December 2017

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DON’T MISS: SNEAKY WAYS TO GET AN EDGE IN A FIGHT

STAYING PREPARED WHILE LIVING ABROAD

IN THIS ISSUE:

STAYING WARM WHEN THE GRID’S DOWN

DECEMBER 2017

BECOME A DEAD SHOT WITH A GUN

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR A SURVIALIST

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GOING OFF-GRID

THE RIGHT WAY TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

SURVIVAL BOOKS FOR YOUR LIBRARY and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

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Contents FEATURED

STAYING PREPARED WHEN YOU’RE LIVING ABROAD Living off-grid is a pretty massive lifestyle change. And there's very few people who actually choose this life for themselves, because of the challenges you need to overcome…

page 4

SNEAKY WAYS TO GET AN EDGE IN A FIGHT Let's face it. Fighting is bad, and when you finally get home, battered and bruised, it's clear there is no real "winner." But when it comes to survival, it's important you're able to hold your own…

page 5

HOW TO STAY WARM WHEN THE GRID’S DOWN Power is a commodity we rely far too much on. When the grid's down and our heaters no longer work, you need to be prepared if you want any hope of staying warm. Even if your home…

page 6

BECOMING A DEAD SHOT WITH YOUR GUN When it comes to owning a firearm, what's most important is the skills of the shooter. An expensive gun in the hands of a novice is a waste, in my mind one of the most critical skills…

page 8

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR THE SURVIVALIST IN YOUR LIFE We've rounded up the best survival items to ensure you're stuffing your loved ones' stocking with some killer gifts. There's nothing better for Christmas than being a little better prepared…

page 9

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GOING OFF-GRID Living off-grid is a pretty massive lifestyle change. And there's very few people who actually choose this life for themselves, because of the challenges you need to overcome…

page 10

SURVIVAL BOOKS TO ADD TO YOUR LIBRARY When it comes to knowledge, I devour books. I find it much more peaceful to sit back and read something in my hands, instead of straining my eyes staring into a computer screen. Plus…

page 11

THE RIGHT WAY TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER One thing that you always pass in the corridors of your office, or even in the halls at school is the fire extinguisher. They're always there, strategically placed, if a fire breaks out you've got…

page 13

SECRETS TO FIGHTING OFF MULTIPLE ATTACKERS Even if you've been studying martial arts for years, if you're in a fight with multiple opponents, you're going to be at a significant disadvantage. Two and you may hold your own. But what if…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

STAYING PREPARED WHEN YOU’RE LIVING ABROAD I'm a pretty big fan of travel, and I've spent a significant amount of my younger life living abroad in Asia and Europe. It was a big adventure, but there's always that thought in the back of your mind. What would you actually do if something went wrong? Looking back, there's a few recommendations I would make to my younger self. Just in case. Being an expatriate is fantastic, but if you want to stay prepared when you're living abroad here's what you need to do. MAKE A PLAN Much like your survival plan at home, you need to outline the basics of what you're going to need to do in order to survive. Ensure you know how to contact the local authorities, you've got a couple of friends who can translate for you if need be, and your company insurance covers any and all medical expenses, and a repatriation back to your home country if the need applies. You should know the details of the nearest hospital, and how to get there if there's an emergency. Oh, and the details of your local embassy could come in handy too.

STOCK YOUR SHELVES

DON’T TRUST THE BANKS

I'd also recommend having a basic set of supplies to see you through at least a week. You want enough food and water to make it through at least a week, and don't forget basic medicine. Simple, over-the-counter medication may not always be available when you need it, so make an effort to purchase any you may need beforehand.

I had a rough day the first time I tried to use my credit card overseas, as my bank froze the account on suspicion of fraudulent activity. The problem was, they didn't know I was going abroad.

Oh, and ensure you've got enough gear and equipment you need, as it can be difficult to find survival items in a foreign country when an emergency hits.

Let your bank know you're traveling, and where, so they can update their systems and stop this from happening. I also like to keep a fair bit of cash on me when I travel, just in case, along with an emergency credit card that I can use to book a flight home, or whatever I need.

KNOW YOUR AREA I’m a pretty keen jogger, and that allows me to get a good feel for what streets lead where once I'm in a new city. I'd recommend knowing at least a few different routes out of the city, and also know how to get to important locations on foot. Like a local police station. The closest hospital. Your embassy. Or a trusted friend's house. Getting to know your neighborhood also includes knowing which areas to avoid, and ensure you're not putting yourself in any danger when the SHTF.

