Train like you Fight

In class I mention the "S.A.I.D." acronym which stands for "specific adaptation to imposed demands". Simply train for what your duties may demand of you. This video from 5.11 "Train like you fight" has some great points.

http://www.tacticalworkouts.com/tactical-muscle-video-107/

testimonal

Another testimonial on the Tactical Knife Options-civilian course. This course is so much more than just "knife tactics". It is a mind-set and self-protection course. We talk about the legalities of use-of-force against others, types of attackers/criminal, targeting options and much more. The course is offered at various locations in the metro area. Check out the links below for upcoming dates/times.

"Dear Gun Club,
 I took the Tactical Knife Options class at your facility on 12/13 and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the class. Not only was it a great class on knife skills it was a great class on mindset in general.  The instructor Jeff Black did an excellent job keeping the instruction interesting and practical.
 Thanks for offering the class and I look forward to taking the Level 2 class."
 Sincerely,
 Steve

Centennial Gun Club: http://centennialgunclub.com/training/
BluCore Shooting Center: http://www.blucoreshootingcenter.com/e-eventcalendar.aspx
Scientific Martial Arts: http://www.scientific-martialarts.com/
Tactical Knife Options: http://www.tacticalknifeoptions.com/

Hollywood vs. Real World: Knife

In class I mention that the traditional "21 foot rule" based off of the original Tueller Drill has been changed to 31'.
In this video (with excerpts from ForceScience and Calibre Press) this is mentioned and based off of recent studies done on reaction time and the realities of CQC situations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OloZ0odPGHU&feature=youtu.be

Illegal Immigrant stabs police officer

An Illegal Immigrant from Haiti was a classified “Career Criminal” had over numerous run-ins with the Law been previously charged with :

·         Illegal possession of weapons; illegal carrying of concealed weapons
·         Menacing
·         Trespass
·         Aggravated Assault
·         Trespass
·         Drunk and Disorderly
·         And Trespass again

Yet, he was still in the Country (Miami Dade) in October when he tried to set a gas-station on fire and stab a police officer. He was put out of his miserable existence by the officer.

Read story here:
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Miami-Dade-Police-Officer-Injured-in-Confrontation-Taken-to-Jackson-Memorial-Hospital-Cops-229789841.html

Good video

Thank you Natalia for sharing....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J8keLoXBpw

10 things you should know...

Written for the spouses of Soldiers returning home from active-duty, there are some things in this article that definitely pertain to LEOs as well. Not to mention that there are lots of ex-soldiers entering Law Enforcement post active-duty.


I think that provides some invaluable insight. Again, this was written with the Military in mind, but...

1. He is addicted to war, although he loves you. War is horrible, but there is nothing like a life-and-death fight to make you feel truly alive. The adrenaline rush is tremendous, and can never be replaced. Succeeding in combat defines a warrior, places him in a brotherhood where he is always welcome and understood. The civilian world has its adrenaline junkies as well; just ask any retired firefighter, police officer, or emergency room staff if they miss it.

2. Living for you is harder. It would be easy for him to die for you because he loves you. Living for you, which is what you actually want, is harder for him. It is even harder for him if you are smart and do not need him to rescue you, since rescuing is something he does really well.

3. “The training kicks in” means something very different to him. It is direct battle doctrine that when ambushed by a superior force, the correct response is “Apply maximum firepower and break contact.” Unfortunately, your tears are unbearable to him; they create explosive emotions in him that are difficult for him to control. Unfortunately, warriors frequently respond to strong waves of guilt by applying more “maximum firepower” on friends, family, or unfortunate strangers.

4. He is afraid to get attached to anyone because he has learned that the people you love get killed, and he cannot face that pain again. He may make an exception for his children (because they cannot divorce him), but that will be instinctual and he will probably not be able to explain his actions.

5. He knows the military exists for a reason.  The sad fact is that a military exists ultimately to kill people and break things. This was true of our beloved “Greatest Generation” warriors of WWII, and it remains true to this day. Technically, your warrior may well be a killer, as are his friends. He may have a hard time seeing that this does not make him a murderer. He is a sheepdog, not a wolf. The emotional side of killing in combat is complex. He may not know how to feel about what he’s seen or done, and he may not expect his feelings to change over time. Warriors can experiences moments of profound guilt, shame, and self-hatred. He may have experienced a momentary elation at “scoring one for the good guys,” then been horrified that he celebrated killing a human being. He may view himself as a monster for having those emotions, or for having gotten used to killing because it happened often. One of my Marines recommended On Killing by Dave Grossman, and I would pass that recommendation on.

6. He’s had to cultivate explosive anger in order to survive in combat. He may have grown up with explosive anger (violent alcoholic father?) as well.

7. He may have been only nineteen when he first had to make a life and death decision for someone else. What kind of skills does a nineteen-year-old have to deal with that kind of responsibility?

