State of the Union...sort of

It's been a while.  I apologize.  Not to make excuses, but things have been busy...very busy.  So here I am, back here to give you a recap of where I've been, what the company has been up to, and most importantly where we are heading and what that means to you.

On a personal level, I have been busy with my growing family.  Last January we welcomed our new son,and things haven't been the same since.  You should all look forward to seeing him teaching classes at the gym in let's say...2-3 years?  Maybe a tad longer...maybe.

Professionally things couldn't have been better.  For those who don't know yet, the gym had been expanding to the point that some classes are beyond capacity.  This doesn't mean we have been turning people away.  Not at all.  Rather we looked for ways to make the experience even better for our members.  So, we found a new space, over twice the size of our current space.  The new space will have multiple training rooms, so we can run more than one class at a time.  The exercise gym area will be larger.  We are looking to put a dedicated classroom, babysitting service, larger pro-shops, and...showers!  We are moving up in the world.

With this expansion we have a challenge for our members: as you walk into the gym you will see a "Thermometer".  We set up a goal of 100 new members to make the move to the new space smooth, fun, and most of all keep energy level up.  We ask that every member refers one new member to join.  If you like the classes, think self-defense and health and fitness are important, then share your experiences with a friend or family member, drag them with you to try a class, and help us grow so we can add classes, amenities, and much more.

With the above "Thermometer" you should also remember that for every member you refer and joins you will be getting a FRRE month of membership.  If you refer six new members the next year is on us!!!

Moving on to other aspects of the company.  In 2013-2014 Masada Tactical will be teaching classes at at least three of the most prestigious tactical conferences.  We will also continue teaching Instructor courses and assuring that police officers and military personnel have the best skills possible to defend themselves and protect the public.

 

 

In an effort to assure safe work environments we have created new programs for hospitals.  We now teach clinical staff at multiple hospitals how to better protect themselves against violent attacks.  We also work with several schools on designing and implementing security measures to better defend and protect against mass-shooting events.  If your organizations, regardless of the industry, would like us to assist you with your workplace violence prevention programs just let us know.

Our security division has just finished running the forth Dignitary Protection course.  We have one more scheduled in 2013.  We are currently working closely with a few different clients on providing security and dignitary protection services worldwide.

As we continue pushing on we look forward to keep providing the best training, facilities, and programs for all of our members and clients.

As always, stay safe!

Sincerely,
Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical

Politically Incorrect

I took a little leave of absence. Much of it was due to necessity as many good things happened in my life: we had our son, the company has been growing, I was traveling, etc.  

In addition, during the past few months events took place worldwide that I thought my commenting on would be pre-mature or inappropriate.  

I will not go here on a rant about my feelings about gun control, how I think we should address school violence incidents, or the truly unstable situation in Syria. I have made those points clear in the past. What I do want to discuss is what many consider taboo, and that is my political inclinations. I believe that by stating my opinions many of my actions and views would become clearer. 

I am a conservative. I am a republican. I am a patriot.

I am a republican not because I believe they are without their faults, but rather because they are less of "an evil" to me than the Democratic Party. Reality is that if there was a more moderate center in the United States it would possibly be a better fit, specifically in regards to social issues. However, the American way dictates two strong parties, thus not allowing smaller ones to truly influence their agenda. So one is forced to choose, and to choose one must. Because saying that neither is good and not voting at all, or just sitting in the corner whining about it isn't an option either. 

Here is why I am a Republican:

I am a capitalist. I am a small business owner who has worked hard to build what I have and I would like to keep it. I don't believe my hard work should pay for those less fortunate. I don't believe that taxing me more to pay for illegal immigrants, homeless people, and to support all those inner city thugs is the right way. 

There are people who are truly poor and need assistance. But the majority of people on social aid are those who learned how to "work the system." I see pimps with their Mercedes Benz and latest smart phone use food stamps. I see illegal immigrants go to school on full scholarships. And I wonder who pays for all of that? We have a bankrupt economy who works hard to support those who make little effort to contribute, on the expense of those who do. 

Immigration is fine. I did it. But I did it legally. I went through the process. And I am a contributing citizen to this country. We are the only country in the world that supports illegal activity. Not to mention that much of that activity is now associated with gangs (MS-13 from El-Salvador for example), drugs (Mexican cartels), human trafficking, and more. 

I believe the United States can stop spending money on those who don't deserve it and instead put processes in place to encourage small businesses to grow, reward those who contribute (like our GIs), and place better checks and balances on who is getting social aid. If you are on drugs, a criminal, or otherwise a threat to society, then the government should not be the one bailing you out so you can spend your drug earned money on...well, more drugs. 

I am a Realist. Realism is a school of thought in international relations. It is based on the projection of Power. Power can be exerted via different means, from military power to economical manipulation. It is how the United States became a super power to begin with. 

There was a time that nations around the globe listened to what we had to say. They worked hard to gain our support. Today, they don't care. Today we have nations like Iran threaten the USA on a regular basis. We have a president who bows to foreign rulers (such as Japan and Saudi Arabia)...which is against the code of conduct. We have a weak nation that still thinks it is a super power but in reality is the mocking joke of the world. 

In years past if someone threatened the USA, the president bombed them. If someone took a stand against the USA or its policy, we took away their financial aid. Today we provide terror groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood with F-16s. This makes little sense to me. Does no one think that these sophisticated war machines can be used against the USA or America infrastructures in the Middle East?

I am a Patriot.  True, I wasn't born in this country, but ever since I moved here I have done everything I can to support it, and specifically it's military and peace keepers. I train many of them, often times for free. I assist, consult, and donate to the best of my ability. When the US Armed Forces are criticized from within, when events such as the Benghazi attacks are swept under the rug as if nothing wrong was done, and when US soldiers are used as bargaining chips, it bothers me. When the president says he killed Bin-Laden it bothers me. Mr. President, you didn't kill anyone.  SEAL Team 6 did. 

I don't even want to go into all of our veterans coming back and the government turning its back on them. Yes, I believe we can use them, as in putting them to protect our schools. You get professionals who need a job and we can save money on trying to enforce legislation that has been proven in other countries to not work. It's a win-win.

Our founding fathers were a smart group of individuals. Much smarter than me, much smarter than you, and by far smarter than our president. The constitution and the bill of rights were written in a deliberate manner and with a purpose. The main objective of the constitution was to provide the American people with FREEDOM. Freedom to practice religion, freedom to say what the hell they want, and freedom from overly intrusive governments. 

The government is suppose to provide processes so that we, the citizens, can make our own choices, make our mistakes, enjoy the fruits of our labor, or suffer the consequences of failure. When I am taxed to no end to support those who choose to not work, or when my right to bear arms is limited in any way shape or form, or when I am not allowed to say "Merry Christmas" (even though I'm Jewish) because it may be politically incorrect,I find it to be an issue. 

Personal accountability and over sensitivity have gone too far. Let me live my life and I won't interfere with yours!  

So...to sum it up: let me keep the money I work hard for, and set better processes to eliminate social waste.  Start acting like a super-power again before it is too late and for God's sake, let me keep my guns and second amendment rights as a law-abiding citizen.  Start enforcing the laws that are already in place!

  

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