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“know the details of the nearest hospital, and how to get there…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017 cont. List out your contacts Losing your phone when you're abroad isn't ideal, but the worst part is losing your contacts. Ensure you've got a backup of your address book saved somewhere, (mine is encrypted and in the cloud), and I've also got a few of the most important numbers written down on a small slip of paper I keep in my wallet. That way, I always know how to get in touch with a friend, family, or the local authorities, even if I lose my phone. B R I N G YO U R E V E RY DAY CARRY This one is pretty intuitive, but you'd be surprised at just how many people don't follow basic survival advice when they're living abroad. They think they're in holiday mode, but the trouble is, when a disaster does happen you're so far removed from your own support networks, you've got no one to rely on but yourself. In mine is a copy of my travel documents, a little cash, some basic tools and survival gear, along with a small flashlight and a knife. This will fit into your laptop bag without raising too much suspicion, and you'll be at least a little more prepared if the SHTF. KNOW THE LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS One of the biggest issues foreigners have when they are traveling and living overseas is that they have a complete ignorance to the local laws. Do not be like this. You need to know your rights in the country you're visiting, and ensure you're not breaking any of their laws. Simple things, like possession of marijuana, can earn you a death sentence in certain Asian countries. Also, be aware of the road rules as these may be very different to your home country. I'd also recommend keeping another emergency kit in your car, and don't forget about proper dress. Many Middle Eastern countries are a lot more conservative than America, and they expect you to act accordingly.

THERE’S SAFETY IN NUMBERS My final recommendation is to start building your own support network in your new country. Even if you're just going to be on expatriation a year or two, invest the time to get to know your colleagues, and make friends. If an emergency does happen, you'll have people to rely on to help keep you safe, and in the meantime, you'll have a whole lot more fun.

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If you're needed to head overseas on a contract for work, remember it's not the end of the world. You can stay prepared, and plan for a SHTF even, even if you're living outside your home country, by following these basic rules. Because ultimately, survival is a mindset. If you're taking steps to learn and adapt, and building strategies to ensure you overcome whatever comes at you, you will survive. And that's what's most important.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

SNEAKY WAYS TO GET AN EDGE IN A FIGHT Let's face it. Fighting is bad, and when you finally get home, battered and bruised, it's clear there is no real "winner." But when it comes to survival, it's important you're able to hold your own in a fight. Now of course, I sincerely hope that you never need to use these skills in a real-life situation, but having the ability to defend yourself is a great survival skill to learn. But that's just it. Defending yourself also means staying alive. But it's not always a fair fight. Perhaps your opponent has a weapon, outweighs you, or is just more experienced and aggressive. To overcome these, you need to get an edge. And that's what we're going to cover today. All the different strategies you can use to get the upper hand in a fight, so you can make it out alive, and unscathed. MAKE THE FIRST MOVE Against a big ger opponent, it's important you're proactive in tackling the situation. When you've no other option, I advise hitting first, and hitting hard. This will give you the element of surprise, and could be the deciding factor in you winning the fight. Just be sure that you have no other option before you start swinging, otherwise you could be in big trouble with the courts. Target particularly vulnerable areas like the temple, the nose, the jaw or the throat, and put as much force into your strike as possible. GOUGE THE EYES One of the most vulnerable spots on your attacker's face is their eyes, and if you can successfully gouge these their reflexes are going to send their hands up to protect them. This can give you an opening to land a better punch on their body, or may even get them to drop the weapon they were carrying. Simply grab their hair or their ear, and use this as leverage to push your thumb deep into their eye. It's much more painful than a simple poke in the eye.

SPRAY THE EYES We all know pepper spray and mace are some of the best products to disable an attacker without using lethal force, but they're not always available. Often, you're going to need to improvise, and pretty much any spray canister is going to have a nasty effect if you can get it directly into their eyes. Look around for hairspray, deodorant, or even insect killer. The chemicals inside will irritate and cause a temporary blindness that could be all the opportunity you need. A fire extinguisher also works wonders in temporarily blinding your opponent, along with creating a cloud of smoke that you can use to help you escape. USE AN ULTRA-BRIGHT FLASHLIGHT This technique is especially powerful at night, when you want an alternative means of defending yourself that's also not lethal. Ultra-bright flashlights send a beam of light, much like the flash of a camera, at your attacker. Remember how it took you a couple of seconds to recover from all the camera flashes at Thanksgiving? That's exactly how this works. Use the flashlight to cause temporary blindness, and get an opportunity to get the edge over your attacker. Whether it's to escape, or to start fighting back and take them down. GET A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT Owning a gun is one thing, but being able to carry it legally around with you makes all the difference. Your gun can't help you in a crisis if it's tightly locked away in your gun safe. You need it with you if you want to use it to get the edge in a fight. But it's more than just carrying. You also need to know how to draw and shoot effectively, especially in a high-stress situation when your adrenaline is pumping and your nerves are shaky. So take the time to train, and learn how to use your gun effectively first, then get a concealed carry permit. It may just be the edge you need to stay alive. GET STEALTHY SELFDEFENSE WEAPONS I get that it's not always possible to