8. He may believe that he’s the only one who feels this way; eventually he may realize that at least other combat vets understand. On some level, he doesn’t want you to understand, because that would mean you had shared his most horrible experience, and he wants someone to remain innocent.

9. He doesn’t understand that you have a mama bear inside of you, that probably any of us could kill in defense of someone if we needed to. Imagine your reaction if someone pointed a weapon at your child. Would it change your reaction if a child pointed a weapon at your child?

10. When you don’t understand, he needs you to give him the benefit of the doubt.  He needs you also to realize that his issues really aren’t about you, although you may step in them sometimes.

Exhibitor Show-LE

LEO: your chosen profession

I often hear people downplay the role of the LEO.
After all, they “are not soldiers”. They are servants.

They “write tickets and direct traffic”.

Others are quick to critique the LEO’s decisions and actions:
 “Why didn’t they just shoot the knife out of his hand?”
"Why did all of them shoot? It only takes one bullet….” And so on. 
If only they could “walk a mile…”

I submit that the modern day LEO is a professional Warrior and Protector of the weak. They wear shields, carry an array of weapons, train in tactics and intentionally go in harm’s way every day….

You decide.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umpi8FIo0nE&feature=youtu.be

Understanding the nature of evil

It is becoming more and more critical to move past the passive defense mechanism of “denial” and to understand that some people are just bad. If you are familiar with Aesop’s parable of the “Scorpion and the Frog” you can see how applicable it is to our modern society. The true nature of person is always there, just under the surface. No matter how skillful or practiced they are at masking it, it is always just a moment from showing itself. When you understand the nature of a beast, you understand what it is capable of:

“There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men.”- Edmund Burke

Denial does nothing but make you less prepared for the ugly realities of life. Truth is, some people simply cannot be reasoned with, talked down, or persuaded to good. Prayers with the families impacted by the tragedy at Arapahoe HS today.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99HE22KHS1g

Cases of Officers Killed by Their Own Guns

"On March 11, a defendant on trial for rape in Atlanta allegedly overpowered a courthouse deputy, took her gun and killed four people, including two law enforcement officers. A little over a month later, a Providence detective was killed with his own weapon while interviewing a suspect at police headquarters.... Police in Augusta, Ga., killed an inmate who fled on April 21 after overpowering a state corrections officer and taking his gun, authorities said. Two days later, a man under arrest in Spring Valley, Ill., wrested away an officer's gun and beat him with it. The suspect then fatally shot himself, police said."

Read article here: http://www.policeone.com/close-quarters-combat/articles/100228-Cases-of-Officers-Killed-by-Their-Own-Guns-Likely-Will-Not-Change-R-I-Policies/

 

 

Very Cool!! Former 49s Running Back is now an Army Paratrooper

Former 49s Running Back is now an Army Paratrooper

"Glen Coffee's single year as a 49er may qualify as one of the strangest NFL careers. The summer after a promising 2009 rookie year, in which the third-round pick out of Alabama filled in nicely for an injured Frank Gore, Coffee up and quit. God didn't want him to play football, he said in brief and guarded interviews. There's more to life than the pursuit of money."

Read story here:
http://deadspin.com/remember-former-49ers-rb-glen-coffee-hes-an-army-para-530696145

Busy week of training

Emergency Survival Responses (ESR)

Excited for this week:
Headed to Glendale PD for their final TKO certification course tomorrow. The first metro-area PD to have every officer, from the Chief down, certified

Wednesday is the first of two Offensive V. Defensive Mindset seminars host by Greeley PD
...
Then Friday night another Civilian TKO class at the Centennial Gun Club...

I love my job

Video on Mind-Set transitioning

Defensive Mind-Set helps you prepare and be ready for when a violent attack happens.

Offensive Mind-Set lets you take the fight to the bad guy and WIN by and overcoming his attack. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0yCcKPqU0s&feature=youtu.be

Grand Opening tonight

My good friend Jordon is having his Grand Opening tonight. His new location is the premier place for kids (and adults) to train in the Denver Metro area. I have never seen another gym like this and Jordon is a genius when it comes to working with kids!

I unequivocally trust him with my boys. Scientific Martial Arts is located at 440 Garland Drive in Northglenn. If you are free, come by and say hi tonight…

Here are a couple of links:
http://www.scientific-martialarts.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svMw2G4OrhI

know thy enemy...

Short video we put together. Understanding who/what you may be up against is key to winning...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99HE22KHS1g&feature=youtu.be

Stabbing-carjcaking-suspect fatally shot by police

Here is a link to the story:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/SJ-Police-Shoot-Stabbing-Carjacking-Suspect-233767391.html

Nurse killed, 4 injured in Texas hospital stabbings

"A nurse died and four people were injured Tuesday in a stabbing attack at an East Texas medical complex..."

Read full story here:http://www.policeone.com/edged-weapons/articles/6626299-Nurse-killed-4-injured-in-Texas-hospital-stabbings/

 

Do you have a War-Dance?

