Concealed Carry in Maryland

Times are changing.  Someone actually took on the big and mighty Maryland State Police and won! Starting August 7, 2012 citizens in MD will be allowed to apply for and receive concealed carry permits without the hassle that was a part of the process until recently (see link here).

This blog is not about what my personal political views are, I think most people know those.  This post is not about the legal aspect of the new CCW (Concealed Carry Weapons) regulations.  It is actually about how Masada Tactical, as a progressive organization that supports the individual's right to protect him/herself will be accommodating our carrying members.

The right to bring firearms into the facility
If you are allowed to legally carry a firearm by the State of Maryland, and you have an unrestricted carry permit, which therefore allows you to take your handgun with you wherever you go, Masada Tactical will support your right to do so.

That said, Masada Tactical is always concerned about the safety of all our members, including the 5 year old children walking and running around, therefore:

1. If you carry a concealed weapon into Masada Tactical, we ask that you make it known to the Reception Desk staff.
2. We reserve the right to ask to see your carry permit and make a photocopy of it.
3. We will not allow weapons to be left unattended!!!  No exceptions!!!  We will be placing handgun lockers in the gym shortly which you can use to leave your handgun in.  Until such time, ask us to secure your handgun for you in one of our lockers and safes.
4. Remember you will have a concealed carry permit, which means, your handgun has to be in a secure holster, out of people's view.  We reserve the right to ask anyone who is carrying a handgun openly, with the exception of sworn law-enforcement officers and Masada Tactical staff, to leave the premises.

Education

We are the firsts to support the individual's right to protect him/herself and to bear arms.  That said, we are also strong proponents of proper education and training.  We have been offering basic and advance handgun classes for years, and we are proud to say that those are mandatory for our members and all of our students know how to be safe with their firearms.

We will be offering a CCW class  in the fall.  The class will discuss the legal aspects of carrying a concealed weapon, carry options, handgun choices, handgun presentation from a concealed position, and what to do after a violent self-defense situation.

In summary, we are proud to allow our members to practice their legal and responsible right to carry concealed weapons.  Abide the law, be careful, and as we always say: better have it and never need it, than need it and not have it!

As always, stay safe!

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein

Masada Tactical, LLC

www.MasadaTactical.com

Why We Train

I am truly fortunate.  I get to work with a variety of people, all with different needs, expectations and goals, which continuously challenges me to be more creative and adaptive.  I get to exercise my mind and body, ever evolving and growing as an instructor and a person.

We have different client members at Masada Tactical, from the stay-at-home moms who want to get in shape to the tactical operators who want the most realistic life-saving skills they can get their hands on...and everything in between.

It is important to understand the goals of people and what drives them so we can provide what we are expected to provide.  Our instructors are educators first, whether being self-protection experts or fitness specialists, who aim to assist each and every individual to meet his or her goals, overcome their fears, and achieve more than they ever thought possible.

There is one drawback to dealing with so many various populations: we can't satisfy all of them all of the time.  Not all classes are suitable for everybody, and not all classes are aimed at accomplishing the same goals.  I am stating that because I was recently asked by a few members about the reasoning behind certain classes.  So after this long introduction, I want to break down the classes we offer and who are those intended for.

Color Coded Classes:


You see these on the schedule as "Yellow", "Orange", "Blue" and "Brown".  These refer to a level within ICS.  This is the core of our program and should be the staple of everybody's involvement with Masada Tactical.  These classes are primarily self-defense oriented, with emphasis on real life application, and common scenarios.  Classes include time spent on practicing skills, incorporating them into drills, and the theory that backs the practicality up.

An added benefit of these classes, and specifically the drills, is the fitness and conditioning component. Members may come to this class to learn life-saving skills, but there is no doubt they will get in better shape by participating in these.

