During December 16-20, 2008, Dunedin, New Zealand was the location for the International Close Combat Instructors' Association (ICCIA) convention. The association’s director of overseas affairs, Tank Todd, hosted the convention at the Todd Group’s headquarters and training camp. The convention attracted approximately 100 exponents from all over the world and six association member instructors, including Larry Jordan, Michael Janich, Major John Whipp, Richard Hungerford, John Badman and Tank Todd.

ICCIA members, 1997 ICCIA Convention, Las Vegas.

Exponents attending the training phase of the convention came from a wide range of services ranging from regular force through to Special Forces, as well as various police departments and groups. Attendees included many practitioners from New Zealand and Australia and several students from as far away as the United States and Germany. The convention went off without a hitch and there were many new friendships forged and future plans made.

Association members Larry Jordan and Major John Whipp had visited New Zealand multiple times before, but for Michael Janich, Richard Hungerford and John Badman this was their first visit and the first opportunity for students to learn about their specific brands of close combat.

I personally first met Mike on my instructor qualification course in Southeast Asia and then again at the Soldier of Fortune convention and Association convention in Las Vegas. We have also met at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. I had always wanted Mike to visit down under and this was truly a very special reunion indeed.

I have been corresponding regularly with new association members Richard Hungerford and John Badman and at last had the opportunity to meet them in person and work with them. I was extremely impressed with their skills and professionalism and it is an honor to have them as members of the organization.

The Association General meeting was conducted to kick off the official proceedings and to ensure that business was taken care of and future planning established. Once all our distinguished Association member guests had completed their general meeting duties, an official introduction and welcome was conducted by a large group of phase 3 Todd Group members. These seasoned practitioners demonstrated their skills in a gruelling, high-speed training session. This enabled our association member guests to observe basic, advanced, and specialist skills being practiced by senior members and member instructors. It also provided an opportunity for the Association members to look around the old Todd Group training facility and history room and to meet or reunite with senior members of the group. This was a low-key but very special event for the attending exponents and much better than a traditional demonstration format.

Todd Group members and attending exponents were made to feel welcome by the approachable demeanour of the visiting Association member instructors at all times. Attendees had the benefit of being able to have their questions answered at will and directly from the subject matter experts themselves. There were also ample opportunities outside official training to meet and converse with Association member instructors. However, even in a social context, it was easy to recognize the exponent attendees as serious combatants and instructors.

The ICCIA is the definitive global organization of military close combat instructors. It is not only an invitation-only association, but also requires all invited applicants to meet stringent membership application requirements. This ensures the rank-and-file have the required qualifications and recorded record of instructor’s service. When you consider this with the fact that the Todd Group is the world’s oldest military close combat training provider of its kind you soon realize the attraction of this event for serious combatants and tactical training personnel.

The convention and training phases workshop nominations was promoted through the Todd Group website and Fight Times only, but we had no problem achieving a full muster. In fact the training phases applications had to be cut off and a wait list established well before the close off date. Serious exponents in the tactical and combative fields seem to be doing their homework and asking the smart questions to ensure they are getting what they require in training and from those that have the rank credentials and records of instructing service. Word-of-mouth and the old grapevine ensure all Todd Group courses are full musters and the same applied to the convention training phases.

The convention training phases were restricted based on the individual applicant’s status, which ranged from civilian enthusiast exponents through to police and regular force military, tri-service exponents as well as Special Forces and phase 3 instructors and exponents.

The first training for police and military as well as the instructor cadre was on the range and included point shooting as well as tactical shooting aspects. Michael Janich, who worked with Colonel Rex Applegate in producing and publishing the late Colonel’s books and videos on instinctive point shooting conducted a first-class workshop on point shooting covering material from Captain William Fairbairn and Colonel Rex Applegate, as well as other experts. This workshop included the most current changes and options in instinctive point shooting, which exposed exponents to the expertise and hands-on training from Mike who had worked directly with Colonel Applegate on these projects for longer than anyone else I know.

This convention brought together the two people that had both been privileged to work with Colonel Rex Applegate up until his passing: Mike and Tank. Exposure to the shooting aspects of the late great Colonel Rex Applegate from Mike and the close combat aspects of Colonel Applegate's work from Tank was described by attendees as something very special indeed.

