An Opinion on Police Self Defence
Hi Martin,
I rarely become involved in subjects outside my own personal realm (Ju-Jitsu) but I must comment on the letter on Police Self Defence techniques. I do not think you are aware of my personal history but having served for quite a few years in the Royal Air Force Police, - 90% of the time I was live armed on various duties and having spent quite a few years training and teaching Lau Gar kung fu I find some of the things I read a little bizarre.
I currently teach Ju-Jitsu to 3 Police Officers from Nottingham and a chief constables son, ( 2 officers are normal uniformed officers, the third is plain clothes robbery and intelligence unit and an ex Marine). –until recently I also trained one of the Nottingham Police forces main self defence instructors, I am also life long friends with an instructor with the Northamptonshire force.
I must say I found the general standard of knowledge - not poor but not good but no more than I would have expected from people who have spent just a few weeks trying to learn in essence what most martial artists spend years learning.
I agree with the use of aids and the way they develop a weapon and it looks good when an instructor who does very little else but play around with these items shows the techniques on how to use them. However the officers self defence is incredibly limited and far from proficient. The officers I have taught have on many occasions used techniques taught by me to overcome adversary in many shapes and forms and so far have always been successful without having to use excessive force
I totally agree with having the ability to defuse a situation without violence also making an officer more aware of when a situation may flare from verbal to physical. However I also feel giving officers more comprehensive unarmed combat gives an officer more confidence not to draw a physical weapon or to react in a threatening manor but will allow them to “talk” down a possible confrontation before it arises.
I also see more Ju-jitsu in an officers basic training than any other art, but I never seen any kung fu in any shape or form..My son wishes to join the force in a couple of years after university or A levels –he is a 1st dan in Ju-Jitsu and it gives me confidence to know if he gets in a possible confrontation, he will have the knowledge and confidence required not use force or brandish a weapon until absolutely required. This will help balance the fact that at a young age he has less life experience than someone of older years but maybe more restraint.
Anyway this is just my personal opinion and I will depart from my soap box.
All the best and a happy new year.
Bob Thacker