Fitness and Conditioning:


We have three such classes: Cardio-Fight, Demolition, and Capoiera-Fit.  These classes, although not skill-specific, allow members to increase stamina, strength, and overall performance to either become better fighters or just get in better shape.  These classes are tough, but like all other classes, they are scalable and exercises can be modified or tailored to the individual's abilities and/or limitations.

Cardio-Fight:  This class is mostly endurance oriented.  Designed to be performed on a punching bag, the class offers high tempo striking combinations, a lot of core work, and other stamina and endurance building exercises.  It is suitable to all members of all levels.

Demolition:  This class is a strength oriented class.  Although stamina and endurance are a by-product, the class concentrates on bodyweight exercises, Olympic lifts, and "strong man" type events.  It is typically done in a circuit manner.  The weights used can be adjusted to fit individual needs.  This class is also suitable to all members wishing to get stronger.

Capoiera-Fit:  A unique class developed and offered only at Masada Tactical.  Based on moves from the Brazilian/African (origins trace to both) fighting system, the class emphasizes leg and core stamina and strength.  Done to the beats of traditional drums and string instruments, this high energy class puts Zumba to shame!  Although a group exercise class by design, this is not a class that men should shy away from.  This class is challenging and sure to make you sore in areas you did not know existed.

Fight:


This class is tough.  There are no two ways about it.  If you want gentle classes, this one is NOT for you.  This class takes skill taught in the regular self-defense classes and puts them into realistic applications, with emphasis on stress and aggression.  Members hit...hard, fight on pavement, and are exposed to anything from pepper spray to simunition rounds.  This is why it is for people Orange level and higher.  A certain amount of control and safety is required.  It is tough, painful, and bruising often occurs.  But at the end of the day, this is what sets Masada Tactical apart.

Weapons:


We are not a Filipino stick and knife fighting school.  What we are is a school that teaches how to use the tools that are available to us in a defensive manner.  This class alternates between stick fighting and knife fighting every week.  It is open to all levels.


Yoga:


Why we offer yoga?  Because all these big, tough, macho men need it!  offered twice a week (one 1-hour class and one for 30 minutes) it stretches and challenges muscles in manners that are different than anything else we do at Masada.  You should all take these!



So...set your goals and pick the classes that best suit your specific needs, and whenever in doubt ask an instructor to lay down a plan for you.  We are here to help you.

Stay safe,

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC

Expect Nothing

I didn't come up with the title.  It is taken from an article sent to me by a friend.  I liked it.  I figured I'll share it with you:  

http://www.handgunsmag.com/2012/05/25/self-defense-tactics-for-an-enraged-attacker/.

Why did I like it?  Well, it says the stuff I have been saying for years, and it's always nice to get affirmation from others, especially those you don't know and never solicit.

Let me save you some time: the article discusses how an officer, when forced to defend himself against an enraged individual, found out that all the tools provided to him by his agency don't work. Baton didn't work.  Neither did his chemical munition spray.  Tough day.  but there is a light at the end of that tunnel, and the light is what our members always knew: you can stop a fight, even an enraged individual, even if that individual is on mind-altering drugs/alcohol, or a psychopath.  You can do that by attacking those areas that will cause a mechanical stoppage: the eyes, the throat, and the knees.

Attack the eyes and the opponent can't see.  No matter how enraged, if he can't see he can't find you to hit you.

Attack the throat and the opponent can't breath.  Again, no matter how enraged, if he can't breath he can't fight.  Just ask darrell about his experience with that one :)

And attack the knee and the opponent can't stand.  if he can't stand he can't fight...no matter what drugs he's on, or how enraged he is.

Keep in mind, eye and throat strikes can range from slightly distracting to all out fatal.  A finger penetrating through the eye ball, past the optic nerve, and making contact with brain matter can be fatal.  Similarly, a throat strike can make you cough, dry-heave, or all out collapse the windpipe making suffocation imminent.

So, when in the fight for your life, don't depend on gadgets, tools, or what you think should have worked.  stop the fight as soon as you can by attacking these three targets.