The shooting phase was broken into three stages that were conducted simultaneously. Stage one worked on basic aimed and basic point shooting. Stage two training focused on instinctive point shooting with Mike, and stage three addressed tactical shooting with Larry Jordan. Larry covered some of the principles and theory behind tactical military and police aspects of shooting based on his in-depth experience. Exponents were well drilled in the important practices and procedures and could ask their role and service related questions having them answered directly by Larry. Drills were practiced as walk-throughs and finally with live fire. The reasoning behind specialist tactics and procedures was clearly explained, including Orthodox and unorthodox methods and contingency options.

Because of the capacity attendance, the stages of training were rotated to ensure everyone was introduced and exposed to the type of training relevant to their role service and duties. Although this was only an introduction and initial exposure to such combat shooting, the exponents left with valuable new skills tactics and procedures.

The next training workshops were in unarmed combat self-protection and defensive tactics. The important and beneficial reality of having Association member instructors providing training of their particular systems is that the exponents have the opportunity to be privy to a wide range of methods of achieving an objective and can take away with them what they consider their preferences.

The training began with a survey of all exponents to determine what they wanted to learn. The list of topics formed the foundation for the training outline and the instructors took turns working their way through the requested subjects. The list included disarming skills, canine neutralization, ground combat, multiple assailants, prisoner handling and much more. Exponents were encouraged to note take and ask questions of the instructors.

Day two included workshops by Major John Whipp assisted by John Badman and Michael Janich. Mike introduced enthusiastic exponents to his world of expertise with a knife and empty-handed. His instruction included basic knife tactics, empty-hand defenses against edged weapons, and pure empty-hand combatives. There was ample opportunity to practice the skills and increase the intensity, developing both technique and character in the process.

Mike demonstrated not only cohesive knife skills but also some excellent unarmed skills targeting the lower quadrants with knees and kicks combined to attack multiple targets. He emphasized the principle of driving right through the target area with kicks and combining kicks with foot traps and balance disruptions.

Johnny Whipp covered ground fighting and his unique approach to unarmed combat that he has spent his entire life instructing. There were plenty of hands-on applications and the exponents felt the effects of being, as they say in wrestling, “tweaked” in some sensitive areas. They were also strangled choked and locked up in some stress positions that demand pain compliance. Johnny is in his element in the clinch and on the ground and introduced the exponents to some new forms of discomfort as part of his hands-on training.

The final day of group training begun with detainee handling, control and restraint, and close-protection-related close combat. All instructors provided training in their primary options and “Hungers,” as he had in the previous unarmed combat and defensive tactics training, provided instruction in how principles and tactics related to specialist roles employments. I personally provided training in close-protection-related close combat ranging from escape and evasion principal decentralization skills through to pedestrian escort actions on intervention and incapacitation skills. The control restraint training included valuable knowledge from all instructors present.

The final restricted training session focused on specialist lethal close combat for special operations. I kicked it off with a head-to-toe lesson in unarmed anatomy destruction as it relates to close combat. There were serious options of target destruction provided in relation to the individual instructors personal preferences and systems. Cervical column targeting methods were demonstrated by Larry Jordan Mike Janich, John Badman, and myself. These provided a wide and varied range of options. Hungers enforced the importance of team applications and sound simple and proven skills to shock, surprise, and overwhelm your enemy.

The objective of the convention workshops was to expose exponents to some of the options out there. It was not a training course of instruction with qualification being the objective, but was undertaken to keep the attendees aware, open-minded, flexible and innovative and to ensure they had exposure to a vast range of teachings. Keeping the blinkers off is critical to not only skill selection but also familiarization with other skills styles and systems. This objective was definitely achieved and the only downside was the fact that the instructors could have continued with the lessons for hours—if not days—longer than the available time.

The official phase of the convention ended with the official association dinner and socializing. This was a very enjoyable social gathering with speeches from all the attending association members as well as apologies and speeches read on behalf of the Association members that were unable to attend. The Association is made up of instructors and operators that are in constant demand globally. Due to deployments or instructing duties, some members simply could not be here, but wished for their sincere apologies and words of wisdom and encouragement to be read out to all those that were fortunate enough to attend.

