Jack/ I’m pretty old but you’re teaching me something new with almost every post. You’re teaching me awareness of surroundings/imminent danger and be action-oriented. And the WAY you do it is WHY I’m proud to be a premium-tier subscriber.
That means more than you probably realize, Tom...thank you. The generous support of people like you...is exactly why I am able to do this full time...and put the kind of focus and clarity into The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter...that only doing it full time..plus, will allow. Words fail me when it comes to expressing the kind of gratitude that is due to the people who make this work possible.
Fortunately...(for many of us, here) awareness and action aren’t about age...and are about seeing clearly.
Most people are never taught how to recognize danger early or trust themselves enough to move before it’s obvious.
You’re doing exactly what matters...staying alert...staying engaged...staying willing to act.
And I’m grateful you’re here at the premium tier...not just supporting the work, but actually using it, and interacting here.That’s the whole point..and I love the community we've all developed here.
I would have loved to have you as a teacher. Just when I get tired and so frustrated with everyone and everything, I feel motivated again. I feel like a Yo-Yo must “feel!” 😃 There’s always something that stands out loudly. Today’s is Violence loves Silence so YELL! Also I see that “embarrassment is temporary but SILENCE will LAST.” It will destroy our democracy and allow this bullshit authoritarianism. Something I need to be mindful about is my own “politeness” and kindness. I cannot appear vulnerable so your techniques are most helpful. Trump and Vance and Musk and Miller know exactly what they’re doing. Well SO CAN WE. No matter if people ignore it all, there’s still a lot of the rest of us. HOPE and #HOLDFAST
Jane...that yo-yo feeling is completely human...and it’s actually a sign you still care deeply! What matters is that you don’t stay down...and you didn’t.
You pulled out the two lines that matter most: violence loves silence and embarrassment is temporary...silence lasts.
That awareness changes behavior. It sharpens posture. It breaks politeness...when politeness becomes vulnerability.
You’re also right about something crucial...they know exactly what they’re doing. And so do WE now. Awareness is the first shift. Action follows.
Even when it feels like too many are ignoring it...you’re not alone. There are a lot of us...and we only need ENOUGH who are willing to stay loud...stay visible...and hold fast.
Love how you have connected personal self defence with defence of democracy. Both are related to personal safety. Both require individuals to have confidence to unfreeze themselves. Thank you for bringing me a psychological “yes!” moment! 🙌 👏 💪
That “yes!” moment you felt is exactly the shift that matters, Laura.
Personal safety and democratic safety...really do run on the same psychological rails:
Awareness...confidence...and the willingness to move before certainty arrives. Unfreezing yourself...internally first...is the hard part. Once that happens...action becomes possible.
I’m glad the connection landed. Those moments of clarity...are what turn fear...into agency. Thank you for naming it!
Your flip the script is so dead on. The regime can only follow Project 2025. When lawsuits, pundits and protests come at them, they fold or make up obvious lies. But I sense the tide is turning in favor of democracy.
Authoritarian movements are powerful...only as long as they can run their script unchallenged.
Project 2025 isn’t flexible...it’s rigid. When pressure comes from multiple directions at once...lawsuits...exposure...ridicule...resistance...they don’t adapt well. They stall...lie badly...or retreat.
That’s what script-breaking looks like.
And you’re right...momentum doesn’t announce itself with fireworks. It shows up as cracks...overreactions...and mistakes. Those are signals that pressure is working!
Stay alert...stay loud...stay engaged.
That’s how tides turn...quietly at first...then all at once.
I must be particularly emotional today, because between Tom's comment...and yours...tears have filled my eyes...twice.
I'm not sure what that's all about, but I think it has something to do with feedback that confirms...for me...that I am using my narrow skillset in a way that matters to others. It's probably deeper than that...but that's what my thinking brain has come up with...for now.
Mo, you're welcome! You have no idea how common that is. And, for many...until I was talking about its role...relatively few had even been aware that it was one of the things holding them back.
It applies is families as well. Survival did in mine. Families=Basic Training. I survived by learning all the incorrect things. I was cunning though. Learned to “play their game”. Made it out alive and I am no longer willing to just survive. Haven’t been in decades. Thank you Jack.