Stay safe,

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein

Masada Tactical, LLC

Where have we been?

It has been over two months since our last post.  I obviously failed in keeping our readers abreast of what we have been up to.  So here is a quick synopsis of the past couple of months:

Civilian Division:


We now have five new civilian instructors.  Completing a grueling week of training, these individuals learned not only to master the skills, but also how to teach them appropriately to others.  The five: Odell Dickerson, Ephraim Rothschild, Christie Vivian, Michael Dye and Vince Spera are now certified to teach our Yellow Patch classes.  Look forward to seeing them on the mat!

We also began offering a new class.  This fitness and conditioning class was designed for those members who are part of our Tough Mudder race team, but is open to all members.  Meet us every Wednesday at 6:30am, at the Wellwood Playground on 2901 Smith Avenue for an hour of "playing" on the various pieces of equipment.  It is sure to be fun.

Fight classes:  over the past month the intensity has gone up.  suffice to say that the instructors (myself and Steve) shared the same concern about the disconnect between the classes and what a true encounter may actually be.  Safety is always a concern, but we chose to increase the contact level and scenarios to mimic more real-life situations.  So far we did multiple attackers on the ground on pavement! Groups fighting groups, and working on pre-emptive attacks.  Due to the nature of the classes we decided to only allow Orange Patches or higher to participate.  That said, Yellow Patches who have been attending regularly are grandfathered in and may keep coming.

Lastly, please note that we are now enforcing the swipe card policies and the uniform policies.  Please make sure you have your membership card with you when you come to classes.  It is done for your safety.  Also make sure you have our uniform on.  We don't ask for too much gear, but you must have black tactical pants and a Masada Tactical t-shirt.  If you are taking FIGHT classes you must have all protective gear as well.

Health Care Division:


We are proud to say that this training division is growing and we now provide training to security departments and clinical staff in multiple hospitals in MD, VA, GA and AL.  Being that the health care system has the highest number of incidents related to workplace violence, we are proud to provide them with the tools and skills they need to better protect themselves.

Some of the hospitals we now work with:

• Prince William Hospital in Manassas, VA.
• Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, MD.
• Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, VA.

In May we conducted our second "Israeli Approach to Active Shooter and Workplace Violence in the Healthcare System" seminar.  The three day training included lectures from industry leaders (including former Baltimore PD Commissioner and MD State Police Colonel, Mr. Ed Norris), hands on defensive tactics and firearms training, and active shooter drills.

Tactical Division:

Continuing what we probably do best, we keep teaching defensive tactics and tactical classes to law-enforcement agencies, military units, and other tactical outfits.

We completed another Defensive Tactics Instructors course and now have two more instructors from Baltimore PD (BPD had nine ICS Instructors now!), and the U.S. Supreme Court PD.  

We were honored to be invited again to teach the MD State Police recruit class.  Our unique weapon disarms and retention skills are considered the best in the industry and we are happy to share those with the ones who keep us safe.

Protective Services Division:

Probably one of the most exciting aspect of our recent endeavors.  Due to demand from various entities for us to provide the same level of professionalism and expertise we have in all other disciplines to the security services industry, we now have an official security company.  The new company provides both training and Dignitary Protection services.

The first graduating class concluded at the end of April with eleven students graduating.  Graduates are entitled to become members of the Lion Association which is a members-only group for sharing ideas, work opportunities, and continuing education classes.

Our next Dignitary Protection class is scheduled for October 21-26, 2012.

So...we have been busy.  We look forward to continue to provide our members and clients with the best services possible as we keep evolving and improving.

As always, Stay Safe!

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein

Masada Tactical, llc

This Sh!t Works

I love it when I get comments on how the skills we teach truly do save lives.  No matter how much I believe in it, and how much I try to tell people that the skills we teach may one day save your life, it is great hearing the feedback every so often.