The Todd Group’s distinguished life member Mr. Bill Hall, who served with bomber command and was trained in unarmed combat in World War II in Great Britain, was in attendance and his presence made the special event even more special. There was no need for any entertainment as the kindred spirits and close-knit friends mingled making new friends and reminiscing with old friends. I personally was proud to have Bill Hall, as well as some of my most senior and long-term assistants in Howard Bell, Kowley Mitchell, and Lee Smith, in attendance to honour our association members that had travelled so far so close to Christmas to be part of this very special event in close combat.

Immediately post convention there were requests from attending exponents for individual tuition training from specific instructors in specific skills. These requests were testament to the calibre of attending instructors and their exceptional levels of expertise. Individual tuition instruction was provided in some cases right up until the instructor’s departure.

The entire special event was a total success and we have already begun the planning of the next convention set down for September 2010 in Southeast Asia. Just days out from Christmas it's time for a brief break then early January back instructing CQB and planning the annual international close combat course set down for the end of March 2009 at the old Todd Group HQ.

Finally I would like to thank some of the many people that made this convention run so efficiently. My wife Trish and daughter Jess for their assistance with setting up and conducting the convention. The team of Todd Group members that assisted with setting up and cleaning up the training facilities. Chris Marsh for his efforts with a wide range of aspects that made the convention that much more achievable. Darren Keen for his assistance and his mother Trish for allowing us to hold the Association dinner at her golf club and the splendid dinner. John Adlington can always be relied on to assist with the many logistical requirements as well as with set-up or general needs and this was once again the case. Alistair Hogg took time out of his busy schedule to assist with VIP transport. Roscoe McGarry made my pre-convention training and testing commitments so much more manageable as well as assisting with preparing the training facility, along with Doctor Death, Stefan Eriksson. To all the other members that assisted with the conducting of the convention thank you and seasons greetings.

ICCIA Convention Testimonials

I am a retired pharmacist and former Army Medic from New Zealand and I attended the ICCIA Convention workshop, December 2008 in Dunedin. The international instructors were superb and their teaching methods very methodical and easy to follow and understand. I would certainly be looking forward to the next convention in Dunedin if only it could become an annual event. Another successful event for the Todd Group. Congratulations and many thanks for the opportunity of being there. — G R

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I am a civil engineer from Australia and attended the ICCIA convention workshops in Dunedin December 08. My recollection of the event is summarised in the following dot points: * Transportation between the training area and the camp was carried out efficiently * Attendees appreciated having access to instructors whose knowledge and experience in self defence subjects/combat techniques is second to none * The workshops comprised an appropriate balance of theory and practical skills training * The range of topics covered was quite extensive, and included edged weapon techniques, takedowns, control and restraint, chokes and strangles, hold escapes, defence from punches, handling dog attacks, contemporary methods of approaching suspects now taught to overseas police forces to counter modern threats, managing fear, and medical implications from strikes, edged weapon attacks, chokes/strangles, and restraining holds * The convention dinner was an occasion to remember, and provided the opportunity for attendees to interact with both instructors and guests. The meal was first class.

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Good afternoon Tank and Trish, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed the ICCIA seminar. I am sending this email to enquire about the up-coming Close Protection course in Nov. Could you also pencil me in for the March course this year (2nd phase).

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Hey Geoff, I'm really glad I came back to Dunedin, will see if I can make it down again some time. Was really good to see Howard, Cowboy and yourself again. And meet and train with some new people, like Chris and Graham. Over the last 6 years I've missed those Monday and Wednesday night training sessions. The conference was great, too. The people, as per usual in that building, all treated each other with respect and the instructors were all approachable. I learnt a lot and very much look forward to similar events in future. — RM

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I am a former Sgt in the NZ Army and I attended the ICCIA Convention in Dunedin, New Zealand over the period 17-19 Dec 2008. As with all Todd Group events I have attended, the planning and execution was conducted with military-like precision. The close combat skills and knowledge, both unarmed and armed, that was imparted to the participants by distinguished operators such as Larry Jordan, Major John Whipp and Mike Janich as well (of course)as Geoff himself, was an opportunity I was thankful to have been able to take. The diversity of skills taught was second only to the open minded attitude and willingness to try new techniques and listen to new ideas by all participants throughout the convention. An excellent event I would encourage all exponents to do, if the chance ever arises again. Thanks Tank, and your team. — RLR

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Hi Tank, Thanks for hosting the convention. It was well run and an excellent way to be introduced to a number of different techniques and I’m surprised by how much I remember even given the relatively condensed nature of the event. It was also good to meet people from such a wide range of different backgrounds; military, police, civilian etc. Kiwi Lawyer, Middle East. — BB

