Don’t let your martial arts training confine your potential. In previous discussions, I’ve emphasized the importance of avoiding becoming too systemized in your approach to learning martial arts. By this, I mean that it’s crucial not to let the beliefs and doctrines of any single martial arts system wholly shape your perspectives.
Take, for instance, the common saying in some circles that “all fights go to the ground.” While this statement may hold some truth in specific contexts, such as in certain types of grappling or mixed martial arts competitions, it is by no means a universal truth. Anyone with practical sense can see that fights can be highly variable and unpredictable, and insisting otherwise can limit a martial artist’s preparedness and adaptability.
However, some practitioners become so deeply embedded in their martial arts community’s culture that they begin to accept such statements as fact, without any personal evidence or broader experience to support them. This can be detrimental, as it narrows their understanding and can hinder their ability to handle diverse combat situations effectively.
Maintaining a Critical Mindset
Combat artists must maintain a critical mindset and question the doctrines presented to them, no matter how deeply ingrained these may be within their chosen style. Expanding your knowledge across different styles and theories and integrating diverse techniques and strategies can significantly enhance your versatility and effectiveness as a martial artist.
By keeping an open mind and continuously seeking varied experiences and viewpoints, you can avoid the pitfalls of becoming too rigidly attached to any one system’s ideology. This approach broadens your technical repertoire and deepens your overall understanding of martial arts as a multifaceted discipline.
Delving further into this topic, adhering strictly to a specific system can restrict your grasp of the entire range of violence due to the ingrained beliefs of the system. I will explore this concept more thoroughly shortly, but first, it’s important to define what I mean by the “Full Spectrum of Violence.”
Full Spectrum Of Violence
Picture a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 represents low-level control techniques or mild responses to aggression from a potential threat, and 10 signifies the most intense, violent, and aggressive methods to conclude an encounter with a possible danger.
It’s crucial to be versatile and capable of responding appropriately anywhere along this scale. However, due to ingrained beliefs and teachings, some martial arts systems might limit training to operate only within a certain range of this spectrum, perhaps only up to a level 5 or 6. For example, consider learning a joint lock or a choke within a grappling system; these techniques can be highly effective within certain contexts.
However, if multiple attackers confront you in a threatening situation, such as being cornered in an alley while defending your family, relying solely on a choke or armbar might not meet the level of force or level of violence needed. In such scenarios, the limitations of training only to a mid-level of violence become apparent.
Suppose your preparation doesn’t include the ability to escalate to more decisive and powerful defensive actions when necessary. In that case, you might find yourself inadequately prepared to handle such high-stakes situations effectively. This illustrates the importance of a comprehensive approach encompassing the full spectrum of violence.
Exploring the higher levels of violence within martial arts training can be uncomfortable and even disturbing.
Learning about and practicing techniques that involve significant force or the potential to cause serious harm is not a pleasant endeavor. However, the reality is that these skills are crucial in situations where lesser measures are insufficient for your safety or the safety of others.
Ultimately, the goal of learning these intense and less pleasant aspects of self-defense is not to foster aggression but to equip individuals with the necessary tools to protect themselves and others effectively under extreme circumstances. It is about making informed, responsible choices and having the skills to back them up when all other options have failed.
The principle of “better to know them and not need them, than to need them and not know them” is particularly relevant in this context. The idea is to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best.
In practical terms, this means having the capability to escalate your response appropriately when confronted with severe threats. The knowledge of more aggressive and decisive techniques provides a strategic advantage, ensuring that you are prepared for a dire situation.
“It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war.” ~ Miyamoto Musashi
With this perspective, it’s vital to critically evaluate the martial arts system or method you’re practicing. Consider whether the system imposes its beliefs on you, shaping your perspective and actions without room for personal judgment. When you step back and look broadly at your training, ask yourself: Are you being indoctrinated or molded to adhere strictly to someone else’s belief systems?
It’s not uncommon to witness individuals deeply ingrained with the ideologies of their training environment or cultural background to the point where they adhere to these beliefs unquestioningly.
This phenomenon often results from the comfort and security that familiarity brings. Embracing established norms and practices without scrutiny may seem safer and easier, especially when alternative paths demand rigorous effort and critical questioning.
Humans have a natural tendency to opt for the path of least resistance. Choosing familiar, well-trodden paths can seem less daunting than venturing into the unknown, which often involves challenges and the discomfort of questioning deeply held beliefs.
However, while easier paths might offer short-term comfort, they can limit personal growth and the development of a truly comprehensive understanding of martial arts and self-defense.
Therefore, it is essential to foster a mindset that values critical thinking and continuous learning. By doing so, you encourage not only skill development but also intellectual and ethical growth. This approach ensures that you are not merely absorbing knowledge uncritically but actively engaging with your training to understand its deeper implications and applications.
The Predatorial Mind Is Not Limited By The Same Beliefs
When considering self-defense and martial arts, it’s essential to recognize that the predatory mind operates fundamentally differently from those who abide by societal norms and moral codes. Predators, those who willingly engage in criminal behavior, are not constrained by the same ethical considerations that guide the average person. This distinction is crucial for understanding and preparing for the realities of violent encounters.
The predatory mind does not value human life in the same way that others might. This lack of regard can lead to a readiness to employ extreme levels of violence without hesitation or remorse. Unlike a typical individual, who might grapple with moral dilemmas even in situations requiring self-defense, a predator sees violence as a tool to be wielded to achieve their ends, whatever they may be.
This means that predators often think and act outside the expected behavioral norms, and they can exploit the hesitation caused by their victims’ moral and ethical constraints. They are more likely to escalate a situation to levels of violence that a morally guided individual might not be prepared to handle, often catching their opponents off guard with their ruthlessness.
Understanding this can have profound implications for martial arts and self-defense training.
Training that does not take into account the potential for extreme violence may leave individuals inadequately prepared for the worst-case scenarios.
Therefore, a comprehensive approach to self-defense should include strategies for dealing with high levels of threat and aggression, recognizing that the goal is not just to match but to overcome the intensity and brutality of any assailant.
This knowledge should not inspire fear but rather a more profound commitment to preparedness. By training to meet and exceed the potential levels of violence, one might face, and by developing the mental resilience to confront such challenges without ethical hesitancy, individuals can better secure their safety and the safety of others in truly perilous situations.
A Warrior Chooses To Step Into The Unknown
In martial arts, as in life, opting for the challenging route of diligent study and open-minded exploration can lead to a deeper mastery and a richer, more detailed understanding of the intricacies of violence and defense.
Although this path is undoubtedly more demanding, it significantly enhances your practice and develops a flexible, adaptable skill set equipped to handle a wide array of situations effectively. However, this is precisely the path that a true warrior elects to follow.
Despite recognizing its difficulties, warriors willingly choose it, and that choice is what defines them. This decision often leads to the humbling realization that there is always more to learn, and one never truly “arrives” at complete knowledge. Yet, despite this, a warrior continues to step forward into the unknown, continually pushing onward. This relentless pursuit of growth in the face of all challenges epitomizes the warrior spirit.
Therefore, critically evaluating what you’re genuinely training for is crucial. Although it’s unfortunate, much of what is marketed as “self-defense” may not genuinely prepare you for real-life defensive situations.
Final Thoughts on Avoiding Martial Arts Dogma
Always thoroughly research, ask questions, and employ common sense! It’s essential to ensure that the training you receive is practical and applicable to the scenarios you might realistically face. My goal is to accelerate the development of the warrior’s mindset and foster a greater prevalence of the fighter’s mindset globally.
I aim to create and provide cutting-edge training and knowledge, equipping individuals to be better prepared for life’s challenges and the possibility of violence. Additionally, I want to teach people to take responsibility for all aspects of their lives, strive to rise to a higher level, and not have to rely on or depend on others.
Shift Your Perspective, Take the Action, Transform Your World.
If you’re looking to land corporate security jobs but aren’t sure what they entail, the skills you’d need, and where to start – you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re breaking down corporate security, its importance, and how to get into the field and land corporate security jobs. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
What Is Corporate Security?
Corporate security refers to identifying threats and applying physical and technological measures to mitigate risks a corporation and the people within it might face. It also monitors and deters internal and external threats to an organization’s personnel, property, and assets, while managing physical security crises.
Corporate security is all about protecting a company and finding the best solutions to avoid potential risks that could harm it.
Why Do Businesses Need Corporate Security
There are many different reasons an organization will employ corporate security services and hire for corporate security jobs. Fundamentally, it’s about wanting to feel safe and protected and having someone skilled and experienced do it for you. But when looking at the bigger picture, here are some of the things corporate officers can help their organizations with.
Asset Protection
Every business has critical information, tech, and assets that are essential to its operation. A corporate security guard or team will implement strategies to deter crime, protect assets, and prevent loss.
Data Protection
Fast-growing internet security solutions should be handled with care and expertise. Using the right tools can help businesses stay on track and deter data breaches. There are different strategies for data protection that those in corporate security have to carry out. These include:
Anti-phishing systems and education
Anti-malware software
Password managers
DNS security
IAM tools
Crisis Management
Many issues and accidents can happen during a business’s day-to-day operating hours. From medical emergencies to fires, floods, and more – countless different interruptions could potentially disrupt a company. Working in corporate security means answering, addressing, and rectifying those crises in the shortest time possible.
The first step of crisis management is conducting a risk assessment and identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities that a business faces. A thorough risk assessment can help prioritize the most critical risks and accordingly allocate resources.
Once the risk assessment is done, the corporate security officer or team will come up with a crisis management plan. The plan should outline the roles and responsibilities of different team members, establish communication channels and protocols, and determine strategies for each crisis.