I watched this link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI6TRTBZUMM) that Justin shared of soldiers sending off three brothers. They performed the Maori “dance of war” Haka.  It made me think.

Do we live in a warrior or a weak society?

It is up to Men to introduce, instill and foster a warrior spirit amongst our sons. If you were at a funeral and someone broke out in a war-dance, most people would be abashed and feel uncomfortable. In my home, my boys have both an oath and a war-dance. They say the oath every morning when they wake and every night before they sleep. It is a warrior-oath. As Roman and I practiced our war-dance today, (after watching the above video),  Jace (15 months old) became very excited and began stomping around yelling and grunting. Every boy has in him a warrior spirit that yearns for adventure and challenge. It is in a man’s nature! It is up to the Dads to bring this to the surface and celebrate it; not become embarrassed and try to subdue it.

My hope is that when it is my time to pass on to the other side, that during my death celebration, my boys will perform our family War-Dance and site our Warrior-Oath. Our lives are to be celebrated; our send-off to be bold.

I challenge the Men who read this honestly ask yourself: DO I have a war-dance? DO I have an oath I live by? If you answer “yes” celebrate both daily and pass it on to the boys who will grow to be men so that the warrior-spirit thrives. If you answer “no”, it is not too late. Remember, warriors are made. They just don’t happen. That spirit needs to be nurtured, molded and directed by Men.

Here are two other links that inspire me:

Viking King Burial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0twvVmJKTJY

Apache War-Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt9Bor3_XFk  

Being smashed and tested....

Life has a way of testing you to see if you have learned her lessons; a way of pushing you past your self-perceived limits.

“Each one of you is like an earthen vessel – a beautiful piece of pottery – prettied up by your fathers and mothers and teachers with tender loving care. Life will pick you up and smash you onto the ground, break you open, and see what is inside of you. With many of you, life will find nothing inside. You are empty without substance. For others, when you break, life will have to turn away from the smell, because you live in a weak culture that has allowed you to get by on charm and pretty talk and backslapping, and you have practiced dishing manure for so long that is almost seeps out of your ever y pore; and now that is what you are. For others, when your shell smashes open, life will find a sword made of pure Damascus steel. And you are a warrior” Greitens, 2012

Colo. Agency Defends Officer Who Killed Knife-Wielding Man

 “Boulder police officials on Monday defended the actions of the 14-year veteran who shot and killed Michael Habay, 42, saying the officer had reason to believe the knife-wielding suspect was about to stab him…”

Read full story here:

http://www.policeone.com/chiefs-sheriffs/articles/6625022-Colo-chief-defends-officers-actions-in-fatal-shooting/

 

Self-Protection class: northern locations?

Currently, this course is being taught on the south end of town. I am looking for north-of-Denver locations.

If you have or know someone that would like to start hosting this class, please let me know. I have had lots of requests and would like to bring the class to the northern area:

Tactical Knife Options-civilian: A Self-Protection seminar-course...
Course Objective:
• To familiarize the student with the offensive tactics involving an edged weapon for self-protection and threat neutralization.
 

Course Length:
4 hours
 

Description:
The civilian Tactical Knife Options course is a short comprehensive course that is an off-shoot of the Law Enforcement certification course. The course provides the student with an overview of the legalities of using deadly force against another person in the course of self-defense. This course concentrates on teaching the student offensive tactics for when a deadly threat is presented against the student and a firearm is not available, or it is tactically unwise to use a firearm, and open-hand techniques are not adequate.

The student will also learn: threat recognition, three types of criminals / attackers, what makes a good tactical knife for self-defense, where to carry the knife for ease of deployment, what anatomical targets will quickly neutralize a threat, two types of grips, seven lines of attack, the physiological and psychological effects of combat (fear induced)stress, and different types of attack.

To view a current schedule of classes or course reviews, visit: http://www.tacticalknifeoptions.com/

another video shared about the 21 foot rule

http://gunfreezone.net/wordpress/index.php/2011/05/10/and-then-everything-failed-nsfw-very-violent-graphic/

re-visiting the 21 foot rule?

A buddy shared this with me. I applaud the instructor's efforts and dedication to training. One thing I look at is would techniques work in the real-world? Such as on the side of a street, in a cluttered room or close confines? Things that work in a gym or dojo do not always translate well onto the streets. Also, would the average person be able to pull off the technique under extreme stress and bad conditions?

I would love to hear/read your thoughts after you watch the video:
http://www.guns.com/2013/11/21/knife-v-gun-changing-think-21-foot-rule-video/

Why I train...

With my Brother in mind:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX_Ozq13ILk&feature=youtu.be

ambshes and more...

