Running Interference for close protection

WOW!!!! So here's a topic........Defensive Tactics for the executive protection world. I completed a job application once that asked about my martial arts background. It was a drop down box that included beginner, intermediate, advanced, master, expert, etc. etc. I wasn't quite sure what they were looking for or even how to respond. My Marine Corps drill instructor told us the week of our graduation; "There will always be someone tougher than you." When you're young you feel invincible, indestructible, and unbeatable.

I was introduced to the martial arts at a young age. I've experienced the thrill of competition and the excitement of receiving black belts. I've stood on the podium with my National Anthem playing in the background as I celebrate victory. I have my favorite martial arts not because they're better but because they were a blast. I still do martial arts today.

I was a police officer and an arrest control instructor. Still am. I know some cool stuff and a lot of it works BUT not all the time, not for everyone, and not for every situation. Now that I've gave you a short resume let me humble myself and let me focus on my task as a protection professional. My task is to run interference, disrupt an attack, and protect the principal. I cannot do that as I am grappling on the ground. I cannot do that as I am engaged in a fight Mano to Mano.

Let's talk about your adversary. Hate to tell you this but we as the close protection agent are usually insignificant to the attacker. That's right, think about it. Your attacker is usually centrally focused on your principal. On March 30, 1981 President Ronald Reagan was walking to his vehicle after leaving an event at the Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. John Hinckley Jr., the attacker did not intend to shoot James Brady (Press Secretary), Tim McCarthy (Secret Service Agent), and Thomas Delahanty (Washington D.C. Police Officer). No his intent was to shoot the President.

Think about you as the agent. Whether it's a gun, a knife, a fist, a shoe, or a pie to the face your job is to protect your principal. Being engaged in an all out scrap leaves your principal exposed and vulnerable to attack. Now sure we can talk about a secret service team, maybe you work in two's, but if you're a solo agent protecting the principal, your ego is your worst enemy. For instance if I get knocked down to the ground, intentionally or unintentionally, and my principal is still standing I need to get to my feet. No matter how good my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is, fighting for my triangle choke might not be the best option. Getting up, getting my orientation back, and getting my principal to safety is my priority. Sure maybe you have no choice. Maybe the attacker is now trying to hurt you. Let's keep the topic about our principal and less about us shall we.

If it's Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or any other plethora of arts that you know remember hit hard and hit fast. Strike strategically and efficiently. Know your limitations. Get your principal to safety and when you are training incorporate some of your techniques into your protection role. Most of all I do want you and your principal to be safe. There will be future articles on techniques.

Have a long and joyful career.