I’m thinking that on my tombstone I’ll have ‘I lead a better life because I listened to my friend Jack Hopkins.’ It’s just true, I loved this article and the sources you cited hit home for me, three of which are among my favorite books. I can so relate to everything you discuss, it galvanizes the self-defense training I learned and subsequently taught for many years. Every martial artist will tell you that to overcome others you must first overcome yourself. Aikijitsu is a practice which turns the opponent’s strength back against them, which is ideal for women of small stature such as myself. It allows for the flip of the script, just like your article. We were always taught that the best self defense is to escape the situation if possible. Survival and being able to tell others is paramount. I can do that better mentally along with physically now that I’ve read this article, so again I say, “Thanks Jack!” ❤️🥰. #HOLDFAST
What you said about overcoming yourself first..about flipping the script...about escape as success...that’s the through line connecting everything you’ve learned...taught...and now articulated so beautifully.
Aikijitsu gets it right because it understands psychology before force...and awareness before strength.
I love that this piece didn’t replace what you already knew...and that you integrated it...mentally and physically. That’s where real confidence comes from. Survival...clarity...and the ability to pass it on.
I’m honored to be a small part of a much longer...wiser journey you were already on. And truly...thank you.
After reading your post and, that of Elizabeth Goodden, I wish I had taken self defense when young. But I followed your rules!!! when I was mugged walking home from work, just outside of what was then a men's gym specifically for Mormons, I had just passed by their doors. Lots of men coming and going. When a young fellow grabbed my purse and threw my groceries to the ground, I fought for the stupid purse, yelling at the top of my lungs for help. The gym had all but barred their doors. Not a soul. The straps broke and off he went, hopefully with a wrenched back. One jogger heard my yell and ran the fastest two blocks of his life. A woman down the street called the police.
So, almost sixty years later, I will still fight like Hell, yell my lungs out, and never submit, to muggers or authoritarian assholes.
The goal has always been the same...whether in a classroom or on the page...give people solid...usable tools they can actually carry with them. Knowing it’s landing that way...makes the work worth it.
Thank you for helping change the narrative. When I was younger, I’m much older now, we were taught to ‘curl’ inward as fighting back was a sure way to increase aggression, harm, and death. These ‘new to me’ defenses make so much more sense. Increase distance, yell as loudly as possible, disrupt the agenda. Action/Noise. Don’t worry about looks. It is also great to know that it works for Democracy Defenders. I appreciate all your wisdom you share, Jack. Thanks!
Me too. And it didn’t work. Fighting back didn’t work either. Lying about black eyes and broken ribs. It took 2 years but I finally didn’t care what my family thought. This was before cell phones so I had to stop at a pay phone to tell my brother I was on my way, about 20 miles. I survived and made a better life. Our Jack has the great skill of seeing and describing the patterns so clearly.
Nothing here that doesn’t emerge from your bibliography and many other sources. People in the field will know most of it. But nowhere else have I seen this better, more concisely, more coherently or more memorably done than in this article. You have done a massive service with this piece. Something new to learn. Even for someone like me with more than 40 years’ experience. This should be memorised. Thank you (again)!
I'll be protesting this fascist regime a few x / week starting in 2026 to draw attention to trump's voter suppression moves. Hopefully ppl will join me in deep red Vero Beach, FL. Your article dealing with threats, is very timely. Thanks for the education.
Women especially have been conditioned to be nice, don’t make a scene, the consequences can be deadly. Like getting on an elevator, we have a bad feeling if someone’s on there, but we don’t want to cause a scene, so we say nothing and put ourselves at risk. That kind of programming needs to end, especially for women and girls. Who cares if we hurt someone’s feelings, always follow your instincts. We do not have to be quiet, we can speak up, act, and follow our gut , and we need to teach people it’s ok to do that
Jack/ I’m pretty old but you’re teaching me something new with almost every post. You’re teaching me awareness of surroundings/imminent danger and be action-oriented. And the WAY you do it is WHY I’m proud to be a premium-tier subscriber.
That means more than you probably realize, Tom...thank you. The generous support of people like you...is exactly why I am able to do this full time...and put the kind of focus and clarity into The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter...that only doing it full time..plus, will allow. Words fail me when it comes to expressing the kind of gratitude that is due to the people who make this work possible.
Fortunately...(for many of us, here) awareness and action aren’t about age...and are about seeing clearly.
Most people are never taught how to recognize danger early or trust themselves enough to move before it’s obvious.
You’re doing exactly what matters...staying alert...staying engaged...staying willing to act.
And I’m grateful you’re here at the premium tier...not just supporting the work, but actually using it, and interacting here.That’s the whole point..and I love the community we've all developed here.
-Jack
Best ecosystem ever.
