With 2007 being the 80th anniversary of the Todd group conducted in conjunction with the annual international close combat course and the close personal protection specialist training course 2008 had plenty to live up to.
It was apparent several months before the course that all positions would be full and the applications would exceed the available slots.
We conducted an international lottery for several positions on course that received considerable interest. Unfortunately for some of the international exponents 12 hour deployments or contracts requiring an immediate start led last-minute withdrawals.
Fortunately there were plenty on the wait list keen to take the available positions at short notice.
The increased exponents being messed required some quick last-minute improvements and repairs as Murphy would have it we had water, power and telephone problems immediately before the course.
This meant new underground cables and a new water tank as well as finishing the outdoor training facility.
Conducting the phase 3 and instructors’ course immediately before the annual course and having the instructing cadre stay on for the annual course meant an abundance of assistant instructors for the assigned course instructors. The result being the one instructor to 14 exponents ratio was exceeded by some.
The 2008 course, even with a capacity attendance, had enough equipment so that no one went without or had to wait. The new pugil sticks were tested on course and achieved their objective.
The new 20 metre long outdoor training facility was utilized by the second phase course all week and was an excellent place to train especially on the ground combat phase.
Having over 25 phase 3 exponents and instructors on course is testament to the long history of close combat at the Todd Group and made for a great course. The phase 2 course was also a full muster and comprised of a mixed bunch of combatants that worked away quietly all week.
Some phase two exponents had attended previous phase two training courses and were working at making up the required hours for phase. Others were new to phase 2 training having passed the phase 1 taste in the previous 12 months.
The phase one group comprised of exponents from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds: soldiers, police, businessmen, builders, farmers, students, martial artists, athletes, brokers, lawyers, accountants, footballers, doctors, and tradesmen.
The exponents’ backgrounds were not only diverse but also where there physical attributes and builds.
Phase 1 being the foundation for all advanced and specialist phases of training as well as comprising of the means to combat common violent threats makes it a very important phase of training.
The phase 1 exponents’ week is extremely extensive and intensive in the learning of skills and requires not only high levels of commitment from the exponents but also attention to detail.
Having three phases of training running simultaneously without distraction and in a manner conducive with practical learning and gaining proficiency required us the best of instruction facilities and equipment and this is what was provided.
There were visits into the Todd Group HQ and Fight Times store as well as familiarization training in wrestling conducted by four times All-American Scott Hewit.
International powerlifting champion Steve Varga conducted an information workshop on pattern strength training that was well received by all exponents.
Phase 1 exponents by day four were beginning to up the ante in their practice of their chosen primary unarmed offensive and counteroffensive assault skills.
Apart from the cuts bruises and bleeds that come with the territory most exponents were dealing with their aches and pains well.
Then on day five during the combat milling and pugil stick fighting two exponents unfortunately had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
Even after 30 years of conducting training and test phases and seeing our share of injuries no one on the instructing team finds it easy to see exponents injured and their chance of phase testing ended.
We all know the risks but as an instructor where your satisfaction is your exponents’ achievement and success to see them prevented from achieving their goals is an unfortunate reality.
The phase 2 testing was conducted on the evening of day five and required exponents to be proficient in many close quarter combat of modules.
Those that passed did so because they had put in the hours prior to this course and were ready for the challenge.
Those that didn't achieve their objective were much better for the experience and will have a better understanding of what is expected of them when they next test.
The Todd group recently re-established extended training requirements for three phases to be completed prior to testing to ensure candidates were well prepared and ready for testing and that skill fade post testing would be reduced.
From phase 1 to phase 3 qualification requires 1000 hours of logged training time.
The phase 1 test on day six started well with the tougher and sickener phases where exponents conducted themselves well by performing the requirements above the required skill factor and adequate commitment.
The course of instruction has a high focus on tactics skills and dirty tricks and less on physical fitness training.
The reason for this is simply that there is no age limit for applicants and we are here to instruct and test their combative abilities and not their physical abilities other than being able to preform the required combative skills.
The test phase does at the outset include some combat conditioning to test exponents’ inner-resolve and make the odds more even with their being no weight groups.
The bigger exponent tends to become less of a risk under test conditions if he has had to physically commit prior to the combative testing phase.