These are the events as relayed to me: As many of you know, we began teaching clinical staff of a major metropolitan hospital how to implement ICS into their crisis intervention practices.  We teach them how to identify the signs of a potentially dangerous situation, how to try and diffuse it using verbal skills, but most importantly, how to protect their lives if the need arises.  A few weeks back a police officer brought to the ER of this hospital a couple to be processed and admitted into the Med-Psych unit.  While being processed in the intake area of the ER the girlfriend, who seemed to have been under the influence of some sort of drugs and/or alcohol, attacked the officer.  The boyfriend jumped in and the two proceeded to take the officer to the ground, subsequently trying to gain control of the officer's sidearm.  Two doctors who train at Masada Tactical, and two nurses who have gone through our training at the hospital reacted to the sounds of the commotion and came to the officer's assistance.  Using skills they know, and more importantly implementing the mindset of will to win and survive, they were able to subdue the two individuals until the officer got up and used his Taser on the suspects.

We find that the hardest thing to do with clinical staff during our training is to teach them that although trained to save lives and heal, there are times where violence is needed in order to protect themselves, patients and guests of the institution.  This is not an easy task, and it is through continuous repetition and reaffirmation that we are able to change the culture at hospitals.

Seeing physicians and nurses react and apply skills learned is a positive feedback that what we do truly works.  If the suspects were to gain control of the officer's sidearm this could have ended being a very grave incident.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the courageous staff.

Stay safe and keep training hard!

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC
www.MasadaTactical.com

New Website

It took a while.  We went through various evolutions, from a simple template to multiple webistes, and most recently one website, that although clean and neat, lacked the interactivity and community we wanted.
Thanks to Ephraim Rothschild, we officially launched the new website!

Some of the features on the new sites:

1. You can sign up online for seminars and special events.  Please note that although we can't accept payments online (yet) we will hold you accountable if you sign up to a seminar.  
2. Once you sign-up to join the site you will be able to create your own page!  you can post on your page pictures, bios, and send messages to other members.  
3. You will also be granted access to our list of techniques.  The higher you are in the system, the more techniques you'll be able to see!  
4. We are working on tutorials for each technique, so soon when you'll click on a skill you'll be bale to see a description, pictures and videos of the technique.
5. All of our social media sites are now linked to the website.  Follow up on Facebook, Twitter, this Blog and YouTube.

We hope you like the new site and take advantage of the various features.  Stay tuned for more updates coming soon.

ENJOY!

(disclaimer: please note that Masada Tactical will not tolerate any inappropriate posts, comments, pictures, or any other content that be construed as offensive to other members.  Masada Tactical reserves the right to deny access, or cancel login privileges to individuals who abuse their account privileges.)

Shooting? What for?

Yes, we make our members learn how to shoot.  It is not optional, but rather mandatory.  They can opt out of it, but they will not be allowed to advance past the first level of training without the mandatory completion of our Basic Handgun Seminar.  Later on in the curriculum they are requested to learn how to handle a long rifle (carbine/assault rifle), and advance combat oriented shooting classes.

Regardless of what your political views are, although I would venture to say that most of our members share a similar opinion on the subject, it is more of practical reasons that we make it such a requirement.  The bottom line is that if we would tech our members how to disarm a subject who is threatening them with a handgun, the least we can do is teach them how to be safe with that weapon once they gained control of it.

In addition, learning how to use a firearm provides the students with respect to the power that the tool harnesses.  So when asked to disarm or approach a subject who is armed, the members know the risks and express the right attitude in dealing with that armed subject.

Furthermore, I like to make the analogy to CPR.  We learn it not because we plan to use it, or because we want to, but because the first time we would need the skills shouldn't be when we decide that we should learn it.  Same with firearms, we don't plan on using it, nor expect to get into gunfights, but when the lives of our loved ones are on the line and knowing how to use a firearm could help, shouldn't be when we decide to learn how to use it!

As the weather gets warmer we will begin offering all of our weapon classes again.  If you are a member you should look for those since they are mandatory.  If you are not a member and just want to expend your knowledge, look forward to some exciting classes coming up.  Remember that there is a progression built in.  You must take the basic classes prior to taking the advance ones.