Crime Prevention
Virtually every business (and home) can benefit from having a commercial security system in place. Many academic studies have found only cameras to be incredible crime deterrents. Add to that indications of alarms, security signs, and outdoor lighting, the case for commercial security systems is incredibly strong.
These systems, coupled with on-site physical security and officers, can help protect the premises and aid crime prevention. Security systems should cover the entry and exit points, hallways, and other key parts of the building and be consistently monitored.
What Are Corporate Security Jobs?
Corporate security jobs are incredibly diverse, requiring unique sets of skills and responsibilities. That said, there’s a great variety of roles you could pursue depending on your education, training, and experience.
Security Officer/Guard: Patrols premises, monitors surveillance equipment, and enforces company policies and procedures.
Security Analyst: Analyzes security threats and vulnerabilities to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies. As a security analyst, you might have to monitor networks, systems, and applications for suspicious activity.
Physical Security Specialist: Focuses on securing physical assets such as buildings, facilities, and equipment. The role can involve implementing access control measures, installing surveillance systems, and coordinating with law enforcement.
Cybersecurity Specialist: Protects a company’s digital assets from cyber-attacks, including hacking, malware, and data breaches. Cybersecurity specialists also often do network security, incident response, and security awareness training.
Fraud Investigator: Investigates allegations of fraud, theft, or misconduct within the company. The role can involve conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and collaborating with law enforcement.
Emergency Response Coordinator: Develops and implements plans for responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, or security breaches. This role often involves coordinating with internal teams, external agencies, and first responders.
Security Manager/Director: Oversees all aspects of a company’s security program, including risk assessment, security policy development, and managing other security personnel.
What a Corporate Security Officer Does
Each job site and position is unique and brings its own set of challenges. That said, most corporate security professionals complete certain general tasks. For example, corporate security officers will do ID checks and bag searches, interact with clients and customers, greet visitors, and assist with questions and queries.
Corporate security jobs also require you to be the first port of call in an emergency and assess and maintain the safety and security of the area. What’s more, you would have to do regular patrols on-premises, fill out incident reports, and do video surveillance. Finally, you have to ensure all visitors follow protocol when entering and exiting the premises.
However, as we mentioned, these are some general tasks typically associated with physical security on premises. Depending on your position and the job itself, you might be required to do data and asset protection, cyber monitoring, and more. In short, as a corporate security officer, you will have to do what it takes to ensure security and continuous operation.
What Makes a Good Corporate Security Officer
To be successful as a corporate security officer, you need to be approachable but professional. You also need to be able to blend into your environment and take charge of a situation if something occurs.
The key qualities all great officers and teams possess include:
Accuracy
Vigilance
Discretion
Professionalism
Flexibility
Commitment
Attention to detail
Drive
Leadership
Of course, there are some key soft skills that you can and should sharpen over time. However, the position also requires hard skills and lots of training and experience.
Skills for Corporate Security Jobs
No matter your post or position, you need to be physically fit and have great stamina. Whether you do that through weight or cardio training or practicing martial arts is completely up to you.
You should also be well-versed in licensing laws, as well as health and safety regulations. Another part of your job will be writing incident reports, which is something you can pick up on the job if you haven’t done it before.
If you’re ready to jump into the world of corporate security jobs, make sure to check out our EP Careers Page. Your next opportunity might be right around the corner!
In the first few days of March 2024, the world looked on at the Ambani pre-wedding celebrations that drew thousands of some of the most famous and influential guests from around the world.
But what are the security implications for a major event of that size and what goes into planning and ensuring the safety of your guests? Today, we’re attempting to break it all down and dive deep into the Ambani pre-wedding security.
The Ambani Pre-Wedding Event
On March 1st, more than 1,500 guests arrived in Jamnagar for the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Anant is the youngest son of Asia’s richest man and billionaire, Mukesh Ambani, worth an estimated $113 billion. The event itself is said to have cost more than $120 million and drew some of the most influential people in the world, including Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Rihanna, and many others.
To ensure no guest would have to eat the same dish twice, the Ambani family hired twenty-one chefs, to prepare more than hundreds of meals. Besides the countless staff working the event and 1,500 guests, that posed an incredible security challenge.
The Ambani Pre-Wedding Security
While there are still no exact reports on the sheer scale of security it took to cover an event of this size, we do know a few things.
First, all guests had to go through a heavily guarded checkpoint before entering the venue. Close to a dozen vehicles were part of Rihanna’s security detail for Anant Ambani’s and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding. But she’s just one of the many celebrities to attend and comes with incredible security detail. In attendance was also Gautam Adani, the billionaire founder and chairman of the Adani group, who was pictured with his tight security.
The Armed Forces Claim
A few days after the festivities, stories came out that the Ambanis used armed forces as security detail for their son’s wedding. The claim was being made because of a photo where Nita Ambani can be seen in frame with several officers in uniform.
However, the photo was taken days after the pre-wedding took place. The true story is that Nita Ambani hosted a musical fountain show for the seven thousand members of the Army, Navy, Paramilitary Forces, the Mumbai Police, and the Railway Protection Force.
Doing executive protection and security services for an event of this size is a huge undertaking with hundreds of agents present. The questions we have for you are: what goes into planning for an event like this and what are the most important factors to consider? Which security considerations are key and which are often overlooked?
To help us shine a light on the Ambani pre-wedding and what goes into planning security for an event this size, we’ve talked to Varun Kareparambil. Varun has been in the industry for over 19 years and below, you’ll see his thoughts.
Defining Success
When it comes to high-profile Indian weddings (or pre-weddings) – there are usually two categories. For this article’s sake, let’s call them Mega Wedding 1 and Mega Wedding 2. Mega Wedding 2 will make the headlines but the Mega Wedding 1 types will dominate the headlines.
Mega Wedding 2 is grand, attended by A-listers, and requires elaborate planning and meticulous execution. However, Mega Wedding 1 is like the Superbowl – it sets a whole new standard. These don’t come along often, but when they do, it leaves people mesmerized.
The Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant pre-wedding celebrations did just that – they left people mesmerized. And, this is what the Ambani family wanted. They wanted to leave their guests with an unmatched and unforgettable experience.
This is where the security planning starts for an event of this magnitude. It starts by addressing one super-important question – What does success look like for the hosts? Everything else is downstream from there.
Security Planning for an “Ambani-Style Event”
A good security plan is one that will help the hosts in achieving their success. When it comes to large events hosted by the Ambani’s, a few things are guaranteed, typically these are:
Opulent hospitality
Delivering novel experiences
Inclusion of strong cultural values
Presence of the global and domestic elite
Zero compromises on the success envisioned
The security planning is expected to consider all the above. Now, let’s dive into some of the key factors that require careful attention when it comes to the security plan.
The 3 Phases
Phase 1: Preparatory
This stage takes up a majority of the chunk among all three stages. The overall planning for this pre-wedding would have easily taken more than six months. Unlike cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, etc, where you have several venues, hotels, and desired resources to choose from, Jamnagar had to be readied from scratch for this event.
Overall planning, vendor selections, and venue preparations would have taken place during this phase. For the security planning, close coordination would have been required with the primary agencies. While the security risk assessment may have thrown up a bunch of issues, mitigating those risks would have required absolute buy-in from all key stakeholders, including members of the Ambani family who were reportedly closely involved in everything.
At this event, one of the key expectations from the hosts would have been that the guests should feel secure, but they shouldn’t “feel security.” Risk mitigation measures would have therefore required careful curation.
Phase 2: Dry Runs
For the immaculate execution of this three-day Ambani pre-wedding event, nothing could have been left to chance. In the days leading up to the pre-wedding, multiple rehearsals of the event flow would have taken place. This phase allows for addressing any last-minute hiccups.
Security is no different. For the security plan to succeed, it would have needed in-depth integration with the overall event plan. The security plan would have been put to the test too during this phase.
These could have been some of the aspects that were tested:
Secure transfers of guests
Access to the venue, accommodation, and other areas
Select emergencies and major incidents
Phase 3: The Event
Finally, it’s Go Time. Everything comes together during this phase (at least that’s what you’re hoping for!). The work put in during the preceding two phases would be tested in real-time.
For this event, the execution of the security plan would have started with the rollout of the first action item on the primary event plan.
Continuation of Existing Protection Measures
The Ambani family has had a history of receiving death threats, coupled with intelligence reports indicating that some of those threats are to be taken seriously. For this reason, the family receives the highest level of security (Z+ category) from the Indian government.
Protection protocols mandated under the Z+ category would have applied during this event too. In fact, owing to the family’s extended exposure due to this event, it’s highly likely that certain additional protection measures would have been implemented. This would have included working closely with several government agencies.
Collaborating to Counter Elevated Threat Levels
Some of the world’s biggest business leaders, and global and Indian celebrities were in attendance. A number of these individuals have a threat profile that requires them to have their own protection teams. But this also means that some of the threats they’re exposed to, cannot be ignored. Also, some of these protection team members may not be familiar with certain specific expectations of the Ambani family.
Early communication and close ongoing coordination between the visiting protection teams and event security management teams would have been crucial in ensuring successful expectation management at both ends.
Catering to Extraordinary Requirements
The scale and profile of such an event require addressing numerous special requests. For example, Jamnagar Airport was going to be witnessing an influx of private jets. However, the airport wasn’t a designated international airport before this event. This was changed – the airport was designated an international airport from February 25 to March 6.
During this period, the airport witnessed 524 domestic and 54 international flights. In addition to enabling this special exception, the airport would have been provided with supporting resources as well to manage the spike in passenger footfall.