Taken from Tony Blauer's Blog:
Tony is on-point. Not much to add:

The Ambush
I get asked this all the time, “How do you defend against an ambush?”  My answer: “You can’t. That’s why it’s called “ambush”.  Yes, you can train to anticipate, intercept and weather an attack, but there is no magic style or technique to defend against the non-telegraphic ambush. If you can’t defend against the ambush then what do you do??

MOVE! GET OUT OF THE LINE OF ATTACK/AMBUSH

This isn’t Start Trek where people beam-down into your personal space.  In other words, there are always pre-contact cues. Getting off the X is about situational awareness.  It’s about being observant.  I wrote about this recently.  Bluntly folks…. get your head out of your @ss and off your cell phone when you are walking and driving (and I’d recommend the same thing when you’re at dinner in the company of other humans too).

NO AWARENESS = NO ABILITY TO COUNTER

If you lack awareness, your survival system cannot do its job properly. You make it even harder if you are fixated on a smartphone. When you are out and about; pay attention.

Let’s call a spade a spade: you can’t counter a perfect ambush and that’s precisely why it was called “an ambush”. When the intended victim intercepted or disengaged the assault, it was called an “attempted ambush”. This is important because it helps you start thinking about the bigger picture and what it really means to get to the left of an ambush.

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT & IMPROVING AWARENESS

How would you attack you? This is a neat concept.  It’s so simple. Spend some time thinking about when you could attack you. Is it walking down that alley daydreaming, not noticing the gang of hooligans approaching? Do you sit in your car checking emails unaware of people studying your routine? Follow yourself for a week and make notes of when you could sucker punch yourself, grab a purse, steal your car and you’ll be amazed at what you can learn about your situational awareness.  Now here’s the cool stuff. Doing this activates your reticular cortex, (Whenever you send a message to the reticular cortex, like “stay alert”, “look out for gangs”, it actually makes the change in your brain and you become more intensely aware and alert to your surroundings.  Scientifically speaking, “the reticular activating system helps mediate transitions from relaxed wakefulness to periods of high attention”.)

THE THREE D’s:

DETECT  (to avoid) DEFUSE (to de-escalate) DEFEND (to protect)
+
“Action is faster than reaction; in-action is faster than action” -

If you’re having discussions with your martial arts pals on best moves or you’re searching YouTube for “counters for sucker punches” then you are already standing on the “X”.  Understand?  You completely missed detect & defuse. A lot of people get stuck in this trap, “What’s the best counter to XYZ?” The problem with this thinking is that to practice the counter you must practice the attack.  Therefore you always practice letting yourself get attacked in order to practice the counter. Interesting irony. But more importantly no one is working on avoidance and de-escalation. Accessing the skills honed in the gym gets even more unlikely when you consider that in a true ambush there is no consent and no awareness of the attack. In the real world, the hand is quicker than the eye and the hand is quicker than the brain. If you’re trying to figure out which style of martial arts is best then you don’t understand math, physics and physiology.

LET’S PLAY KOG!

What’s required to play?
1. A complacent victim with little situational awareness.
2. Douche-bags

The first pre-contact cue is typically a gang and a lone person. (Light bulb!?) Start there.  See a gang? Get to the left of the ambush as soon as you. You’re alone?  Find a buddy.

TIPS & TRICKS

1.Identify your routine and any opportunity you provide to ‘opportunistic douche-bags”. Change what they’re looking for and then you’re not “it”.

2.Walk with your own gang when you know you’re going through choke points.  E.g.: Leaving a restaurant alone?  Ask the manager for an escort. Same for underground parking lot.  Ask for an escort. Four eyes are better than two. There are lots of courageous bystanders and Good Samaritans near you, look for them.  (Also, how you ask will also influence their willingness to assist. Be honest and be smart.)

3.Walking solo in a subway, bus stop, etc.? Think about your next step.  Pause, assess, and scan.  FYI you do this every time you step off a side-walk (in other words it’s not a new behavior and it’s not a paranoid behavior). See #2 – practice the lost art of talking to another human – ask if they’d walk with you.

4.Keep your head up & eyes alert. Diffuse your vision.

5.Keep your hands free (yep no phone) *While this shit can happen anywhere, you know when its pseudo safe to have your phone out.

6.Trust your gut.  Reread my blog on the Economics of Violence for a review on ‘paying attention’

7.Err on the side of safety.  Even if you think something is about to happen immediately change your direction, make noise, create attention.  If you were wrong about the pre-contact cue (i.e. false alarm) the worst that happened is you are embarrassed. The alternative (ignoring the perceived threat) could be much worse.

8.If you’re driving and see someone walking into the kill zone, slow down and honk like an idiot (same if you’re on foot, yell). Don’t hesitate just do something (you’d want someone to do it for you!).  If you can roll down your window and shout, “the police will be here in a moment.  The cameras are recording this.” (Point to the pretend CCTV camera). Verbal deception is a great tool to create a mental distraction in the bad-guy’s mind. It creates doubt & hesitation, and it just might dissuade or divert the attack.  At a minimum it buys you time and allows you to shift psychological gears.

