill you, your mindset and training have a greater likelihood in helping you prevail than any tool alone. That is one of the primary reasons why I suggest people seek out competent self defense training to go with obtaining a firearm and concealed carry permit (if needed or even available to you.)

However, training is expensive in both time and money. With any travel expenses, a good training class can cost hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars. Additionally, it will require you to block off several days or even a week of time to attend. Sure, having a Tom Givens or Mas Ayoob local to you can reduce those costs, but most of us don’t have that luxury.

As an alternative, video training can be a good intermediary step toward competency in a defensive situation.

One of those video training programs is the Comprehensive Self-Defense DVD Bundle. This $199.99 bundle has nine DVDs, one each for the following topics:

• 5 Ws of Personal Defense with William Aprill
• Defensive Mindset
• Fundamentals of Defensive Striking with Kelly Muir
• Safer Faster Knife Defense with Alessandro Padovani
• Armed Home Defense
• One Handed Survival Shooting with Mike Seeklander
• Defensive Long Gun Fundamentals with Rob Pincus
• Vehicular Defense with Buddy Basnett
• Immediate Aftermath of a Shooting

No video course will give you all of the tools you need. But then, neither will any one training class. However, finding a good quality video instructional series and then implementing the things into your own personal training on the range and in your life can increase your ability to properly address any violent encounter you may face.

Video training certainly isn’t a new thing. If you haven’t seen the WWII sniper videos the Germans made, you may wish to do so.

Have you taken any online self defense courses or training videos? What were your thoughts – did they help you improve your shooting, awareness or safety?