Dangerous people don't like to look dangerous. This is part of actually being dangerous.

My dad always has told me. “There’s always someone badder / tougher than you. Always.” I’ll never forget that.

"When you are strong, appear to be weak....." - Sun Tzu.

My dad always told me to look for the guy who sits in a corner facing the entrance of the room and he will probably be the guy to help you

The Japanese have a saying, "A wise man always treats a stranger with respect"...

Like my instructor told me.” Don’t fear the loud mouth bully. Fear the kid that sits in the back of the room and doesn’t talk to anyone.”

“Someone going around looking for trouble is usually not much trouble for someone who expects it.” -James Dalton-

A man who uses a sword but choses to keep it sheathed will inherit the world

"Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet"- Gen. "Maddog" Mattis

"Appear strong when you are weak, and weak when you are strong." But never, ever, appear easy.

A Silent Dog never announces when and if he will bite. A Barking Dog has told you what his intentions are thus giving up all his advantages.

"When things get out of control and everyone around you is screaming and losing their minds, look for the quiet one and stick to him. He's fixing to cut fence and sort some bastards out."

'The most dangerous person is the one who listens, thinks, and observes.'

always carry a knife in case somebody brought some cheesecake.

Great story. I'm from a family of boxers, have trained my whole. Thought really highly of myself when I was 21. Would box anyone for bets. I got torn apart by a guy from Cuba,twice my age and half my size. Humbling experience, and great life lesson.

MY DAD WAS A VET, HE ALWAYS SAID RESPECT EVERYONE LIKE EVERYONE HAS A GUN, I KNOW THAT'S AN ITALIAN THING, BUT I'M ITALIAN .

NEVER INTERRUPT YOUR ENEMY WHEN THEY ARE MAKING A MISTAKE.

I never knew a tough guy that had to tell me how tough he is.

This is really similar to the "Grey Man" tactic. It's basically not telegraphing your skills or abilities by blending in with the general public rather than sticking out as some Tactical High-Speed/Low-Drag Operator in case the SHT hits the fan.

You can tell a lot about a guy/dad by listening to how he talks to/treats his kids. It was just a small snippet at the end there, but by that you can tell that his guy is quality.

When you said "How would I kill me?" I immediately thought of Dwight Schrute fighting his greatest enemy, himself.

Confidence is silence, Insecurities are loud.

I did bar and nightclub security for about 5 years. I adopted a sixth sense about who was actually dangerous. At the same time, it's like that line from Roadhouse. "Never underestimate your opponent, expect the unexpected"

"Speak softly and carry a big stick" -Theodore Roosevelt

I was stationed with a Navy SEAL who enlisted in the Army out of high school and became a Green Beret, where he did two tours in Vietnam. After he got out of the Army, he went to school at San Diego State and went to Navy OCS after graduation. Then he became a SEAL and did another tour in Vietnam. LT Duclos was about 5'10", 175 lbs., didn't say much but the look in his eyes told me he was the baddest cat in the room, wherever he was.

At 3:15 is a great quote: "As soon as you are pegged as the most dangerous man in the room you have just become a little less dangerous." So true. I love it! As the Japanese say: "The empty drum clangs the loudest."

I started concealed carrying about 7 years ago, and I thank God that I never once thought “OK, now I’m the most badass guy in the room.” I’ve always had this weight of responsibility on my shoulders, and even to this day that is the case. This is especially true because now I am married, and my wife’s safety is the single most important thing to me. So if being “grey,” is the way to go, if not looking like a threat is the best way to ensure A.) her safety, and B.) my ability to not be the first target so that I have the ability to protect her and others around me, then I am OK with that. Great video.

My Dad used to say, "Walk softly and carry a big stick" He also said everything you say here.

"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak" Weakness is the greatest deception in battle.

"i still haven't recovered from the savage beating I received from the girls soccer coach" lmfao this is priceless

In the army they thought me that no matter how hard you train, somewhere out there, there's somebody better than you.

I was always told that "Youth and Enthusiasm are no match for Old Age and Treachery"...