Just reading this has activated your reticular cortex and now you are safer than you were 10 minutes ago. :-)

Teen shot playing the "Knock-Out" game-video

Teen picked the wrong Dad to try and knock out.... Got shot twice and is now doing time:

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzptOuQ0M9U&feature=youtu.be

Slain Mass. teacher's throat cut, note left

Not saying that you need to be paranoid; but assuming that someone is not dangerous or does not present a threat simply based on age can be a huge mistake. I am not implying that the victim in this case did that, but rather that her terrible murder shows that a 14 can overpower an adult ten years older.

Also, the edged weapon that was used to coerce and ultimately kill her was a simple box-cutter.

“Massachusetts teacher who police say was killed by one of her students was found in the woods, naked from the waist down and with her throat slit…”

http://www.policeone.com/edged-weapons/articles/6614437-Documents-Slain-Mass-teachers-throat-cut-note-left/

"Horrifying final moments of teacher's life...Philip Chism, 14, charged with teacher's murder..."

http://www.wcvb.com/news/national/Horrifying-final-moments-of-teacher-s-life/-/9848944/23126370/-/13jbn2s/-/index.html

 

check out this oldie training video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFr30p0aZl0

how fast it can happen

Emergency Survival Responses (ESR)

"Most victims of a knife assault simply think they are being punched".. The victim in this attack thought he had been slapped until he started bleeding profusely. Watch how fast it takes place:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss12fzCixqY

Top Five questions

Doing what I do for a living makes for interesting conversation in the average social setting. After an initial awkwardness, the questions usually start to flow. I find that I get the same general questions whether I it is during training, (regardless of the group I am training), at a party or at a business function. I thought I would share the top five questions I get:

1.       What is your favorite weapon system?

a.       My favorite weapon system is the one(s) that I was born with. My personal weapons. I have never had an elbow, knee, hand or foot malfunction on me. They do not need to be loaded, charged, deployed or come out of a holster. They can’t be taken away from me. They do not run dry. I don’t need a certificate to carry them and they are with me, at the ready, ALL the time. With that said, I still practice with them and take care of them; just like any weapon system.

2.       Are you more afraid of getting stabbed or shot?

a.       I don’t plan on either happening. I do plan on how to win the fight if it does happen. However, within close quarters, I think a knife presents a more deadly threat.  It is very space/distance dependent. If you are 500 meters away; I would be more worried about your long-gun. If you are within 15-30 feet; the handgun. In a room with me; the knife…

3.       What is the best “self-defense” training?

a.       The one you can learn and have confidence in. By learn, I mean that you are able to transfer the skills and knowledge into a real-world situation. Otherwise you are wasting time and money.

4.       How did you get started in this type of work?

a.       Many, many moons ago I discovered that I had a proclivity towards violence. I liked to fight, loved tactics, and was pretty good at both. I was a runt with a strongly independent attitude and a mouth that did not know when to stay shut.  I had my butt kicked many, many times up until the 9^th grade, when I finally had a growth spurt. That was when I realized that I had developed (out of necessity) a knack for violence.

As I got out of high school and moved out of State, I realized that there was a lot more to violence than street fighting. I became an LEO back in Colorado in the 90s and got involved in formal Combatives training; becoming a firearms instructor first and then an “arrest-control” instructor. I fell in love with the science behind the tactics and started really digging into studies, stories, various systems or anything I could get my hands on. I became a perpetual sponge. I would seek out any training I could go to; take copious notes; and try to figure out if what was taught was realistic or not. I was always trying to teach myself the “counters” to everything I learned in class. I have dedicated myself to developing the most realistic and effective tactics that I can share with others.

5.       Why would anyone bring a knife to a gun-fight?

a.       This is my favorite. Keep in mind that I have been a firearms instructor and have taught firearms (basic, tactical…) for longer than I have been teaching the Tactical Knife Options. I am a HUGE gun proponent and carry one almost all the time.

I get this question almost weekly. And besides being a “fad question” and seemingly sound on the surface, it is very alarming to me that people actually follow that thought-process.

That question is based off a couple of very bad assumptions: It is only a “gun- fight” if you get the gun out and pointed at the threat. Until then, it is fight for control. How many people train in weapon retention, deployment under deadly-threat stress, or the physiological and psychological realities of close-quarter-combat, (re-action time, Combat stress…)?

Any auxiliary weapon system (knife, gun, mace, baton, TASER) is only viable when you are the one controlling it and IF you can deploy it while being violently attacked.

Next, according to the FBI, most victims of a knife-assault had no idea that a knife was involved until they had been cut 2-3 times. The above question is based off of the deadly fallacy of knowing that the bad-guy is armed with a knife. Big mistake. I always tell people that if you know someone is armed with a knife and is a threat to you; a hundred meters with a rifle is an appropriate response. Put two average people, with average training, in an elevator. One armed with a firearm and the other with a knife, and the person with the gun will suffer way more nasty wounds than the guys with the knife. There is a very strong chance that the person with the gun may not even get a shot off and if they do, may miss. That is just reality.

