Knowing what we know about recent history, it seems like common sense that those in Law Enforcement should not only have trained, but should have ongoing training in Martial Arts and Self Defense. For them it could be a matter of life and death. I read articles all the time on Law Enforcement Agencies and their need to defend themselves. Practical Martial Arts should apply here. MMA, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Jiujitsu. The arts can be brutal, but people don’t die when they train or compete in MMA, what is brutal are the streets. The martial arts I mentioned don’t kill the person who is at the unfortunate receiving end, but it helps practitioners enjoy better fitness and confidence.
With the ones I mentioned, people have tried these techniques and they work. The training teaches approach techniques, immobilization and how to disarm someone with a gun or knife. The training also includes self-defense techniques, ground encounters with weapon retention, ground avoidance and ground escapes.
“These skills can save the lives of people who are put in harms way daily.”
With all of the negative press surrounding law enforcement in regard to brutality, this may be a great way to reconnect with the community.
The purpose of this training? The training is intended to keep officers up-to-date on the latest techniques and provides them with the knowledge to better perform on the job. As someone who trained and teaches MMA, I can attest to the many benefits associated with MMA. It may go further and actually change the lifestyle of an officer who didn’t realize the obvious benefits until they started practicing. If the training can save a life, or cause an officer to be more confident so that they don’t have to use more force, then the training is working for everyone.
Who was teaching the El Paso police officers? You may recognize the last name, Colin Gracie from The Gracie Gym/Fight School is led the instruction for officers. The Gracie name is famous for being one of the leading founding families in the sport of MMA. Royce Gracie was the first winner of the UFC when it was a tournament style format. I don’t need to go over the entire history, but let’s just say that before him, nobody knew what BJJ was, now all MMA practitioners incorporate it into their regiment.
After competing for a number of years, it became apparent that Officers of the law benefit from training in martial arts.
The benefits don’t just include them being able to defend themselves, they benefit the community.
When an officer can share his knowledge with the community through teaching, it boosts morale and brings worlds together. The other side of the coin is true as well. When an officer walks into a studio and meets new people, they become more approachable and more understood by the community around them.
In conclusion, I would say that training in Martial Arts is good for everyone. The benefits reach beyond personal goals and self defense tactics. The benefits are social as well as physical.