"The people that have the biggest potential to be dangerous are those that you least expect to be dangerous." This is how Psychopaths operate as well. You wouldn't expect anything until it's too late. They may express little emotions, but challenge them and you'll be in for a heck of a surprise.

Everybody low-key watching this thinking “it’s definitely me”

I've always told new gun owners, conceal carry, otherwise, you could be the first target if you open carry

Anyone that has true situational awareness knows who the hard and soft targets are. It’s very easy to see this guy just by the way he carries himself. But he is very right about being caught off guard. No matter how good you are your guard can never be up 24/7

“It doesn’t matter that you’re 300lbs...” Me: “Oh good.” “...of twisted steel and sex appeal.” Me: “oh...😕”

I’m an experienced operator. AT&T gave me my own headset and everything.

Being underestimated IS my superpower.

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels this way about open carry.

"It's about never being a target in the first place!" EXACTLY!

I witnessed something very similar many years ago. In this case, it was a horribly wounded, disfigured, old Army veteran more than 70 years of age. I was shocked to learn later how skilled he was in martial arts as well as his service to our country in both World War 2 and in the Korean conflict. We can so easily underestimate a man. A lesson learned for me. He was a good friend.

The most dangerous man in the room is the one that's listening and not talking.

Spot on. Also is realizing you may not be the most dangerous, even if you likely are. Feeling like you are puts your guard down. I like to stay on perimeter, don't say much, never underestimate anyone. That's Mr. Lopez, I love that story.

I admire how you include family in your work efforts. Many men push away wife and kids and stay on topic when they are "interrupted", but I personally find that dishonorable. I always expect the man to stop talking to me to attend to his family. A good man will drop a conversation mid-speech, say "excuse me", and drop to his kness to give necessary attention to their most important (little) ones. Good example! Keep up the good work.

Chuck Norris is the dangerous man in the room.... even if he's not in the room....

I watched this video about a month ago and found it interesting, So after listening to you and becoming much more aware about situation awareness, I started closely checking out my environment and trying to figure out who was the most dangerous person in the area. My basic gun safety instructor started off our class saying "I know yall are disappointed because I'm not Rambo but,," I did some research on him after class and he is and has been a legend in gun training here in Texas for the past 40 years. After seeing this tall lean elderly cowboy handle his guns, when I was in the room with him, I knew who the most dangerous man in the room was.

I like to present myself as "That guy isn't worth messing with." Thus my standard hobo look.

"Be underestimated". I like that one.

Brilliant lesson. The quiet ones who avoid engagement, are often the most dangerous. Push to far, learn that the hard way! Have seen it a few times, out of someone you never would have guessed was that good at violence. Underestimating is a mistake that can leave a person unprepared. Split second is all it takes! I give this speech a big thumbs up!

never rob a waffle house in Georgia ever body's packing.

I went to community college for my first two years. There was an average height nondescript slightly rotund chemistry professor there who taught chemistry and a self-defense class. If you didn’t take the self defense class you would have no idea how this professor was pretty much always, in your words, the most dangerous man in the room. He was also a great teacher. Everyone in the self-defense class loved him. One day a self defense classmate and I were walking to class by the corridor that led to the chemistry classroom. A tall muscular student came charging up to our chem professor complaining loudly about the grade that “ you gave me”. The chem teacher calmly explained that this was the grade that you earned. The student went off like a Roman candle and decided to attack the chem professor. He never came close to landing a blow and was crumpled up on the floor semi-conscious in a matter of about 2 seconds. The professor walked over to us and said something to the effect of, well I guess I’ll get fired. We told him that we saw and heard the whole thing and to call us if needed. The student eventually managed to get up and stagger away. We never got called. And yes, teacher got a standing ovation at his next self-defense class.

I suppose everyone has their opinion, but I have found that the most dangerous person in the room is the one with nothing to lose.

Defense of the innocent is never violence. It is justified force.

Even Rambo can be taken down by a lead pipe in the right circumstance, which is the reason experienced folks avoid situations as much as possible until there is not other choice.