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have your gun with you, especially if you're a regular in places where firearms are banned. In this case, I'd recommend going stealth with your self-defense weapons. You can find stun guns that are disguised as mobile phones, key chains and rings that double as brass knuckles, and even flashlights that are specifically designed to act as a baton. Having an inconspicuous weapon means you'll always have a way to defend yourself, even if you've got to leave your gun at the door. DON'T FORGET YOUR DOG There's a reason they say dogs are a man's best friend, and if you're wanting an added layer of protection a dog can help tip the balance of a fight in your favor. Not only are they a great warning alarm for intruders, even an untrained dog will generally come to their owner's help in a fight, biting and attacking the opponent. Of course, if you can spare the time to get proper training for your dog I would highly recommend it, having just done it for our two they are much better behaved overall, and I'm much more confident they will listen to me if there ever was a need for my dogs to join the fight. Now of course, I hope that none of our readers ever find themselves in a situation where they need to put these tips into action. I don't wish that on anyone. But if you ever are, knowing what to do to gain the upper hand in a fight is critical to staying alive.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017 Sit the drip plate down, and stack in a bunch of tealight candles. Usually ours fits in about 10. Light these up, then position the leg stands around the drip plate. Flip the terracotta plant pot upside down, and sit it so it rests on the leg stands. It should look like a reverse fondue set. As the heat from the candles collects in the pot, it'll heat up. MOVE TO THE BASEMENT It seems like a strange thought as the basement is usually far colder than the rest of your house, but when you start to heat it up it'll retain the warmth far better. It's because the ground that surrounds the basement acts like a natural insulation. Especially if you're in the middle of a big storm with high winds, the walls and windows of your home will lose heat to the outdoors. SETUP A TENT FOR THE KIDS

HOW TO STAY WARM IF THE GRID’S DOWN Power is a commodity we rely far too much on. When the grid's down and our heaters no longer work, you need to be prepared if you want any hope of staying warm. Even if your home doesn't come equipped with a fireplace to keep your family warm and toasty, there's a few different ways you can stay warm. Here's my favorites. MOUNTAIN OF BLANKETS One of the first things we do in my home when it starts getting cold is to bring out the blankets. This way, you can snuggle up with your wife on the sofa and stay warm. Your body heat will be trapped under the quilts, and you'll warm up fast. Down sleeping bags work really well too and don't take up a whole heap of space in your closets during summer, and of course fleece and wool blankets are great to use too. USE A PROPANE HEATER One of the smartest steps you can take in preparation for this scenario is to buy the right equipment beforehand. My recommendation is to get an indoor propane heater, as these are safe to use, just ensure you've got a little bit of ventilation going. Oh, and buy a carbon monoxide detector while you're at it. This'll warn you if the air in your home gets toxic, before anything goes wrong.

BLOCK THE DRAFTS This is especially important if it's stormy and cold, or you live in an older home where there's gaps in the windows and under the doors. Roll up old towels to stop the wind blowing in under the doors or the window-frames, and you can also use duct tape as a quick fix to seal any harder to reach gaps. We've also got heavy curtains that help retain the heat in our home, and if you make a habit of closing the doors to each of your rooms the ones you're spending time in will heat up quicker. CHANGE YOUR WINDOWS Most homes in areas where the winter gets below zero have this anyway, but it's important you've got double-paned glass to keep out the cold, and you have your home regularly tested for drafts. Take the time during summer to get these installed. The right windows will also help cut down your heating bills. USE A “CLAY POT” HEATER These bad-boys are one of the most efficient ways to heat a room, and they're quite economical too. All you need is a terracotta pot, the drip plate, and three or four of terracotta leg stands. Just make sure you buy one that's big enough, the one we use is about 6 inches wide.

