The Unarmed Combat Style of Elite Security Forces

In times of high threat, security personnel often rely on specialized training to ensure their safety and that of the individuals they protect. This article delves into the techniques used by elite security forces such as the Secret Service, police, and prison staff, focusing on Aikido and the effectiveness of teamwork.

Confidence in Unarmed Combat

The key to effective unarmed combat is confidence. When security personnel are trained to the point where they can act almost automatically, they are less prone to hesitation and can move quickly to neutralize a threat. This is why repeated training is essential, as it ingrains the techniques into muscle memory. In such high-stress situations, security personnel often rely on their training to handle aggression before it escalates.

When faced with an aggressive person, security personnel operate under the assumption that that individual will present a threat. For instance, UK police and prison staff use Aikido-based methods to neutralize opponents. One of the most common strategies involves getting the aggressor to present their wrist, as many criminals are prone to holding out their wrists for easy control.

Principles of Security Training

While many people question the specific hand-to-hand combat techniques used by naval SEALs or special operations forces, the focus is primarily on teamwork and situational awareness. Effective security operations often require effective collaboration and strategic planning rather than individual combat prowess. The underlying principle is that a well-coordinated team can overcome even the most formidable opponent.

The Aikido methods employed by UK police and prison staff are highly effective because they leverage the natural tendencies of aggressors. By controlling the aggressor's movements, particularly the wrists, security personnel can maintain control with minimal effort. This method also allows security personnel to take active control, putting the aggressor on the back foot and making it difficult for them to continue the fight.

Real-World Applications

In practical scenarios, such as cell extractions, security personnel often do not engage in extensive unarmed combat training. Instead, they rely on a combination of physical strength, strategic positioning, and teamwork. For instance, the CERT team (Corrective Emergency Response Team) within correctional facilities has been highly effective without extensive grappling or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training. Their approach involves:

Strategic Leadership: Have a lead person, like Weaver, who is a former footballer and former body shield user. This individual's job is to overwhelm and immobilize the target using sheer force and positioning.

Divide and Conquer: The team divides the opponent's body, with each member controlling a limb or region, ensuring the target cannot move or resist effectively.

Team Coordination: The team works together to isolate and control the target, with each member contributing to the overall strategy.

By focusing on teamwork and collaboration, the CERT team can neutralize potential threats without relying on extensive BJJ or other forms of grappling. This approach not only ensures the safety of the targeted individuals but also significantly reduces the time and effort required for training.

Conclusion

The strategies employed by elite security forces, such as the Secret Service, often emphasize confidence, teamwork, and situational awareness over individual combat skills. Aikido-based methods, combined with strategic teamwork, have proven to be highly effective. In the end, it is the coordinated efforts of a well-trained team that can neutralize even the most aggressive opponents, making individual combat prowess less critical in many high-stakes situations.