I can't say it enough. I have watched this video so many times...this one just connects John. By far, my favorite video of yours. God bless you brother!

Agreed about the open carry.. absurd to show your hand, and make yourself a target.

It's called being a Grey Man. Blend in to the point you go unnoticed. Anonymous.

The grey man strategy and awesome Art of War reference that is indeed a great book and some of his tactics are still used today

Truly powerful people are the strong, silent type. They are self-confident and don't need to advertise it. My friend (who is 71 years old) told me that his father had served in WW II and that his father told him that the guys who talked the most about the war were the ones who were the furthest from the actual combat.

Proverbs 25:6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;

During my time in law enforcement, one of the key bits of wisdom repeated constantly by senior officers and trainers was "do not underestimate people". The majority of guys I spoke with said their most vicious and dangerous perps were not the big hulking meat heads but the guys you wouldn't expect, many times smaller or skinnier than the officers they're fighting. Society still obsesses over size and thinks that merely being big is the end all and be all. I'm a short guy so I'm always underestimated. I gained a reputation in the police academy and after as being a little beast so my peers knew of my ability but in public, people see me as a short, slightly chubby Latino.

Everything you said, and you said it so clearly, is everything I've been taught and continue to learn. Your channel is great, you cover so much. I even agree with the "King Leonidas" beard. I also knew when I read the title, before I clicked on it, that this was going to be the subject matter and its a great lesson for those who might not have heard it before, and a great reminder to those who have heard it before. Thanks again.

There's a black belt in bjj at my work like that. Super quiet guy, 155lbs about 5 foot 8. in his early 60's. I am in my early 30's, 6 foot 4 and 215 lbs and have the (dis)pleasure of grappling with him on a regular basis lol.

So damn right. -The loudest one in the room (including visually loud) is the weakest one in the room. -Just because someone is jacked af doesn't mean they can fight.

 Sun Tzu - 'The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

This is my favorite channel. Truly grateful for all you do!

It's soo cool going back and watching this video where you talk about getting on a schedule and putting out more content. Now I subscribe to your channel and look forward to every episode like it's a text book for life. Well done Warrior Poet.

I always thought the same about this, and something beautiful is when you recognize someone of the likes as well and you give/get "the nod"

Man I fully understand exactly what you just said. 8th grade, I’m pretty athletic,think I know everything,not outgoing but thought “ thought” I could handle most situations. I walk into history class, Mr. Dempsey, quiet red headed teacher with a damn good beard. I had him figured out. So he asked what we knew about Poland. I raise my hand and give my best smart assed joke..” the Germans took over Poland so easily because they marched in backwards and told the pollocks they were retreating”. He smiled, walked over calmly, and said that in his 2nd...2nd tour in 1968 that a new guy said a similar joke before an operation in the Mekong Delta.A veteran polish guy in the platoon beat him within an inch of his life.He missed the next 2 ops.I was stunned, didn’t even know that Mr. Dempsey had been in Vietnam.When class let out I happened to be the final student going out the door. He looked up and asked me if he knew what his heritage was. I responded that it must be Irish or Scottish. He said these exact words to me...” no son, I was the only pollock in the platoon”. I didn’t speak out of line again.

I always come back to this video, and I'm glad that you didn't take this down. Because, I want a constant reminder of what being a protector is.

Even though I am not a tough guy, I actually still had this same mindset. I could never communicate it as well as John did though. In respects to open carry, I do think it is important we have that right. I would not want to open carry, but it should be legal though out the U.S.

I was in a reform school when I was a freshman in high school and they had security and the leader was about a 5'2 50+-year-old man who I thought I could take and easily found out he was a 7th degree black belt and old army MP. I'm about a good 6'1 and he picked me up and dragged me down the hall like i was a 3 year old.

I'm a disabled woman and it's so, so difficult to not be that target. I never block my hearing with headphones, I'm always on the move in a get-in-and-get-out manner when I'm out and about, and I don't stop for anyone! Triple threat personal alarm, small can of hairspray, and I keep my handbag heavy enough to give a solid crack should the need arise. I also have an extremely heavy six wheel powerchair and that thing is a behemoth of a weapon, as some random opportunist found out one day two years ago. I was outside the pub having a smoke after my dinner (Sunday roasts at the Queen's Head will leave you full for a year), and I didn't realise there were a couple of students standing behind my chair, staring down my top. A good man stopped his car and his wife shouted out of the passenger window that one of the students had a phone in his hand. Well, Behemoth got switched on, speed jacked up to its 10mph and straight into reverse I went. I kept smoking my cigarette as I reversed into him three times. Job done.

This is the very best of all your training vids, IMHO. True words and well spoken.

Timeless wisdom. Don’t seek battle. Seek allies not adversaries. Be prepared. Know your adversary before engaging them.

I've been in the personal security and training side of things since I got out of the army; over the years, I've learned to read people by how they walk, talk, move/ gesture and how they look around. The stress they put on their words when they talk tells a lot as well.

The Lord sets his face against the proud, but exalts the humble.

Solid philosophy. Thank you, Warrior Poet!

Really like how you pointed this concept out. Thanks for the candor.

The most dangerous man in the room is the one who had beans or taco bell the night before.

"He looked at me, I looked at him and we both knew...that woulda been over"! Great story, by a great story teller!!

Have watched this one more than once. Great advice and direction, John. Thanks, brother. ✝️

Been saying that for years and you hit the nail right on the head my friend. Love your channel and your humble vibe, it is very inspiring. Have a nice day

Ironically enough: I Protect people as my profession, I write poetry, and I try to have the attitude that I'm just one of the guys; And you're channel humbles me and makes me want to check myself. GOD Bless you, brother.

The people who need to project strength are generally paper tigers. Overcompensating is generally a sign of weakness. Just like the guy that constantly talks about how many chicks he's banged. I've found that the weak can't spot it but even in a room full of strangers a man who can handle himself can often spot a guy across the room who he knows can handle himself too. It's those paper tigers that always try to start fights on the street with strangers based on nothing more than ego.....

This is great. This was the first video I ever saw from Warrior Poet, and at this time in my life; to watch it again...well...I have to say that this is true and absolute wisdom.

I truly admire and respect men like you. I so miss my youth and peak confidence years (US Army Combat Arms/24th ID RDF, 1982-1988) that you were/are in during this video recording session. Thank you for your service. I just subscribed and am catching up on your vids. God bless America and all of her HONORABLE vets and citizens. ;-)

All this is true, but my favorite quote kinda relating to this something that my first martial arts instructor would always say. “Best defense to any offense: you no be there.” It applies to self defense techniques, but also tactics. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a desert eagle on your hip, 100 rounds of ammo stuffed up your ass, and all the training in the world when someone starts shooting up the place. If your goal is to not get shot, the best way to achieve that goal is to get the fuck out as quickly as possible. Shooter can’t shoot you if you ain’t there to be shot.

Well, with over a million views you’ve definitely lost the element of surprise.

Thank you so much for everything you do. Always great information.

My dad told me that it takes more of a man to walk away from a fight... ... but... ... if you have to, go all out, strike first with everything you've got, finish and leave. I've walked away from many situations but have survived others because of his input when I was a kid. Best advice is... walk away always if you can.

Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites. Keep it up.

Watched my elderly ww2 combat vet father destroy my younger brother one day in the kitchen. Brother underestimated him and he paid dearly for trying the old man, I NEVER underestimate anyone anymore.

The most dangerous person is the one who believes they have absolutely nothing to loose.

I think I can listen to this guy talk all day. Great, smart, interesting, very succinct.

Situational awareness... Keep your eyes open. Know your surroundings. Look at people in there eyes... love the vids. Great content and knowledge

I'm a 6'8" powerlifter with 20 years training and this concept is the reason I don't start fights. Great vid. Always remember your evil twin is out to get you and never skips training.

I enjoy and learn from your videos. Keep them coming !

Recently found your channel, your content is very informative and makes sense. Thanks so much! Much respect.