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The walls of the tent will act as a second layer of insulation to keep your kids warm. Yes, even if you set it up on the living room floor. Once they're inside and sleeping, their body heat will warm the air inside, and they'll rest much better. USE HOT WATER BOTTLES Before tucking your kids in to sleep, hot water bottles can make a big difference to getting their bed nice and warm. Just fill these from either your hot-water tap, or with hot (not boiling) water. It goes without saying that you should buy new hot water bottles every two or three years, and closely inspect them for leaks before giving them to your kids. JUST BUY A GENERATOR This last one isn't really a secret, but it's a step too many people put-off making until it's too late. Go buy a generator. In addition to having power, lights and the ability to recharge your devices when the power goes off, you can also use the electricity to run a space heater. The trick is to ensure you've got enough gas to keep your generator running, and you position it outside to reduce the risk of any carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust fumes. With the right preparation, we humans can survive anything. But that's the trick. You need to take action now to ensure you've got the tools, equipment and means to stay warm when the power goes out. Be safe people.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

BECOMING A DEAD SHOT WITH YOUR GUN When it comes to owning a firearm, what's most important is the skills of the shooter. An expensive gun in the hands of a novice is a waste, and in my mind one of the most critical skills you should hone as a survivalist is your ability to shoot. And shoot well. Otherwise there's no point to even own a firearm. Of course, there are many reputable trainers out there, but they can be expensive. It's definitely worth it if you can afford the fees, but even if you can't it doesn't mean you can't train on your own. Because, in all honesty, you need to train. Your skills with a gun will go rusty if you don't practice, and that could make all the difference if you ever find yourself in a fight for your life. Today, I'm going to cover a number of ways you can train yourself, so you're better prepared if you find yourself needing to protect your family with lethal force. Right, let's get straight into it. PRACTICE SHOOTING FROM COVER There's a big difference when it comes to standing strong at the range, to squatting down behind a barricade and trying to make the same shot.

Plus, you'll get a feel for what you're most comfortable with, when you're shooting from both the left and righthand sides. I personally find it's easier to modify my stance so I'm not shooting with my weak hand, and I regularly practice with both my handguns and my rifles. This is one scenario you need to master if you're ever in a firefight. PRACTICE SHOOTING FROM DIFFERENT POSITIONS In addition to learning to shoot from cover, you've got to realize that you also won't always get a chance to choose your position. My advice is to find a shooting range where you can practice a variety of different positions, like kneeling, laying prone, and of course, being on the move. In reality, you're not going to get a chance to square off against a shooter and take the time to carefully aim, so being prepared to shoot at all times is a good training technique. PRACTICE SHOOTING WHEN YOU’RE OUT OF BREATH One scenario I've only just incorporated into my training is fatigue. If you were in an active shooter situation, the first thing we always recommend is to run.

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But the situation may demand that you turn and fight at some point. To simulate this in your training, you need to get your heart rate up, by doing squats and push-ups, or actually doing a number of sprints before you bring your gun to draw. This is going to send your heart rate through the roof, and will also have an impact on how well you're able to aim and take fire.

“An expensive gun in the hands of a novice is a waste…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017 cont. PRACTICE BY VARYING YOUR SHOTS The key to effective training is to always be pushing your boundaries. One that I initially struggled with was varying my course of fire. I was super comfortable taking long, drawn out shots with high accuracy, but as soon as I sped it up, or tried to do the "double tap" my aim fell. So push yourself, and try different shooting techniques like getting three center mass shots in as fast as possible, or dropping two in the chest and one in the head before moving position to shoot again. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll get with these different combinations. PRACTICE WITH YOUR OFFHAND It's one of my least-favorite drills, but it's also important you're able to shoot effectively with your off-hand. Just in case. In a crisis, you may find you've been injured, and being able to quickly change hands and continue to return fire could save your life. And it's not just for your handguns. Make sure you're confident shooting your rifles and shotgun with your weak hand too. Far too many shooters only ever use their dominant hand when then shoot, but that's a mistake. You never know what could happen, and the more adaptable you are, the higher your chances of survival. PRACTICE SHOOTING AT NIGHT While I tend to only visit the range during the day, it's important you spend time training at night. Because it's so different. And let's be honest, if something bad is going to go down, it's most probably going to happen in the dark of the night. The trick is to get comfortable identifying targets and range in low-light conditions, as well as using a flashlight with your firearm to accurately spotlight your targets before shooting. PRACTICE YOUR MALFUNCTION DRILLS This is an important drill to run, because in the real world anything can happen.

So, next time you're going to the shooting range, have your partner load a few dummy rounds randomly into your magazines. Then you can practice these misfires during your session, and get comfortable to "tap, rack, and bang" clear your gun. Not knowing when they're coming adds stress, but it also forces you to better concentrate when you're shooting. And being able to quickly clear it so you can continue shooting is a valuable skill to practice.

