Hi Mr. Thornton,

I apologize for not getting back to sooner. You had asked some of the ways your video series had helped my DT program. You donated a series of your first videos to my department.

Before everything was taught in a very low level manner. We would line the students up and they would perform the wrist takedown or the keylock hold etc, etc.

My academy even mandates that I teach a 7 step kata which consists of a down block, middle block, its taken from a old karate style.

I have complained for years but it hasn't changed. Recently I was given the job of doing inter department training. This program was all mine, so I used my boxing headgear, some gloves and some pads, and demonstrated basic slipping from boxing, to avoid the karate style blocks, and taught everyone the importance of keeping their hands up.

I then used your methods of "in three's" by showing the wrist holds that we are mandated to use. For example, instead of the old way where the technique was done over and over, I had one guy resist so the other officer would have to switch or flow into another hold or takedown. It's still stone age but I am dealing with guys who are overweight or have just the basic academy training.

I then demonstrated the takedown that I used on a domestic call that I learned from your series.

I then did a escape technique from a ground position that goes into a handcuffing position.

I then showed the importance of the clinch, this really impressed them. I related to the officers that in order to arrest someone we have to be close, so learn to clinch.

I didn't mean to go on and on, but the series you sent have really changed my thought process. I was going through a bad divorce and I remember I was watching the videos where you are talking about being a warrior or a beggar. I have applied that in my personal life and on the job, it may sound goofy but it made a big difference.

Once my financial situation gets better I will be ordering some of the new series. They are getting great reviews.

Thanks for everything.

Rob D

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