Combat Arts and Self-Defense has made me a Good Cop.

Combat Arts and Self-Defense has made me a good cop. I can say this without hesitation and doubt. The experiences and skills you take away from combat arts are indispensable in a law enforcement career. So, maybe you used to train and gave it up. Or perhaps you are apprehensive about trying something new. What follows are some reasons to start or get back in the game of combat arts.

1) Experience. The buzz word nowadays is “desensitization.” In other words, knowing what it feels like to get punched, kicked, choked, etc. These are definitely lessons to be learned before they happen for real. A great example can be witnessed in any jujitsu class. A new guy taps from a choke almost immediately no matter how effective the application. This is not because he/she is soft or weak. It is just a totally natural reaction to a sensation he/she has never felt. Revisit this “newbie” in six months and you will see he can hold out for two to three times as long as before. More importantly, he will also know when he is in seriously trouble. These extra seconds make all the difference in the life of a cop.

2) A Valuable Reality Check. It is extremely difficult to move someone who is truly resisting. Combat arts gives you an opportunity to deal with non-compliant subjects on a regular basis. You will see that strength and size do matter. And the pretty techniques are often useless. Simple works.

3) Strategy. This is the biggest advantage, especially with self-defense. Hitting first, hitting hard, and hitting when the opponent isn’t ready, is what wins altercations.

4) The “I’ll just shoot him” mindset- This is a silly thing that often comes from cops’ mouths. In order to use a gun, you have to recognize the threat, draw the gun, point/aim the gun, and then pull the trigger. Self-defense will show you that this often takes too much time before you’re on your ass. Never mind the fact that more than 95% of law enforcement altercations involve physical (hands, feet) or mechanical (spray, taser) force. Your body will be the weapon you use the majority of the time.

5) De-mystifying the Wrist Lock. The only way to know what techniques work is to train honestly. Relying on the wrist locks and come alongs from the police academy as your primary tools is a recipe for disaster. True training will show you these techniques are very limited.


Self-Defense training gives you another weapon on your duty belt. But this weapon serves you both physically and mentally. It can do nothing but help a law enforcement professional.

Author is
Ed Kane a New Jersey Detective and Guardian Instructor with The Self Defense Company

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