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Whilst owning a firearm is a good start, it's a useless tool unless you've got the experience, training and skills needed to use it effectively for self-defense. Of course, having a private trainer teach you the ropes is the ideal, but even if you're not able to afford this level of instruction there's so many drills you can practice to improve your shooting skills. And there's no short cuts. Good technique evolves through a consistent approach to training, and that's how you'll become a dead shot with your gun. Stay safe everyone.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR THE SURVIVALIST N YOUR LIFE

We've rounded up the best survival items to ensure you're stuffing your loved ones' stocking with some killer gifts. There's nothing better for Christmas than being a little better prepared… A CONVENIENT MULTI-TOOL I can't imagine not having a multi-tool handy with me each and every day. When you need to tighten up a loose screw or loosen a bolt, it's not possible for me to be trekking all over my property to get what I need from my toolshed, I'd lose half the day just walking between the two. And it's not practical to carry all my tools with me (if I even could). Instead, I carry a multi-tool. A BULLET BOTTLE OPENER This is a must-have for any gun enthusiasts. It's just so cool. It's essentially just a bullet-shaped bottle opener, and is cut so that it'll open any pop-top bottle. So no more struggling trying to pop your beers with a key you're worried about breaking, or chewing up the edge of your furniture as you slam each new bottle open. The bullet bottle opener is designed from a 1/10" cartridge so it's thick and solid in your hand, and stands 3.8" tall. It also comes in a display box that makes it perfect for a gift. I handed some of these out at my work's Secret Santa last week, and they were the biggest hit of the night by far. A CAN OF PEPPER SPRAY Apart from a gun, pepper spray is one of the best self-defense items money can buy. It's small, conveniently fits in your backpack or handbag, and is often a purchase people feel self-conscious about buying. I don't understand why, but many of our students don't feel comfortable buying this themselves. In my opinion, you can never have enough pepper spray. I've got two canisters in my car, one I take with me to work, and one or two in each of my bug out caches. So, get your loved ones a can of pepper spray, and ensure they've got the means to protect themselves against whoever they come up against. Just make sure you understand the regulations in your state before you buy, in certain states there are restrictions on who can own and use pepper spray. So check first. A SURVIVAL SHOVEL This shovel has quickly earned its place in my camping kit, as it's just so damn handy. In addition to its primary use digging holes, there are a number of cool additions that make this shovel a multi-tool in its own right. What I have found most useful is the firestarting rod encased in the handle, along with the ability to use the shovel as both an axe and a saw. It makes it so easy to both collect firewood, and get the fire going. On our last camping trip we go rained out, and by chance I had just ordered this shovel a month or so before. I was able to use it to dig a trench around our tent, so we stayed warm and dry while many other campers had to pack up and leave. GUN-RANGE SPLATTER TARGETS I'm a big promoter of getting regular practice in with your firearms, and one thing I can always use more of is targets for the range. I go through these like you would not believe, and I'm sure any other gun enthusiasts feel the same. You can never have enough targets. But what I like about these targets are the adhesive backing so it's easy to stick up, and that each shot glows with a bright yellow so you can easily make adjustments as you're shooting. I sometimes struggle identifying my shots when using a white target, this is perfect for me. A TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT Being able to see at night can make all the difference if you're in a dangerous encounter, and a tactical flashlight not only helps light up the area, you can use it offensively to blind and disorientate an attacker. Plus, if you order this set, you'll also get a pair of rechargeable lithium batteries, and a charger, so you're not constantly having to buy one-use batteries. What I like most about this flashlight is how long it lasts off a single charge, you can get up to 5-6 hours on full power. Oh, and there's are a number of different brightness settings you can try too.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017 I took a pad and pen, and a camera, and went through every room and sold everything that wasn't a necessity. This helped us make a couple of grand that went to our emergency fund, and also made it far easier to move, because we had far less "stuff." Looking back, there's nothing I sold that I miss today. BE ABLE TO STAY WARM This is especially important if you're in an area with a particularly nasty winter. You need multiple ways to stay warm. Ensure your homestead is properly insulated, and you've got the right gear to stay warm no matter what mother nature throws at you. Oh, and one thing you're probably not expecting, but you can never have enough firewood. It's difficult to collect, takes a massive amount of effort to get it ready for burning in your hearth. We've got an entire shed dedicated to keeping our firewood supply dry. And I still think it's not enough.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GOING OFF-GRID

CUT DOWN YOUR TRASH

Living off-grid is a pretty massive lifestyle change. And there's very few people who actually choose this life for themselves, because of the challenges you need to overcome. We've been enjoying life on our homestead these last few years, but looking back there's a few things I was unprepared for. Here’s my biggest lessons for anyone wanting to live off-grid too.

Depending on how far off-grid you are, you are most probably going to need a plan to manage your trash. We've taken to purchasing many items from the local farmers market so they don't have masses of one-use plastic packaging, and we compost all of our food scraps. We also use plastic containers to freeze our butchered meat from successful hunts, so these can simply be washed and re-used again. Once you start being aware of how much trash a single household generates, it's easy to find ways to cut this down.