Stay safe and watch your six!

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC

Condition Yellow Stance

As you know, the staff at Masada Tactical never rests in efforts to keep our system evolving, and assure that we address all needs continuously.  Our staff meets regularly and evaluate the various skills, new threats that may need to be addressed, and develops new skills to meet these demands.  We do so every two weeks.

In the most recent instructors meeting we decided to introduce a new stance.  Yes, a stance.  sounds simple enough, but this stance is more than just a physical position, it is a state of mind.

Before I describe the stance, let me explain a term: Condition Yellow.  We didn't invent it, it is actually referred to as the Cooper Color Codes, and it refers to states of awareness.  To put it in practical terms, if you are at home, in your little bubble, feel as safe as you can and completely oblivious to anything else out there, you are in Condition White.  At the heat of a stressful situation, when all senses are in hyper-drive, and you are going into overload, you are probably in Condition Black.  And then there are the ones in between: Condition Yellow, Condition Orange, and Condition Red.

Until now we had two stances in ICS: Neutral and Fighting stances.  One is when we are not expecting an attack and one for when the fight is one.  But there was a flow in that.  In essence we gave our students legitimacy to be neutral, oblivious, in condition white.  Reality is that we should never be in that state.  As soon as we leave the house and are out in the real world, we should always be at the very least in condition yellow.

So what is this new stance then?  well, it stems from a law-enforcement term called "Interview Stance".

The Interview stance allows officers to assume as reactionary gap and a safe posture without necessarily engaging in a fight.  Similarly, we would like our students to do the same:

1. When facing a person, body should be slightly bladed with strong side back.
2. Head should remain on a "swivel" and be continuously aware of the surrounding.
3. Hands should be relaxed and placed where they can easily be engaged: such as cupped in front of the body, overlapped on the chest, or loose next to the body.  Hands should never be in pockets or crossed which would make any attempt to engage them in the fight, if one ensues, a slower process.

That is it.  It is a small change from our neutral stance, but when you think about it the state of mind is all different.  From now on we would expect our students to assume this stance whenever in class, on the street, or otherwise in a situation other than their home.

If a situation comes up where one needs to engage and get into a fighting stance, he/she should be able to do so easily.  Keep in mind that every step towards a fighting stance should be a step taken forward.  Again, more of a mindset than anything else.  Burst in, assume control: tactically, physically and mentally.  And stay safe.

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein

Masada Tactical, LLC

If you ever needed a reason

This will be a short post, as the video says it all.  If you have a child you MUST make sure he/she knows how to protect him/herself.  Don't live in a bubble assuming it won't happen to you.  Give your child the tools they need to stay safe.

http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/02/09/caught-on-tape-7-year-old-girl-fights-off-would-be-kidnapper/

For information about our child and teen classes call us: 410-415-6015, or email: info@masadatactical.com

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Owner, Chief Instructor
Masada Tactical, LLC

Resolutions: Do they work?

I will go on a short rant here:  I have been in the fitness industry since I was 15.  I have worked in little mom-and-pops gym, and large corporate ones.  I even ran my own personal training business for couple of years.  It never fails though, late December to early January there is a huge influx of members who swear this is the year they will get in shape, only to dwindle off by mid February.  I used to love listening to the true gym-goers, the ones who go year-round, tell each other not to worry about the crowded gym in January, because it'll be back to normal within a couple of weeks.  They were right.

Why is it then, that even though we all know it, this phenomenon of new-year's resolution which never sticks, keeps going on?

I think it is great that people set goals for themselves.  And out of every one hundred people who join a gym, two will stick to it, which makes it all worth while.  I think resolutions are great...as long as we follow through.

