"I can't breathe." - Last words of Eric Garner Law enforcement officers, troopers, deputies and agents (from here on out called LEs), are historically undertrained in hands on techniques with resisting subjects since at least the 1970's. Over time police departments, agencies and training academies transitioned their focus away from hands on skills proficiency to utilizing tools like the baton, taser, pepper spray and firearm at an increasing rate. The legal landscape was turning matters of use of force into a realm of tools and machines. Perhaps it was with the best interest of the officer in mind - that if the officer could stay at a distance to the subject, they would be safer. Just look at all the tools the officer uses that are designed to maintain distance - baton/impact weapon, pepper spray, taser, sidearm, shotgun, patrol rifle. Each one of those tools is taught and trained at a police academy and their sustainment is prioritized by departments and agencies in annual, bi-annual and even quarterly refresher training and range time.
0 Comments
"I have been a member of ICBJJ for nearly 18 months now. I was also a recipient of Jason Clarke’s “Law Enforcement Officer Scholarship”. This is one of the greatest opportunities in the entire country for Law Enforcement Officers to train in BJJ. I truly believe a BJJ based system is the future for Law Enforcement defensive tactics. It allows an officer to restrain a combative subject using the least amount of force necessary without high risk of injury to either the officer or a subject. BJJ also looks better to the public than traditionally taught strikes or baton use. This is extremely advantageous for Law Enforcement especially in today’s environment. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also is a massive ego check, and forces an officer to humble themselves. It's also an insanely good workout and will humble even the most in shape people. Further, I believe BJJ has allowed me to approach high risk situations at work with confidence and not with fear. From stress relief to confidence building, the mental benefits of BJJ cannot be understated.
Let’s take a look at a Muay Thai technique called the Front Clinch, or the “Plum Clinch”, and its potential effectiveness as a self-defense technique or as a defensive tactic in the modern world.
What is Muay Thai? Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is a combat sport that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. It has always been a combat sport involving empty handed one-on-one combat between two fighters. It’s known as the art of eight limbs because it uses eight points of contact to strike the opponent: hands, elbows, feet and knees. Striking the legs as well as clinching and tripping are legal techniques. |
AuthorJason Clarke. Owner & Head Instructor of Iowa City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Categories
All
Archives
January 2022
|