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