The other advantage of the combat conditioning phase of the test and the toughener and sickener phases is that it tends to increase skills levels as when fatigue sets in and the stress level goes up the candidate must rely on their skills to a higher degree to counter or combat their enemy party.
If we made it simply an endurance event determined to a major degree by physical capabilities then we would not achieve our major objective of proving the candidates combative worth.
Candidates come from a wide range of back grounds and many are great athletes and sports people or service personnel where others are not but they all must achieve the required combative levels to pass regardless of their age gender or physical condition.
The self-defence tested modules produce some favourable results with a majority of exponents demonstrating above the required level of proficiency.
The combative phase of the testing produced some below the required level results that resulted in more than half the candidates failing the test.
I had observed the exponents during the training phase of the course and had personally trained them in the requirements of the combative phase of testing prior to the testing.
Unfortunately many exponents resorted to in and out sparring over the required relentless unarmed offensive and counteroffensive assault skills.
Reverting to previous traditional or sporting practices led the failed end result for many candidates.
Unfortunately other candidates mimicked fellow exponents’ incorrect options and found themselves not achieving because of failing to employ the principles and skills of the phase 1 syllabus in their correct and proven manner.
I had to halt the testing several times to explain and demonstrate what was expected of exponents under phase 1 testing.
The instructing team’s duty is to prepare the individual exponents to ensure they have the best chance at successfully phase testing in the rest is up to them.
If it was easy everyone would be doing it and the true test of the individual exponent’s character and inner-resolve is identified when they do not achieve their objective and come back and correct their skills and apply themselves fully.
I have instructed exponents from other schools around the world that simply don't have the intestinal fortitude to undergo the Todd Group phase testing after having a glimpse of the requirements and after training with some of the successful exponents.
They settle for seminars, workshops and courses where the challenge is lesser and the outcome a foregone conclusion.
Maintaining the highest combative standards in our military and civilian courses for over 80 years is what a reputation has been formed on and ensures we attract a serious and committed calibre of exponent.
The annual course virtually self promotes with the return of exponents year after year and you exponents being recruited mainly by the beast means of promotion being word-of-mouth.
In fact we were still receiving applications for this year's annual course on day one and by day two were receiving applications for the 2009 annual international close comic course.
The following are comments requested and received from some of the attending exponents on course:
Thank you for your report and course details. Personally I would thank you for your time and effort in making it possible for me to participate in you 1st Phase program. I am truly great full for the positive outcome I have received after completing your 1st Phase Course. It was a real opportunity to test my-self against other worthy exponents using your Self defense combat system.. I could not have achieved this without your expertise. I have not been through any other self defense program so I really appreciate learning the skills and CQB Principals during my 1st Phase course training.
I am much better for the experience. I feel I have accomplished a lot and now I have a whole new level of awareness. I look forward to being a positive role model as part of your organization as an exponent and as Company Director.
I would also like to say that Your Instructor helped make the course as enjoyable, as possible. Everything run smoothly and your Instructors have demonstrated what was expected of us throughout the course clearly.
I thank all your Instructors for their time, effort and coaching over the week.
Last but not least I would like to say, thanks to your wife and daughter and their team for preparing our meals like clock work, they have catered for everyone very well.
* * *
Reason for attending
Keep up to date on skills
Occupation
Security Company Director
Previous training
Nil only CQB PPCT systems
Prior sporting achievements
Nil
What you achieved personally on course
Relevant skills
Future plans
Continued Training
Comments in regards to the training course of instruction
As always exceptional
General recollections of the course, exponents, instructors, related lectures as well as the introduction to weight training and wrestling
Good
* * *
Reason for attending
It was a personal challenge for me, I wanted to put myself outside of my comfort zone to see if I could handle the intensity of it.
Occupation
Manager – Financial Services
Previous training
No martial arts training
Prior sporting achievements
Nothing of note
What you achieved personally on course
I am proud to have seen out the week and participated in the testing. I enjoyed meeting some good people and receiving intensive training.
Future plans
I think my failure to pass the phase test will eat away at me – so once I've had a short break I suspect I'll do something about putting it right.
Comments in regards to the camp facilities equipment etc
It was a long way from my comfort zone, but that all added to the challenge that the week provided. It's the perfect setting for the course.
The food was good and plentiful.
Comments in regards to the training course of instruction
The trainers were generally good, Chris in particular was very willing to help out and provide advice.
