About Your Instructor: Kevin Tomas
Kevin Tomas is the co-founder of Applied Defense Concepts and the creator of the RIVE Knife Combat System—a modern, pressure-tested approach to edged weapon defense. With over two decades of experience in martial arts, including boxing, jujitsu, and mixed martial arts, Kevin has dedicated his career to refining practical self-defense techniques.
His background in fugitive recovery, private security, and tactical training has shaped the RIVE system into a highly adaptable method for real-world confrontations. Kevin's instruction emphasizes intuitive movements, situational awareness, and rapid deployment under stress, making his courses essential for both civilians and professionals seeking practical edged-weapons skills.
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To the Point: Free Knife Defense Guide
To the Point is a compact, high-impact training guide that teaches you how to survive one of the deadliest forms of violence: a close-range knife attack. Inside you'll find:
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How to defend against stabbing attacks
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The “Pike and Crash” sequence for stopping the thrust
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Gripping, positioning, and striking under chaos
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Takedowns and pins to control the weapon-bearing limb
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QR codes that link to video breakdowns of each move
Custom Combat-Ready Knives
We don’t just teach the system—we build the tools for it. Our Tie-Breaker CQC Knife is engineered for speed, retention, and function in high-stress environments. The Tie-Breaker Series:
- Ultra-Light, Razor-Sharp, and Compact – Ideal for EDC without compromising performance.
- Reverse-Edge Geometry – Optimized for the RIVE system’s aggressive angles and grips.
- Ergonomic Handle Design – Made for fast deployment and secure manipulation.
Built with real-world feedback from operators, trainers, and martial artists, the Tie-Breaker is more than a blade—it’s a mindset.
On the Edge: Free Knife Defense Guide
"On the Edge" is a no-nonsense, step-by-step training guide for learning real-world knife combat — built on the proven RIVE system. Whether you're a martial artist, security professional, or just serious about protecting yourself, this free eBook will show you exactly how to grip, move, and fight with a knife under pressure. Inside you'll find:
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Fundamental knife grips and fighting stances
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Footwork drills that actually work in a fight
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How to execute basic attacks and compound actions
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The “Cat-Pike” move to counter a knife thrust
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Tactical rules for surviving real knife violence
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QR video links to follow along with each move
About ADC: Applied Defense Concepts
Applied Defense Concepts is a training and consulting organization specializing in practical, real-world defense education. Our mission is to equip individuals—civilians and professionals alike—with proven methods for surviving violent encounters.
We draw from a wide base of operational experience in security, law enforcement, and martial disciplines. From in-person seminars to online training, ADC delivers no-nonsense instruction that cuts through the noise of modern martial arts mythology.
