Course Description

This is our basic class for teaching officers how to control subjects and defend themselves when in ‘close-quarters' or ‘limited mobility situations. This could be when the officer has limited directions with which to move when applying control or takedown techniques, or, when the officer is being aggressed upon or attacked. While the officer usually has other tools at his or her disposal (OC, Impact weapon, Firearm, etc.) the primary focus of this program is on the officer not using them, either by choice or because of time restraints. Knowing that these important tools supplement an officer's hands-on skills some time is spent practicing how to draw and tactically implementing them too. Efficient management of the space available is key to officer safety. Each officer learns how to manage the available space to maintain their safety while achieving the needed goal of subject control.

As in our other programs, this program teaches and emphasizes the vital components of Balance, Leverage, Distance, and Timing while applying techniques and controlling resistive persons, and defending oneself while in close quarters. Please refer to the paragraph text in the beginning section of the course description of the Dynamic DT program.

Course Outline

I.     Close quarter considerations and methods

1. Dangers of close-Quarters
2. Methods to stay in the clear
3. Space Management
4. Utilizing Available Space
5. Methods of Movement
6. Directions of Movement

II.    Applying Techniques

1. Fast Takedowns
2. Front wrist compression (Wrist lock)
3. Rear Wrist Compression (Wrist lock)
4. Elbow compression (Elbow lock)
5. Guarding While Applying Techniques
6. Directing an assailant to a prone position

III.    Attack Management

1. Against a wall
2. In a corner
3. When no Movement is Possible
4. Guarding Oneself and Weapons
5. Blocking
6. Incapaciting an Aggressor

IV.   Close quarter drawing techniques

1. OC Pepper Spray
2. Impact Weapon
3. Firearm
4. Weapon Retention

Benefits to Participant

Through extensive ‘wall and corner' drills the officer learns how to safely block and avoid various attacks while moving to a safer position. Applying control techniques in Close Quarters is very similar to applying techniques in open areas, at least in our programs. The participant learns how to move within limited spaces to apply techniques quickly and effectively. Each individual is provided with ongoing guidance to insure techniques are applied in the most ‘mechanically effective' manner, to insures that the officer achieves the maximum control with minimum effort. By learning this level of control the officer remains safer then when lower levels of control are achieved. Each officer also learns how to quickly incapacitate an aggressor when the situation necessitates.

Overall Program Benefits

This is a unique program designed around a solid core of knowledge, skills and principles. This core is fundamental to every class in this series. A first time participant learns effective and safe techniques for the ‘situational emphasis' of each class, in this case, close quarters. Officers attending additional classes learn new skills that are reinforced with the common elements of Proper Body Movement—to avoid attacks and maintain a safe position, Correct Leverage—necessary for techniques to work easily and with minimum strength, and Balance Control—to direct and control an assailant's equilibrium while the officer maintains his or her balance. These three elements are vital for all Defensive Tactics skills, but are usually not addressed adequately. The skills are however, safe, easy to learn, and very effective. This program allows an officer the opportunity to learn new techniques while reinforcing the common elements necessary for all Defensive Tactics skills.