I can see me on the news right now:
How did you make it out alive man?
I paid attention to Jack, my friend. Situational awareness buddy. Day/night. Crowds/vacant area. What doesn’t feel right? Yeah that.
My favorite part of that...is you...making it out alive!
I would have loved to have you as a teacher. Just when I get tired and so frustrated with everyone and everything, I feel motivated again. I feel like a Yo-Yo must “feel!” 😃 There’s always something that stands out loudly. Today’s is Violence loves Silence so YELL! Also I see that “embarrassment is temporary but SILENCE will LAST.” It will destroy our democracy and allow this bullshit authoritarianism. Something I need to be mindful about is my own “politeness” and kindness. I cannot appear vulnerable so your techniques are most helpful. Trump and Vance and Musk and Miller know exactly what they’re doing. Well SO CAN WE. No matter if people ignore it all, there’s still a lot of the rest of us. HOPE and #HOLDFAST
Jane...that yo-yo feeling is completely human...and it’s actually a sign you still care deeply! What matters is that you don’t stay down...and you didn’t.
You pulled out the two lines that matter most: violence loves silence and embarrassment is temporary...silence lasts.
That awareness changes behavior. It sharpens posture. It breaks politeness...when politeness becomes vulnerability.
You’re also right about something crucial...they know exactly what they’re doing. And so do WE now. Awareness is the first shift. Action follows.
Even when it feels like too many are ignoring it...you’re not alone. There are a lot of us...and we only need ENOUGH who are willing to stay loud...stay visible...and hold fast.
HOPE.
And yes...#HOLDFAST!
-Jack
Thank you so much
Lucky students, indeed!
Love how you have connected personal self defence with defence of democracy. Both are related to personal safety. Both require individuals to have confidence to unfreeze themselves. Thank you for bringing me a psychological “yes!” moment! 🙌 👏 💪
That “yes!” moment you felt is exactly the shift that matters, Laura.
Personal safety and democratic safety...really do run on the same psychological rails:
Awareness...confidence...and the willingness to move before certainty arrives. Unfreezing yourself...internally first...is the hard part. Once that happens...action becomes possible.
I’m glad the connection landed. Those moments of clarity...are what turn fear...into agency. Thank you for naming it!
-Jack
Absolutely agree.
Your flip the script is so dead on. The regime can only follow Project 2025. When lawsuits, pundits and protests come at them, they fold or make up obvious lies. But I sense the tide is turning in favor of democracy.
Sara...you’re picking up on something real.
Authoritarian movements are powerful...only as long as they can run their script unchallenged.
Project 2025 isn’t flexible...it’s rigid. When pressure comes from multiple directions at once...lawsuits...exposure...ridicule...resistance...they don’t adapt well. They stall...lie badly...or retreat.
That’s what script-breaking looks like.
And you’re right...momentum doesn’t announce itself with fireworks. It shows up as cracks...overreactions...and mistakes. Those are signals that pressure is working!
Stay alert...stay loud...stay engaged.
That’s how tides turn...quietly at first...then all at once.
-Jack
This information is tremendously valuable, Jack! Thank you!
#HOLDFAST
You are so very welcome.
I must be particularly emotional today, because between Tom's comment...and yours...tears have filled my eyes...twice.
I'm not sure what that's all about, but I think it has something to do with feedback that confirms...for me...that I am using my narrow skillset in a way that matters to others. It's probably deeper than that...but that's what my thinking brain has come up with...for now.
Thank you.
-Jack
“ NARROW SKILL SET” ⁉️⁉️
If that skill set of yours is narrow, mine is nonexistent!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thanks Jack ❤️ I used to fear being embarrassed, but you’re spot on. It’s temporary!
Mo, you're welcome! You have no idea how common that is. And, for many...until I was talking about its role...relatively few had even been aware that it was one of the things holding them back.
-Jack
It held me back a lot, when I was young. I wouldn’t answer questions in school, in case I made a fool of myself! ☹️
It applies is families as well. Survival did in mine. Families=Basic Training. I survived by learning all the incorrect things. I was cunning though. Learned to “play their game”. Made it out alive and I am no longer willing to just survive. Haven’t been in decades. Thank you Jack.