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Hey Tank, Thank you very much for a finely run Convention. The subject matter was wide-ranging but at the same time very practical and applicable, especially the tactical C and R. Please pass on my thanks to Larry, Mike, Johnny Whip, John Badman and Hungus. All the instructors were not only excellent teachers, the fact that they are, like youself, very friendly and approachable guys, made the learning experience so much eaiser. I look forward to being able to attend courses in the future that they are instructing on. — JJ

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Hi Geoff, I am a Police Officer from NZ and I attended the ICCIA convention workshops and this is my recollection of the event. I found the skills presented all followed a similar presentation in that they were not over complicated and were simple to learn and yet never lost there effectiveness. It was good to see that all the instructors that came to NZ were of the same thought pattern and were not too indifferent in there teaching methods which was great, as I have found in the past when attending some Martial Arts seminars there is normally an underlying politics of my system is better than yours and a lot of dick measuring, I found none of this on this course and found the information presented to be invaluable. As usual it was to good to catch up with old faces and make new friends. — BF

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Hi Trish and Tank, Happy New Year. Excellent end to 2008 with the Association convention and the proud purchase of my black and green model tools. Amazing meal at the golf club, even better than the Wig'n'pen lamb roast! Thanks very much, once again you guys were fantastic hosts and I look forward to seeing you both in March. I am a phase 2 exponent who has a passion for the science of CQB, the opportunity to attend the ICCIA convention was a privilege and was a pleasure, the knowledge and understanding of the Instructors was fantastic. Thank you to all who made this possible. Best Regards, DM

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Hi there thanks again for the workshop they where great. The CQB pistol shooting tactics and techniques were of great value, I haven't seen these before but will be putting them to practice now. — AT (Military)

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I am a New Zealand Police officer, Martial Arts instructor of 17 years & CQB exponent who recently attended the 2008 convention & seminars of the ICCIA. I consider myself extremely fortunate & privileged to have participated in this rear event. Geoff Todd (Tank), a current Special Forces CQB Master Chief Instructor together with Lawrence Jordan, a US Special Forces Close Combat Master Chief Instructor were leading an elite group of highly qualified operational instructors promoting the military science of close combat tactical skills. Experts in every facet of armed and unarmed close combat provided all participants with an impressive cross fertilization of skills that have been proven & really work. — BF

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Hi Geoff, I am a student/sales assistant and Todd Group Phase 2 exponent. The ICCIA convention was excellent, especially the highly skilled and wise instructors and the diversity of everything that was demonstrated and taught. Although at times the instructors demonstrated different skills to one another, the base of every skill was the same – dirty, simple and effective aka CQB. All the ICCIA instructors were great humble guys that were easily approachable by a mere civilian such as myself, and all the exponents/attendees were great guys. Thanks to all the ICCIA instructors for taking the time to come to N.Z to reveal some of your Close Combat skills. Thanks. – RK

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Geoff/Trish, Comments on 2008 ICCIA Convention in Dunedin: I am a British-American Kiwi living in Dunedin. I attended every workshop except the Phase 3 ones. I had high expectations for the convention and they were exceeded on several different fronts. First, I was impressed by the way in which every instructor I spoke to was willing to go the extra mile to explain something in greater detail whenever I had a question. They demonstrated real passion not only about their skills/knowledge but about sharing their skills/knowledge. The instructors also went the extra mile to offer a great deal of unsolicited constructive criticism during workshops, John Whipp especially so. Second, I was really impressed by the consistently high level and high quality of the instruction. It was condensed, useful knowledge, and a decent slice of it was new to me–even after several years of CQB training. These instructors knew from experience what works, and what does not work, and why, and they told it to you clearly (Larry Jordan especially so). Third, to be specific, I was really very pleasantly surprised by Mike Janich’s workshop and his follow up instruction on the Saturday morning. I learnt more about knives (using them and defending against them) in his condensed instruction than I would have thought possible; it was really useful. The control and restraint work that he demonstrated and worked us through again on the Saturday was really good. I learned a new (low key) Good Samaritan technique. Unlike putting your fingers in the eyes, pulling the head, axe kicking the leg, and bouncing the head off the sidewalk, this was a simple arm bar that worked really well; I could see it being useful if the person you need to remove is someone you don’t really want to injure, like a friend or relative, and if you are not worried about becoming the meat in the sandwich. The arm bar was easy to put on and it hurt like hell when it was put on you. Mike also showed us several good ways to generate pain compliance once you take someone to the ground. One I really liked involved simply pressing the thumb into one easy to locate spot on the head (it might not be the one you are thinking of) and this hurt like bloody hell! I was still having mind-numbing shooting pains several days later, and I can still feel a dull ache now (two weeks later) so it’s a really good one! Fourth, the group of attendees was a fine bunch of people and all committed and professional. There were no egos on display. We were all there for the same reason and I could not have asked for a better bunch of guys to train with. Fifth, my frugal Kiwi nature was initially a little apprehensive about the cost (approx $250), because I did not know what to expect and whether I would get value for money. After attending I can now honestly say it would have been cheap at twice the price. If this had been some three-day workshop in the States, it would have cost ten times this. I got value for money in every dimension. Finally, a big vote of thanks to Geoff (and Trish!) for organizing the convention in Dunedin, and to the other good people who made the effort to travel from other countries to attend. I feel privileged to be a member, and to be able to attend.

