New Mexico Security Blog by Robb Hamic

Know the pre-attack indicators for your safety..

January 20, 2010- Albuquerque, NM-  Bad people can only want three things from you.  Your money/property, your body or your life.  Consider this.  Bad guys don't want three things- for it to take to long, to get hurt or get caught.  Knowing this can be helpful for assessing your vulnerability at a given point.  There are pre-attack indicators that bad guys use and I have found a good video of some of them.  Notice how common sense plays into noticing what the pre-attack indicators are.  remember to use your instinct, intuition and intelligence to solve a problem.  

Many of the concepts that I teach are based upon conflict research of Tony Blauer, who I train under. 

Bad things happen and it is important to not be in denail.  Be observant and aware.  Trust your instinct and remember that bad situations call for uncommon self defense.  Any victim of an attack must also be concerned about the "secondary location."  This is where a bad guy might take you after the initial attack.  Remember the money, body life analogy?  It is estimated that over 3% of the world's socient are sociopaths.  Consider the following:

Psychopathy (pronounced /saɪˈkɒpəθi/^[1][2]) is a personality disorder whose hallmark is a lack of empathy. Researcher Robert Hare, whose Hare Psychopathy Checklist is widely used, describes psychopaths as "intraspecies predators^[3][4] who usecharisma, manipulation, intimidation, sexual intercourse and violence^[5][6][7] to control others and to satisfy their own needs. Lacking in conscience and empathy, they take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without guilt or remorse".^[8] "What is missing, in other words, are the very qualities that allow a human being to live in social harmony."^{[9] ~ wikidepia}

The prototypical psychopath has deficits or deviances in several areas: interpersonal relationships, emotion, and self-control. Psychopaths gain satisfaction through antisocial behavior, and do not experience shame, guilt, or remorse for their actions.^[15][16][17] Psychopaths lack a sense of guilt or remorse for any harm they may have caused others, instead rationalizing the behavior, blaming someone else, or denying it outright.^[18] Psychopaths also lack empathy towards others in general, resulting in tactlessness, insensitivity, and contemptuousness. All of this belies their tendency to make a good, likable first impression. Psychopaths have a superficial charm about them, enabled by a willingness to say anything without concern for accuracy or truth. Shallow affect also describes the psychopath's tendency for genuine emotion to be short lived and egocentric with an overall cold demeanor. Their behavior is impulsive and irresponsible, often failing to keep a job or defaulting ondebts.^[18] Psychopaths also have a markedly distorted sense of the potential consequences of their actions, not only for others, but also for themselves. They do not, for example, deeply recognize the risk of being caught, disbelieved or injured as a result of their behaviour.^{[19] ~ wikipedia}

I stress a model that empowers people to detect, deter and defend against attack or violent behavior.  The best conflict is the one where you are not involved.  How does a person avoid confrontaiton all together?  

• Body language: If you look like you're expecting a shakedown at any moment, you'll attract attention for all the wrong reasons. People who appear confident are less likely to invite a violent confrontation, basically because they look as if they can handle themselves. It's simply a question of walking tall, keeping your head up, and not flinching away when someone approaches to ask the time. Just be sure not to go too far, and swagger like you'll take on all contenders. 
• Keep cool: Don't freak out if you find yourself in a dodgy confrontation, or enter into an argument at the bar. The aim is not to let the emotional temperature rise, because it'll also increase the risk of an escalation into violence.
• Avoid attention: So there you are, strutting down the street. You have the jewellery on show, your state of the art phone pressed to your ear, and a sign over your head that's visible to everyone but you. One that shouts; Rob me, everything must go! Street muggings don't always involve violence, of course, but you're more likely to get hurt by someone who's after your money rather than directions to the local library. Ultimately, the less conspicuous your valuables, the more likely you'll be to get from A to B in one piece. If you must carry stuff like cash, phones and credit cards, don't make a big deal of it.
• Stick with your friends: Whether you're walking home late at night, or hanging out outside a club, security comes with numbers. 
• Eye contact: If you've sensed someone scooping you out, look them . Keep your head up, because the body language of confidence speaks volumes.
• Steer round big groups: You don't want to walk a path through a bunch of drunks on the street, or force them to stop or step aside. You're not royalty, just an average Joe who wants to get on in life without blood being spilled. If possible, cross the road before they've even noticed you.
• Go with your instinct: If you don't feel comfortable, whatever the situation, take steps to protect yourself. Even if it means taking the long route home, at least you'll make it in one piece!

Be safe and prepare yourself.  Contact me for further training.  Local, National and International.

