Training for the Now

by Duncan James - April 2010 

Note: Duncan had originally served with the Metropolitan Police (inner city London) before moving to a rural police constabulary 

The views expressed by Mr James are his personal views and do not represent the opinions of any police service.

I am a serving police officer and had always wanted to practice martial arts to supplement my woefully inadequate one day a year personal safety training. I had never shyed away from danger or confrontation, but on reflection felt that it was more luck than judgement that was keeping me safe.  

I wanted to feel that I would respond well if something happened rather than just hoping. This had become more important, as I had moved from city policing to a rural area where solo patrolling was the norm. I wanted to feel more self-reliant.

I had always had two problems with martial arts training. Firstly, I could never attend regularly due to my shifts. Secondly, when I started training at a new club I was never getting trained for the ‘now’. For example, I attended a ju jitsu club where as a beginner I would be repeatedly doing rolls. I thought it unlikely I’d be able to roll out of every situation I faced! I wanted training for the attacks I might face in the real world.

When I found Protectics, it overcame the two problems I’d had. I could attend whenever work allowed. Also, I was being given ‘two speed’ training. I was getting tools that could be used immediately in dealing with real-life situations, while my skill level was being improved on a long-term basis.

The training is also holistic in that it incorporates fighting fitness, defence against real-life attacks and traditional elements of arts such as Tai Chi and Karate. Robert is not bound to any one approach by ego and is always developing and thinking about ‘what works’. He is an enthusiastic and imaginative instructor and most importantly makes the sessions fun.

My skill level and perhaps more importantly my confidence has improved. This has had a tangible benefit at work where I have faced down suspects on the basis of this confidence alone, even when outnumbered.

Return to Protectics Personal Safety System Training Overview.