TACTICAL EDGE EDINBURGH

Tonight we kicked off with a group kettlebell drill and then Lee took the guys through some pad drills. From there we started working our standard limb destruction against a forehand and backhand attack knife attack. We used the knife for a variety if reasons. Firstly, it enhances our skills as we have a sharp pointy implement to defend against and also monitor once we begin our counter attack. Secondly, you may not be aware a weapon is involved at the outset of the attack. One of the standard operating procedures in Tactical Edge is to always assume a weapon is involved until you know otherwise. I always stress to the guys that when we train the attacker has to assume the role of Jackie Chan and give the defender some good energy. That is, if you receive a kick to the groin double over, if you are struck, think about moving in the direction the force is travelling or cover. In the early stages of training we should do this to bring our partners skills on. As we advance then every so often we can foul things to give the combative set a more alive approach. Tonight, I stressed to the guys after the limb destruction the weapon may have ejected from the hand. Even if it has we would still look to secure the hand and continue to strike the attacker. We are looking at moving at a high speed so if we see the weapon eject almost at the same time we will be securing the hand. Remember again the rules, destroy, then take the vision and then mobility. I asked for a volunteer to show how a person reacts under the stress of an attack. Andy Farr got up and got the safety helmet on. I basically attacked Andy in a controlled manner to demonstrate how someone reacts when being hit. They cover up, they move to avoid being hit, go vertical foetal sometimes. But what they don't do it stand there like the terminator absorbing every strike. Thank you to Andy for standing up and volunteering. Keep in mind that sometimes through drugs or alcohol people will at times be almost super human. So in those circumstances we keep striking and look to effect mobility. I stressed to all the guys how important it was to read the student notes for Tactical Edge. I pointed out how much effort Mark has put into the guide and it has a wealth of info in it. Whatever you do don't just have it lying around the house gathering dust. So homework for everyone is to read the students notes. Test next Monday!