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Hi Geoff, Hope you and the family had a good Christmas. We had a great time at the convention – thanks for the time you and Trish put into organising it. I am a chartered accountant from Wellington, NZ and attended the ICCIA convention in Dunedin in December. It was a privilege to train under some of the legends of close combat and to be surrounded by such a large group of professionals. This was possibly the only chance that NZ had to host these individuals and it was certainly well worth my time to attend. A big thanks to the Todd Group for making these awesome courses possible. Thanks Again. — SW

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Hi Geoff. I thought the course was outstanding and to get an insight into different styles was good. I thought the knife fighting was particularly good. The ICCIA Convention was an excellent opportunity to get a glimpse of some different combative methods and instructors. There was always something to learn there. — JA.

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Dear Tank, I am a Unarmed Combat instructor from Europe and attended the ICCIA convention workshops for the second time and once again my expectations have been more than fulfilled. I feel privileged to be part of such expert training without any political ambitions or prejudices. I can assure you that these workshops and seminars are second to none and despite the length of the trip from Europe to NZ it is definitely worth doing it. And I will do it again. Good luck for the future. I am looking forward to training at your facility again. — KO

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Kia Ora Tank & Trish. I am a Security & Surveillance Manager for a Casino and I loved and enjoyed every single workshop. I truly was fulfilled after each session and every single day felt that something was achieved. The instructors captivated the group and spoke with so much passion in a way we all understood. Also I wish to attend the 1st phase CQB course in March if you have any vacancies left. – WP

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Thanks Geoff. I regarded it a great privilege to be invited and attend the convention. The opportunity to train with and learn from these master instructors is amazing and something money couldn't buy. I am an importer from Nelson NZ, and have trained with the Todd Group on and off since 1997. I hold them in the very highest regard, and the training has been life changing for me. To be included with instructors of this calibre was a great experience, and greatly added to my skill base and confidence. Special thanks to the Tank, who has been and continues to be, an inspiration, and very good friend. — OM

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Hi Tank, Firstly, thank you very much for the opportunity and privilege of attending the ICCIA convention. This was obviously a rare opportunity and one that I am extremely grateful for. My comments re the workshops are as follows. I am a storeman from Auckland, a Phase Two exponent, and was fortunate to attend the recent ICCIA Convention held in Dunedin. Over the four days, I along with other attendees received instruction in and exposure to different systems and techniques taught by some of the worlds leading figures in close combat and self defence. You would be hard pressed to have found such a wealth of knowledge and skill in one place, at one time and to have that knowledge shared so readily was humbling when one considers all the years of dedication, bumps, bruises, blood, sweat and whatever else the instructors have gone through in their many years involvement in CQB and Self Defence. To have them then impart those skills and knowledge to others is, as I say, humbling. The members of the ICCIA have done all of the hard work and I get to benefit from it. I recognise that fact and would like to thank Larry, Mike, Johnny, John and Richard and of course Tank and Trish for yet another memorable experience with the Todd Group in Dunedin. Thanks again. — SW

Next training opportunity: Annual International March Close Combat Course – Todd Group HQ, March 2009. Limited positions available. Click here for details.