With the arrival of so many elite guests, their requirements, such as specific vehicles, dietary restrictions, safekeeping of their valuables, secure internet connectivity, accommodation for support staff, etc would have needed catering.
Proactive anticipation, successful liaison with external agencies, and extensive coordination with other teams would have served as the secret sauce here!
Managing Emergencies
While the hope is that there wouldn’t be an emergency to deal with, time and again, an emergency pops up that needs to be dealt with. Health emergencies are among the most common, especially at such events.
Several attendees tend to have known health issues, while some are hit with an unpleasant surprise. The presence of on-ground medical support teams, ambulances, and air ambulances is non-negotiable for an event of this magnitude.
Managing Fans
Movie stars and cricketers are absolutely adored across India. They tend to draw fans wherever they go. Some of the biggest names from the Indian movie industry, cricketing world, and even some global artists were present at this event.
Keeping them from being swarmed with fans or media, and ensuring their safety would have been an important task. Some of the measures implemented which can be seen in publicly available videos are large teams of security personnel tasked with specific responsibilities, the creation of secure movement corridors, and designated spaces for media to name a few.
Countering Adverse Media
When an event of such grandeur is taking place, social media is abuzz with all the latest updates combined with some fun content. However, it’s also a great opportunity for potential adversaries to target the family or the event itself.
Although not malicious, during this pre-wedding celebration, images of footballer Christiano Ronaldo attending the celebrations and Elon Musk dressed in Indian attire riding a horse, made the rounds. Both these were debunked as misinformation.
As a precautionary measure, it’s also likely that guests were advised against posting specific types of content on social media which could turn into a potential PR nightmare.
Comprehensive measures to counter adverse media are likely to have played a significant role at this event.
Centralised Monitoring & Control
Orchestrating the security plan needs a centralized control and command element. An Integrated Security Operations Center (ISOC) was set up for this event. An effective ISOC will have comprehensive visibility of the event security operation and is instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of the security plan. This ISOC is likely to have been the hub from where the event security operation was monitored and controlled.
Managing Egos
With so many high-profile attendees gathered in one place, heavy egos are at play. Security must carefully balance between executing security duties, while sensibly managing those egos.
Security cannot afford to come across as insensitive, inhospitable, unaccommodating, or rude. A poorly managed interaction can turn into a sour experience for the guest – something the hosts would deem completely unacceptable.
Final Thoughts on the Ambani Pre-Wedding Security
This piece is not a guide to planning the security for a high-profile Indian wedding. It touches on a few key factors that go into the planning of an “Ambani-style” event. However, it all starts with addressing the key question – What does success look like for the hosts? Every aspect of the security planning needs to ensure that this question is being addressed positively.
About the author: Varun Kareparambil has more than 19 years of experience within the private security risk management industry. He started his career in the United Kingdom in 2004. Since then, he has delivered security risk management projects across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Tanzania.
A complex and prevalent challenge exists surrounding middle managers’ reluctance to address the destructive impact of unethical practices organized by senior or C-suite officers within organizations.
In a detailed examination of the multifaceted reasons behind their hesitancy, the potential consequences of challenging decisions made by top executives, and the effect on vendor and supplier selection, this article underscores the critical role of whistle-blowing mechanisms.
It emphasizes the imperative for organizations to prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability while drawing attention to the profound connection between unchecked unethical practices at the highest levels and the warning threat of corporate crime and corruption.
Middle managers, strategically positioned at the crossroads of organizational hierarchies, shoulder the weighty responsibility of translating executive strategies into actionable plans.
However, their hesitation to speak up against unethical practices presents a difficult challenge that merits an in-depth exploration. A balance of complex reasons behind this hesitation, unraveling its wide-ranging consequences for organizational integrity and emphasizing the crucial need for a thorough examination.
The Dilemma of Middle Managers
As guardians of organizational ethics, middle managers find themselves walking a precarious tightrope when confronted with unethical practices within the organization.
The pending fear of retaliation from the senior leadership, with potential damage to their careers or professional relationships, not only restrains their voices but also contributes to the cultivation of a pervasive culture of silence.
This ethical dilemma is deeply rooted in the power dynamics inherent to organizations, where questioning decisions made by top executives can be misconstrued as insubordination.
In navigating these hazardous ethical dilemmas, middle managers contend with conflicting priorities — their commitment to upholding organizational values versus the fear of jeopardizing their professional standing.
The reluctance to confront unethical practices not only leads to individual complicity but also becomes a contributing factor that undermines the very fabric of the organization’s ethical framework.
Unethical Practices by the C-Suite
Senior executives and C-suite officers carry substantial power, positioned as the leaders in critical matters such as vendor and supplier selection.
However, decisions made by these leaders may not always align with ethical standards, potentially compromising the organization’s values and integrity. Unethical practices within the C-suite can manifest in various forms, including favoritism, nepotism, and decisions driven by personal relationships rather than merit.
The specific area of vendor and supplier selection becomes a focal point where middle managers contend with ethical concerns. Decisions by the C-suite in these matters may prioritize personal relationships over merit, leading to a culture of favoritism that erodes trust within the organization.
Middle managers, as witnesses to these decisions, find themselves facing a profound moral predicament, torn between their commitment to ethical conduct and the fear of challenging decisions made by those in positions of authority.
To illustrate, consider an organization initiating Requests for Proposal (RFP) for building maintenance for its locations across the United States. Middle managers recommended the top vendor based on a meticulous scoring system, but senior management cavalierly disregarded these recommendations, opting for a vendor with a longstanding personal relationship.
This decision resulted in a substantial distrust between middle and senior management, with dissenting voices subtly working out of the company, laying the groundwork for a potential breeding ground for corporate crime and corruption.
Vendor and Supplier Selection
The careful selection of vendors, suppliers, and contractors is a critical aspect of organizational decision-making that often exposes middle managers to ethical dilemmas. Senior leaders’ decisions in these matters may prioritize personal relationships over merit, fostering a culture of favoritism and nepotism within the organization.
Middle managers, as conscientious witnesses to these decisions, find themselves in a challenging position, torn between ethical considerations and the perceived pressure to conform to established norms. Their reluctance to challenge such decisions can inadvertently make them complicit in perpetuating unethical practices within the organization.
The consequences of unethical vendor and supplier selection extend beyond compromising organizational values. These decisions can lead to limited business outcomes, as relationships take precedence over selecting the most qualified and competent partners.
The erosion of trust within the organization can have a corrosive impact on team dynamics, collaboration, and overall productivity, creating an environment vulnerable to corporate crime and corruption.
A poignant example illustrates this point. In a specific organization, the decision to favor a vendor based on longstanding personal ties, despite middle management recommendations, became a catalyst for the erosion of trust.
This decision not only compromised the organization’s values but also created an environment conducive to covert actions and, ultimately, corporate crime. As a result, one vice president was investigated, terminated, and prosecuted in federal court for multimillion-dollar embezzlement and fraud offenses in collusion with a vendor selected by this vice president.
Consequences of Speaking Up
When middle managers gather the courage to speak up against unethical practices, they often find themselves confronting various consequences that significantly impact their professional lives.
Reprisals may manifest in various forms, including isolation, marginalization, or even termination. This creates a hostile work environment that not only discourages ethical dissent but also perpetuates the insidious culture of silence.
The fear of retaliation becomes a formidable barrier, hindering middle managers from fulfilling their ethical obligations. The consequences extend beyond the individual, affecting team morale and organizational culture.
The chilling effect of these consequences further entrenches the culture of silence, impeding the organization’s ability to identify and rectify unethical practices.
These reprisals also have profound psychological and emotional effects on individuals who dare to speak up. The fear of isolation and marginalization creates a toxic work environment that inhibits open communication and contributes to heightened stress, anxiety, and an overall decline in well-being.
The toll of these consequences further underscores the urgency for organizations to address the pervasive ethical lapses that can evolve into a breeding ground for corporate crime and corruption.
Whistle-blowing and Confidential Hotlines
Addressing the multifaceted dilemma faced by middle managers necessitates a comprehensive approach, prominently featuring the establishment of robust whistle-blowing mechanisms and confidential hotlines within organizations. These mechanisms serve as vital conduits for fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.
Whistle-blowing mechanisms provide a structured and protected avenue for individuals to report unethical practices without fear of retaliation. Confidential hotlines, accessible to employees at all levels, offer a secure and anonymous means of communication. These mechanisms not only ensure the protection of those who come forward with concerns but also act as a barrier against the potential escalation of unethical practices to corporate crime and corruption.
Organizations must actively promote these mechanisms and communicate their unwavering commitment to protecting whistle-blowers. Establishing clear policies and procedures for reporting unethical conduct, along with assurances of confidentiality and non-retaliation, is not merely a procedural formality but a crucial step in building trust among employees and mitigating the risk of ethical lapses morphing into more severe corporate malfeasance.
Encouraging Ethical Leadership
To address the root causes of middle managers’ hesitancy to speak up, organizations must proactively embark on creating a culture that not only acknowledges but enthusiastically encourages ethical leadership at all levels. This involves not only the implementation of effective whistle-blowing mechanisms but also an unwavering commitment to ongoing leadership compliance training for executives.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making in leadership training programs becomes crucial. Executives and C-suite officers should be equipped with the skills to navigate ethical dilemmas, prioritize organizational values, and actively contribute to an environment where ethical conduct is not merely expected but celebrated.
Organizations can foster a culture of open communication and inclusivity, where dissenting opinions are not merely tolerated but valued as an integral part of robust decision-making processes.
