PROFESSIONAL SELF-DEFENSE CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM
The ASDA approach to self-defense has been adopted by and taught to many federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the F.B.I., U.S. Marshal Service, D.E.A., U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. military.Now the world's most effective fighting system is being offered to civilians.
ASDA teaches a simple, effective Reality-Based Self-Defense system that emphasizes instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios. It's powerful, easy to learn techniques can empower you, making you more confident, and giving you the tools to protect yourself and your family.
These intense classes train you for real-life situations with Real-World techniques that can be quickly learned and mastered by anyone, regardless of age, size or previous training. There's nothing fancy here, just simple and practical punches, kicks and self-defense methods based on your body's instinctive reactions.
Plus, because it's based on a person's natural reactions, it is easy to learn. You can become proficient in weeks rather than years. Just as important, we teach people to function during the stress and shock of a sudden, violent encounter.
No defense tactics program in the world is more battle tested than the approach offered by ASDA. Tested on the battlefield and in the streets, ASDAs practical approach to self-defense will make you as a professional or a civilian safer and more secure.
People of all ages and levels of physical fitness can start ASDA seminars and/or classes and work their way up quickly toward being certified in different levels of self-defense. Students not only walk away in better shape and with effective self-defense techniques, they learn how to prepare themselves mentally to tap into their own aggressiveness in any situation.
To preserve the integrity of the ASDAs self-defense methods, self-defense is taught only through licensed ASDA personnel.
The self-defense methods taught by ASDA are not traditional martial arts; it is a modern method of reality-based self-defense... ASDA ONLY TEACHES COMBAT FOR A MODERN WORLD, NOT THE TRADITIONAL OLD WORLD.
What is ASDA Method of Self-Defense?
ASDA employs many of the official common sense self-defense and fighting that are used by the professionals around the world.
The curriculum offered was developed by ASDAs founder (Dr. LeRoy Hines) for hand-to-hand combat on the battlefield or on the streets.To achieve his goal, Dr. Hines employed self-defense techniques developed by military cultures from around the world. He selected only the best of their ideas, and culled out the techniques that were showy or required exceptional skill or physical prowess. He took the very best of what was left, and refined them into a common sense self-defense fighting system. His search was driven by answering these questions:
(1) Is it easy to learn? YES
The law enforcement community and other security professional wanted to train their people quickly. They wanted them to remember what they learned when they were under pressure.
(2) Can it be used by people of all sizes and physical conditions? YES
Men and Women of all sizes and of a wide age range serve in the law enforcement and security industry. They have a wide range of physical ability. Employees do not have be muscled or big in order to make self-defense techniques work.
(3) Is it effective? YES
This is indeed the key question. The ASDA curricula that is designed and taught by Dr. Hines and his associates is for warfare not recreation or enlightenment.
The end result became The ASDA approach--a Reality- Based Self-Defense system that is all about employing the quickest and most effective counter-response when attacked.
Since 1998, ASDA techniques have been taught to military, civilians and law enforcement all over the world. This unique training method has been recognized as the most efficient self-defense system for real-life situations, emphasizing practical defenses against real attacks.
ASDAs approach to self-defense starts from the premises that military, law enforcement personnel and security personnel operate in a hostile environment in which the combatants could not devote many hours to hand to hand combat training. Therefore, ASDAs self-defense system was created to bring students to a high level of proficiency in a relatively short period of time. There are no forms (katas) or rules or set combinations as reactions to attacks. Instead, ASDAs training focuses on teaching simple self-defense techniques which are specifically designed to meet real world attack situations.
In essence, ASDA self-defense approach is a survival system dealing with personal safety issues. It is considered to be a modern, highly refined, street fighting system, designed to be effective against armed and unarmed attackers. ASDA addresses a wide variety of aggressive attacks that include punches, kicks, chokes, bear hugs, headlocks, grabs, as well as defenses against multiple attackers and assailants armed with a firearm, edged weapon, or blunt object.
ASDA training stresses the ability to react when surprised. Techniques and training methods emphasize the ability to function from a poor state of readiness, and to move from a passive to aggressive state immediately in order to fight back and survive. Training methods teach students to react effectively under stress and to move efficiently from a position of disadvantage to a position of advantage without cooperation from your training partner(s).
