Defensive Tactics Week in Law Enforcement
Have you ever gotten that grade
that you think may have been wrong? Was that question a little
too tricky? Was the test just NOT FAIR? Join Law Enforcement
and you may get that chance for a little payback to the teacher.
One catch though. You better be prepared if you haven’t paid
attention!
The Law Enforcement
class once again dove into the world of defensive tactics,
literally. We spent a full week at Dojo Dynamics in
Sandwich. Shihan Francis graciously opened his doors and we
went in full force. You’re awesome Shihan!
Monday, Shihan demonstrated how to correctly and effectively deliver a punch and kick. As police officers, we may be required to fend off aggressors, but we would rather not stand in a toe-to-toe brawl. We could get hurt.
Tuesday, Officer Barks of the Plano Police Department came in and showed us pressure points and weapon retention. It was interesting to see how one finger or thumb can make someone move so fast.
Wednesday, Sgt. Gillespie from Kendall County SWAT came in and showed us some ground control. Once an altercation goes to the ground, we better come out on top. Thursday, we practiced as we prepared for . . . the Redman. We’re ready!
Friday came and the Redman was in full gear. Redman training is currently utilized in three of the four Illinois police academies. No other educational institution in the country, either high school or college, provides this “hands-on” training. An instructor would dress in the Redman gear, as seen in the picture, and then interact with the student. Our Redmen were black belt martial artists (no students are permitted to dress in the Redman). Our instructor, Mr. Logan, who holds a black belt in judo, can be seen in the red suit on the ground being “arrested." If the student did not practice officer safety, the Redman would attack and the student would have to use everything they learned during the past week. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it did not. Two of the Redman suits that we used were donated by the Aurora Police Department, exclusively for the IVVC Law Enforcement program to use. Each suit is about $1,200.00. Thank you APD!
Students look forward to this week each year. In March, we will do our defensive tactics week 2 with a couple special guests, Tony Grano (UFC trainer of the world champion), Matt Hughes and another professional UFC fighter (name to be released at a later date). The Redman training this time will be quite different because students will be armed with a baton, taser, handcuffs, OC spray, and a firearm. Look out Mr. Logan, or Mr. Redman, or whoever you are!