DO YOUR RESEARCH Sit down and think about everything you do in a given day, week and month. You will need strategies to wash your clothes, to light your home at night, to stay connected to the outside world. Planning how it's going to work beforehand will give you an idea of what it's going to actually take to live off-grid. SORT YOUR FINANCES Before you quit your corporate job and buy a homestead, ensure you've got enough money to see you through the transition. Things take time to get established, like that garden you're planning to grow, the fish you're planning to raise, and the crops you're going to be feeding your family with. Without a buffer amount of cash, you're going to struggle with the transition to your new lifestyle. You need to have money set aside.

TAKE IT SLOW It took us over a year to be comfortable enough to commit to fully living offgrid, and we made many small steps along the way. You need to follow a similar process, so you don't wake up one morning, depressed and frustrated, because you simply can't handle the change. Start small, perhaps replacing your electric kitchen appliances for manual ones, or starting to wash your clothes by hand to air-dry outside. CHOOSE LOCATION

THE

RIGHT

Before buying a swathe of land to settle on, it's important you know what the land you'll be living on is actually like. I'd look into the type of soil in your property, and the types of crops that will grow successfully in your area. Get an opinion from an expert on the amount of renewable energy you'll be able to generate, whether it's wind, water or solar. I'd also look into the history of the area, and ensure you're prepared for any extreme weather conditions that may occur locally. REDUCE YOUR CLUTTER This you can actually start today. I know in my home I'd gotten rather comfortable. We had so many items that weren't really necessities.

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HAVE A SUPPORT NETWORK I get that most people considering this lifestyle are looking for a big change, and wanting a little more seclusion. But I highly recommend reaching out to yo u r f r i e n d s, f a m i l y a n d l o c a l community to connect with other people who have been through this transition themselves. They'll have practical advice you can learn from, and will also act as a support network if you need help. Or even just be someone to invite round for Christmas dinner. Making the transition to a fully selfsustainable lifestyle is a rather radical change, and one that should be approached with patience, planning, and an open mind. But with the right approach, you'll be one more family successfully living off-grid, without the need to rely on the government. And that's what we're all working towards.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

SURVIVAL BOOKS TO ADD TO YOUR LIBRARY When it comes to knowledge, I devour books. I find it much more peaceful to sit back and read something in my hands, instead of straining my eyes staring into a computer screen. Plus, you tend to find that the quality of what you're reading in a book far exceeds what you'll find in a simple blog, that anyone could have written. But that's not the only reason. Computers take power, and the internet relies on the grid staying up. What would you do if you find yourself in a situation where the SHTF, and you were relying on YouTube to figure out everything you need to know about survival? You'd be in a bad place. Having a good library of survival books is critical for anyone interested in preparedness. Get all of these and you'll have access to the information you need, no matter what. HOW TO SURVIVE THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT This book is more like a field guide, outlining what you can expect during a disaster, along with the strategies, tips and tricks to survive. Whether it’s a hurricane or a nuclear threat coming your way, James Rawles has a plan. It covers many basics like calculating the food stores you need, how to harvest rainwater, how to grow your own

garden and raise your own livestock, and of course, a number of tips to better secure your home and property. It's basically everything a survivalist needs, in one single book. I love it. WILDERNESS RESPONDER

FIRST

Your library should always have a book on first aid, as you never know what you may need to know during a crisis. I like this book because it's geared towards tour guides and wilderness adventurers, who may not always have immediate access to good medical care in an emergency. Plus, it has clear and easy to follow instructions, with illustrations, to help you accurately diagnose and treat a patient. Oh, and there's a great section on how to improvise different materials if you've not got a lot of gear. It's a must have for anyone planning to spend any amount of time in the wild. THE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO EDIBLE WILD PLANTS The next step on the list is food. But not only that, there's many herbal and medicinal benefits to be found when you actually know what to look for when you're in the bush. But to ensure you are able to positively identify the right plants, and also prepare them for eating is key. Get it wrong, and that could just be the end of your survival endeavors. What I like best about this guide is the big color photos, making it easy to recognize a particular plant, along with an entire section dedicated to poisonous plants a survivalist should avoid. TRAPPER'S BIBLE: TRAPS , SNARES & PATHGUARDS

“a good library of survival books is critical…

For anyone who hasn't done a lot of trapping, this short guidebook will be invaluable. Not only does it detail how to make a big variety of different traps, snares and alarms for your camp, it details how to construct these with helpful diagrams to illustrate what you're meant to create. It's short and to the point, and while probably best described as a basic introduction to the subject, it covers the essential traps you need to understand in order to catch your own dinner. It's also light enough to carry in your bugout bag without adding a heap of weight to your kit.

