SEG Beta Class AAR
On March 7th, 2015 I was invited to participate in a beta run of a new training class at Silver Eagle Group in Ashburn, VA. The class objective was to introduce participants to essential tools needed in a street defense situation focused on the armed citizen.
The class began with an overview of the class’ progression. We then went into a basic introduction to a proper open carry draw from the holster. The firing line was in a classroom setting with a basic blueman target and SIRT pistols. After drilling and re-enforcement, the instructors (ratio was 3 instructors to 15 students) began one on one instruction. Section time was 1 hour.
Section thoughts: Section was efficient and the instructors gave precise instruction to those that needed it.
We then progressed to the mat room where a guest Krav Maga instructor coached us on blocks to re-direct an attacker, palm strikes, hammer fists, back fist strikes, groin kicks, and knees. These tools were focused on violence of action to create space so that we could ultimately draw our firearm. The instruction culminated with one person being surrounded by four to five others with various pads. On the command of threat the people with pads were to bump the person in the middle. The person in the middle was to attack the pad with the appropriate strike (based on pad position) until another person bumped them and then the focus was on that person. This kept going until the instructor yelled “Clear!” At that command the person in the middle was supposed to evade/escape and draw their SIRT pistol on their “attackers”.
Section Thoughts: Having trained in martial arts for the majority of my life, I did not want my previous experience to over shadow this training. I also have never received instruction in Krav Maga, so I did my best to “empty my cup”. That said, I thought the instruction was clear and easy to follow. The techniques that were taught were sound and efficient. The escalation from instruction to drills to contact exercises was logical and properly induced the proper bit of adrenaline so that the final bit of the class did not overwhelm people. I will say this though, those people that A. do not work out with a decent amount of cardio & B. are not familiar with the effects of an adrenaline dump learned a valuable lesson that day. Do not defeat yourself before the fight even begins.
The class then moved back to the class room. This section provided instruction on the various types of draws from concealment. Various open and closed cover garment draws were shown. Again we got up on the firing line with our blueman targets are drilled the draws. These draws were supplemented with “bad breath” distance engagements. Emphasis on protecting the head with the arm across the head to protect it from blows while firing shots at the pelvic girdle while moving back for a third critical shot were shown. The model of one on one instruction was followed again.
Section Thoughts: Again instruction was thorough and detailed. Sufficient one on one instruction was provided.
We then went on to the live range. Targets were setup were we practiced the concealed carry draws on targets 5 yards away. We were instructed (as we were with the dry fire drills) to shoot two quick (natural point of aim) disruption shots and then one precise “sighted” shot to either center mass, the head or the pelvic girdle. We went through several rounds of this, again with one on one time for each student.
After a break, we went back to the live range. Two stations were setup. One station comprised of a target and we drilled the “bad breath” distance shots with live rounds. The second section had us engage a punching dummy with various strikes first to make space to safely draw from concealment ad engage the target. The round count was approximately 100 rounds.
Section Thoughts: This was awesome. Incorporating strikes and firing my weapon was the closest thing to force on force with a firearm I had experienced. Until the next section that is….
The final part started with a brief intro to UTM rounds in the classroom. A brief explanation of how we will be engaged by the players in the scenario. We were told to go 20% to 30% but to use the training we learned that day.
In the first part, you were escorted into a small room with your eyes closed. At the command of “Threat”, you could open your eyes. Of course you would be attacked by a person in a full padded suit. Your job was to survive, clear, and put down the threat as necessary. After three different scenarios with different angles of attack and circumstance, I successfully made it through all three cycles without having my gun taken away and more importantly dispatched the threat. I was the only one in the class able to do this.
In the second part, you were escorted by one of the instructors into a large, dark, open “parking lot” area. The first scenario was that you and your friend were walking to a local bar in quiet safe area. As you turn a corner you were attacked from behind by an attacker. The next scenario was set as you were walking to your car in a dark cramped parking lot. The attacker was hiding and attacked you in a confined space between cars. I was able to use my training that day to successful strike to make space, draw my weapon and put down the attacker. Again, I believe I was the only one to have accomplished this.
Section Thoughts: I was very happy with my performance but also shocked at what I learned about myself. My Jiu-jitsu training has hard wired me to grab and pull. I also had to resist the urge to take the attacker down. While useful in a one on one fight with no weapons, it is counter to the mindset of clearing to make space and drawing your weapon. I also learned that I am very good with aggression but not so good with momentary passivity. For example, at one point I had palm striked and kneed the attacker continuously. Abruptly he disengaged, instead of drawing my weapon I did nothing. Because I did not think my actions were what led to the space, I paused, waiting for the next attack. I do not know why I did this. Perhaps his disengagment disqualified him as a threat in my subconscious mind. Regardless, the instructors offered that a deadly threat remains so until I have complete control of the situation. Two adversaries standing looking at each other on equal footing is not complete control of the situation.
Conclusion: Overall I thought the class had something to offer for all skill levels. Whether you are new to concealed carry or have been carrying for years, the class brought the elements of physical fitness, hand to hand techniques and firearm deployment into one
eye-opening 6 hour class. I would highly recommend the class to anyone of any skill level when they offer it to the general public.