 

And there you go. The five most common questions I get asked any my general responses.  

Being conncected

In speaking with a colleague, we were discussing the obvious connectedness between several different books on leadership. Although the authors approach the topic from varying perspectives (religious, business, military…), the core messages and principles are the same. Later in the day I was drinking some tea and reading and I came across this little gem and found it too relevant not to share:

“In modern society, a great separation has taken place between the various aspects of our lives. Many people feel that they need to leave the values and principles of their faith outside certain activities in the same way you leave a coat in a waiting room. The modern world tries to separate faith from reason, the professional from the personal, and the means from the end. This separationist approach destroys unity in life and creates the modern madness of feeling torn in two…”  

Life is a cycle and everything is connected. Spirit, mind and body in everything we do. To try and separate them is self-destructive. To ignore one is to weaken the others. Look at the truly happy and successful (not the same as rich) people you know. They live a connected life.

Level II class tomorrow

Had a great level II class this last Sunday at BluCore.

Gearing up for another one tomorrow night at Centennial. (17:00-21:00)

E-mail or message me for details...
cqctactics@msn.com

Strong people have healthy habits.

Mentally strong people have healthy habits. They manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life. Check out these things that mentally strong people don’t do so that you too can become more mentally strong.

1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves:

Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn’t always easy or fair.

2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power:

They don’t allow others to control them, and they don’t give someone else power over them. They don’t say things like, “My boss makes me feel bad,” because they understand that they are in control over their own emotions and they have a choice in how they respond.

3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change:

Mentally strong people don’t try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.

4. They Don’t Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control:

You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage or traffic jams. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.

5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone:

Mentally strong people recognize that they don’t need to please everyone all the time. They’re not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. They strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people being upset if they didn’t make them happy.

6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks:

They don’t take reckless or foolish risks, but don’t mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision, and they’re fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.

7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past:

Mentally strong people don’t waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they’ve learned from it. However, they don’t constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.

8. They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over:

Mentally strong people accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future.
 
9. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success:
Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other people’s success in life. They don’t grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.

10. They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure:

Mentally strong people don’t view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right.

11. They Don’t Fear Alone Time:

Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they don’t fear silence. They aren’t afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can use downtime to be productive. They enjoy their own company and aren’t dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time but instead can be happy alone.

12. They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything:

Mentally strong people don’t feel entitled to things in life. They weren’t born with a mentality that others would take care of them or that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.

13. They Don’t Expect Immediate Results:

Whether they are working on improving their health or getting a new business off the ground, mentally strong people don’t expect immediate results. Instead, they apply their skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time.

Murder attempt on Folsom prison officer

Investigation launched into suspected murder attempt on Folsom prison officer

“Alberto Cortez attacked the 40-year-old correctional officer around 8 a.m., repeatedly slashing him with a makeshift weapon.”

http://www.news10.net/news/local/article/263642/2/Folsom-prison-officer-wounded-in-alleged-inmate-attack

FBI 2012 stats on LEOs killed and assaulted

FBI Releases 2012 Statistics on Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted.

Overview:

According to statistics collected by the FBI, 95 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2012. Of these, 48 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts, and 47 officers died in accidents. In addition, 52,901 officers were victims of line-of-duty assaults. Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the 2012 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, released today.

Felonious Deaths

The 48 felonious deaths occurred in 26 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The number of officers killed as a result of criminal acts in 2012 decreased by 24 when compared with the 72 officers who died in 2011. The five- and 10-year comparisons show an increase of seven felonious deaths compared with the 2008 figure (41 officers) and a decrease of four deaths compared with 2003 data (52 officers).

Officer Profiles: The average age of the officers who were feloniously killed was 38 years. The victim officers had served in law enforcement for an average of 12 years at the time of the fatal incidents.

Circumstances: Of the 48 officers feloniously killed, 12 were killed in arrest situations, eight were investigating suspicious persons or circumstances, eight were conducting traffic pursuits/stops, six were ambushed, five were involved in tactical situations, and four were answering disturbance calls. Three of the slain officers were handling, transporting, or maintaining custody of prisoners; one was conducting an investigative activity, such as surveillance, searches, or interviews; and one officer was killed while handling a person with a mental illness.

Weapons: Offenders used firearms to kill 44 of the 48 victim officers. Of these 44 officers, 32 were slain with handguns, seven with rifles, and three with shotguns. The type of firearm used was not reported in the deaths of two officers. Two officers were killed with vehicles used as weapons, one with personal weapons (hands, fists, feet, etc.), and one with a knife.

