Mike Gillette's "COP STREETFIGHTING SKILLS"

Video Review by Chris Clifton

This is a two-tape collection from former Law Enforcement Officer Mike Gillette, covering his take on empty-handed self-defense techniques.

TAPE ONE

Right from the beginning he makes his goal for the series known; "To give the average person the best of what law enforcement training has to offer." The first tape covers the following subjects: Attack/defense theory, Balance, Control Holds, Joint Locks, Center Line Leverage, Goose Neck Hold, Arm Bar, Threat Assessment Factors, and Combat Punches.

Attack/Defense Theory - This is where we learn the 5 elements of an attack. We are told that if we are to remove one of these elements we have, in essence, negated the attack being applied to us. *Running is also recommended as a method of target denial*

Balance - Balance is the next topic discussed. To quote Mike, "Balance is all important". In this block of instruction we are shown a ready stance and the principles behind breaking a person's balance. The subject of open hands vs. closed hands while in ready stance is covered.

Control Holds - This block gives us just the generalities of control holds/ joint locks. Leverage, opportunity for use, and LEO vs. Civilian usage are discussed here.

Joint Locks - Here we see our first lock in an instructional environment. It is a lock similar to one might see in a Japanese JuJitsu/Aikido/Hapkido system. Mike also gives us a drill to perform where you and a partner can switch off performing the drill in such a manner that both partners are receiving multiple chances of applying the locks while moving in a non-static manner. The myth of pain compliance is discussed here also. We are told to never rely on pain while performing joint locks; instead use "structural control" to gain control of the suspect. This is where you maneuver the body in a manner that prevents further aggressive actions by locking up the skeletal system itself.

Centerline Leverage - This deals with the center lock and the standing center lock. A great piece of advice in the application locks is given here, "Shock before you lock". This refers to striking or distracting the opponent in a manner that gives you a greater chance of securing the lock. A couple of takedowns are shown from the standing center lock, along with a description of the "push/pull theory".

GooseNeck Hold - Another classical bent wristlock. One take down is shown from it.

Arm Bar - This is the standing arm bar, not the standard Judo/Jiu Jitsu one that most are familiar with. Avoid the tendency to spin the opponent as we take him down is the key piece of advice offered in this block. Another high rep drill is shown also.

Threat Assessment Factors - A great block of instruction. Mike covers how one should pay attention to things such as: posture, distance, mood of the attacker, and the environment that you are in. The effects of having a crowd around the developing conflict are also discussed.

Combat Punches - The final subject on tape one. The proper fundamentals are covered and we are told to be sure to learn to apply everything we do on our feet, to a kneeling and prone position. This is due to the fact that you never know what position you will be in when the fight happens. Several blocking drills are covered here along with the principle of every hand attack is to be treated as an edged weapon attack.

TAPE TWO

Open Hand Strike - This block offers the advantages of open hands vs. closed while striking, the opportunities for blocking and parrying, and four takedowns using open hand strikes as set ups.

Elbow Strikes - Mike demonstrates the proper mechanics of throwing elbows. He uses a clock principle in order for the viewer to learn the proper angles that the elbows should be traveling in. A blocking drill is taught as well.

Forearm Strikes - A block of instruction on how to use the forearms as an offensive/defensive tool.

Knee Strikes - Straight knees are the core of this block of instruction. We are told to never leave our leg hanging in the air and never count on a "predetermined nerve response" while in a self-defense encounter. Knee strikes are shown both standing and in the prone position. Mike tells the viewer, while in the prone, "Don't just wrestle, beat the hell out of the bad guy".

Thrusting Kick - The thrusting front kick is taught here. It is shown from the three elevation and the positive aspects of the kick are covered.

Heel Kick - This kick is simply a kick using the heel of your foot as a striking surface. When thrown the toes point out away from the body. Advice offered here: "When you aren't wearing pads, work mainly on target acquisition, and not on impact inoculation"

Round Kick - This kick isn't really covered due to the fact that it must be drilled extensively in order to be effective. We are shown a kneeling variant of it. A "scissor take down" is covered while the defender is prone.

Positional Relationships - Mike covers his views on the different "ranges" of combat and tells the viewer to not get caught up in semantics and terminology. Just worry about defending yourself.

Clinch - This block of instruction is one of the longer ones. We are told that this is the most uncomfortable position to be in, but it is also the most combative and the one you are most likely to be in. Also we are told that most of the tripping or falling that we see from the clinch is exactly that; tripping or falling. It isn't expert takedowns being performed. Mike goes on to teach how to perform the shin kick, heel kick, knee strike, foot stomp, knee drop, and leg reap. We are then shown four counters to the knee strike.

Takedowns - This is the final block of instruction. The following takedowns are covered: front arm bar takedown, reverse arm bar takedown, O Soto Gari (outer leg reap), and a variant of Tomoe Nage (sacrifice throw). A neck snap down and a "wheel" throw are also covered. Each takedown/throw is covered in detail with various hand/foot positioning covered.

In conclusion this is a great tape series on the topic of self-defense. In my opinion, it is geared towards the beginner or an intermediate practitioner that is looking to focus on self-defense techniques. The production quality and content were excellent. The only negative thing about the series was the replaying of the same cut scene and music between each block of instruction, but that is only a minor thing. Other than that, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this series to someone looking for a good "self defense starter's kit"

Back to Archives