how we started

“Society has changed and as a result, there has been a dramatic increase in violent crimes and assaults on First Responders in our communities. There is a gap in survival tactics training and a missing survival gear element in the First Responder Community and we are doing our part to fill it.”  

The Heroes Self Defense Foundation is a nonprofit organization voluntarily staffed with First Responders, Military Veterans, and Business Professionals with a passion of supporting our frontline Heroes to keep our communities safe through the introduction of Jiu Jitsu, K-9 ballistics vests, and canine care package support!

Survival Tactics

Police Officers generally learn the basic fundamentals of Defensive Tactics/Ground fighting in the police academy which can include boxing, a handful of ground control techniques and the use of less lethal weapons. These are great options and can be efficient at the right time. The problem is that when a person is experiencing an altered mental status by means of alcohol, drugs, or other mental condition, they may be impervious to pain compliance and even a smaller weaker person can overpower a bigger stronger Officer. 

The HSDF introduces LEOs and First Responders to Jiu Jitsu through certified jiu jitsu instructors at local training centers. Jiu Jitsu focuses on timing, leverage, and efficient use of energy to control and exhaust a bigger, stronger, more athletic person or someone under the influence. 

Jiu Jitsu is nothing new and if you have ever watched the UFC or movies like John Wick, chances are you have already seen it. 

A natural benefit of Jiu Jitsu is de-escalation. Often times just by an Officer remaining calm on scene can calm the situation from turning violent and when the subject is non compliant. Jiu Jitsu teaches Officers to remain calm and be comfortable in worst case scenarios instead of panicking and relying immediately on unorthodox tactics and weapons which could ultimately make matters worse and cause more injury than needed to both suspect and officer/first responder. 

After the police academy the average police agency across the country only requires defensive tactics update training for four hours every two years. EMS professionals do not receive self defense training. 

The HSDF introduces Jiu Jitsu to LEOs and First Responders through seminars throughout the state which are open to local, state, and federal agencies and military police from the surrounding states. Interested Officers are referred to local training centers. The HSDF doesn't certify anyone in jiu jitsu. We just introduce it, share our experiences, and help where we can. 

Law Enforcement Canines

Unfortunately, police canine units can be considered non-essential by their agency and approximately 90% off all LEO K-9 units rely on donations to function. Canines are called upon to apprehend the most violent criminals in the most dangerous situations, but they are not always afforded the same protection as human Officers. If an agency does not purchase a ballistic vest for the canine, it will go without protection until the handler purchases one or funds can be donated. We recognize this deficiency and work with Law Enforcement agencies to determine the need for canine ballistic/knife protection vests. 

Much like human Police Officers, Canines are also sometimes injured in the line of duty while apprehending suspects and in vehicle crashes. In January 2019, an HSDF team member's patrol vehicle was struck by a drunk driver causing traumatic injuries to the K-9. The outpour of support and care packages received from all over the country provided an amazing mental and physical calm not only to the canine but the handler as well. Since then, we have made the decision pay that forward and  partner with Tanners Endless Love and our local Concord Pet Store to send care packages to injured police canines throughout the country. How cool is that! Check out our Furry Heroes page for canines we’ve helped with your support.  

Stay up to date via our website and our Facebook page @HeroesSelfDefenseFoundation

From all of us here at the Heroes Self Defense Foundation,  

Thank you for listening to our story and we appreciate your support!

Sincerely,

The Heroes Self Defense Foundation Team