I took a course in Pittsburgh this past weekend titled "The Basics of Contact Distance Defense." This was about the best two days of training I have had in regards to carrying a concealed weapon. Total rounds fired: zero. Let me explain.
Those who carry a firearm for self protection (that would be us) need to be cognizant of the fact that the weapon is not a cure-all for the attacks we may face. In a close range encounter, there may simply not be enough time to access your weapon. For example, consider that the "Teuller Drill" makes a convincing argument that an assailant within twenty-one feet will be able to cover the distance and strike with a contact weapon in less time than it takes to draw and fire your weapon. Even if you are on top of your game and manage to drill said attacker before contact is made, the attacker may very well continue functioning long enough to injure you - perhaps mortally.
You could say "I'll never let him get that close." Well, if you expect to interact with society, you will have people closer to you than twenty-one feet every day on the street, in an elevator, at the mall, etc. So, where does that leave us?
I am convinced, as are the instructors of the course, that we need to have some skills that will allow us to defend ourselves from a close range attack and survive, preferably uninjured, long enough to access our weapon, escape, or take other appropriate action.
Back to the course itself. We started drilling on a very simple motion used to protect our vital areas from a close range knife attack. We learned a few more "gross body movements," that is, easily performed motions that did not require a great deal of coordination or strength. We put those together with the idea of getting out of the "red zone" (in front of the attacker) and getting to the "green" (to the side and behind).
Many of the details of the course can be found in the course description link below, so I won't duplicate them here.
Here's what I really liked about the course, beyond the content:
1. There was a lot of personal attention. Both instructors worked with each of the participants throughout the course.
2. We were exposed to a small number of techniques, with a lot of practice, which is much more effective that a lot of techniques with little practice.
3. The course was designed to provide us with a foundation (they said "blueprint") upon which to build. Though we weren't promised "Mastery in Three Easy Lessons," I felt that I came away from the course with usable skills. I will be re-evaluating my personal defense strategies due in large part to this course.
4. No egos. Both instructors were very down to earth. They were very knowledgeable, yet in response to questions, they were always willing to try something to see how it worked, or didn't work.
5. This was practical, no BS stuff.
I would encourage anyone within range of the Pittsburgh area to check the web site and see if any of the courses appeal to you. You will recognize some well-respected names in the training industry - I was surprised to find some high quality training available right under my nose.
One final note: I'm not affiliated with the F.I.R.E. Institute - just a satisfied trainee from one course who will be back for more.
KC
http://fireinstitute.org/fire_basics_of_contact_distance_defense.htm
Those who carry a firearm for self protection (that would be us) need to be cognizant of the fact that the weapon is not a cure-all for the attacks we may face. In a close range encounter, there may simply not be enough time to access your weapon. For example, consider that the "Teuller Drill" makes a convincing argument that an assailant within twenty-one feet will be able to cover the distance and strike with a contact weapon in less time than it takes to draw and fire your weapon. Even if you are on top of your game and manage to drill said attacker before contact is made, the attacker may very well continue functioning long enough to injure you - perhaps mortally.
You could say "I'll never let him get that close." Well, if you expect to interact with society, you will have people closer to you than twenty-one feet every day on the street, in an elevator, at the mall, etc. So, where does that leave us?
I am convinced, as are the instructors of the course, that we need to have some skills that will allow us to defend ourselves from a close range attack and survive, preferably uninjured, long enough to access our weapon, escape, or take other appropriate action.
Back to the course itself. We started drilling on a very simple motion used to protect our vital areas from a close range knife attack. We learned a few more "gross body movements," that is, easily performed motions that did not require a great deal of coordination or strength. We put those together with the idea of getting out of the "red zone" (in front of the attacker) and getting to the "green" (to the side and behind).
Many of the details of the course can be found in the course description link below, so I won't duplicate them here.
Here's what I really liked about the course, beyond the content:
1. There was a lot of personal attention. Both instructors worked with each of the participants throughout the course.
2. We were exposed to a small number of techniques, with a lot of practice, which is much more effective that a lot of techniques with little practice.
3. The course was designed to provide us with a foundation (they said "blueprint") upon which to build. Though we weren't promised "Mastery in Three Easy Lessons," I felt that I came away from the course with usable skills. I will be re-evaluating my personal defense strategies due in large part to this course.
4. No egos. Both instructors were very down to earth. They were very knowledgeable, yet in response to questions, they were always willing to try something to see how it worked, or didn't work.
5. This was practical, no BS stuff.
I would encourage anyone within range of the Pittsburgh area to check the web site and see if any of the courses appeal to you. You will recognize some well-respected names in the training industry - I was surprised to find some high quality training available right under my nose.
One final note: I'm not affiliated with the F.I.R.E. Institute - just a satisfied trainee from one course who will be back for more.
KC
http://fireinstitute.org/fire_basics_of_contact_distance_defense.htm