Suspects: Law enforcement agencies identified 51 alleged assailants in connection with the felonious line-of-duty deaths. Thirty-three of the assailants had prior criminal arrests, and eight of the offenders were under judicial supervision at the time of the felonious incidents.

 

Full Report can be viewed here:

http://www.fbi.gov/sandiego/press-releases/2013/fbi-releases-2012-statistics-on-law-enforcement-officers-killed-and-assaulted?goback=%2Egde_1002437_member_5804713119536144386#%21

Short video on Combat Stress

I put this together to better illustrate what will happen to the body during a crisis and/or under Combat Stress.

APPROPRIATE FORCE USE? Man, 21, Fatally Shot After Deputies Allegedly See Him Stab Woman

What are your thoughts? I only have this news account to reference, but it reads that the suspect was stabbing the victim and that a TASER was used to try and stop the imminent deadly threat…(?)

The TASER is a less-lethal force option and should be deployed to stop less-lethal threats. If a suspect was shooting at yu, would you use a TASER to subdue him? It comes down to “INC”; Identify the threat, Neutralize the threat, and Control the threat…. In a CQB situation, action must happen quickly, efficiently, and APPROPRIATELY.

“He was stabbing a young woman who was there in the home, as well. As that young woman was fleeing from the home, deputies had arrived. The young man was stabbing her in the back, had cut her throat in prior moments. At that point, the deputies had attempted to disarm him through a Taser shot, Authorities said when the Taser didn’t work, one shot was fired.”

 

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/11/15/man-fatally-shot-by-deputy-outside-rosemead-home/

 

Watch the hands...

Here is the video I spoke about in class last week. It appears the man is shot after complying with officer's commands.  But watch his right hand...

Grossman talking about Sheepdogs - video

Here is Dave Grossman speaking about what a Sheepdog is:

http://74.217.207.183/training/videos/6270504-The-Sheep-the-Wolf-and-the-Sheep-Dog/

San Antonio police officer shoots, kills man holding knives

SAPD: Man threatened police officers with butcher's knives; asked officers if they "were ready to die"...

http://www.ksat.com/news/1-man-dead-after-officer-involved-shooting/-/478452/22964554/-/rilj5qz/-/index.html?hpt=ju_bn5

 

Video Training: Officers shoot man holding knife to hostage

"Upon viewing the video of the incident in which Daytona Beach police officers were forced to shoot Jermaine Green while he held a woman hostage at knifepoint, 5 training challenges came to mind..."

http://www.policeone.com/edged-weapons/articles/6583529-Video-Training-Officers-shoot-man-holding-knife-to-hostage/

Level II civilian Tactical Knife Options class

There are still slots open for the Level II TKO-civ class this Sunday hosted by BluCore.

To register, follow the link:
http://www.blucoreshootingcenter.com/e-eventcalendar.aspx

Hope to see you there...:)

Happy Veteran's Day...

Bogus Knife Tactics

Here is a short video featuring some self-proclaimed "experts". Notice the overly cooperative opponents and ask could these techniques really work against a spontaneous attack, at night, under less than dojo conditions?

police officers shooting former NFL-star holding knife

"...body cameras captured the Sept. 25 shooting of the 32-year-old former New York Giants player and the woman he was holding captive at knifepoint..."

Watch the video at the link:
http://www.policeone.com/officer-shootings/articles/6575454-Video-Fla-police-shoot-NFL-star-holding-hostage-at-knife-point/

Knife-Wielding Man Charges Seattle Officer

Mentally ill does not equal “less-dangerous”. In actuality it can definitely equate to “more-dangerous” due to lack of stability, or impaired cognitive processing. It is a very tough position for officers to be in because Officer-Safety and the safety of others is paramount with everything else being a distant second. A mentally ill person’s decisions/actions often dictate the outcome. Simply, it is unrealistic to expect officers to be able to talk-down everyone. It takes two for a conversation to take place and when one side of that equation is unable or unwilling, and the situation is evolving rapidly, it place the officer in a hard place.. It is seldom black/white, but much more often gray..

 

 

“Dash-cam video captured an officer-involved shooting in June involving a Seattle Police officer and mentally ill man who charged him with a knife…”

http://www.policemag.com/videos/channel/patrol/2013/09/knife-wielding-man-charges-seattle-officer.aspx

 

 

 

Going back to WY

Taking TKO to Wyoming…

Getting geared up for a trip to Torrington, WY. Two back-t-back Tactical Knife Options classes for the Goshen CSO. Should be a good time. Looking forward to it.

http://goshensheriff.org/

Victim stabbed 30+ times

“A male suspected of attacking a woman and stabbing her more than 30 times in a domestic violence incident…The suspect then attempted to attack officers with a knife, and at least one officer shot him.”

