Why what you train in matters

I am aware of the fact that there is only one Masada Tactical out there...for now.  And people who are seeking training and can't come to MT need to train in other styles and locations.  I often say that any training is better than no training.

I heard Lt. Col. Dave Grossman say this before and I have always expressed a similar sentiment: your choice of recreational activity should in some mean enhance skills that matter.  For most of us this means skills that can help us survive!  This means that when we choose to do something, we may as well do something that will make us better: strength training, hunting, self-defense training, orienteering, etc., all are good examples of activities we can do for fun and will enhance our survival skills one way or another.  One of my favorite quotes by Mr. Grossman is: "Golf is a complete wast of time.  Every golf course is miss-use of a perfectly good shooting range!".

So when people go and train in any martial art I think it is great.  Anything from traditional Japanese arts to Thai-Chi will have some benefit to it.  That said, there is an inherit risk in training in an art that may give its practitioner a false sense of confidence.  We see this most often with MMA fighters.

I have the utmost respect to MMA fighters.  They train hard and in a variety of disciplines to make them better rounded fighters.  However, from a self-defense standpoint, MMA lacks certain skills and attitude.  MMA fighters like the ground, we try to stay off of it.  MMA fighters go for points and submissions, we go for a complete annihilation of the opponent.  MMA does not teach how to address weapons, while we do.

The problem comes up when an MMA fighter tries to use his skills to defend a threat that is not subject to the rules of the ring.  This video shows an individual who decides to react to a subject with a handgun.  The defender uses kicks to defend himself against a handgun.  End result, he is shot in the left shoulder.
Handgun disarm with a kick?!?

So, although I encourage training, in whatever you can, keep in mind our goals in training, and if self-defense is what you are trying to accomplish, choose a school and system that will provide you with those tools!

Stay safe!

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC

Home Invasion Preparedness

I apologize for the long absence of new posts.  By changing the look of the site I lost the ability to log back in and add new posts.  That has now been fixed.  I am a DT Instructor not an IT person!

Now that we got that clear, I really want to recap the Home Invasion Preparedness and Defenses Seminar we held on December 18, 2011.  I have so much more I want to discuss, but the other topics will have to wait for future posts.

Close to thirty people came to the seminar.  One of our largest attendances ever for an in-house event.

As guests took their seats they walked by a few tables displaying various weapon systems, ammunition, protective vests, flash lights, and other unique items that will be discussed throughout the seminar.

It was a unique pleasure for me to be able to co-teach with such experts on security and personal protections.  Combining experiences from the Israeli Special Operations community, the American military Special Operations community, and the American law-enforcement community, sharing the platform with me were Officer Steve Almendarez and recently retired Lt. Col. Scott Wilcox.

The bulk of the seminar was theory.  Some of the points discusses were:

• Statistics regarding home invasions
• County by county events in Maryland
• Physical security elements
• The Castle Doctrine and the Right to Retreat
• Legal issues
• Setting up safe zones
• Tools for self-protection, including: communication, lights, less-than-lethal options, and firearms.

But the class was far from being a "sit and watch" event.  Considering the statistics discussed throughout the lecture, the students learned how to address the majority of potential situations, including: 

• Breaking out of restraints such as duct tape and zip ties
• Defending against attacks in a bed, threats with handguns, and third party protection techniques.

After eight hours of lectures, drills, and practical exercises, the students left with a new appreciation for their safety.  No doubt many left contemplating what can be done to better protect their loved ones in their homes.

Within 24 hours we already received requests to teach this class in NC, PA and other places.  The need is clear...let's keep people safe!

Stay safe,

BK Blankchtein

Masada Tactical, LLC