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REAL WORLD SELF-DEFENSE: A GUIDE TO STAYING ALIVE IN DANGEROUS TIMES There's no arguing that the world is becoming a more dangerous place. In this book, the author offers practical survival advice covering everything from an unprovoked attack to what r e p e r c u s s i o n s yo u m ay e x p e c t afterwards in the courts. There's a great section dedicated to unarmed selfdefense, along with different weapons you can improvise in a fight. But what's best is the book has been written with clear explanations, making it easy for even a beginner to understand, and is packed full of great information you can use to stay safe. CONCEALED CARRY & HOME DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS If you're considering buying a firearm, or you have one already, this is by far one of the best guides you can buy. There's sections on how to avoid conflict, basic training techniques to master your weapons, and even a chapter on the legal ramifications of using deadly force in an encounter. If you're a new gun owner, I highly recommend this book. The information within is as comprehensive as a course on firearm use, and if taken together should provide the reader with a solid understanding of how to properly handle a firearm. Of course, no library is complete with only six books. But if you get your hands on these, you'll have a very well-rounded start on your survival preparedness. From basic strategy to food gathering and proper shooting, each of these books covers a part of survival I believe critical to staying alive in the wake of a crisis. And a little bit of knowledge can go a long way to keeping your family fed, happy and safe during a disaster.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

THE RIGHT WAY TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER One thing that you always pass in the corridors of your office, or even in the halls at school is the fire extinguisher. But just knowing where a fire extinguisher is, isn't enough. You actually need to know how to use it. Because fire is a scary thing. Left to its own devices, once it starts burning it can double in size every 60 seconds. That means within 5 to 10 minutes, a large portion of your home is going to be burning if you're not ready to react. It’s not rocket science, but you’ve got to think about it if you want your fire to be successful. You need a plan.

WHERE TO STORE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I don't care if your state requires you to have a fire extinguisher in your home or not, in my mind it's an essential piece of survival gear that every prepper needs to have. Just in case. Because let's face it. Things go wrong all the time. Whether it's the iPhone you left charging under your pillow, or the candles that fell and set your sofa on fire, being able to put out a fire quickly is a good thing. Personally, I've g ot a few fire extinguishers around our home.

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One is under the sink in our kitchen. Another in the back shed where I work. Another that lives in the garage. And a small one inside my car. That way, no matter where a fire breaks out, I've got the ability to fight back. Of course, use a little common sense when it comes to placing these fire extinguishers in your house. You want them easily accessible, a n d s o m e w h e r e t h a t wo n ' t b e obstructed if the fire spreads. The best place to mount them is usually by a door, so you can grab it as you make your escape. Oh, and you want to make sure it works. Every couple of months make sure it's still in good working order.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Class A. - This is for a normal fire. Like if the candles on the windowsill have set your curtains on fire. Class B. - This is for a flammable fire. Like if you spilled a can of gasoline and now its burning. Class C. - This is an electrical fire. Like if a car knocked down a power pole in front of your home. Class D. - This is when metal is on fire. Like if someone's set fire to a bunch of magnesium. Class K. - This is an oil fire. Like if a commercial kitchens grease trap goes up in flames. Because of the last two are more likely to happen in a commercial space, what you will find is that most fire extinguishers you see are a combination A + B + C. That means you can safely use them on nearly all fires, without needing to think too much about it.

BEFORE USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER This is almost the fun part. You actually get to use a fire extinguisher. But before you go in all fire extinguisher blazing, there's a few questions to ask. How big are the flames? This is the most important question. If the flames are starting to lick the ceiling you're probably better off running than trying to fight back. Portable fire extinguishers just aren't powerful enough to put out a massive fire. If the flames have yet to spread above your head, you're good to go to the next step. Do you have the right fir e extinguisher? Now comes a critical moment. Remember that you've got certain extinguishers for certain types of fire. Hopefully you've got a multipurpose (A + B + C) extinguisher, which is going to work for everything except oily kitchen fires, and burning metal.

Does your fire extinguisher work?

Now this is the most important part.

It goes without saying that most people aren't going to have been continually testing their fire extinguisher to ensure it's in good working order. You need to do this with all of your survival equipment, so make sure you do. The easiest way to test is to give the extinguisher a test spray to ensure it's still in good working order before you start trying to get too close to the base of the flames.

When it comes to fire extinguishers, depending on the size of course, you're going to get anywhere from 10 to 20 seconds of spray. So make sure you've aimed true, and be wary of any coals or embers that may reignite the flames.

HOW TO PUT OUT A FIRE

And that's all there is to it. Sometimes your local fire department will offer training sessions which are fun to attend, and you can get a feel for how to actually use a fire extinguisher properly, without having to use yours at home. If it's on offer, take the course, and be confident should you ever need to put a fire out.

