Episode #88
EP 88 * Dave Hoopes * How criminals choose victims + what most people get WRONG
Can you actually defend yourself—or do you just THINK you can? Self-defense expert, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, David Hoopes joins Atlas Aultman on the Targeted Podcast to break down what actually works when a dangerous situation becomes real. David Hoopes is an owner of Ethos Martial Arts and brings roughly 15 years of martial arts and self-defense experience alongside 30 years of corporate leadership and sales experience. His work includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, practical self-defense, women’s self-defense training, situational awareness, and corporate self-defense/team-building programs. In this episode, Atlas and David dig into a question every man should consider: Could you actually protect yourself and the people you love when something goes wrong? They discuss: • How criminals may identify vulnerable victims • Situational awareness and the “five levels” of awareness • Why transition spaces like parking lots can increase vulnerability • The first warning signs that someone may be approaching with bad intentions • Why your gut feeling or “Spidey sense” matters • Verbal self-defense and de-escalation • Why avoiding a fight is often the smartest form of self-defense • Whether carrying a firearm can create a false sense of security • Why training and repetition matter under pressure • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in real-world self-defense • Martial arts techniques that may not translate to an actual fight • Dangerous self-defense advice being taught online • How quickly someone can lose consciousness in a properly applied choke • Why confidence can make you a less attractive target • Protecting your wife, children and family without living in fear • The difference between being AWARE and being AFRAID One of the biggest lessons from this conversation: You don't need to walk through life afraid. You need to walk through life aware. David’s philosophy is simple: recognize danger early, listen to your instincts, create distance, use verbal de-escalation, get away if possible—and fight only when you have to. If you're a man who takes protecting yourself and your family seriously, this episode is worth watching all the way through. Subscribe to Targeted Podcast for conversations about leadership, resilience, self-defense, mindset, masculinity, personal development and becoming harder to break when life gets real. GUEST: David Hoopes Owner, Ethos Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Self-Defense | Situational Awareness | Corporate Leadership HOST: Atlas Aultman Targeted Podcast #SelfDefense #SituationalAwareness #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJ #MensMindset #MartialArts #PersonalSafety #DavidHoopes #AtlasAultman #TargetedPodcast Links: https://www.empoweringyouselfdefense.com https://ethosmartialartsaz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dhoopes22/ https://www.instagram.com/ethosmartialarts/ Filmed in World War Studio, Arizona, U.S.A. Topics: - Can You Actually Protect Your Family? - David Hoopes: From Corporate Leader to Self-Defense Expert - Why Corporate America Needs Self-Defense Training - The #1 Skill That Prevents Most Attacks - The Five Levels of Situational Awareness - Why Parking Lots and Transition Spaces Matter - Trusting Your Gut When Something Feels Wrong - Why People Overestimate Their Fighting Ability - Does Carrying a Gun Make You Safer? - How Criminals Choose Their Victims - Put Down Your Phone: Stop Making Yourself an Easy Target - The First Sign Someone May Be About to Attack You - Verbal Self-Defense: What to Say - Avoid, De-Escalate, Fight - Does Martial Arts Actually Work in a Street Fight? - The Self-Defense Myths That Can Get You Hurt - The 3 Things David Tells His Own Family - Awareness, Not Fear