Encouraging a diverse range of perspectives ensures that decisions undergo thorough scrutiny, reducing the likelihood of unethical practices going unchecked. This emphasis on ethical leadership becomes the cornerstone in preventing the downward spiral that could lead to the manifestation of corporate crime and corruption within an organization.
The Ripple Effect: Corporate Crime and Corruption
Unchecked unethical practices at the senior leadership and C-suite level can set in motion a cascade of consequences that transcend individual reprisals. This section delves into the ominous ripple effect, exploring the connections between unchecked unethical practices and the alarming potential for corporate crime and corruption.
The unchecked erosion of ethical standards within the highest echelons of an organization can have far-reaching consequences, impacting the organization’s reputation, legal standing, and overall sustainability. The potential for corruption to take root becomes a pressing concern, with the organization potentially becoming entangled in a web of legal and ethical challenges.
By acknowledging the profound connection between unethical practices, unchecked corruption, and the subsequent impact on an organization’s reputation and legal standing, organizations can better appreciate the urgency for prompt intervention.
The ripple effect serves as a stark reminder that ethical lapses within the C-suite can evolve into an absolute breeding ground for corporate crime and corruption. Often times indicated by other behavior and financial “red flags.”
The hesitation of middle managers to speak up against unethical practices within the C-suite is a multifaceted challenge with implications that extend far beyond individual reprisals. Establishing and promoting whistle-blowing mechanisms, coupled with fostering a comprehensive culture of ethical leadership, becomes not just a strategic imperative but an ethical obligation.
Organizations must prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability at all levels to create an environment where ethical conduct is not merely expected but actively encouraged. By acknowledging the complexities of this ethical tightrope, implementing protective measures, and enthusiastically promoting ethical leadership, organizations can break the silence surrounding unethical practices.
In doing so, organizations not only safeguard their reputation and values but also contribute to the construction of a resilient and ethical workforce. This workforce, steeped in the principles of integrity and ethical conduct, becomes an asset that fosters sustainable success in the long run, immunizing the organization against the dangerous invasion of corporate crime and corruption.
Sources:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, College of Business, Security, and Intelligence. (2021-2023). White-Collar Crime in American Companies.
Here is some guidance to help you determine the authenticity of a kidnapper’s call and respond appropriately to a virtual kidnapping scam.
“If you want to see your Clare again, don’t hang up,” says the voice on the other end of the call. You can hear a female voice screaming for help in the background. They’re obviously upset, and they sound like they’re in pain. It’s a tape recording and it’s not your daughter, but in the first few seconds of the call, it’s almost impossible to make sense of what you’re hearing. Has someone taken Clare?
This is how many virtual kidnapping calls start. The caller knows they have seconds to gain your attention and establish their credibility, and they do so by using your child’s name. Having made thousands of calls before, they know the emotional hot buttons to push in order to scare someone into listening and buying into their story.
Yet Clare is safe. In a virtual kidnapping, there’s no kidnapping at all. Instead, through trickery, threats, and intimidation, criminals extort money from the family members of their supposed kidnapping victims.
A virtual kidnapping is nothing more than a means of extracting a ransom to secure the release of someone who was never in danger in the first place. A variation of the virtual kidnapping involves an email asking for the immediate wiring of funds to secure the release of a family member. Regardless of the contact method used, the kidnapping is a ruse, albeit an effective one.
So how do virtual kidnappers identify their victims, and what should you do if a stranger who claims to have captured a loved one calls demanding a ransom for their release?
Determining the Authencity of Call and Responding to Virtual Kidnapping
Using a loved one’s name and playing a recording of the child supposedly screaming is a cruel yet effective tactic to stop a would-be victim from disconnecting a call. Such tactics play to a basic human instinct to protect those we love.
If there is any doubt about whether their loved one is in danger, most victims will stay on the phone with the criminal. Nonetheless, here’s some guidance to help you determine the authenticity of a kidnapper’s call and then respond appropriately.
Slow the process to give yourself time to think
The quicker a criminal moves the process along, the less time you have to think and question the facts. Ask the criminal to repeat themselves to give you time to reach out to a loved one via social media, text, or phone. Obviously, the goal here is to confirm the kidnapping never took place and that your family member is safe.
Conduct a reverse search of the caller’s phone number
If you are near your computer, enter the caller’s number (make sure to include it in quotation marks), as previous victims may have shared it online. Also, pay attention to the caller’s area code. While an actual kidnapper may call from a number outside of your immediate area, if the number corresponds to a state on the other side of the country, it calls into question the legitimacy of the call.
Ask for proof of life
Seasoned kidnappers know that family members often ask them to provide information to confirm their loved one is alive. Ask the caller for the answer to a question only the victim would know — something that isn’t readily available on the family member’s social media accounts. This can be the location of a childhood scar or the name of their pet growing up. If the caller provides an incorrect answer or claims your family member is unavailable, consider hanging up.
Maintain a healthy degree of skepticism
As soon as you begin to doubt the caller’s story, they may resort to more aggressive tactics, including additional soundtracks of someone pretending to be your loved one in extreme pain. If any aspect of the caller’s story sounds generic or is just wrong, such as incorrect answers to questions only known to family members, end the call and notify law enforcement.
Write down the caller’s demands
If you are unable to reach your family member in the first few minutes of the call, write down the caller’s payment instructions for the ransom. Ask them to repeat the information, as doing so buys you more time to hear from your loved one.
If you do not hear from your family member before the end of the call, resist the temptation to follow the criminal’s demands. Instead, call the police and provide them with the caller’s number and payment instructions. The police will quickly be able to tell you if the call is something to worry about.
Limit how much your family shares via social media
In bygone years, criminals had to do a lot of legwork to gather information before undertaking a virtual kidnapping scheme. Today, they need only visit a well-trafficked social media account to gain a bird’s eye view of an intended victim’s life, the members of their immediate and extended family, and snippets of information to use to convince others they’re the victim of a kidnapping.
Either scrub all social media platforms of information that others could use for criminal intent or set the security settings to allow only immediate friends and family to see a complete social media profile.
Educate older family members on virtual kidnapping schemes
Criminals know that older family members often possess the financial means yet lack the technical skills and wherewithal to unmask a kidnapper as bogus. Without terrifying them in the process, let your family’s senior citizens know how virtual kidnapping scams work. Make sure they know how to contact you in the event someone calls or emails them to request a ransom.
It’s essential to recognize that not every confrontation begins with immediate physical force; many start with verbal interactions that can gradually escalate to physical touch or contact. Bearing this in mind, it’s essential to integrate a system of verbal engagement into your self-defense strategy.
Interactions among individuals usually commence within what is known as a social distance, a space generally spanning 3 to 4 feet from a potential threat or conversational partner. This proximity is what I term social distance.
Personal boundaries are established and maintained in this zone, playing a crucial role in social dynamics and personal safety. This range allows for clear communication and engagement, yet it is close enough to necessitate awareness and preparedness for unforeseen actions.
Understanding and managing this social distance is vital for effectively navigating interpersonal encounters and ensuring respectful interaction and personal security.
The Gift Of Gab
Developing specific Verbal Tools is crucial, allowing you to defuse or manage situations before they escalate to physical altercations. These tools should be as well-prepared and practiced as the physical techniques in your self-defense repertoire.
Just as you train to perfect physical self-defense maneuvers, the same level of preparation and training should be applied to verbal skills. These should not be improvised but instead thoughtfully developed and rehearsed to ensure they can be effectively employed under stress.
This comprehensive approach to self-defense, encompassing verbal and physical strategies, is essential for effectively navigating and de-escalating potential threats. Similar to law enforcement personnel who rehearse their verbal commands alongside physical drills at the gun range, there is a crucial need to integrate these verbal tools into regular training. T
his practice ensures that these skills become second nature and readily accessible under stress in real-life scenarios. By observing and adopting this method, we can develop and refine our verbal tools, enhancing our overall self-defense strategy.
How you handle verbal interactions and manage lower levels of social force can significantly influence whether the situation escalates or de-escalates in intensity. This is a key reason why training in managing these types of interactions is essential.
Effective navigation through these exchanges can either prevent the conflict from intensifying or help reduce the level of force, highlighting the importance of skilled communication and strategic response in such scenarios.
Visually Appropriate And Socially Acceptable
In the current societal landscape, the visual aspect of our actions plays a critical role, particularly in situations involving a lower level of force that has yet to escalate. It’s crucial to select self-defense techniques that not only are effective but also appear visually appropriate and socially acceptable.
These are standard terms in the Protection Response Tacticsprogram we teach at the Executive Protection Institute. These techniques must avoid being perceived as offensive or insulting to prevent exacerbating the situation and inadvertently increasing the level of force involved.
The concept of “Non-insulting” techniques is fundamental in this context. Employing actions that could be seen as disrespectful or provocative can contribute to the conflict, pushing the interaction toward a more aggressive confrontation. It’s about the moves you employ and how you present yourself during the encounter. The physical stance you adopt, the space you occupy, and even your body language are integral components of the interaction.
For instance, assuming an aggressive fighting stance, as taught in traditional martial arts, could be interpreted as a threat, thereby intensifying the situation rather than defusing it. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a posture and positioning that conveys calmness and control rather than aggression. By carefully considering these factors, you can manage the encounter more effectively, keeping it from escalating into a higher level of conflict.
Soft Control
Even in scenarios where physical contact occurs, the intensity of force used might remain low. At this subdued level of force, it’s crucial to maintain a strategic position and control in anticipation of potential escalation. This concept, often referred to as “Soft Control” in our training programs, involves managing the interaction in an assertive yet non-provocative way.