In addition to self-defense, ASDA teaches hand-to-hand combat. This is a more advanced and sophisticated phase, and shows how to neutralize an opponent quickly and effectively. It embodies elements related to the actual performance of the fight including tactics, feints, powerful combinations of different attacks, the psychological dimensions of the fight, and learning how to use the environment to your advantage.
ASDA includes specialized training methods to not only challenge students physically, but to also instill a special mental discipline meant to strengthen the spirit and to develop the ability to deal with violent confrontations under intense stress.
ASDA approach to self-defense incorporates fitness, self-defense and fighting like no other system. ASDAs exercise classes compliment training by toning muscle and dramatically improving strength and stamina. ASDAs self-defense seminars and classes are a total-body workout that combines kicking, punching, street fighting, ground fighting, and defenses against weapons, getting students into prime physical shape.
ASDA Training for Law Enforcement
ASDA is dedicated to improving defensive tactics training for law enforcement and military personnel. The core philosophy of ASDAs approach to self-defense is the official defensive tactics system of many military, law enforcement agencies, special operations units and security personnel worldwide. These combat philosophies have been tested in every law enforcement and military environmentfrom front lines to back streets, from prisoner transport to "take no prisoners".
Because Law Enforcement and Military units establish differing use of force policies, the ASDA Evaluating Committee (EC) will help any organization establish the training program that fit within the confines of laws regulating the use of force.
The EC will take every important step to refine its self-defense programs for the needs of American law enforcement. ASDAs management is keenly aware of use-of-force issues facing law enforcement.
The general ASDA law enforcement-training curriculum has been divided into ten basic areas:
1. Combatives
2. Self-Defense
3. Weapon Retention
4. Defensive Tactics Against Threats Involving Handgun
5. Defensive Tactics Against Attacks With A Blunt Object (Stick)
6. Defensive Tactics Against Attacks With An Edged Weapon (Knife)
7. Defensive Tactics Against Threats With A Shotgun/Rifle/SMG
8. Utilizing Impact Weapons for Defensive Purposes and Striking Techniques
9. Arrest & Control / Officer Safety Tactics
10. Ground Fighting (Law Enforcement Applications)
Belts or levels are not emphasized in the system. However, the real test is knowing ASDAs techniques well enough to perform them successfully on the street - when needed. In the seminar or classroom settings, there are 5 levels defined to help the instructors better organize the various techniques and to effectively teach them to all students.
ASDA Level 1:
This level is designed for all new self-defense students and will cover basic techniques and philosophies. The goal of this level is to teach the basics of self-defense and fighting, including fighting stance and movement, various punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. The student will also learn techniques from both a standing position, as well as, from on the ground and be able to defend against chokes, headlocks and wrist grabs.
ASDA Level 2:
In this intermediate level, students will learn new techniques, in addition to reviewing and improving their Level 1 skills. More advanced techniques such as defenses with simultaneous counterattacks, bear hugs, and ground threats will also be learned.
ASDA Level 3:
In this intermediate level, students will learn semi-advanced techniques that reinforce and enhance techniques learned in the previous levels. Additional training focus is given to develop proficient defenses against some of the more common attacks such as punch and kick combinations, hair grabs, and more threats from the ground or from behind.
ASDA Level 4:
This level is for students interested in more advanced training, emphasizing advanced techniques. The curriculum includes additional strategies on punches and kicks, more defenses against aggressive attacks, and defenses against common weapons.
ASDA Level 5:
Weapons Defense: Focused training to develop effective tactical defenses against aggressive club, knife, and gun attacks. (Open to Level students and above.)
Students will receive certification after each level of training. Only students that receive certification in all five areas will receive a Certified Teacher Diploma.
1. How ASDA self-dense system does differs from other Martial Arts?
Answer: ASDAs self-defense is not a traditional martial art. No katas. No rituals. No nonsense. Based on simple principles and instinctive movements, this reality-based system is designed to teach real self-defense in the shortest possible time. You'll learn to defend against common chokes and grabs from all angles, punches and kicks, and weapons such as guns, knives, and sticks. Just as important, ASDA will teach you to function under stress, shock and adrenaline rush of a sudden, violent encounter. Tested on the battlefield and in today's streets, ASDAs practical approach to self-defense will make you safer and more secure. And believe it or not, you'll have so much fun working out; you won't be able to wait for your next seminar or class!
