Course Description

This is our introductory class that deals specifically with controlling assailants that are grabbing, choking, or in one way or another, holding an officer. The main emphasis is on learning how to quickly release various grabs, chokes, and holds, while maintaining control of the assailant and directing them quickly and safely to a controlled handcuff position on the ground. This is a quicker and generally safer method than ‘escaping' and then trying to reestablish physical contact of the assailant in order to gain control. However, when an officer feels that total disengagement from the subject is the primary objective, this program teaches each officer how to quickly stun and disable the aggressor in order to move to a position of safety. 

Course Outline

I. Grappling Techniques

1. Using the assailant's grab or hold as a control point
   i.     Theory
   ii.    Securing grabs and holds
   iii.   Controlling assailant's balance
   iv.   Technique application
2. Releasing grabs and holds
3. Reversing grabs

II. Chokes

1. Front Choke
2. Carotid Choke
3. Bar Arm Strangulation
4. Preventing Chokes

Benefits to Participant

Each officer first learns the important basics of leverage and balance, and then quickly advances into applying techniques against various types of grabs and holds. All skills and techniques are immediately followed by directing the assailant to the ground and placing them in a controlled handcuff position. Learning how to direct an assailant to the ground without releasing the grab is also studied closely—if a ‘release' is not effective, this is a very useful option before increasing the level of force. The officer learns methods to release various grabs.

To round out the training, chokes are carefully examined. After the choke is prevented or broken each officer learns how to gain immediate control of a subject while directing the aggressor to the ground and placing them in a controlled handcuff position. Officers are also taught how to disable and disengage from an aggressor, when that is determined to be the best option. Reaction drills are used to reinforce and develop the proper flow needed to allow all skills and techniques to work naturally and with little thought, and minimum effort. 

Overall Program Benefits

This is a unique program designed around a solid core of knowledge and skills. 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. 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 techniques presented are generally non-aggressive in appearance. 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.