BASICS OF CONTACT DISTANCE DEFENSE
2 DAY COURSE
There is no defensive firearm technique that will effectively protect an individual from a lunging or charging attack launched at conversational distance by one armed with an “contact weapon” (knife, tire-iron, broken bottle, screwdriver, baseball bat, etc.). Even skilled gun handlers are unable to draw and fire in the less-than-one-second it takes for an attacker to close from six or eight feet, and in any case even a mortally wounded assailant will still be able to close with his victim from that distance and inflict serious injury before he falls
To effectively cope with such an attack, even one armed with a handgun must have the ability to exert at least temporary control over the attacker in order to avoid him, subdue him, or deflect him, or otherwise buy the time necessary to bring a firearm to bear. There are practical and effective means to achieve such control in the opening seconds of a sudden, contact distance altercation.
This course is a two-day, first-level course covering the basic concepts, movement, and tactics that go into any successful defense in the opening moments of a violent, contact-distance assault. It is intended as an adjunct to firearms training and techniques for both law enforcement and private citizens. This is not a martial arts course and requires no martial arts background. Rather, it is a “blueprint” of a strategy people of average physical ability can use to avoid crippling injury long enough to gain control of a situation.
This program is based upon the system developed by Steve Tarani and the Operational Skills Group, combining familiar body movements with specialized principles. All course instructors have been trained by Mr. Tarani personally, and offer this course with his approval.
Five specific exercises are used to develop an understanding of the system.
Those who successfully complete the course will be able to:
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Control distance in the event of a long range (6-8 feet), Close Range (contact distance) or Extreme Close Quarters (grappling distance) contact weapon attack.
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Recognize the most common types of contact weapon attack, as well as advantages and disadvantages of common grips, stances and methods of contact weapon operation that are commonly used against an unsuspecting victim.
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Demonstrate knowledge of how to gain advantageous body position in a contact weapon altercation.
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Demonstrate knowledge of what is necessary to gain control of an attacker or suspect operating a contact weapon, in realistic contact weapon situations, at distances of less than eight feet.
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Competently employ techniques of evasion, escape and control of an aggressor to defend themselves.
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Confidently gain control of an aggressor via transition from one Contact Defense and Control technique to another, as the dynamic situation demands.
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Quickly recognize whether a contact weapon attack is a lethal or less-than-lethal use-of-force situation.
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Control the line of attack, and quickly and realistically protect center mass and other vital areas from fatal laceration, puncture or other impact damage, long enough to ward off the attack and counter.
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Demonstrate an understanding of one’s legal rights and limitations when attacked at contact distance.
This course is sponsored as a public service by the Pennsylvania Firearms Development Corporation, a non-profit, tax-exempt educational organization organized under Pennsylvania law.
“HAVING A GUN AND THINKING YOU ARE ARMED IS LIKE BUYING A PIANO AND THINKING YOU ARE A MUSICIAN”
Col. Jeff Cooper (U.S.M.C. Ret.)