Mastering soft control requires the ability to exert influence without aggression and maintain a balance that can prevent a situation from escalating. This skill set is about more than just physical restraint; it encompasses a nuanced approach that ensures you’re prepared for any sudden change in the dynamic, all while keeping the interaction at a manageable level of intensity.
Training in Soft Control equips individuals with the tools to manage confrontations subtly and effectively, allowing for de-escalation and maintaining a position of advantage. This specialized skill is not typically taught in conventional martial arts schools but is a critical component of comprehensive self-defense training.
With over 15 years of experience teaching this method, I’ve seen firsthand how proper training can make Soft Control not only achievable but also a natural response during interactions. This proficiency enables individuals to maintain control, secure a favorable position, and de-escalate conflicts, showcasing the profound impact of specialized training in real-world situations.
Super Elevation
With consistent practice and refinement of the skills above, you reach a level where it becomes increasingly challenging for an adversary to escalate the situation. Actions that would typically allow them to intensify the conflict effortlessly now require much greater effort.
They must “super elevate” their actions to achieve escalation, which becomes a critical advantage for you. This heightened effort on their part will reveal their true intentions, eliminating any uncertainty about the potential increase in force. You’ll be able to recognize the escalation immediately and respond appropriately.
Moreover, this concept of “super elevation” has significant implications regarding visual perception for witnesses or surveillance. In situations where bystanders or cameras are present, the aggressive party’s disproportionate escalation becomes evident, clearly distinguishing them as the instigators.
This clarity can be advantageous in real-time response and subsequent event analysis, as it visually confirms who escalated the conflict. This not only aids in immediate decision-making but also provides clear evidence of the dynamics of the encounter, which can be crucial for legal and social considerations following the incident.
Assault Level Force
When the situation escalates to a physical confrontation, it’s akin to saying “The gloves have come off,” and you’re now engaged in a fight. I categorize this elevated force level into two segments. The initial segment, which I call “being the fighting professional,” involves handling the situation with a level of restraint and awareness, even as the force escalates.
In today’s society, visual perception remains a critical consideration, even during a conflict. You need to employ tactics and techniques that are effective against the threat while ensuring that, should a snapshot be captured, your posture appears defensive rather than aggressive. This consideration has become increasingly important due to the potential for social and other media to misconstrue actions, often taking them out of context and portraying them negatively.
Operating proficiently in a violent encounter while maintaining the presence of mind to employ strategically defensible actions demands advanced skill and training. Many may find this challenging without prior experience in such nuanced combat strategies.
This approach is particularly relevant to professionals in the bodyguard industry, where managing the visual aspect of a confrontation is often part of the job requirement. While it’s far from ideal, real-world scenarios don’t always align with our preferences, necessitating preparedness for less-than-optimal conditions.
The latter half of this force spectrum is when the situation becomes dire, with the conflict escalating to potentially life-threatening levels. Here, the primary objective shifts to swiftly neutralizing the threat to preserve life and limb. Comprehensive training across the spectrum of conflict intensity is essential to ensure readiness for any level of confrontation, from controlled professional responses to decisive actions in extreme situations.
Shift Your Perspective, Take the Action, Transform Your World.
DISCLAIMER: This article provides a general overview of protective operations advance principles in the completion of a Major Site Advance (Major Event). It was written as a companion piece for another article on Protest Activity and mitigation. There is currently no training company or service provider that can effectively supply you with all the information you need to complete an advance of a Major Event through online training or in a “few easy classes” at any cost. Additionally, significant industry experience is required to successfully navigate a Major Event beyond basic Executive Protection training.
Planning into a Major Event
Regardless of your position and operational specialty, if you’re actively working in Executive Protection (EP), chances are you’ll find yourself working at, or in some cases managing a major event during your career.
With national elections occurring every four years, our protectees are often asked to participate in large public events as guests and sometimes hosts. As you prepare to navigate these events, understanding the fundamentals of Major Event security planning becomes paramount when integrating your own EP security plan.
Major event security planning models are frequently replicated, and while emulation of any successful security model is acceptable, you must understand the underlying principles of major event security, not just copy it.
We all use terms like “Hard Rooms,” “Hold Rooms,” and the “Voice of God” which are “borrowed” from the historical planning methodologies of federal protection agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. State Department.
Understanding what a “Hard Room” is, and why they are needed, moves you beyond mimicking security protocols to fully understanding protective operations planning.
National Special Security Events
In the United States, large events are nationally categorized by the federal government and designated as National Special Security Events (NSSEs) or Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events.
Due to the large coordination efforts required by government agencies to secure national events, PresidentBill Clinton established the NSSE system in 1998 to delineate the overall management and coordination measures required for national-level major events. For example, a Level 1 NSSE, the highest-level national event rating, is managed by the U.S. Secret Service by Presidential Directive.
To put this into perspective, the Superbowl is typically rated below an NSSE 1 and in the SEAR rating system. If your protectee is attending a Level 1 NSSE event, you most likely will be dropping them off at the door and waiting in the car unless you come as a guest.
Outside of the larger national events managed by the federal government, at some point, you will be providing protective coverage for your protectee at a large event that is not federally designated or protected.
Depending on the circumstance, you may be responsible for the entire planning and management of all security at an event. Understanding the Executive Protection Advance Model and applying industry best practices will assist you greatly in managing major event security planning and the inclusion of the personal executive protection you provide for your protectee.
Event Type
To begin, you must know the type of event you are attending or planning. While every security plan relies on a similar security framework, the specific type of major event often dictates unique protective coverage needs.
Common major events you will participate in include Dinners, Banquets/Conferences, Speaking Events, Business Meetings, Political Events, Religious Events, and Large Social Events including Entertainment. For example, a speaking event requires unique EP coverage near the stage, dais and buffer, while the coverage at an entertainment venue may require a halo or circle formation around your protectee as they enjoy the event. Knowing the event type dictates your planning of resources and your selection of effective protective coverage.
Event Participation
In most cases, your protectee will be attending an event as a guest, but there will be instances when you’re tasked with managing an entire venue. Regardless of your role, coordination and pre-event communication are the keys when completing your security planning.
If your protectee is an attendee, you are responsible for getting them safely to the event, through access control, covering their movements within the event space and getting them out of the event within a prepared secure environment that you often don’t control.
To manage your advance at this type of event, you should begin by asking for a copy of the protectee’s schedule (Line by Line) and the “Run of Show” (Event Schedule). In most cases, your protectee’s schedule mirrors the Run of Show but includes additional personal movements internal at the event itself.
If the major event is managed by another protective group, you must coordinate your own security plan within the larger established security design. You “own” what you’re permitted to own when you aren’t managing the overall event, so begin communications with the managing event security team as early as possible.
I’ve unfortunately seen protection teams and protectee staff attempt to “roll” into events and be embarrassed when they didn’t coordinate their participation. This is a large part of your job and one of the reasons you were hired to begin with. Don’t assume your protectee is so important that the established security and rules don’t apply, they do and there is nothing more awkward for everyone than to be told NO at the door.
Once you have completed meetings with the event security managers for coordination, you must develop your own security plan. As mentioned, most event security plans can be divided into smaller sections, Arrivals, Internal Movements, Departuresand Emergency Action Plans.
Arrivals
The arrival area for an event is statistically one of the most dangerous places for your protectee to be. Arrival and departure areas are often telegraphed (easily identified) or publicly known, exposed, and in proximity to unknown and unscreened people.
The specific arrival area for your protectee depends on the entrance you have been designated by the controlling event security staff. Typically, large events have three entrances, Public, Private and Press.
Public, Private and Press
At many large events, and prior to anyone entering the venue, the entire event space is often “swept” by explosive canine teams with EOD support technicians. This process requires the posting of security personnel several hours before an event occurs to allow the sweep completion and ensure the integrity of the sweep, during and after completion.
All entrances to the venue must be secured before a sweep is initiated, and all staff and non-event security personnel (especially media) must leave the event space while the sweep is being conducted. If the venue has scheduled deliveries during your event, ensure they are completed prior to the sweep. Any deliveries made after the sweep’s completion will require additional screening before being allowed into the secured venue.
In an ideal world, media will pre-place their equipment at the event prior to the sweep, however, the media rarely follows security scheduling or direction and screening of items entering the venue often takes place after the sweep’s completion, adding considerable time to press screening at the designated press entrance.
Once a sweep is completed, the public can enter the secure venue. An increased security posture requiring a sweep is normally followed by additional access control and public screening measures to eliminate weapons and other unauthorized items from entering the safety of the secure area. If the venue and the public are not swept, extra security measures should be considered by your EP team, including closer proximity to your protectee.
Ticketing and Access Control
The public entrance to a venue is often managed by staff and includes a “check-in” area for attendees or ticket holders at or near the entrance of the venue. In most cases, magnetometers and security checkpoints are placed immediately after the ticketing verification area if the venue is swept.
Magnetometers and event prescreening areas can also be used to eliminate other unwanted items like water bottles, umbrellas, glitter, and banners/signs on sticks. In some jurisdictions, local laws require the posting of signage to notify attendees of prohibited items.
When managing security for a major event, it is important to understand that the flow of public through magnetometer checkpoints requires considerable time management and coordination.
If your major event is scheduled for 7 PM and you have 400 people showing up at 6:45 PM, nearly three-quarters of those guests will be outside the magnetometer (1 in this scenario) waiting to be screened when the event starts. This will cause tension with the event managers trying to get guests through security screening and into the event unsuccessfully.
