The Close Protection Ground Fighting System

Ask yourself this realistic question and if you can’t answer it honestly then continue reading this article.

Q. ‘What do you do when you are dealing with a conflict situation which results with an aggressor taking you to the ground and pinning you to the floor?’

Close Protection.

Close protection (CP) is a unique vocation in which to become proficient, it requires the training and knowledge of a number of specialist skills from a broad spectrum of specialist subjects such as surveillance, first aid, defensive driving, armed and unarmed combat and the intricate mix of foot, mobile and static security drills.

People wanting to pursue careers in the specialist security industry are equipped with the basic tools of the CP trade from the course they choose to complete, these will vary in proficiency dependent upon the course they attend. From initial training most people will then choose to improve their skill sets in these areas through experience and personal development, which normally involves attendance on courses and seminars.

Most people generally opt to enhance their skill set in the areas of driving, surveillance and trauma care however one skill identified as found lacking is the area of personal safety and unarmed combat. This is a skill that at times is taken for granted and deemed a lesser priority to keep current which is a surprise when considering the fact that, unless under specific circumstance, domestic CP in UK is carried out unarmed.

Close Protection and security specialist operators may be of the opinion that unarmed combat is the ‘last resort’ and that a potential conflict situation will be identified before it can become a problem, however, is this a safe and realistic view to adopt. Conflict resolution does not always prove effective, and the resulting situation can become a critical incident in which to deal with and ensure the clients safe passage.

Statistics show that 95% of all unarmed fights will go to the ground, yet most defence courses cover none, if any aspects of the ground fighting system, the most important yet overlooked aspect of any fight.

Krav Maga and similar disciplines are excellent tools for initial reaction to attack however, again ask yourself this question, what would you do if you end up on the floor in a conflict situation and the aggressor lands on top of you pinning you to the ground?
For those who have been involved in such scenarios they will understand the difficulties involved to, remain controlled, not panic, understand the situation and regain the advantage to save yourself, your client(s), your credibility and inevitably your employment. Due to the close proximity of ground positions elbow and palm strikes will not always be available and effective. The answer to dealing with this scenario is through training in a new Close Protection Operator (CPO) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ground defence system.

Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that specializes in ground fighting. It was derived from the Japanese martial art of Kodokan Judo in the early 20th century and is more famously recognised today for its use in mixed martial arts (MMA) and the UFC.

It promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant using leverage and proper technique; most notably, by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat them. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu strategy is to avoid punches and kicks, clinch his opponent and take the fight to the ground, where the attacker’s strikes are weak and Jiu-Jitsu techniques will be used to defeat him.

Since its creation the BJJ system has greatly evolved. The efficiency of techniques and their use in the real world have been refined and tested to the extreme limit. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu subsequently has become the most comprehensive ground fighting system on the planet.

One of the top Brazilian Jiu-jitsu teams in the world Gracie Barra is home to some of the greatest Jiu-jitsu fighters to have ever lived, which includes the current world absolute champion.
Its founder Carlos Gracie Jr is the son of the pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Carlos Gracie, who was taught by the Japanese Maeda. Gracie Barra lineage and pedigree in the art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is impeccable and beyond reproach.

Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Close Protection
From identifying the lack of this skill in the security industry a new system has been developed to be applied to the role of a CPO. Protective Resources along with a professor in BJJ from the Gracie Barra family have designed a new system from the BJJ discipline. To understand the full dynamics of BJJ would require prolonged continuous training, subsequently an intense bespoke 4 day course has been built around the basic principles of BJJ aimed at equipping CPO’s with pertinent ground defence skills.

The BJJ course, a new concept for CPO’s, will provide skills in the ground defence system, which includes understanding personal defence positions, aggressor control, compliance and submission. Also included is understanding the human anatomy and how this applies to aggressor control and legislation training in relation to use of force and self-defence.

Successful completion of this course will provide the opportunity for advanced CPO BJJ continuation training and weapon defence training with B.O.P.E instructors (Brazilian Special Tactical Police Unit).

For more information Contact Protective Resources Limited (PRL) on 0207 8732191 or visit www.prl.uk.com