2. Who is using the ASDAs Approach to Self-Defense?
Answer: Many law enforcement agencies, militaries and security organizations around the world.
3. What are the benefits for me?
Answer:
a. Awareness
Students trained by ASDA use basic moves in various combinations to fend off violent attacks. This means that students adjust to new situations through improvisation, an important and unique feature of this style. This requires using the head as well as the body, and thus ASDA addresses the thought process as well as the physical action.
b. Confidence
Improvisation also allows for limitations in physical abilities. Not everyone can bring his or her leg up to a 180 degree angle, and thus the system is geared towards the average person. Students are taught a variety of possible defensive reactions for each possible attack situation, building upon an actual framework of usable techniques. They are then encouraged to utilize the responses that are appropriate to their capabilities. This allows the student to develop a sense of confidence in their abilities.
c. Physical Fitness
Because physical fitness is closely interwoven into the system, the workout includes a number of cardiovascular and strength building exercises, as well as stretching to increase flexibility. Emphasis is put on speed, endurance, strength, accuracy and coordination, especially for intensive Level 5 training.
4. What if I have/have not taken martial arts before?
Answer: For many people, ASDA training is their first experience in martial arts. However, we also have many students who come to train with us and have numerous years of experience in other systems. In fact, many ASDA instructors have years of training in a variety of systems. Therefore, ASDA approach has proven to be a very open system and welcomes all who wish to participate, regardless of background.
5. How long will it take for me to become proficient in Self-Defense?
Answer: ASDA approach, unlike many other martial arts, is a very fast-progressing system. Part of its design was driven by the need to train people very quickly and very efficiently. Consequently, it typically takes a person of average physical ability perhaps only several months before significant progress is achieved and noticeable.
6. How safe is ASDA Approach to Self-defense? Do I risk getting hurt?
Answer: ASDAs approach is as safe as any other martial arts form. During your instruction you are required to wear shin and groin protection. ASDA seminars and classes are typically small and tightly controlled. The chances of being injured during a class are as remote and even less than for any other sport. The chances of someone attacking you being injured, however, are extremely high.
7. I want to spar. Is that available?
Answer: Absolutely. The ASDA self-defense applications include sparring (with gloves and full head protection) and grappling. It is an optional class where you'll get to test your combative skills with a partner who's trying to do the same. While this class may leave you a bit more winded with a few more bumps and bruises, the maintenance of student safety is always emphasized. This class requires at least 2 months of regular self-defense training and the permission of the instructor to participate.
8. I don't want to spar. Will I be forced to?
Answer: No. Sparring is conducted in the special optional classes described above.With ASDA approach, it is not necessary to be good at sparring to learn to defend yourself. Remember, in self-defense there are no rules. In sparring, some rules must be imposed to maintain student safety. While sparring may help you become a more proficient, coordinated fighter, it is not required.
9. I am a small person with little strength. How can ASDA help me?
Answer: ASDA approach to self-defense was designed to benefit the average person. The system is not about sheer strength or power. As a matter of fact one of the basic tenets of ASDA is that one should not oppose power with power. Rather, ASDA blends a combination of physical skill with mental self-defense determination. Consequently, ASDA is more accessible to more people, male or female, any shape or size than many other martial art forms.
ASDA is only one of a few organizations, either nationally or internationally qualified to offer Professional certification to non-martial art professionals whose job performance could be complimented and enhanced by obtaining self-defense skills.
ASDA will provide timely verification of certified expertise in any given area of self-defense on behalf of its members to organizations and employers such as: law enforcement, security companies, and bails bonding companies, government agencies, International Agencies and humanitarian relief groups. The markets for obtaining professional self-defense skills have become saturated with karate organizations offering credentials are not recognized by industries such as law enforcement, security, prison corrections, etc.. The lack of recognition is largely due to the sport karate training nature of these karate organizations that are issuing the certification. The sport martial arts are really what it is; i.e. sport martial arts, not Self-defense. This is characteristic of most martial arts organizations in the United States in particular and the world martial arts community in general.
ASDA will provide self-defense training courses for groups of all sizes. These classes include self-defense certification for instructors, self-defense certification for novice, intermediate and advanced students, as well as private lessons.
Seminar Workshops Provided By ASDA:
a. Law Enforcement Instructor Certification Training Programs
ASDA has designed these seminars for law enforcement agencies looking to reduce vicarious liability and maximize courtroom defensibility by training officers in all components of the use of non-lethal force.
