Martial Arts Training and Police Work

One of the greatest values of martial arts training is learning other people’s physical capabilities when “mixing it up.” Being taken off your feet by a Division I wrestler is an eye-opening experience. Being thrown to the ground eight straight times in various fashions by a guy who is 25 pounds lighter and a head shorter than you is indeed humbling. And rolling with a guy who used to play football on Sundays is just plain scary.

But all these experiences teach invaluable lessons to a Police Officer. First, it shows that going toe to toe with any adversary is a risky proposition. Just think how many people out there possess physical and athletic skills that you do not. Fighting fair in law enforcement is a true roll of the dice. Our job is not a contest of physical abilities. Our job is to win before the other guy even knew it was a fight.

Second, sizing up a bad guy by looks alone is a weak strategy. Assuming big guys can’t be fast and skinny guys can’t be strong is a huge mistake. One of my training partners defines the term “deceivingly strong.” Look at him and you would call him unremarkable. But when you roll with him, he is a beast. I know it is cliché, but underestimating your opponent will get you hurt. So, just hit everyone hard.

Next, it is almost impossible to get a non-compliant subject controlled without striking. Rolling live really exposes the shortcomings of pressure points and joint locks. Even most submissions are difficult to pull off and often compromise your position of dominance. Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement revolve around mindset and the ability to strike. Everything else (throws, ground fighting, cuffing) builds off of that foundation.

Last, fighting is tiring! Nothing tests your wind like trying to move a guy who doesn’t want to be moved. The fatigue factor is tremendous. Now throw in stress and adrenaline!! Studies show that Police Officers who are in excellent physical condition can hit the wall after two minutes in an altercation. You can’t respect your personal fatigue threshold until you have experienced it.

It surprises me how many Officers shy away from physical contact outside of work. The only way to truly prepare is to know (and roll with) who is out there. So get on the mat and have some fun!!!

Ed Kane

Ed is a Detective and Defensive Tactics instructor in New Jersey. He is also a Guardian Defensive Tactics Instructor for The SDC.

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