On March 7th, 2015 I was invited to participate in a beta run of a new training class at Silver Eagle Group in Ashburn, VA. The class objective was to introduce participants to essential tools needed in a street defense situation focused on the armed citizen.
The class began with an overview of the class’ progression. We then went into a basic introduction to a proper open carry draw from the holster. The firing line was in a classroom setting with a basic blueman target and SIRT pistols. After drilling and re-enforcement, the instructors (ratio was 3 instructors to 15 students) began one on one instruction. Section time was 1 hour.
Section thoughts: Section was efficient and the instructors gave precise instruction to those that needed it.
We then progressed to the mat room where a guest Krav Maga instructor coached us on blocks to re-direct an attacker, palm strikes, hammer fists, back fist strikes, groin kicks, and knees. These tools were focused on violence of action to create space so that we could ultimately draw our firearm. The instruction culminated with one person being surrounded by four to five others with various pads. On the command of threat the people with pads were to bump the person in the middle. The person in the middle was to attack the pad with the appropriate strike (based on pad position) until another person bumped them and then the focus was on that person. This kept going until the instructor yelled “Clear!” At that command the person in the middle was supposed to evade/escape and draw their SIRT pistol on their “attackers”.
Section Thoughts: Having trained in martial arts for the majority of my life, I did not want my previous experience to over shadow this training. I also have never received instruction in Krav Maga, so I did my best to “empty my cup”. That said, I thought the instruction was clear and easy to follow. The techniques that were taught were sound and efficient. The escalation from instruction to drills to contact exercises was logical and properly induced the proper bit of adrenaline so that the final bit of the class did not overwhelm people. I will say this though, those people that A. do not work out with a decent amount of cardio & B. are not familiar with the effects of an adrenaline dump learned a valuable lesson that day. Do not defeat yourself before the fight even begins.
The class then moved back to the class room. This section provided instruction on the various types of draws from concealment. Various open and closed cover garment draws were shown. Again we got up on the firing line with our blueman targets are drilled the draws. These draws were supplemented with “bad breath” distance engagements. Emphasis on protecting the head with the arm across the head to protect it from blows while firing shots at the pelvic girdle while moving back for a third critical shot were shown. The model of one on one instruction was followed again.
Section Thoughts: Again instruction was thorough and detailed. Sufficient one on one instruction was provided.
We then went on to the live range. Targets were setup were we practiced the concealed carry draws on targets 5 yards away. We were instructed (as we were with the dry fire drills) to shoot two quick (natural point of aim) disruption shots and then one precise “sighted” shot to either center mass, the head or the pelvic girdle. We went through several rounds of this, again with one on one time for each student.
After a break, we went back to the live range. Two stations were setup. One station comprised of a target and we drilled the “bad breath” distance shots with live rounds. The second section had us engage a punching dummy with various strikes first to make space to safely draw from concealment ad engage the target. The round count was approximately 100 rounds.
Section Thoughts: This was awesome. Incorporating strikes and firing my weapon was the closest thing to force on force with a firearm I had experienced. Until the next section that is….
The final part started with a brief intro to UTM rounds in the classroom. A brief explanation of how we will be engaged by the players in the scenario. We were told to go 20% to 30% but to use the training we learned that day.
In the first part, you were escorted into a small room with your eyes closed. At the command of “Threat”, you could open your eyes. Of course you would be attacked by a person in a full padded suit. Your job was to survive, clear, and put down the threat as necessary. After three different scenarios with different angles of attack and circumstance, I successfully made it through all three cycles without having my gun taken away and more importantly dispatched the threat. I was the only one in the class able to do this.
In the second part, you were escorted by one of the instructors into a large, dark, open “parking lot” area. The first scenario was that you and your friend were walking to a local bar in quiet safe area. As you turn a corner you were attacked from behind by an attacker. The next scenario was set as you were walking to your car in a dark cramped parking lot. The attacker was hiding and attacked you in a confined space between cars. I was able to use my training that day to successful strike to make space, draw my weapon and put down the attacker. Again, I believe I was the only one to have accomplished this.
Section Thoughts: I was very happy with my performance but also shocked at what I learned about myself. My Jiu-jitsu training has hard wired me to grab and pull. I also had to resist the urge to take the attacker down. While useful in a one on one fight with no weapons, it is counter to the mindset of clearing to make space and drawing your weapon. I also learned that I am very good with aggression but not so good with momentary passivity. For example, at one point I had palm striked and kneed the attacker continuously. Abruptly he disengaged, instead of drawing my weapon I did nothing. Because I did not think my actions were what led to the space, I paused, waiting for the next attack. I do not know why I did this. Perhaps his disengagment disqualified him as a threat in my subconscious mind. Regardless, the instructors offered that a deadly threat remains so until I have complete control of the situation. Two adversaries standing looking at each other on equal footing is not complete control of the situation.
Conclusion: Overall I thought the class had something to offer for all skill levels. Whether you are new to concealed carry or have been carrying for years, the class brought the elements of physical fitness, hand to hand techniques and firearm deployment into one
eye-opening 6 hour class. I would highly recommend the class to anyone of any skill level when they offer it to the general public.
