Todd Group Annual Close Combat Course 19-28 March 2009

There was no hint of the recession "Down Under" as once again exponents and instructors turned up to train test and instruct. The phase 3 specialist training commenced the week before the phase 1 and 2 courses of instruction and this proved to be a valuable new regime that enabled the instructor cadre and specialist exponents not only to receive quality training but also enabled them to instruct on the annual course the following week.

The Todd Group camp provides a great training environment in the outdoors and enables exponents to live close combat without distraction or interruption. You would be hard-pressed to find a similar organization with an 82 year history in combative training and with a fully equipped headquarters as well as a training camp set in 280 acres of Bush land and open fields that can accommodate over 100 exponents.

We pride ourselves at the Todd Group with being able to conduct every aspect of a military combative course for the private sector. We have the facilities, equipment, resources, and personnel, as well as the experience and proven history to ensure attendees can focus on the task at hand and not concern themselves with the non-training aspects.

The weather once again was kind to us and all but one day was fine and at times the sun was harsh.

Phase 3 exponents not only covered previously learned skills and principles but also were introduced to new system skills developed tested and adopted for specialist military purposes over the past 12 months. Todd Systems new tactical products were presented to the phase 3 members providing them with an insight into the research and development aspects and future products.

Exponents and instructors on course came from a wide range of backgrounds and locations but all sharing one common interest in close combat. Police and military personnel, doctors, farmers, security, and close protection personnel, a lawyer and many other trades were represented on course. From the youngest exponent at age 19 to those in their 60s, age, profession, or background mattered not and all got along well in the required manner.

Nothing was sacred; age, race, appearance, physical characteristics, dress, mannerisms or demeanour – it was all fair game and the camaraderie and humour was ripe and proved not only that the attendees enjoyed each other's company but also that they could outside training make their own fun.

It was very noticeable than a majority of the phase 1 exponents had been well trained at Todd Group national and international depots and that this would make the testing phase even more difficult. There were comments from those in attendance in regards to the ever increasing high standard of the phase 1 exponents and how every year since 1996 when the annual course was first opened up for outside exponents standards had been not only maintained but increased. Evidence of this is apparent with the increased levels of phase test success. Every year there is a post-course conference and debrief where the training staff have the opportunity to evaluate outcomes and initiate processes for next year's course aimed at improvements.

An obvious outcome from the phase 1 test in 2009 was the fact that having so many phase 1 exponents previously trained to a similar level meant under test conditions they were often countering each other out and it was at times a struggle to achieve their objectives. Combine this with the open spaces of the camp test area when compared to the confined test pit at the HQ and you make the task that much more difficult.

The natural terrain is also not only combative realistic but makes skills employments that much more difficult when you have to maintain balance and achieve positive traction on the grassed and uneven natural surface. After all, military close combat is meant for the battlefield and urban self-defence is likely to be required when you far from a safe studio training environment. Even though additional lectures on related combative subjects were kept to a minimum with the exponent numbers and the fact that military close combat is a living package and continues to grow we are considering increasing the six-day phase 1 course to seven days in 2010.

This will allow for additional content and more related subject lectures, including basic level instructor training and valuable revision time.

The soon to be released Todd Group brain to boot combative mental toughness program was a subject of a lecture that was of a definite interest to all in attendance. Exponents had the opportunity to travel into Dunedin city and train at the old Todd Group headquarters look around the history room and visit our fight times supplies store. There were two former members sons on course one on the phase 1 course and the other on the phase two course, which was good to see.

There was also a father and son on the phase 1 course and two female exponents that were well respected for their combative ability and commitment by their fellow exponents. There were more than 12 instructors present for the phase 1 course of instruction and the exponents benefited greatly from their advice and hands on assistance. The senior instructors included Howard Bell, Chris Marsh and Lee Smith and the course medic was Dr Steffan Ericsson.

There was only one phase two exponent on course that had the required hours to test and he achieved the required pass and invitation to phase 3 specialist training. His fellow exponents on the phase 2 course showed some excellent promise and are definite candidates for phase 2 testing in the future.

The phase 1 testing produced 13 graduates from 14 candidates, a very high and unusual outcome that is testament to the individual exponents and the depot instructors' efforts and commitment.

The course concluded with the Todd Group annual awards and a relaxing meal and time to drop the guard and socialize. Many new friendships were forged and plans made to meet up again on upcoming courses.

In conclusion there is no combative recession down under and already applications have been received for next years annual combative course as well as the August course on the Gold Coast Australia and the close personal protection course at the Todd Group headquarters November this year.

I would like to thank my instructing cadre and all the exponents for the sacrifices and support of the Todd Group annual course and my wife Trish for her assistance running the mess as well as all support staff and agencies required to make this the world leading course of instruction exactly that.

Congratulations to everyone that accepted the challenge and participated in the spirit of the course with commitment inner resolve and a desire for self-improvement.

See you all again in 2010 and welcome to any new volunteers prepared to accept the challenge of being the best combatant they can possibly be.