Read article here:

http://www.kcra.com/news/officerinvolved-shooting-shuts-down-hwy-12-near-fairfield/-/11797728/22812924/-/7o6gdq/-/index.html

HOT NEW AREA OF BRAIN RESEARCH OFFERS HOPE FOR BETTER TRAINING, SHARPER STREET SMARTS

"New findings from brain research laboratories, based on studies of subjects ranging from monkeys to ballet dancers, are offering fresh insights into how law enforcement trainers can best deliver their instruction and how street officers can better learn to read and anticipate dangerous or deceptive suspect behavior."

Read the entire article here:
http://www.forcesciencenews.com/home/detail.html?serial=25

Tactical Knife Options (civ) Level II

All:

I have two upcoming Tactical Knife Options-Level II classes.

November 17, 09:00-13:00 at BluCore (http://www.blucoreshootingcenter.com/l-13-training.aspx)

November 22, 17:00-21:00 at the Centennial Gun Club (http://centennialgunclub.com/training/edgedweapons/tactical-knife-options-civilian-concepts-level-ii/)

Please click on the above links to register. I look forward to training with you again.

Mindset! Enough said...

Read the story of this Marine/Cop...
http://www.today.com/news/shot-face-cop-chases-suspect-giving-not-option-8C11504098

"You must prepare your mind for where your body may have to go" Stacy Kim, LAPD

a conversation....

ON MAINTENANCE; a conversation…

Instructor: “Warrior!”

Warrior: “ooorah!”

Instructor: “Always maintenance your weapons. Keep the knife sharp; the bow taunt; the spear straight. More importantly though…. Are those core weapons:
YOUR MIND! YOUR BODY! YOUR SPIRIT!
Fail to maintain these weapons…, you weaken and die.
Do well to maintain these weapons and they will serve you gloriously; here and beyond!

Warrior: “OOORAH!!!”

Leadership

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

John Quincy Adams

 

What about you? What do your actions and your words inspire in others around you? Do you inspire them to do, dream, learn and become more? Or, have you gotten caught up in the negativity you are bombarded with every day and become an energy vampire and a dream stealer?

When people spend time with you do they walk away with a renewed energy, sense of purpose and commitment to pursue their dreams and goals? Or, do they walk away with their energy levels low and convinced the world is conspiring to keep them down so there is really no point in trying to do better?

Who are the energy vampires and dream stealers in your workplace and in your life? Now, if we conducted an anonymous survey of the people you work with would your name be on their list?

Yesterday I had lunch with my two sons Jesse and Cody. Jesse is 30 and owns a very successful wine boutique in Calgary. Cody is 27 and in the process of opening his own restaurant in Calgary. Every time I get together with them they inspire me. They inspire me to dream more, learn more and do more. They are role models and mentors for me. They are leaders.

Leadership is about choice. Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now? - can help you prioritize the choices you make on a daily basis.

What's Important Now? - Using John Quincy Adams definition ask yourself, "Are I a leader?"

Brian Willis

www.winningmindtraining.com

fight... Always Fight!

"You cannot run away from a weakness; you must sometimes fight it out or parish; and if that be so, why not now, and where you stand." -Robert Louis Stevenson

(Thanks Pete for sharing)

Another great class concluded

Finished up another great Train-the-Trainer course through the County Sheriffs of Colorado (CSOC). It was a fun five days and I thoroughly enjoyed instructing this fun, interactive group of professionals. We had the following agencies represented in class:

Lakewood PD
Blackhawk PD
Denver CSO
Lone Tree PD
Colorado State Patrol
Colorado State Parks
Castle Rock PD
Weld CSO
Colorado Bureau of Investigations

I had a blast and look forward to the next class...:)

Mom stabbed at light rail robbery....

Woman with baby stabbed during robbery….

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24350340/woman-child-stabbed-during-robbery-near-light-rail

Chicago Cop Stabbed in face, suspect killed

“The three officers forced their way into the home after hearing a woman scream and the sergeant, who was first to enter, was stabbed several times in the face….The sergeant, 46, suffered a puncture wound above the temple and lacerations to face, authorities said. He was taken in serious condition to Advocate Christ Medical Center”

 

Red the entire story here:

http://www.policeone.com/edged-weapons/articles/6540958-Chicago-cop-stabbed-in-face-suspect-killed/?source=newsletter&nlid=6538808

 

Gun in the house?

Cant help but wonder if this poor woman had previous training with weapons (knife, gun...) or even had a gun in the house if it would have changed the horrible outcome?

http://therightscoop.com/if-there-ever-was-an-argument-for-owning-a-gun-this-is-it/

Upcoming Dates

Don't forget to check my sites for upcoming courses and availability:

Law Enforcement and Military Training Schedule:
·         Tactical Knife Options
·         TKO-Duty Knife/Offensive
·         Mind-set Seminars
·         Report Writing and UOF documentation
·         Trainer/Instructor Development
http://www.esr-black.com/

Civilian Training Schedule:

·         Knife Tactics
·         Self- Protection (hand-to-hand)
·         Firearms
http://www.tacticalknifeoptions.com/