I understand from speaking to people on last year's course that they had a lot more training simulating the combative phase of the testing (i.e. done at 50% intensity), and they also did combat milling every day. I think both of these things would have assisted.
Comments in regards to the test phase
See comment above. I would like to have had more practice to prepare specifically for the combat phase. On reflection I would have approached it totally differently – with a lot more commitment to all-out attack rather than waiting to attack from a parry.
General recollections of the course, exponents, instructors, related lectures as well as the introduction to weight training and wrestling
It's a hell of a week, it really tests you mentally as well as physically. You meet some really good people, and everyone is fully committed to achieving.
I really enjoyed your lecture on self defence (your experience with the gang confrontation etc.) and it was interesting to listen to Steve Varga too.
Overall, we were very fortunate to have an opportunity to receive that sort of experience and training, particularly for non-military people like me.
Well done on organising it to such a high standard.
* * *
Reason for attending
Wanted to become better at CQB for my job.
Occupation
soldier
Previous training
A small amount Miltary CQB
Prior sporting achievements
Nil
What you achieved personally on course
I learnt a hell of a lot and am sure I can use these skills if called upon
Future plans
I intend to come back next year after having a bit more practice and do phase one again and attempt the test this time if I am available
Comments in regards to the camp facilities equipment etc
Camp facilities were basic, but that was all that was needed for the week
Comments in regards to the training course of instruction
Training was excellent. A lot to take in in five days though
Comments in regards to the test phase
As I was injured I couldn't sit it but it looked really fun, and tested the pers accurately
General recollections of the course, exponents, instructors, related lectures as well as the introduction to weight training and wrestling
Over all I think the course was great and I learnt a lot. The people were great and I met mainly people from different back rounds. The lectures we were given by guest pers was helpful in learning different techniques and strengths we might not have learnt if we had not met them. The instructors were tough but that just made us work harder I think to get the best results.
* * *
Reason for attending
CHALLENGE AND SKILLS
Occupation
PROJECT MANAGER
Previous training
ZERO IN CQB
Prior sporting achievements
NUMEROUS SPORTS WITHOUT EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT
– RUNNING
– ROAD CYCLING
– MULTISPORT
– KAYAKING
– SCUBA DIVING
– KARATE
– RUGBY
What you achieved personally on course
DEVELOPED SKILLS AND HAD AN EXPERIENCE VERY DIFFERRENT AND WELCOME FROM MY
DESK BOUND CORPORATE LIFE
Future plans
ACHIEVE PHASE 1
Comments in regards to the camp facilities equipment etc
GOOD AS EXPECTED. THE ONLY FEEDBACK WOULD BE FOR MORE CARBOHYDRATES AT LUNCH TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF RUNNING OUT OF FUEL IN THE AFTERNOON.
Comments in regards to the training course of instruction
OVERALL GOOD, A HIGHER INSTRUCTOR RATIO WOULD BE GOOD, MORE FIGHTING PRACTISE, MORE COMMUICATION REGARD THE SCHEDULE.
Comments in regards to the test phase
FINE, CLEAR, LOGICAL
General recollections of the course, exponents, instructors, related lectures as well as the introduction to weight training and wrestling
ALL THE EXTRA STUFF WAS GOOD, IT ADDED VARIETY AND PROVIDED GREATER CONTEXT.
Reason for attending
Esprit de Corps. There is nowhere else I can access this type of mutually supportive environment short of joining the military.
It recharges my faith in humanity to meet so many people who are intelligent competent and have values and beliefs that mirror each other. There are widely different views but the one common thread is that you are entitled to it… by right. No BS.
Occupation
Systems Administrator in a Large Corporate team
Previous training
Aikido, Jujutsu
Prior sporting achievements
Nothing remarkable. Excellent swimmer, Badminton, soccer, hockey, rugby, basketball
What you achieved personally on course
Gathered together a completely new set of bruises. Immensely proud to see two good mates pass but disappointed to miss out again. Made some really great friends
Future plans
I'll be back.
Comments in regards to the camp facilities equipment etc
Great. They are part of the whole experience. An absolutely top spot.
Food was great again and the facilities were adequate to the needs. Mind you after seven nights I was glad to be back in my own bed.