Access Control and Screening
Access control and screening should never be compromised, sped up or eliminated because of the poor planning of late guests or event planners. Communicate early and often to ensure all participants are aware of the time needed for the security screening you have established, especially magnetometers.
If the event you are attending does not have the ability to utilize magnetometers or weapon identification systems, you should ask the overall security management team for information on who in attendance is armed and how including their staff.
Most reputable EP teams will self-identify for safety and situational awareness. Knowing who is armed and their proximity to your protectee is vital during critical incident response and management. You should also assume that if security screening is not completed, water bottles, mace, weapons, and other safety-related items will be brought into the event.
Ticketing and Event Identification
While ticketing and event identification are usually the responsibility of the host event staff, exemplars of each should be provided to all security personnel for familiarity. Security staff at the venue will also be issued some physically observable identification (badge, pin etc..) and if you are attending an event with your protectee, you may be asked to wear unique identification designating you as an EP agent or in some cases an armed EP agent.
If you are managing the arrival of your protectee through the “Public” entrance of a major event, you should have a clear understanding of the arrival vehicle “drop” point and the entrance procedures and requirements for your protectee and EP agents.
The quicker you move through access control, the better. Be aware that arrivals outside of the first physical security feature may have paparazzi, and in some cases, unmanaged public and protesters.
Know what the arrival looks like and have a plan before you get there. Some EP teams have the luxury of increased staffing. Positioning a “Site Agent” (who has advanced the venue) curbside allows your protectee to move seamlessly through the entrance process.
Entrances
The “Private” entrance at a major event is usually designated for specially coordinated VIP entry only. While there may be several VIPs in attendance, the private entrance is used sparingly and requires significant coordination and management with the overall event security planner.
These entrances are usually covered (tented) or underground and allow for a large security contingent to manage a motorcade arrival/departure outside of the view of the public and press.
Finally, the Press entrance to an event provides a dual purpose:
It allows for the private screening of press equipment and media staff which is often time-consuming and overwhelms and delays the public entrance if not separated.
and, it provides a private area to verify press credentials and identification against existing access lists.
Verification
Verification of press credentials and the media outlets invitation is often managed by the event coordinator or staff and is not a security responsibility, however, security oversight of this process is always recommended.
It is not uncommon for protesters to register as, or attempt entry as, authorized members of the media. The overall management of the press at an event requires clear communications and coordination with the media outlets requesting admittance. In some cases, security staffing may be needed to limit the press from entering internally secure areas at a venue or mingling in the public areas of a venue.
There is nothing worse than having a microphone shoved into the face of your protectee unexpectedly because the press was not restricted. If the event is a private event and the press is invited, there must be clear guidance from the event coordinator or host on the expectations of the media at the event.
However, if the media strays outside of that guidance (which they often do), they’re usually asked to leave. If the event is public, the press can go anywhere the public may go.
Fair warning, the press will challenge posted security and all protectors should have clear guidance regarding media access and control in the overall event management and security plan.
Regardless of the event status as public or private, security postings limit public movements to designated secure areas and this also includes the press. Often, the staff at a large event will provide staff “handlers or escorts” to assist the media with coordinated movements within the larger event space. Understanding what the press is permitted to do, is a key piece in the planning EP teams must coordinate.
Internal Movements
Following your protectee’s entry into the event through one of the three controlled entrances (you might be covering a celebrity correspondent), you should have a “general” idea of their personal movements inside.
Planning and personally reviewing those internal movements is an important part of the advance process. Before the event and during your protective advance you should coordinate with the managing event security team to conduct a site “Walkthrough.”
A site walkthrough gives you an opportunity to view the exact path of your protectee inside the venue while conducting personal security planning based on the physical features of the event space and the known security postings identified by the event security manager.
At larger events, walkthroughs are often jointly conducted with other Protective Details attending the same event to save time. Joint walkthroughs are extremely helpful in understanding what EP teams are attending the event and their intended movements in the event of an emergency.
During the site walkthrough, EP teams should consider the locations of Bathrooms, Hard Rooms, Hold Rooms (often called Green Rooms), Decontamination areas, Elevators and Controls, and Emergency Egress routes.
Hard Rooms
I have recently seen Hard Rooms explained incorrectly in YouTube videos, so I’ll take a moment to cover them. A Hard Room is a room inside a larger event venue that provides a temporary physically secure area for your protectee. It should be on the Emergency Egress route, immediately accessible during an evacuation, secure, defendable, structurally sound and allow for the use of communications.
The Hard Room should not have windows, should be able to repel small arms fire, should have a singular defendable entrance that can be secured and should not contain items that are flammable, generate heavy electrical loads or limit the flow of oxygen.
Ideally, Hard Rooms have a water source for chem/bio-decontamination and are physically defendable for more than a few minutes (reinforced concrete supporting outer walls). The purpose of a Hard Room is to provide a temporary secure space during the evacuation of your protectee, immediately away from the threat, allowing you to secure and protect them while developing a plan to move to the next security feature or to your motorcade.
In some cases, evacuating immediately to your motorcade without knowing if your egress route is secure or compromised can put your protectee in greater danger than slowing down and using a Hard Room. A Hard Room allows you to secure your protectee quickly and defend against attackers until supporting security elements arrive or you decide to move.
In many instances, your protectee isn’t the most important person in the room. Sometimes they don’t even make the top 20. While this is often to your advantage, their interactions with other publicly recognizable VIPs place them in more danger by virtue of their proximity.
“The Bubble”
Imagine a bubble. When two bubbles merge, they create a larger bubble. Your security posture for your protectee should mimic this natural phenomenon. As your protectee interacts with other protectees, your protective coverage or “bubble” should blend with other EP teams to provide space for your protectee to interact with others.
This is a delicate dance that requires extensive training and experience, but understand that you probably won’t be as close to your protectee as you want when they are surrounded by other protectees receiving protection. This is particularly true in banquet and dinner settings.
If the event is a speaking event and your protectee is on stage, you must consider stage design (is it elevated, has stairs, what’s on the stage), stage setup (seating, furniture, dais type, teleprompter), ingress, egress, what’s above (lighting, scaffolding) and below the stage, and who will be on the stage with your protectee.
The Questions to Answer
Is there an Off Stage Announce (Voice of God)? Is there an industry standard 10’ – 12’ buffer between the leading edge of the stage and the crowd, and is that buffer secure? Will staff photographers and/or media representatives be permitted or escorted by event staff into the buffer? Are there other security detail personnel covering the stage and buffers for their protectees? Is there a chance your protectee will exit the stage to the buffer, and interact with the public on a rope line and what is your plan if that occurs?
As you can see, the dynamics and type of the event generate several unique considerations by EP teams in coverage and planning.
During your event, you may encounter protesters who attempt to disrupt it. If there is a disruption or protest while your protectee is onstage, understanding what “should” happen, prevents a “dynamic” EP movement and possible embarrassment for you and your protectee.
Before the event, know the planned response for Hecklers and if the event management team has a Heckler/Protester Policy and response plan. The responsibility of the protective detail is always to “Cover and Evacuate” the protectee first in the event of an emergency.
The responsibility to address any other security-related issue at an event, not in the immediate proximity of your protectee, should be the responsibility of the event security staffing.
In rare cases, the protective detail will respond to an attacker but only based on the threat and immediate proximity to the protectee (time/distance), allowing an evacuation. Remember, you will be filmed so any use of force to address a threat should be legally defendable and appropriate.
Your Working Environment at a Major Event
EP agents are often exposed to “less than ideal” working environments and stages are one of them. If you’ve ever worked at a stage event, you know that house lighting will significantly impair your vision at the stage and rope line.
The first three rows at any stage event are critical in security planning because they are very close to your protectee if he/she is on stage or in the buffer between the leading edge of the stage and the attending public.
Many EP teams manage the attendee seating in these first few rows by zip-tying chairs together, preventing them from being thrown or used as weapons. Another common technique is to establish a hardened barrier between the public and the stage, sometimes referred to as a “rope line.”
Outside of the substantial physical security planning for your protectee during a stage event, it is also your responsibility to protect them from embarrassment. “Remind” them that microphones should always be considered “hot” and identify the presence of boom microphones or enhanced audio devices inside the event space.
Technology has jammed up more than one protectee, significantly impacting their personal and professional brand. As EP agents, we are responsible for protecting the image of our protectees in addition to their physical security.
Internal Emergency Response
Security teams should also understand internal emergency response procedures for the public in attendance. If there is a medical emergency for a public attendee while your protectee is onstage, it will interrupt their speech and the event.
Many people who attend major events have underlying health issues and are not used to standing for long periods of time. Knowing that there is a medical response plan in place to respond to these incidents eases visiting protectee and EP team concerns when they do occur.
If the security for the event is managed completely by your team, you have significantly more responsibilities than this short article can address. Generally, besides the well-being of your protectee, you must also consider the well-being of the public and have planning in place for their Ingress/Egress, Safety, Refreshments, Facility Accessibility (ADA), Maximum Occupancy and Emergency Medical Considerations. In these instances, you are also responsible for each ring of the security plan and must manage the safety and security of all people at the venue.
Departures
After your event has concluded, the entire event occupancy will be leaving at the same time. This crowd of people causes other security and safety concerns that will impact your security planning. Your protectee may have additional backstage or private internal events including photo opportunities and personal meetings which will further delay your departure.
While most of the attending public will exit the same way they came into the building (we are all psychologically programmed that way), when security posting is dropped following the conclusion of an event, the public can, and will, depart through any available exit to avoid delays and long lines.
EP teams often plan to exit major events through different exits and routes to avoid telegraphing secure movements and to avoid public egress. While the attendees exit slowly through a main entrance, having an alternate route for your planned departure and transportation allows you to exit securely without delay.
