Our Story
“Society has changed and as a result, there has been a dramatic increase in drug overdoses, violent crimes and assaults on First Responders in our culture. There is a gap in survival tactics training and a missing survival gear element in the First Responder Community and we are going to fill it.” -HSDF Team Member
"Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to talk to Police Trainers, Law Enforcement Executives, Criminal Justice Professors (retired LEOs), EMS Professionals, and Martial Arts Instructors on the topic of use of force and defensive tactics training for First Responders. The general consensus was that Law Enforcement agencies need to improve requirements for physical and defensive tactics training. EMS Professionals should incorporate a defensive tactics program in EMS basic training." -HSDF Team Member
Survival Tactics;
Law Enforcement Officers receive basic defensive tactics/ground fighting training in the police academy in conjunction with force options such as asp baton, O.C. Spray, Striking and Conducted Electrical Weapons. While these tools are useful and do have their purpose, they are not always the most efficient or effective against a bigger and stronger person, someone under the influence of drugs/alcohol or someone with an extreme mental disorder. After graduating from the police academy, it is up to individual Officers to continue training and most agencies only require defensive tactics update training once every 2 years. Without continued or deliberate training, these skills are perishable.
Under stress, a lack of training and/or confidence in defensive tactics can result in a fear based response which could lead to detrimental results.
Officers can seek a martial art program on their own, but unfortunately not all training centers harvest the most police friendly atmosphere which could result in unnecessary injury and fear to train. An upward cost of $150-$200 a month membership can deter already underpaid officers from continuing to training.
Military Police Officers receive combatives training but this seems to be standard for all soldiers which means Military Cops are dealing with other soldiers who know the same tactics and counters as they do. Think about playing checkers with someone who knows how to take away your opportunity to use that corner so that you can't beat them in two spots. You never win the game.
The HSDF sponsors free quarterly survival tactics workshops for certified civilian/military Police Officers and First Responders. We also sponsor certified Civilian and Military Police Officers to attend the 5 day Gracie Survival Tactics Level 1 or Level 2 courses. These training courses are held throughout the United States but the authority comes from the Gracie Academy (Gracie University) in California. The GST training is a branch of the Gracie Combatives Jiu Jitsu program which incorporating handcuffing, weapon retention, choke defenses, knife defenses and vehicle extractions. GST training is so effective that law enforcement agencies all over the world have adopted the program as its defensive tactics training. The non-violent techniques focus on leverage and timing while conserving energy against a bigger and stronger opponent, making it universal for everyone to learn.
We recommend LEOs in the Delaware area check out the Delaware Bushido Academy in Smyrna for Gracie Combatives Jiu Jitsu training. Gracie Combatives is an amazing structutrered curriculum whicThe Gracie Separate from the HSDF, the DBA is a Gracie Jiu Jitsu Certified Training Center headed by Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Howard Steele. The DBA harvests a welcoming atmosphere where First Responders can train Gracie Combatives without fear and have their questions answered.
Law Enforcement Canines
Unfortunately, a lot of police canines units are considered non-essential by their agency and are not always supplied with the equipment they need. Approximately 90% off all K-9 units rely on donations to purchase necessary equipment, toys and essentials. 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. This results in many of our four legged heroes engaging these dangerous conditions with no body protection. We are also finding that a large number of canines are provided with expired vests which have been handed down from canine to canine. We recognize this deficiency and work with Law Enforcement agencies to determine the need for canine ballistic/knife protection vests. We work with a reputable company that provides custom made vests at a discount of $1,800 each so we rely heavily on sponsors to help with these purchases.
The HSDF is Veteran run by volunteers ensuring that 100% donations received go towards the mission. You will be able to see how your contribution is helping. You may see your local First Responder or Canine equipped with it or use it save a life.
Please visit our website at www.HeroesSelfDefense.Org and stay up to date on 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