I want to begin a book or a chapter with "It all started on a hillside in Dunedin…"
Comments in regards to the training course of instruction
Excellent. The instructors were precise clear and experienced. Kudos to Lee, Tim and Chris.
Comments in regards to the test phase
Daunting. Having been there once helped a little but the day itself was quite testing.
General recollections of the course, exponents, instructors, related lectures as well as the introduction to weight training and wrestling
A really great bunch of guys this year and there were some people who will always be welcome at my table.
Regardless of the friendships forged there is a link between every exponent of CQB that was demonstrated when a complete stranger walked up to JA and I in the airport and introduced himself as a previous exponent. Instant link, as he had been there before us and understood what we had experienced.
The evening with Steve was really great and I learned a lot. I also gained a great deal of respect for the man himself as a great person and an excellent ambassador for the sport. A true gentleman and a great competitor.
The ancillary lectures were excellent. I have been present for some of these lectures a couple of times but find I always learn some thing new and always come away with plenty to think about.
The wrestling training was unexpectedly enjoyable. I wrestled as a very young kid for one season and my recollection of the sport was of being sat on by guys twice my weight for the whole season (it was a very small club in Napier in the 60's). The legshot?? Was a real eye opener and the instructor Scott Hewit was really great, breaking down the movements and elements of the technique in such a way that we all marvelling at the leverage and power we were able achieve.
* * *
Tank,
Thanks for the chance to do this again. It was really great to be there.
* * *
Hi Geoff
Just wanted to say thank you to you and your staff for the outstanding course, I got a lot out of it. It was without doubt the best course I have been on in terms of extending my own abilities.
* * *
Hi Geoff,
Quick note to thank you for a most enjoyable course. There was a really good atmosphere and I learnt some very good skills. Also many thanks to Trish and Jess for the delicious meals they prepared.
* * *
Reason for attending
To hone my phase 1 skills and continue learning phase 2 skills
Occupation
IT Sales
Previous training
Phase 1 camp last year and training with Lee and Oggy in Auckland
Prior sporting achievements
mountain biking across Pakistan and up the Khunjerab pass at 15,000 feet to the Chinese border. Rock climbing in Europe, Asia and North America
What you achieved personally on course
Learnt new skills, pushed my comfort zone, found out a broken nose and getting it reset in the field isn't so bad
Future plans
Hopefully attend the association instructor convention in December, continue practicing phase 2 skills and sit phase test at next available opportunity
Comments in regards to the training course of instruction
Good dynamic and learning environment between Howard and Jeremy. Jeremy definitely has a future as a very competent and articulate instructor
General recollections of the course, exponents, instructors, related lectures as well as the introduction to weight training and wrestling
A very good atmosphere and good camaraderie all round. Geoff was on very good form this year with his quips, enthusiasm and readiness to share his knowledge.
* * *
Reason for attending
Personal and professional development
Occupation
ARMY Medic
Previous training
Training and competing in Thai boxing
Training in Brazilian Ju-jitsu
Training in Boxing
Training in Wrestling
Prior sporting achievements
Track and field i competed and faired well in the following events:
High jump
Middle distance running
Sprints
Thai boxing record 5-0-0
What you achieved personally on course
Personal Satisfaction with own performance
Future plans
Complete all the Phase courses and any other courses I can get my hands on
Comments in regards to the camp facilities equipment etc
Great place! Facilities suitable for event
Comments in regards to the training course of instruction
Instructors were of a very high calibre – definitely knew what they were instructing
Comments in regards to the test phase
Could have been more physically demanding
General recollections of the course, exponents, instructors, related lectures as well as the introduction to weight training and wrestling
Seminars were great! Really good to mix up the course with other related material.
All up it was an awesome course – I had a blast! Should I need to use the skills I feel I am more than capable of using them.
Interested in Close Combat Training? Todd Group Depots are located throughout New Zealand and at various overseas locations.
For more information on Todd System of Close Combat see the following books, dvds and cds:
- Close Combat Books
The Do's and Don'ts of Close Combat – Tactical C&R – Control and Restraint – No Nonsense Self Defence – Military Close Combat Systems Phase One – Combative Masters Of The 20th Century - Close Combat DVDs
Self Defence of the Elite – 80 Years of Combative Excellence – Primary Option Control & Restraint – Military Unarmed Combat – Phase 1 - Close Combat CDs
Technique To Command – Combative Code of Conduct