This is where a little situational awareness comes into play. Because if the fire gets out of control, you're going to want an exit. Position yourself in a space where you can potentially run out a doorway, or jump out the window, just in case. To use a fire extinguisher, follow four simple steps. 1. Pull the pin. 2. Squeeze the handle. 3. Spray into the base of the fire. 4. Back away as the flames subside.

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Of course, after your fire extinguisher has been used, it's best to get it refilled straight away so it's ready to use for the next emergency.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017

SECRETS TO FIGHTING OFF MULTIPLE ATTACKERS Even if you've been studying martial arts for years, if you're in a fight with multiple opponents, you're going to be at a significant disadvantage. Two and you may hold your own. But what if you're facing four, six or even ten opponents? Real life isn't like the movies, and if you want to have any hope to survive, you need a strategy. Because fighting smart is what's going to keep you safe. Today, I'm going to cover the mindset you need to take the fight to your opponents, along with some strategies to ensure you come out on top. Right. Let's get straight into it. DEVELOPING YOUR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS This is one of the hardest challenges to master, especially if you're only a beginner in self-defense. It requires you stay alert, and focus not only on what's right in front of you, but to take in everything in your surroundings so you can act accordingly. In a fight against multiple opponents, good situational awareness is critical, as it'll help you react to any new opponents stepping into the fray, and keep your focus on multiple targets at once. My advice, is to work on developing your situational awareness in your everyday life, so you can rely on this skill when you need it.

HOW TO ACTUALLY FIGHT MULTIPLE OPPONENTS My first piece of advice is to run. Fighting is a massive risk, even when there's only a single opponent. Add more people into the fray, and you're at a massive disadvantage before even the first punch gets thrown. So pay attention to your surroundings, and choose a direction to run. But there are times when running isn't an option. Perhaps you're cornered. You're with someone who needs protecting, or there simply isn’t anyplace safe to go.

ever up against one person. You can take down one person. The trick then is to keep doing this until you're the last one standing. If there's a hallway or a position you can maneuver yourself into to help you achieve this, slowly back up until you're there. In a fight, you're only going to be effective against a single opponent. If there's nothing around you that can help, use your footwork to position yourself on the outer edge of your opponents, stepping around them so your attackers are effectively blocking themselves from reaching you.

Now it's time to fight. I've got three main rules for you to follow in a group fight. 1. Only face one opponent at a time. 2. Do not let yourself end up on the ground. 3. Unleash the beast. Simple rules, but they can be difficult to put into practice. Face one opponent at a time Being surrounded is the opposite of what you want in a group fight. Instead, you want to use any objects near to you to create barriers so that you're only

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“only going to be effective against a single opponent…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - DECEMBER 2017 cont. This is a basic concept of the circling technique.

If it's not possible at all, curl up and use your legs to protect your stomach and vital organs, and your hands to protect your head.

You want to keep yourself agile, and moving, so that only one person can attack you at a time. It won't work forever, so you need to react quickly.

Obviously, this is not a good outcome, but it may help to reduce the extent of your injuries if you're on the losing side of this altercation.

Always stay on your feet

Don't be afraid to unleash the beast

The worst outcome in a group fight is to lose your feet.

This last piece of advice is one of the most important. No one likes getting injured, and often in a group fight your opponents believe they have the upper hand, and group mentality pushes them farther than they may go alone. You are in serious danger if you don't fight back with every bit of force you can muster.

If you're tackled or taken to the ground, you're a goner. It'll allow multiple attackers to pounce on you, striking and kicking while you're in no position to evade them. If you are taken down, try your best to roll or get to the edge of the circle again, so you can regain your footing. Of course, at this point of the fight anything goes. I'd be attacking your opponent's ankle and knee joints, and grabbing on to anyone I could to bring them down to ground level too, and perhaps get an opportunity to stand.

When facing multiple opponents, you need to fight for your life. Grab anything that will give you an upper hand, whether it's a discarded bottle, a brick you can wield in your fist, a piece of pipe or anything you can get your hands on that you can use to fend off your opponents.

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If you've got a can of pepper spray, use it. You can't be afraid of doing them harm. They intend the same for you, so fight back with as much force is necessary to ensure you get yourself out of the situation you're in. Hit hard. Hit fast. And as soon as you have the opportunity to escape, do it. You never know how the situation may change. In a group fight you're at a significant disadvantage, but you can effectively fight back if you remember a few key rules. Stay agile and circle so you're only facing one opponent at a time, using your surroundings to help you in any way you can. Don't get too close and risk being tackled to the ground, and fight back with everything you've got. There's no rules when it comes to a street fight.

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