So why is it that we too often don't follow through?  My believe is that it has to do with accountability.  There is a reason that people training with a personal trainer are more likely to succeed.  True, the workouts are better, and you are pushed harder, but at the end of the day it has nothing to do with that.  It has everything to do with the fact that you had an appointment that you were paying good money for and you couldn't miss.  By sticking to those appointments the client is more likely to see results, which in turn trigger a positive cycle of increased motivation, more training, and better results yet.

Personal training is not cheap though.  It shouldn't be.  You are getting the undivided attention of a trainer who arguably is well educated and invested much in himself to be able to help you reach your goals.  Yet, not everyone can afford it.

Luckily for you all, our staff at Masada Tactical is dedicated to help you stick to your program.  We will hold you accountable to coming to classes...and you don't have to pay us anymore for it.  Your success achieving your goals is a direct reflection of how we are doing and we want you to make us look good!

How will we hold you accountable?  good question!  Here's how:

1. If you didn't show up for a week you will get a call from Billy.  Billy will keep hunting you down until you come back to classes.  Billy cares!
2. Starting mid-February we will have a fitness challenge at the gym.  It is a group effort, and you get rewarded for taking classes.  You are held accountable to yourself, your teammates, and us.  How about that?  for more information about The Great Zombie Hunt see the board at the gym or ask a staff member.
3. In March we will offer free fitness assessments and initial fitness routines for our members.  It is your opportunity to go through a medical screening process, initial measurements, and a consultation with a certified trainer that will then set you up on a routine designed individually for you.
4. The personal commitment: you don't have to pay a lot to have us take interest and pride in your success.  We are here for you.  During the month of February you will see our staff members approach you and ask you for your short term and long term goals.  Our staff will follow up with you, informally, from time to time to see how you are doing and offer encouragement.  We hope it will keep you motivated.
5. And if none of those work you can always purchase personal training sessions :)  Ask a staff member for the rates and specials.

Keep up the great work.  You took the right steps in achieving your personal safety and fitness goals by joining Masada Tactical.  Now let us help you meet those goals.

Stay safe,

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein

Masada Tactical, LLC

www.MasadaTactical.com

TSA...What's Their Issue?

Remember the days you could board a plane with a pocket knife and no one said anything to you?  The silverware you got on flights was actually silverware, as opposed to plasticware? and carry-ons consisted of pretty much anything you wanted it to be.

Obviously 9/11 changed all of that.  And I must admit, I don't mind the extra few minutes of screening, or taking off my shoes, or even getting into the imaging scanner.  I rather know that TSA is doing their job right and the flight I'll be on will be safe and short on potential threats.  I never do get the people who complain all the time.  Is it annoying to wait a little longer? Yes, it is.  Do TSA sometimes get on a power trip because they barely graduated highschool yet someone gave them a badge and told them they can stop whoever?  Yes, they do.  Can the process be more effective if other security elements were to be implemented (think Israeli airport security for example)?  Yes, it can.

But truth is that deterant goes a long way, and if potential terrorist attacks are foiled just because terrorists do not want to get caught, fondled by TSA employees, or getting the full cavity search, then all the above mentioned aggravation is worth it in my mind.  You are entitled to disagree of course.

All that said, I rarely truly feel safe on airplanes.  History taught us that even the most meticulous screening is subject to failure.  For example, about 5 years ago I went to visit my father who was in Las-Vegas for a convention.  Bare in mind that five years ago security was even tighter than it is today.  We all followed the colored threat level indicators, 9/11 was still fresh in our minds (for some), and some of the more advance screening methods were not yet available, which meant more hands on searching.  On this specific trip I only took one carry-on since I was only to spend 2 nights in Vegas.  My heart almost dropped to my pants when I opened my carry-on in my hotel room, about 4 hours after it went through the X-ray machine and was searched by a TSA "professional", and found three loose rounds and a knife.  Not my standard travelling items, but left overs from a recent trip to the shooting range.  Needless to say I discarded of the ammunition at the hotel and mailed the knife to myself in MD.

Point to be made: TSA fails sometimes...more often than they would like to admit it.