Robb Hamic, Self-defense coach

robb@summitselfdefense.com

Summit Self-Defense

Ex-employee arrested in workplace shooting

Ex-Worker Accused in Ga. Fatal Workplace Shooting Associated Press (01/13/10) Brumback, Kate Police officials have arrested former Penske Truck Rental employee Jessie James Warren in connection with a shooting that left two people dead and three injured at a Penske facility in Kennesaw, Ga., on Tuesday. Penske has not released the identity of the shooting victims, but says that four were employees and one was a customer. The police, however, say that none of the victims shot was a customer. At the time of the shooting, approximately two dozen employees were working at the Penske office. Warren worked for Penske for several years, but it is unclear why he left. He reportedly confronted an individual in the Penske parking lot before moving to the truck bay area and shooting victims along the way. He did not attempt to enter the administrative office on the building's second floor.

Do you study "reality based martial arts?" Don't bet your life on a misconception..

October 27, 20099- Albuquerque, NM- Albuquerque police officers and security guards beware!  As students, we all bet our lives on our instruction for reality based self defense. Think about it. Self defense is not martial arts. It is used to detect, deter or defend against a violent, potentially life ending attack. It is meant for the 3% of society who want to kill us and do harm to our families. Murderers, rapists, home invaders, gang members, stalkers, mean people, workplace violence, kidnapping, car jacking or just a plain street fighters are the ones who will bring this kind of fight to us. As always, I have to give credit to the master instructors that I train under, especially Tony Blauer, Tony Torres and Tom Arcuri as many of these concepts are taken directly from my own training.

No offense or disrespect to any instructor but who are they? What do they teach? Have they or their students used the tactics taught to defend themselves or their families violent attacks? Do they train for real life scenarios? Do they train under stress and with full contact? Are the tactics taught just theory or does everyone test them against full contact fights that come by surprise by bad guys that really fight? Many martial arts have nothing to do with self defense in a real life context. Consider these definitions:

Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training. While they may be studied for various reasons. In addition, some martial arts are linked to beliefs. Many arts are also practiced competitively, but may also take the form of dance.

Self-defense is the act of defending oneself, one's property or the well-being of another from physical harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of force is available in many jurisdictions, but the interpretation varies widely. To be aquitted of any kind of physical harm-related crime (such asassault and battery and homicide) using the self-defense justification, one must prove legal provocation, meaning that one must prove that they were in a position where not using self-defense would most likely lead to significant injury to life, limb, or property.

No offense to martial arts instructors. I love martial arts and practice several myself but everything has its place. Some things work in the dojo but you would or could never use them in the street. As a self defense coach and instructor I have to switch hats and teach my students gross motor skill movements that are fast, effective and accessible in a real fight, attack or ambush. My goal is to give everyone something from my seminars and classes that they can use right away and not to create a self perpetuating situation where a student has to come to class twice a week, for years to learn the best stuff. I make it easy and simple and teach the same stuff to women, men, mature kids, military and law enforcement.

We employ the latest phycological research, fear management, conflict management, recognition, non violent postures, choice speech and if necessary effective self defense tactics that work in real life. I lecture on use of force, imminent jeopardy and the legal ramifications of using self defense. In a real fight you have thee fights to consider:

-The fight with yourself before the actual fight begins (emotional)

-The fight with the bad guy

-The fight in court (civilly) or with law enforcement (criminally)

I have been involved in reality self defense 'systems' that purport to be reality based. It sounded good to me and I thought I was getting the real deal but upon reflection; I may have wasted some time and money. It all comes down to this: if you have a system that sets up a predetermined attack and it is rehearsed by students under controlled situations, it is not realistic. If it is called reality then set up as a cognitive drill it may not be 'real' reality. Real fights are ugly, mean, fast and often by surprise. They look like this video below..

If you notice, the fights look very similar.. Ugly and unrefined. No fancy moves by either person. The attacks initiated a haymaker punch or dirty tackle as Primary Initiation Attack (PIA). This is a compilation of attacks from all over and it gives us some insight to how fights really happen.

Do you train for these kinds of attacks in your self defense training? When you train- does the "bad guy" act appropriately? It is important. Maybe even life and death important.

I was recently certified as a Ballistic Micro Fight Instructor at Blauer Tactical Systems in Virginia Beach. This is an additional certification under the Personal Defense Readiness (PDR) system. Take a look at this video and pay particular attention to the attacks and responses by the students. This is as close to real as you get. Tony Blauer created High Gear Suits that allow for a full range of movement in a full-on fight so that students can fight force on force and minimize injury. High Gear is the only option for those who want to train at full speed and practice tactics full contact without serious injury.