Some of the seminars that will be provided by ASDA will encompass instructor and officer training in defensive tactics; pressure points; weapon retention and disarming; spontaneous knife defense; ground avoidance and ground escapes; dynamic simulations of joint locks and physical seduction of individuals.Additional seminars offered are:
Holstered and Drawn Weapon Retention and Disarming Instructor Certification
This 1 1/2 day course will certify law enforcement trainers to teach fellow officers how to maintain their firearm against violent deadly force attacks by predators who aim to kill if they are able to wrest the guns away. This seminar teaches effective strategies against drawn weapon attacks as well as front and rear hostage situations where a "Bad Guy" is holding a firearm on the officer.
Straight and/or Collapsible Baton Instructor Certification Course
ASDA will offer self-defense training for law enforcement against violent assaults from close quarters. These seminars cover legal, medical and tactical issues regarding baton and Impact Weapon System use. The seminar also covers effective strikes and blocks, footwork and liability issues.
b. Bouncer Training
This comprehensive survival skills course will be designed for the security specialist who must deal with the patron(s) who is under the influence of any number of elements, including substance(s), peer pressure, rage, adrenaline, emotional/mental dysfunction and/or any number of others. This proposed training to be provided by ASDA is a must for bouncers and other entertainment security specialists in today's litigious society.
This course will teach crucial court defensible techniques in the management of aggression, including (verbal) de-escalation techniques; effective and safe separation skills; escort and removal; crowd control; common sense self-defense countermeasures; joint locks and takedowns; the shoulder pin restraint system; appropriate intermediate weapons and other crucial intervention techniques upon request. Each security specialist's situation will be different and the course design is flexible enough to adjust the skills and techniques to meet the demands of any given job.
c. Bounty Hunter Training
Bounty Hunters of the 21st Century are more vulnerable to legal actions and physical attacks than ever before. ASDA has designed this course and its presentation in conjunction with experienced law enforcement personnel who have many years of experience retrieving desperate and dangerous fugitives.
Bounty Hunters will expand their mastery and skills in bringing elusive fugitives to justice in a legally (court defensible), medically (researched to be safe & non-excessive) and tactically (the techniques will work under combat stress) acceptable system. Seminar topics will include, among others: Retrieval Strategies; Building & Room Entries; Management of High-Intensity Light; Verbal De-Escalation Skills; Tactical Handcuffing; Combat Handcuffing; Pressure Point Control; Close Quarter Combat Techniques; Defensive Countermeasures; the Impact Weapon(s); the Shoulder Pin Restraint System; Weapon Retention; Ground Avoidance & Ground Escapes.
d. ASDAs S.H.A.R.P. (Sexual Harassment Assault and Rape Prevention)
Instructor Certification
ASDA offers graduates of this two to three-day course certification to instruct courses for instructor level and basic individual level self-defense for women courses. These seminars will focus on how to diffuse sexual harassment in the workplace. Become a master of deflecting low level physical aggression and to thwart high level aggression against women.
e. Security Staff Techniques for Managing Aggression
ASDA has designed these seminars for security personnel who have to deal with the public in chaotic situations, such as rock concerts, night clubs, barrooms, political and other high profile public events where the public is likely to be intoxicated or in an unruly emotional state. Mainstays of this program are verbal de-escalation techniques; leverage takedowns, distraction techniques, all designed to short circuit (weaken) and manage aggression with the least chance or injury and the highest possibility of a successful outcome for security staff.
f. Disruptive Student Management (DSM -Instructor Certification)
Verbal, psychological and decisive physical skills designed to help teachers and other school staff to defuse school violence in a complex and delicate legal environment. ASDA can bolster a board of education's€™s court defensibility by certifying its staff as DSM instructors.
g. Violent Patient Management (VPM -Instructor Certification)
The medical environment, whether it is in a home during an EMS or Crisis Intervention visit, emergency room, psychiatric ward, or clinic, can be an unpredictable, volatile and violent situation. Drugs, medication, pain and fear can all be triggers to an attack. ASDA provide seminars that will school medical personnel on de-escalation techniques; threat recognition and effective countermeasures that will, in the great majority of situations, repel attacks in a tactically, medically and legally defensible way.
