First let me give a bit of my background when it comes to my training. In 2007 I was chosen to write and teach the edged weapons curriculum for the Air Force Special Operations Commands DAGRE (Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element), ended up teaching some outside of the box expandable baton as well. They were being issued a Strider fixed blade at the completion of the course and wanted training. A certain senior NCO (name not give for OPSEC/PERSC) and Strider gave the nod for me to do the training.
My edged weapons survival for law enforcement/corrections has been presented to the Maryland Department of Corrections Special Operations Group an well as the Southwest Alabama Police Academy. It is currently being considered for POST certification in AL.
I am also currently the lead instructor and curriculum developer for
SAFE. I created a course for personal protection for nurses. It is currently being accredited in Iowa and Illinois for continuing education hours for nursing.
The reason I post this is so that you can tell where I am coming from. I train / have trained everyone from special operations to law enforcement to soccer moms. They all have very different needs. What works for troop in full kit is different from what works for a mom with a kid in one arm and bag of groceries in the other. They are also going to have different mindsets. What they have in common is the need to train to survive interpersonal violence in their "world".
Yes it would be nice if everyone had the time, interest, and money to train to be Jack Bauer or Laura Croft, but that is not the case. It would also be nice if every one was in perfect physical condition. But this is not the case either.
People need training based on the threats that they are most likely to face. The truth is that in spite of all the training in the world even troops and police are killed just about every day. It is the little things you do everyday that make life more survivable.
It comes down to
awarness, avoidance, and LASTLY aggression. Too many people focus only on aggression and even then only what they have fun training in. Too little force on force and too many reasons to use deadly force. When you train to be aware, and avoid as much as possible, you will have a much easier time making a split second decision that will change your life forever.
As far as to what to carry. There are many people reading this that are often unarmed. It may be because your state does not have CCW. Maybe your employer had a policy against it. How about when you fly, and the time from getting to the airport and checking your pistol to getting it out of your checked luggage on arrival. What if you cannot carry at your destination? Do you feel unarmed when you don't have a pistol on you? Do you feel that you cannot protect yourself and your family? Would a professional mechanic not change a flat tire because he did not have all of his tools? If you feel unarmed without a firearm maybe you should rethink your personal protection plan. Even if you are carrying a pistol or knife, can you walk down the street with it in your hand? There is an excellent chance that during an attack there will be open hand contact before you can deploy your weapon. Do you have those skills? Even if you are infirm or disabled, do you at least stay close to a vehicle or wall to help you stay on your feet? A small impact weapon like a
pen, flashlight, or
cane in your hand may prevent the need to use a higher level of force or allow you the time to get to it.
What about an improvised edged weapon like the
comb. If you don't think this hurts let someone rake it across your face. So if our loved ones cannot carry a gun or a knife they should not have options?
Do yourself a favor and teach especially the women and children in your life to fight like a cat to get away, not like a dog to win. Somehow I don't see my 14 yr old daughter getting an attacker into an arm bar and yelling "tap or snap", even though she has the skills. I don't want her to "win", I want her to come home to me and her mother.
If you want to carry a knife, especially a folder because of law, policey, or just personal preference, I suggest
Inverted Edge Tactics. When someone tells you about what you can or cannot do with a folder ask them what they base it on. All their knife fighting experience, internet research, or actual training? Whatever knife you carry for SD you need a trainer, without it you are just hoping you will rise to the occasion. You have a better chance of catching a foul ball at a big league game with a beer in each hand.
As far as my training being tough, it is as tough as you want it to be. When grown men attend a few classes a year I am going to turn the stress up. And when I do, I fight everyone, and take my lumps. By far my most popular course right now is Combat Pen / Kubaton Course. I have one at the end of the month that is full of husbands and wives, and parents and kids (13 and above). With me you train as hard as you want to. Just remember your attacker is always training harder than you and has much less to loose than you do.
I realize that some are going to read this and think I am just advertising. The truth is that I make my living at this, or at least try to. I am retired from police work and now train full time. I put this information out to help people looking for good information sort through the flashy marketing BS and keyboard commandos (not talking about anyone in this thread). To see what I am talking about I ask you to watch
Tactikewl. If I can be of any service to anyone, for anything feel free to call the office at 717-889-1753 or e-mail me at
[email protected]. God Bless and Stay Safe- George