Summit Self Defense has integrated PDR's principals into its self defense system. We deliver realistic training to women, men, military and law enforcement locally, nationally and internationally. We have a number of certified instructors and we specialize in all self defense options such as: personal safety, verbal de-escalation tactics, threat recognition, use of force curriculum, women's self defense, hand to hand combatitives, gun deployment, concealed handgun licensing, Taser deployment and OC use and deployment.

We have schools and training locally in the following metro areas: Austin, Albuquerque and San Francisco. We also train locally in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Santa Fe and the Bay Area and South of San Francisco as far as Monterey.

We travel nationwide to deliver a variety of training to corporations (both as a speaker/trainer and workplace violence training and response), groups, organizations, law enforcement agencies, military units and individuals who need a diversity of self defense or combatitive options for their vulnerabilities and environments.

Robb Hamic, Chief Instructor and founder

Summit Self Defense

512-284-0087 (cellular)

New Taser release refines guidelines. Don't listen to the hype- read the release here.

Experts discuss TASER's new advisory

Following TASER International's recent bulletin advising officers to avoid shooting a suspect in the chest, PoliceOne spoke with leading TASER experts and trainers about how this announcement affects training and deployment of TASERs in the field.

The bulletin describes a "best practices" approach for officers to consider, taking into account recent research data. The bulletin, according to a memo sent by Vice President of Training Rick Guilbault, "should not be interpreted as a significant change in how the products should be used, [but should be] viewed as a best practice that mitigates risk-management issues resulting in more effective deployments while maximizing safety considerations."

"I'm fine with the new TASER advisory," says Major Steve Ijames, developer and lead instructor for the National Tactical Officers Association land IACP's less lethal "train the trainer" programs.

"I'll change my teaching [on using TASERs], not out of the fear that something bad will happen, but because if you look at the logic behind TASER's explanation, it just makes good sense."

Ijames is referring to the approach of lowering the preferred target zone by a few inches to "lower center mass" (instead of the upper chest area), where research shows that a TASER shot can be more effective in bringing a suspect down.

“Integrating aiming points into a single spot below the sternum is completely logical and sensible,” Ijames says.

Captain Greg Meyer, a TASER expert for more than 30 years and a police use-of-force consultant, has handled numerous cases of sudden in-custody death, some involving TASER and some not.

When asked about TASER's advisory, Meyer says, "The idea of training officers to avoid the chest strikes me as a risk-management move to take away the heart-attack argument during litigation.”

Meyer explained that training has continuously stressed the importance of aiming at a suspect’s back whenever possible:

“The large muscle groups of the back make it more likely that a full neuromuscular incapacitation will occur, and make it less likely that the subject will see it coming and have the opportunity to evade the probes, or reach up and pull them out. None of this is new, and has nothing to do with avoiding the area of the heart. It has been the preferable procedure for the more than 30 years that TASERs have been out there."

TASER International spokesman Steve Tuttle reinforces Meyer’s claim: “Deploying the probes to the back and splitting the belt line with exposures is the most effective deployment to achieve incapacitation and has been taught for many years now.”

However, Street Survival Seminar lead instructor Lt. Jim Glennon says that the problem with this advisory is that “in a fluid, dynamic use-of-force situation – a violent encounter with a suspect facing you – we will now be trying to direct a police officer to take aim for an area that doesn’t involve the head, chest or groin. So what you’re talking about is the stomach and leg area, which are not reliable targets.”

“What are you going to do, ask the suspect to turn around?” Glennon asks.

Glennon said what concerns him most about the advisory is the potential for confusion that might make an officer hesitate when faced with a violent suspect, driven by a fear of litigation that would place blame on the officer involved - rather than TASER International - should a suspect be injured after being hit in the chest by the device.

While that may be the case, independent field results indicate a risk factor of 0.25% for “serious injury from use of a TASER.” In essence, there is a less than 1% chance that an officer will be involved in a situation where a suspect would get seriously injured from a TASER hit to the chest.

“Medical and field studies continue to demonstrate that the TASER ECD carries a lower risk of injury than traditional force options,” Tuttle says. “When possible, avoiding the chest shots with ECDs simply avoids the controversy about whether ECDs do or do not affect the human heart.”

~courtesy of Policeone.com

The holiday season gives rise to pending crime, terrorist plots..

Mass. Man Accused of Plot to Kill Shoppers, Troops
Associated Press (10/22/09) Lavoie, Denise

Authorities on Wednesday arrested 27-year-old Tarek Mehanna, a resident of the Boston suburb of Sudbury, Mass., who is accused of conspiring with two others to support terrorism. According to authorities, Mehanna and the two other individuals--Ahmed Abousamra, an American who is now in Syria, and an unidentified man who is now cooperating with authorities--conspired between 2001 and 2008 to shoot shoppers in U.S. malls and to "kill, kidnap, maim, or injure" U.S. soldiers in Iraq, as well as two politicians who were once part of the executive branch but have since left office. The politicians, who authorities say were never in any danger, have not been identified. Prosecutors say that the men wanted to carry out the attacks because they were angry about the presence of U.S. troops in the Middle East. Despite their plans, Mehanna and his co-conspirators never came close to carrying out an attack. Authorities say that their repeated attempts to enter terrorist training camps failed, and that they could not get the weapons they wanted to carry out the attacks in U.S. malls.

Albuquerque Reserve Police officers with no gun training? Attorneys swarming..

October 12, 2009- Albuquerque, NM-  It seems crazy that Reserve APD officers could go on duty, make arrests, etc. without the proper training and firearms qualification.  It reminds me of the Albuquerque security industry..  Of course some Albuquerque attorney's are jumping on board..  The Albuquerque Journal reported this story over the weekend.

Reserves Lacked Weapons Training 

More than a dozen reserve police officers had not completed the required training that allowed them to carry a gun, according to a 2007 audit obtained by the Journal. Albuquerque police officials said last week they have addressed the recommendations made in the 2007 audit, adding that many of the officers who hadn't completed training were not active reserves. 

Reserve police officers are volunteer officers who go through half the training of a regular police officer. According to the state's law enforcement academy, reserves are not legally allowed to make arrests.  A Journal investigation revealed reserves had made 23 arrests and issued 42 traffic tickets since 2003. APD currently has 38 reserve officers. 

Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz has suspended the reserve program while he completes an investigation of it. The audit found 14 reserve officers had not completed department required training. Some hadn't qualified since 1999. It is unclear whether the reserves who had not completed their training were still carrying guns. 

Deputy Police Chief Michael Callaway said the 14 reserves mentioned in the audit were required to qualify or were removed from the program.  Attorney Mary Han filed a tort claim Thursday against the city claiming that police officials are refusing to dismiss all the arrests made by reserves.  Deputy City Attorney Kathy Levy said the city is still reviewing the arrests and might request for them to be dismissed

Battery against security guards is on the rise. Protect yourself with Personal Defense Readiness.

Albuquerque, NM- October 9, 2009- I have delivered a seminar or tow in Albuquerque relating to Personal Defense Readiness to my employees.  I think it was well received and those who took it say that it works.  many consider this system of self defense to be the most progressive and useful in existence.  Many of my students are seeking more than just my lectures on Personal Defense Readiness, PDR and the SPEAR system. This Youtube features Tony Blauer, who invented the system, describing startle-flinch and the SPEAR. It is a fantastic view and worth your 4 minutes.

My students can direct questions to me through my e-mail: robb@summitselfdefense.com or call me. Anyone interested in learning the a simple and easy to use self defense system contact me. PDR takes nothing away form anyone practicing a martial art, law enforcement or military training. It is just a another tool for your tool box and it allows you to weather an ambush from an attacker so that you can stay in the fight.

Check my website for more information.

Man sustained three Taser shots with no effect..

CLICK HERE to read article.  Have a back up plan if you use a Taser device.

What makes Personal Defense Readiness (PDR) so different?

Albuquerque, NM- August 24, 2009- Get PDR training locally in Albuquerque, from Coach Robb Hamic- Certified PDR Instructor. He also teaches locally in Austin and provides seminars nationally and internationally. Contact him directly for an immediate response: 512-284-0087.

The core of our method is based on the S.P.E.A.R. SYSTEM™ which is the first genetically & behaviorally inspired self-defense course of it's kind. It is the only self-defense method that fully integrates the body's reflexive responses and instinctive survival mechanisms making the S.P.E.A.R. SYSTEM™ the easiest, most natural way to protect yourself. Our program also includes unique and patented learning models but most importantly, we have pioneered research on how to manage and overcome fear.

Strategically & tactically speaking, our courses are based on how real confrontations actually occur! We have been leading the scenario approach to training for over 20 years. Our curriculum is based on a '3-Dimensional' theory that creates confidence on emotional, psychological and physical levels.

We only teach realistic self-defense skills that are street applicable. Students are exposed to aggressive as well as defensive role playing to simulate encounters and to prepare them to react ethically as well as decisively to real-life aggression. Our curriculum covers verbal defusing tactics, choice speech principles and a host of other behaviorally researched strategies.

Training in our system engenders personal evolution: Our breakthrough research on fear management is the foundation of our program and understanding and directing fear is the key to overcoming any obstacle in life. We've had many individuals participate in the program and experience transcendent applications in their businesses life and in intra-personal relationships.

Our system fosters respect for yourself and others by developing virtues like self discipline, humility, assertiveness and character. Since our program is so focused around the managing of one's fears, it directly works the 'esteem' and 'ego' centers of anyone sincerely working the system, ultimately this process helps lead one to greater self- knowledge and personal evolution.

Check out Summit Self Defense for more information on PDR courses.

Robb Hamic becomes certified as a Personal Defense Readiness (PDR) Coach under Tony Blauer

August 23, 2009- Virginia Beach, VA- Robb Hamic, President of Summit Self Defense attended Tony Blauer's Summer Camp and Personal Defense Readiness (PDR) Instructor certification at Blauer Tactical Headquarters. Mr. Hamic became an PDR Instructor under Tony Blauer, who is a martial arts and tactical training expert. Mr. Baluer invented the SPEAR and PDR systems for self defense. These techniques are taught to citizens, military and law enforcement.

It was a great fit with Summit Self Defense and its training curriculum. "I wanted something that I could teach to everyone regardless of their size or training experience. I heard that the SPEAR and PDR system was easy to learn and I was surprised that most people can defend themselves with this concept after only one repetition. It is truly unique," says Robb Hamic. PDR is the ultimate tactic for self defense and fending off an ambush. PDR combines the body's natural instinctive response with some additional tactics to become practical for everyone in self defense situations.

Summit Self Defense will teach Personal Defense Readiness to its students in Austin, Albuquerque and San Francisco. Robb Hamic will conduct PDR seminars at locations across the United States. Contact Robb for more information about classes and seminars at 512-284-0087.

This is not a drill. Real gun training- ammo included!

This is not a drill!

We all know that the states CHL/ CCW license requirements and training is geared towards legal issues and basic gun safety. It is good that basically anyone who qualifies can get a license but then there is the matter of why we want to bear arms and conceal our handguns. Carrying a gun for duty is no different.  We must be prepared for violent attacks.

In violent, stressful situations we all revert down to our lowest level of training. Is yours enough? Seriously- have you practiced and attained muscle memory of a full gun deployment (however you carry it) under stress and pressure? If not, how can you be certain it will work in a dark place when a thug is running at you with a knife?

I am a firearms instructor and I am a published author. I write for IALEFI Magazine and other LE Training publications. I train military units, entire police agencies, instructor cadre and private citizens. I am a NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor in many disciplines but my main specialty is Israeli Combat Shooting. Don't let the word 'combat' scare you. If someone attacks you- it is combat, believe me.

Check out my system, blog and website. I have included a lot of video, pictures and articles about self-defense. Receive training in a well-rounded system designed for everyone from trainers who have survived violent confrontations on the street and battlefield. My system is well suited for women, men, police and military. No experience necessary.

In addition, we have surplus supplies of bullets and sell our students plenty of rounds for our training, at reasonable prices. I know that everyone is concerned about having enough rounds to practice- this takes the worry out of it. Training is provided locally in the places listed below and by seminar or class in the US.

Please contact me with your interest.

For NM Gun Training call Instructor Ryan Fellows: 505-463-7820

For TX Gun Training call Instructor Robb Hamic: 512-284-0087

For Seminars call Robb Hamic: 512-284-0087

Robb Hamic, President Summit Self-Defense

robb@israelicombatshooting.com

Blog: http://www.personalselfdefense.info

Websites: http://www.israelicombatshooting.com

http://www.taostactical.com

http://www.summitselfdefense.com

Offices in Austin Texas, Albuquerque New Mexico and San Francisco California

Seminars and classes given to groups, individuals, military units and law enforcement agencies on-site in the U.S.

Undercover Loss Prevention Agents Watch out! Injuries reported.

Avon IN. A Wal-Mart loss prevention agent was stabbed multiple times by a shoplifter as they tussled at the exit of the store. The assailant fled and the security agent is in stable condition.

 

Cincinnati OH. Police have arrested a homeless man after he was stopped by a security officer at a Family Dollar Store for shoplifting and the man pulled a box cutter and slashed the security officer's thorat and lips. The man fled but was apprehended by responding officers. The security officer is listed in good condition.

News source: Private Officer News-- www.privateofficer.com