I’m thinking that on my tombstone I’ll have ‘I lead a better life because I listened to my friend Jack Hopkins.’ It’s just true, I loved this article and the sources you cited hit home for me, three of which are among my favorite books. I can so relate to everything you discuss, it galvanizes the self-defense training I learned and subsequently taught for many years. Every martial artist will tell you that to overcome others you must first overcome yourself. Aikijitsu is a practice which turns the opponent’s strength back against them, which is ideal for women of small stature such as myself. It allows for the flip of the script, just like your article. We were always taught that the best self defense is to escape the situation if possible. Survival and being able to tell others is paramount. I can do that better mentally along with physically now that I’ve read this article, so again I say, “Thanks Jack!” ❤️🥰. #HOLDFAST
That’s incredibly generous, Elizabeth...and deeply moving. Thank you.
What you said about overcoming yourself first..about flipping the script...about escape as success...that’s the through line connecting everything you’ve learned...taught...and now articulated so beautifully.
Aikijitsu gets it right because it understands psychology before force...and awareness before strength.
I love that this piece didn’t replace what you already knew...and that you integrated it...mentally and physically. That’s where real confidence comes from. Survival...clarity...and the ability to pass it on.
I’m honored to be a small part of a much longer...wiser journey you were already on. And truly...thank you.
-Jack
You are so welcome! Cheers to a better year!! And as always, fuck 🖕🏻Trump! ❤️🥰
Love this. So true about martial arts. Did a lot of Jujitsu.
Thank you, Jack.
After reading your post and, that of Elizabeth Goodden, I wish I had taken self defense when young. But I followed your rules!!! when I was mugged walking home from work, just outside of what was then a men's gym specifically for Mormons, I had just passed by their doors. Lots of men coming and going. When a young fellow grabbed my purse and threw my groceries to the ground, I fought for the stupid purse, yelling at the top of my lungs for help. The gym had all but barred their doors. Not a soul. The straps broke and off he went, hopefully with a wrenched back. One jogger heard my yell and ran the fastest two blocks of his life. A woman down the street called the police.
So, almost sixty years later, I will still fight like Hell, yell my lungs out, and never submit, to muggers or authoritarian assholes.
#HoldFast
Sue
Thank you for another great article Jack. I would have loved being in one of your classes. Always solid information that we can use. 🩷
Thank you, Lori...that really means a lot.
The goal has always been the same...whether in a classroom or on the page...give people solid...usable tools they can actually carry with them. Knowing it’s landing that way...makes the work worth it.
I’m grateful you’re here and putting it to use!
-Jack
This is great! And Gavin de Becker should be required reading for everyone.
A exceptionally well thought out parallels to survival skills when out & about to keeping Democracy from being destroyed! They sure match up!
Thank you for helping change the narrative. When I was younger, I’m much older now, we were taught to ‘curl’ inward as fighting back was a sure way to increase aggression, harm, and death. These ‘new to me’ defenses make so much more sense. Increase distance, yell as loudly as possible, disrupt the agenda. Action/Noise. Don’t worry about looks. It is also great to know that it works for Democracy Defenders. I appreciate all your wisdom you share, Jack. Thanks!
Me too. And it didn’t work. Fighting back didn’t work either. Lying about black eyes and broken ribs. It took 2 years but I finally didn’t care what my family thought. This was before cell phones so I had to stop at a pay phone to tell my brother I was on my way, about 20 miles. I survived and made a better life. Our Jack has the great skill of seeing and describing the patterns so clearly.
Nothing here that doesn’t emerge from your bibliography and many other sources. People in the field will know most of it. But nowhere else have I seen this better, more concisely, more coherently or more memorably done than in this article. You have done a massive service with this piece. Something new to learn. Even for someone like me with more than 40 years’ experience. This should be memorised. Thank you (again)!
Man, I would love to hold a little “book club” meeting and read/discuss this article line-by-line with my friends, particularly the women.
With your permission, of course.
It’s important.
It’s empowering.
It’s clearly written.
It’s an excellent example of what you teach us/remind us of on the daily.
What do you think?
#HoldFast
Thank you for the insight.
I'll be protesting this fascist regime a few x / week starting in 2026 to draw attention to trump's voter suppression moves. Hopefully ppl will join me in deep red Vero Beach, FL. Your article dealing with threats, is very timely. Thanks for the education.
Women especially have been conditioned to be nice, don’t make a scene, the consequences can be deadly. Like getting on an elevator, we have a bad feeling if someone’s on there, but we don’t want to cause a scene, so we say nothing and put ourselves at risk. That kind of programming needs to end, especially for women and girls. Who cares if we hurt someone’s feelings, always follow your instincts. We do not have to be quiet, we can speak up, act, and follow our gut , and we need to teach people it’s ok to do that