VIP Vehicle Staging
At some events, VIP vehicle staging is an organized function controlled by the event staff. Cars are called from nearby vehicle staging areas to the VIP departure area as the protectee nears the exit of the venue.
If you’ve ever worked at a United Nations General Assembly event, this same model is used routinely in the private sector. If you are providing close protection while exiting an event of this type, remember the bubble analogy and give your protectee space by managing EP team movements and agent placement.
Don’t be the person that hockey checks another protectee or security detail member because they are too close to your protectee. I’ve accidentally done this myself and it’s embarrassing. If the VIP departure area is publicly accessible, remember that the paparazzi and the public may also be in proximity and plan accordingly. My personal preference is to always avoid publicly accessible departure areas when possible.
Final Thoughts on Planning into a Major Event
EP operations within major events demand meticulous preparation, coordination, and vigilance, combined with extensive hands-on training and experience. While this article provides basic guidance with foundational insights for Major Event security management, continuous learning and collaboration with reputable trainers and industry leaders is essential for successful major event security execution.
By following industry best practices and seeking continuous professional training throughout our careers, we collectively contribute to the advancement of the Executive Protection profession and the safety of those in our care.
If you’d like more information on Event Planning and the EP Advance Planning Model, go to https://www.ep-board.org/product-page/the-executive-protection-advance-and-logistics-guidebook
A low angle view of the skylight in Hong Kong Residential old architecture
Why is maintaining a positive perspective beneficial and essential for achieving success? The answer lies in the interconnectivity of perception, emotion, action, and results. Changing my perspective is an incredibly potent tool that I incorporate into my daily routine.
Over the years, I have diligently practiced this technique, and it has evolved into a mental habit, shaping my automatic responses to various situations. I frequently advise others that with consistent application over time, this practice can fundamentally rewire your brain.
The process of transforming perspective isn’t just about seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty; it’s about reshaping how you interpret and react to life’s events. This shift in perception can lead to a more optimistic and resilient outlook, enabling you to handle challenges more effectively and thoroughly appreciate the positive aspects of your life.
The idea of rewiring your brain, known scientifically as neuroplasticity, underscores the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This means that habitual practices, like transforming perspective, can lead to long-term changes in how the brain processes information and responds to the environment.
By consistently choosing to view situations more positively, you can train your brain to default to this perspective, making it easier to maintain a positive perspective even under challenging circumstances.
Perception Influences Emotion
The metaphorical lens through which you view the world significantly influences your emotional health and well-being. This perspective acts as a filter, coloring your experiences and shaping your reactions to various situations. Adopting a positive outlook makes you more inclined to notice opportunities, solutions, and the good in your circumstances. This optimistic perception can uplift emotions such as satisfaction and gratitude, creating a sense of fulfillment.
Positive emotions, in turn, can enhance your resilience against stress, improve your relationships, and boost your overall life satisfaction. They can lead to a virtuous cycle where positive views foster positive emotions, reinforcing a positive perspective in life.
On the flip side, a negative viewpoint acts as a dark filter that can distort your experiences and lead to a range of detrimental feelings. If you habitually focus on the negative aspects of situations, you might frequently feel emotions like anger, sadness, fear, or resentment. These emotions can be draining and can lead to a negative spiral, where pessimistic views feed into negative emotions, further darkening your perspective and possibly affecting your mental and physical health.
For instance, chronic negativity can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues such as weakened immune function and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where negative expectations lead to negative outcomes, trapping you in a cycle of negativity and dissatisfaction.
Therefore, the way you choose to view the world not only affects your moment-to-moment emotional state but also has long-term implications for your mental and physical health. By viewing situations positively, you can foster a healthier emotional state contributing to overall well-being and a more fulfilling life.
Emotion Drives Action
Emotions are powerful drivers of human behavior, catalyzing the actions we take and the decisions we make. When you experience positive emotions, such as happiness and enthusiasm, you are more likely to engage in proactive and constructive behaviors.
These feelings can energize you, boost your motivation and productivity, and often lead to a ripple effect of positive outcomes in various aspects of life. For example, joy can inspire creativity, leading to innovative problem-solving, while gratitude can foster kindness and generosity, enhancing social connections and relationships.
Positive emotions broaden your sense of possibility and open your mind to a broader range of thoughts and actions. Over time, these expanded behavioral repertoires can build skills, resources, and resilience, contributing to a more fulfilling and successful life.
Conversely, negative emotions like fear, anger, or sadness can narrow your focus and lead to a more reactive or defensive approach to life. While such emotions are natural and can be protective responses to threats or challenges, they can lead to passivity, avoidance, or even destructive behavior patterns when they dominate your emotional landscape. For instance, chronic anger can result in aggression or conflict in relationships, while prolonged sadness can lead to withdrawal and inactivity, and fear can result in avoidance or escapism.
Negative emotions can signal that something in your life needs attention or change. Still, if not managed properly, they can inhibit growth and lead to a cycle of negativity that hampers your ability to act constructively. Thus, managing and understanding your emotions and striving to cultivate positive emotional experiences can significantly influence your actions and interactions with the world.
The emotions you feel responding to your perceptions play a critical role in shaping your actions and behaviors. By fostering positive emotions, you can encourage proactive, constructive behaviors that enhance your quality of life, whereas succumbing to negative emotions can lead to patterns that may inhibit your well-being and potential.
Action Determines Results
The correlation between the actions you take and the outcomes you achieve is a fundamental principle of cause and effect. Your actions, stemming from your thoughts, set in motion the circumstances that lead to various results in your life. When these actions are positive and intentional, guided by a constructive mindset, they are more likely to produce favorable outcomes that align with your goals and aspirations.
Positive actions, such as setting clear goals, making well-thought-out decisions, and taking proactive steps toward achieving your objectives, are the building blocks of success. When consistently applied, these actions create a behavior pattern that can lead to significant achievements over time. For example, consistently practicing a skill can lead to mastery, just as regularly saving money can lead to financial security.
Furthermore, a positive mindset enhances the quality of your actions. When you approach tasks with optimism, resilience, and determination, you’re more likely to persevere through challenges and find creative solutions to problems. This approach increases the likelihood of successful outcomes and contributes to personal growth and development.
The beneficial results of positive actions extend beyond mere success; they also contribute to a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Achieving goals that are aligned with your values and aspirations provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which is a critical component of overall happiness and well-being.
However, it’s important to recognize that outcomes are only sometimes immediate and that success often requires sustained effort over time. Patience and persistence are crucial in the face of setbacks or slow progress. By maintaining a positive mindset and continuing to take constructive actions, you can navigate the ups and downs of the journey towards your goals.
Your actions play a crucial role in determining the results you experience. Positive, goal-oriented actions, fueled by a constructive and resilient mindset, are instrumental in achieving success and cultivating a sense of life satisfaction.
Adopting a positive perspective equips you with the right mindset and motivation to enact positive changes in your life. It empowers you to move beyond the confines of negative excuses and self-imposed limitations. Instead of attributing failures to external factors like others’ actions or misfortune, you focus on shaping your thoughts, attitudes, and accomplishments.
Consider the difference in reaction to adversity between someone with a negative and a positive perspective. The former might ask, “Why me?” viewing challenges as insurmountable obstacles and dwelling on problems. In contrast, a positively-minded individual sees challenges as opportunities, asking, “What can I do to overcome this?” and actively seeks solutions.
The transition from a negative to a positive perspective involves a conscious choice to shift how you interpret and respond to life’s events. It’s about seeing the potential for growth in every challenge and recognizing the power of positivity to transform your mindset, actions, and, subsequently, your life’s trajectory. This proactive and positive approach leads to personal and professional success and enhances overall happiness and fulfillment.
Change your perspective by
Make it a habit to notice the positives in your life
We have all met someone who has the habit of always focusing on the negative. No matter how good something is, they can see the bad. They have trained themselves to find the negative and are good at it. So, instead, train your brain to be even better at focusing on the positive, which will shape your perspective.
Are there situations that make us angry or sad? Of course. But if we intentionally look for the good in life, we realize there are many things to feel passionate, joyful, and excited about. It’s up to us to decide which things, the positive or the negative, we will focus on.
Practicing gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a transformative habit that shifts your focus from what is lacking to appreciating what you already have. Cultivating a sense of gratitude can significantly alter your perspective and overall well-being in a world where it’s all too common to focus on deficiencies and shortcomings.
Practicing gratitude involves consciously acknowledging and appreciating the value of what is present in your life. This practice can range from recognizing the simple pleasures of everyday life, like a warm cup of coffee or a sunny day, to acknowledging significant aspects, such as devoted relationships, achievements, and personal growth. Regularly reflecting on and being thankful for these elements can foster a more positive perspective that enhances your appreciation for life’s blessings.
The benefits of practicing gratitude are substantial and well-documented in psychological research. Gratitude can improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can enhance physical health, leading to better sleep, less fatigue, and improved immunity. Gratitude also strengthens relationships, as expressing appreciation to others can increase feelings of connection and satisfaction in relationships.
Incorporating gratitude into daily life can be done through various practices, such as keeping a gratitude journal, meditating on things you’re thankful for, or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on what went well and why. Over time, these practices can rewire your brain to naturally recognize and celebrate the positive aspects of your life, leading to a more grateful and joyful existence.
Shift Your Perspective, Take the Action, Transform Your World.
P. Diddy’s former bodyguard is speaking out against the rapper, making shocking new allegations.
As even more allegations and accusations come forth regarding P. Diddy’s behavior and misconduct, those who’ve worked for him are speaking out about it.