Being a self-defense and personal protection instructor I like keeping some control over potential threats. If I was able to board an airplane with ammunition and a knife unintentionally, one can imagine that an ill-intending individual can also accomplish that.  Should we remind everybody of the underwear bomber? or the shoe bomber? to mention but two.

It is interesting to see how the list of prohibited items on an airplane gets longer every time.  No liquids, no sharp items (as if I will clip someone's nails to death!), no lighters, no aerosol sprays, and...no Kubotans.

For those who do not know what a kubotan is, it is a cylindircal metal stick which was developed by Mr. Takayuki Kubota as a self-defense tool.  It is often used as a keychain holder and can be easily accessible and utilized in self-defense situations.  But as mentioned, TSA's "super-agents" will look for those and take them away from you if you tried boarding an airplane carrying one.

Luckily for us, some genius minds out there decided that wherever there is a rule, there is also a loophole.  Enter the Tactical Pen.  A re-enforced writing instrument that can be used to strike, stab, and apply joint manipulations or other control techniques.  Genius!

So today there are many "ninjas" out there who carry tactical pens (like the name by the way? Tactical!  Makes it sound some bad-ass!) but don't know what to do with it.

So fear not my friends, because Masada Tactical is here to help.  And as we often do, we get the best instructors possible to teach specialized classes, as with the Tactical Pen seminar that will be held on Sunday, February 19, from 1 to 4pm.  This class is taught by Mr. Richard Harding.  Mr. Harding is a former Navy Corpsman who spent the years following his service duty in Vietnam studying martial arts in Japan.  He later went on to achieve a forth degree black belt in Karate.  Mr. Harding was also a Baltimore County police officer, and is today the Physical Skills Coordinator at the MD Police and Correctional Training Commission. One of the things Rick is known for is teaching Kubotan techniques to police recruits.

We look forward to learning from Mr. Harding how to use the tactical pens we all carry.  Because at the end of the day, I am not sure I want to trust my safety to TSA.

Stay safe,

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC

The Zombie Apocalypse!

Someone at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is a marketing genius.

One of the CDC objectives is to provide us, the common citizen, with public health news and protective advise.  But let's face it, who cares what the CDC says?  It's just another governmental agency which truly doesn't apply to us.  WRONG!  The CDC has much valuable information to share, problem is that no one wants to read it.

Enter the Zombies!  Someone at CDC (or more likely it's PR firm) noted that Zombies are the rage when it comes to pop-culture.  From movies, to fairs and walks, Zombies seem to be the rave these days.  So in order to entice the common citizen, the CDC created a campaign titled: "The Zombie Task-Force".  This campaign, which by now span to include blogs, merchandise and it's own line of protective gear, got more people to learn about general disaster preparedness than any other attempt in the past.  At the end of the day, the difference between a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or a Zombie apocalypse is minute.

(Check out the CDC blog here)

The Zombie craze is not limited to the CDC though.  It is amazing how many tactical training companies use Zombies as their attention-grabber these days.  From targets depicting Zombies (some even look like Bin-Laden, while other targets ooze blood upon getting hit), to gear designed specifically for a Zombie Apocalypse!  It is not uncommon to go to a shooting range today and see people shoot at targets with bloody dogs on them, sekeletons, or otherwise disfigured images of Zombies.

At the end of the day it comes down to "whatever gets people to listen and/or train".  If Zombies will get you to shoot more and practice, or entice you to get your disaster preparedness kit ready, then so be it.

Lastly, if you hang out around any Masada Tactical staff member long enough, you know that all joking aside we take our Zombie preparedness very seriously.  Steve A. just got a new Zombie rifle, BK has a whole plan on how to deter and evade the Zombies when they come, and Josh will be teaching a ZOMBIE DEFENSE class on Tuesday, January 17, at 6:30am!

Don't get bitten by the virus!  Join us as we prepare for the next threat!

Stay safe!
Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC