Named Black Belt Magazine's Self-Defense Instructor of the Year in 2011, Tim Larkin founded TFT Self Defense Center, a self-defense school at 2949 Garnet Ave in Pacific Beach, 92109. Larkin is a former Special Warfare Intelligence Officer for the Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, where he was part of a beta group that redesigned close-combat training methods for Navy SEAL and special operations personnel. His book, Surviving The Unthinkable, debuted at number four on the New York Times bestseller list and also appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Practitioners interested in complementary grappling disciplines can train at Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Pacific Beach, another combat-focused school in the neighborhood. The Target Focus Training system Larkin created is distinct from traditional martial arts because it teaches principles of anatomy-based targeting rather than memorized techniques, making it accessible regardless of size, age, or athletic background. Over a twenty-five-year career, Larkin has trained more than 10,000 people across fifty-plus countries, including elite military units, law enforcement agencies, corporate security teams, and private civilians. A post-class drink is easy to grab at SD TapRoom farther west on Garnet Avenue, where the rotating craft beer selection draws a neighborhood crowd. TFT courses are structured around live events and recorded instructional series, with a student-to-instructor ratio capped at ten to one during in-person sessions. The Garnet Avenue location shares a building with several other wellness and fitness providers, creating a hub for self-improvement in the heart of Pacific Beach. TFT Self Defense Center can be contacted at 206-686-3469 or through targetfocustraining.com.