In an interview for The Art of Dialogue, Gene Deal, P. Diddy’s former bodyguard is making shocking accusations, mentioning Cassie Ventura and what the rapper was doing in Turkish baths three times a week.
In his interview, Deal, a long-time celebrity bodyguard turned author, says that the rapper Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy, had his protection details wait for him in shops while buying sex aids. The former bodyguard also alleges the rapper used to visit Turkish baths up to three times per week, saying “That’s where a lot of gay men meet and they all take hot baths together.”
Not only that but the 54-year-old bodyguard also says the rapper made his then-girlfriend, Ventura, hire male escorts on his behalf. Deal says that’s because P. Diddy didn’t want those encounters to be traced back to him.
Who Is Gene Deal?
Gene Deal, a former celebrity bodyguard, has done extensive protection work for Bad Boy Records and was P. Diddy’s personal bodyguard for a number of years. He was even on the scene as Puffy’s personal bodyguard on the night rapper The Notorious B.I.G. was shot and killed.
After decades in the protection industry, Deal has retired to focus on other endeavors. He even wrote and published a 2022 book detailing his childhood, early career, and work as a bodyguard to some of the biggest names in hip hop.
What This Means for Celebrity Protection
Gene Deal, who seems to be detailing P. Diddy’s life to the public, is hardly the first celebrity bodyguard to do so. In fact, some of the biggest names in music and entertainment have had their former bodyguards come out with secrets and scandals detailing their principals’ private lives.
Kanye West’s former bodyguard is apparently making a damning documentary about the rapper. Beyonce’s former bodyguard is claiming in a TikTok video that the singer and her husband, Jay Z, have threatened, intimidated, and bullied numerous people they perceived as competition.
But what does this mean for celebrity protection and the future of the industry? How can celebrities and HNWIs be certain that their lives won’t be revealed to the public once they end someone’s employment?
Let us know what you think and where you stand on the topic in the comments below!
Delving into the basics of utilizing handheld weapons, be they blunt or edged, is not just a necessity but a path to empowerment. Understanding the core principles that make one proficient with any type of handheld weapon, regardless of its nature, is key.
Whether it’s an item you’ve intentionally brought to a situation or something you’ve hastily grabbed in the heat of the moment for self-defense, mastering the foundational aspects of using these weapons can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat scenarios. This knowledge boosts your confidence in potential self-defense situations and broadens your overall combat skills, making you a more versatile and prepared individual.
Mastering the Foundational Elements
Throughout my career spanning over four decades in the Martial Arts community, I’ve explored a wide array of handheld weaponry. It’s quite common to become deeply engrossed in the intricacies of a particular martial art system, to the point where one might lose sight of the ultimate goal of their training.
However, as my experience has deepened, I’ve consistently observed the emergence of fundamental basics as the cornerstone of proficiency across various forms of handheld weaponry. These are the simple yet profound principles that apply universally, transcending the specifics of any single weapon type.
This realization underscores the importance of mastering these foundational elements, as they equip practitioners with adaptable skills that can be applied effectively regardless of the weapon in hand. Understanding and honing these basics not only enhances one’s versatility and effectiveness in weapon handling but also solidifies a deeper connection to the timeless art of martial weaponry.
Handheld Weapons Through History
Throughout history, the mastery of handheld weapons has not only been a vital aspect of martial training but also a significant catalyst for physical and mental growth. This traditional practice, deeply rooted in the heritage of countless cultures around the globe, served as a fundamental method to prepare individuals for the challenges of their times, both on and off the battlefield.
Engaging with handheld weapons—ranging from swords and spears to clubs and knives—demanded rigorous discipline, sharp focus, and a profound understanding of the body’s movements and capabilities.
This form of training fostered a unique blend of physical prowess and strategic thinking, pushing practitioners to achieve higher physical fitness and agility while simultaneously honing their mental acuity and tactical skills.
The Study of Handheld Weaponry
The study of such weaponry required a deep connection to one’s tools, cultivating a sense of respect and reverence towards the weapon and the art form itself. It was through this dedicated practice that warriors and martial artists developed not just the skills necessary for combat but also virtues such as courage, patience, and perseverance, which were equally applicable in everyday life.
Moreover, the study of handheld weaponry was often intertwined with spiritual and philosophical teachings, offering insights into the nature of conflict, the importance of balance and harmony, and the pursuit of excellence through continuous improvement.
In many ways, this comprehensive approach to training with handheld weapons contributed to the individual’s holistic development, integrating physical conditioning with mental and spiritual growth.
As such, the historical significance of handheld weaponry in martial arts goes beyond mere combat preparation; it represents a legacy of fostering comprehensive human development. This enduring tradition continues to influence modern martial arts practices, reminding us of the deep connections between physical discipline, mental fortitude, and the timeless quest for personal and communal harmony.
The Combat Blueprint
For my regular readers, you’re familiar with a concept I often discuss called the Combat Blueprint. This principle helps maintain our focus on the broader aspects of confrontations, emphasizing high-percentage fundamentals crucial for success in the critical domains of combat. A significant portion of this blueprint is dedicated to the study of weaponry.
Delving into self-defense, it becomes apparent that handheld weapons can significantly tip the scales in your favor against an adversary. This emphasis on weaponry is a distinctive feature of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA).
Unlike many other martial arts systems that start with empty-hand techniques and progress to weapons, FMA reverses this order. The primary focus is weapon training, with the philosophy that most physical confrontations begin with a weapon.
Transition to Empty-Hand Combat
The transition to empty-hand combat is seen as a secondary skill set, typically employed only if you find yourself disarmed. This approach underscores the belief in the importance of weapons in combat situations, highlighting the strategic advantage they provide in self-defense scenarios.
Personally, my approach to self-defense is heavily rooted in strategic thinking, a perspective that isn’t always prevalent in Martial Arts Academies. Often, these institutions prioritize empty-hand techniques before introducing weapons training. However, I’m not advocating for constant armed readiness with a knife in hand.
Instead, my belief is that with adequate training, virtually any item at one’s disposal can be transformed into an effective tool for defense, serving as a crucial equalizer in a threatening scenario.
It’s not just about weapon training; it’s about cultivating the ability to think and adapt strategically in any situation, using whatever resources are available to ensure safety and security. This focus on adaptability and strategic resourcefulness is what we strive to instill in our students, marking a distinct and vital component of our self-defense education.
Foundational Areas of Focus
In the Combat Blueprint, the foundational areas of focus are identified as primal environments. We use this terminology to underscore the innate nature of these combat scenarios; these environments leverage instinctive responses that are hardwired into the human nervous system.
Intriguingly, the skills and strategies pertinent to these areas can be activated without formal training. In fact, these concepts are so deeply embedded in our physiology and psychology that, when faced with a situation of intense violence or stress, individuals—regardless of their training background—are likely to employ tactics from these primal environments instinctively.
Primal Environments
The primal environments encompass:
Firearms: The use and defensive strategies against firearms tap into our survival instincts, emphasizing the importance of distance, cover, and the decision-making process between fight and flight.
Edged & Blunt Weaponry: This involves understanding the offensive and defensive dynamics of using knives, sticks, and other handheld objects. It’s about recognizing that objects, when wielded with intent, become extensions of the body’s natural fighting instincts.
Striking: The primal urge to use one’s body to hit or repel an attacker encompasses a range of techniques, from basic punches and kicks to more complex combinations, all rooted in the instinctive fight response.
Pummeling: Engaging in close-quarters combat, maneuvering for control, and attempting to dominate an opponent through standing grappling techniques are intuitive responses to being near a threat.
Ground Fighting: When combatants find themselves on the ground, the instinctive drive to protect oneself and gain the upper hand becomes paramount. Ground fighting strategies are foundational, tapping into the primal need to resist, escape, or subdue.
These primal environments represent the spectrum of human combat response, highlighting the universality of specific tactics and strategies across different situations. By understanding and refining these automatic responses, our training aims to enhance the natural abilities already present within each individual.
It is also ensuring they’re better prepared to handle violent encounters with or without extensive formal training. This approach democratizes self-defense, making it accessible and relevant to everyone, regardless of their experience level in martial arts.
Evaluating Your Skills with the Blueprint
The Combat Blueprint offers significant value by providing a structured framework to assess whether your training encompasses the potential scenarios you might face in a violent encounter.
By evaluating your skills across the defined environments within the blueprint, you can identify areas where your training may be lacking. Suppose you discover a gap in your capabilities. In that case, this insight allows you to pursue further education and training to bridge this gap actively, enhancing your preparedness for a broader range of situations.
Many martial arts systems tend to concentrate on a single aspect of combat, leading some practitioners to dedicate years, if not decades, to mastering just that one area. While deep expertise in one field can be advantageous, it may also pose limitations during an actual conflict, especially if the situation demands skills outside your area of specialization. Being thrust into unfamiliar territory can leave you vulnerable and at a disadvantage.
Final Thoughts on The Power of Handheld Weapons
We can leverage the Combat Blueprint as a guiding tool to ensure our comprehensive training covers the full spectrum of violent encounters one might face. This holistic approach guarantees that our students are not only proficient in one aspect of self-defense but are well-rounded, adaptable, and prepared for any situation.
By embracing this method, we aim to cultivate individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate and survive the complexities of real-world violence. I aim to develop a greater number of people equipped with the resilience and leadership skills required to tackle challenges directly, especially during critical moments. My vision is for a world where a larger community is prepared and eager to confront the growing challenges.
Shift Your Perspective, Take the Action, Transform Your World.
