Close Quarters Confrontation Responses
In a world that seems to have reached the breaking point once again, in regards to personal security, there have been an unprecedented number of companies and trainers who wish to cash in our collective paranoia. Martial Arts school enrollment had been dwindling, but is now at an all time high. Firearms, guard dogs, knife defense (and offense) classes are everywhere. Alarm companies can hardly keep up with the demand for electronic protection services. Acts of mayhem and destruction dominate the evening news and sales of violent video games continue to flourish.
If you haven't already accepted this reality, than I just helped to perpetuate this fear that seems to be never ending. The truth is that we are probably just as vulnerable today as we were 100 years ago. Crime statistics notwithstanding, there have always been acts of violence in our country. Thanks to the electronic media reporting it, we are more aware of it.
Now, forget the fear part for a moment and concentrate on the awareness. All of the aforementioned personal protection tools and devices were developed for those instances where we were confronted with danger. These are designed to give us time to develop and execute a plan of defense.
Applying personal protection skills in an actual attack takes more than wishing and hoping. It takes a commitment to training. Training in awareness, avoidance, defense responses. The knowledge that your actions are not only justified, but essential to you and your family's survival.
My company provides several different courses designed to increase your survival options in various real world environments. The staff I work with have many years of practical experience in law enforcement and security and have learned sometimes the hard way, what works and what doesn't.
I invite you all to contribute with your ideas about personal protection. My promise to you is that I will debate with you and present my views, but I understand that I can only teach "A" way, not "THE" way.
Articles by J. MacCauley & Associates
Do you all enjoy acronyms as much as I do? Alright,I’m fibbing about that. Although I understand that often, in the interest of brevity, they are necessary, but they need a glossary which tends to defeat the purpose. Anyway, this blog is about the Personal Protection field.
Leave a comment : July 18th, 2008 : Executive Protection
Let’s face it, everyone needs to stay current in their career arena. Most, if not all, employers expect their people to be well versed in the latest techniques, laws, technology, etc. and show proof of this education. To that end, a great deal of money is spent on training and certification. By the way, certification is merely evidence that you attended the class and maybe passed a test. Your proficiency cannot be guaranteed after the class ends. Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a comment : May 14th, 2008 : Tactics and Techniques
Anyone who is, or was, a member of the military or law enforcement special ops team, will understand the significance of a go-bag. A suitcase, duffle or garment bag that is ready when you are. Those who aren’t sure about what this contains can get a few ideas from this list. Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a comment : May 11th, 2008 : Executive Protection
Back when law enforcement started calling subject control “defensive tactics”, it was assumed that cops would only use force if someone attempted to hurt them. Somehow, over time, it evolved into arrest and control situations where the officer actually had to make the initial contact. Of course, thats what the job calls for and therein lies the problem. With the total lack of respect for authority, as well as the so-called citizens “rights,” comes this common reaction known as “resisting arrest.”
Leave a comment : February 11th, 2008 : Personal Safety, Tactics and Techniques
Over the years I have preached and prodded my students to be aware of their surroundings. I have covered in articles, here and elsewhere, the importance of identifying a threat before a incident begins, and responding in a deliberate way rather than a reactive and defensive manner. From the feedback I usually get, this seems logical and most agree that being pre-emptive is more likely to protect us than starting from a position of disadvantage. Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a comment : December 26th, 2007 : Mental Conditioning
When you conjure up the image of a bodyguard, do you see the typical dark suited, sunglass wearing athlete with the curly wire sticking out of his ear? Or perhaps you envision the rough looking former spec ops guy wearing BDU’s and the fashionable tan equipment vest over his short sleeved shirt which was supposedly designed to “conceal” his sidearm? How about the AR-15 slung around the neck of a very stoic and dangerous looking individual? These stereotypical figures have become associated with the term “bodyguard” in the modern world. Hardly anyone would notice the well dressed “associate” who accompanies the “boss” to meetings and social gatherings.
Leave a comment : December 4th, 2007 : Executive Protection
I was looking at my rather impressive bookcase recently when I realized that my literary tastes are kind of dark. I wish I was talking about dark, as in vampires, medieval times and your basic murder mystery, but no. I mean that I have books on ancient martial arts, terrorism, firearms, police officer survival, explosive ordnance disposal, edged weapons, rape prevention and, stalking. Of course, I have the occasional doomsday thriller just to round things out. If my home were ever searched, I’m sure I would end up on a Homeland Security watchlist. I can retrieve a volume on IED’s, money laundering or even how to pick out an armored vehicle for family protection in a violent world. At first glance one might think I’m just slightly paranoid, but not exactly. Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a comment : November 28th, 2007 : Tactics and Techniques
Do you remember learning about the so-called “fight or flight” reflex? It is traditionally thought that humans have the same survival instincts as other animals. That is, when confronted by danger, they will either defend themselves by attacking the threat (counter attack) or by fleeing to safety. This is an instinctive response to danger, meaning that it does not have to be taught. Nature provides the ability to do what it takes to survive. Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a comment : November 12th, 2007 : Mental Conditioning
“We’re not in Kansas anymore,” unless, of course, you actually do live in Kansas. If so, it’s definitely not the crime free and blissfully secure home of Dorothy and Toto these days. There is probably no place in the country where the residents feel completely safe and protected at all times. In fact, crime and violence had reached epidemic proportions years ago. If you haven’t been a victim yet, you know someone who has affected by violence. Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a comment : November 12th, 2007 : Personal Safety
Hopefully I’m not alone when I reveal the fact that I sometimes have the urge to just punch some people in the face. Of course I don’t mean that literally, (well, O.K. there are those days…) but occasionally I’ll run across some mutant who really makes my blood boil. Not that they have done anything to me personally or even to anyone I care about, but you just know that they are trying their hardest to ruin someones day. Maybe it’s overhearing them acting in an abusive manner towards their girlfriend, or posturing in front of a helpless person. Anyway, there are those moments that make me want to get involved and teach this pimple some manners. Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a comment : October 28th, 2007 : Tactics and Techniques
« Older Entries
