Kocom Americas conducted another very successful seminar in Peru. With the support of its strategic Alliances the Aikicon Personal Defense System continues to grow in South America. This seminar consisted of four phases, Basic Pistol, Combat Blade, Tactical Shotgun and Urban Dynamic Combat Pistol which are all part of the Aikicon curriculum.  The heart and desire to learn was clearly evident since the commencement of the seminar. The participants of this seminar included Military, Security, Firearm Instructors and Civilian Personnel. [...]]]>  

Kocom Americas conducted another very successful seminar in Peru. With the support of its strategic Alliances the Aikicon Personal Defense System continues to grow in South America. This seminar consisted of four phases, Basic Pistol, Combat Blade, Tactical Shotgun and Urban Dynamic Combat Pistol which are all part of the Aikicon curriculum.  The heart and desire to learn was clearly evident since the commencement of the seminar. The participants of this seminar included Military, Security, Firearm Instructors and Civilian Personnel. At the end of the seminar they were all working together as a team. That is what it is all about.  

Before I get started I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Manuel Reyna, Jimmy Pool and Marco Zazzalli. They are the backbone of Kocom’s growth in Peru.  Also to the FAP (Peruvian Airforce) for their support and the use of a wonderful training facility.

The title of the seminar was Dynamics of Urban Combat. The focus was on personal defense in an urban environment. Peru’s violent crime rate continues to climb. Civilians continue to get robbed and kidnapped for ransom. Survival in Lima is a day to day struggle.

Day One Basics Of The Combat- Pistol This course was designed for the beginner. Topics covered were grip, stance, mindset, sight picture, sight alignment, trigger control, threat scanning, magazine changes and many other basics. We worked these fundamentals in a classroom setting and later in quaint outside range. The students were receptive and eager to learn.

Day Two Aikicon Blade- This was an introduction to the folding knife. This course was focused on attacks that are currently happening in Peru. I started the course with basic grips and cutting angles then we moved on to application of the blade from various positions. This is a very popular course. Students love the contact and the fluidity of the knife. As I always tell them, if you carry a gun you must carry a knife.

Day Three Tactical Shotgun- This course was a cross between basic shotgun and Tactical Shotgun. As always basics were learned under a stress environment.  The students were put through an increasing number of repetitions throughout the class until they achieved a workable technique. We worked on numerous things including combat reloading, proper stockweld, mindset, accuracy, control, carry positions and basic nomenclature.  

Day Four and Five Urban Dynamic Pistol- This was the core course of the seminar. The emphasis was placed on real world movement, cover and accuracy with the pistol. I reminded the students how important it was to hit the target you are aiming at in an urban environment. There is no room for missing targets …. “One round lost one body found”. Throughout the course I placed the students behind cover and had them move to a position of tactical advantage using two man teams. As the course went on, the students increased their confidence shooting from cover and hitting their target. The last day we focused on using the vehicle for cover as a last resort.  Students were taught to move only if they were moving to a position of tactical advantage. They were also taught how to communicate with their partner in a real world shoot out.

The courses taught were Phase one courses. Now that students are increasing their ability and knowledge , I will be teaching intermediate and Advanced courses in Peru.

Peru is a beautiful and fascinating country, truly unlike many countries that I have visited in South America, or the world for the matter. I have made very good friends and people that are like brothers to me. The people of this country have tremendous hearts and are very peaceful. Unfortunately the demons that lurk in the dark use these traits in their favor. They prey on the unprepared and kill the weak. As I write this, there is an overwhelming need for self protection (Auto Proteccion) in Peru. I will be returning this year again and I look forward to another very successful event.

Over the last two years Kokoro Combatives (Kocom) has received tremendous support from the South American market. The growth has expanded well beyond the U.S. With all that said and done, 2010 has been a very special year for Kocom in Peru. Our alliance with Moving Zen has grown stronger than ever and is focused on the structure of the Aikicon Combat System (ACS). Our new alliance with the Peruvian Air Force has positioned Kocom as the leader in personal [...]]]>

Over the last two years Kokoro Combatives (Kocom) has received tremendous support from the South American market. The growth has expanded well beyond the U.S. With all that said and done, 2010 has been a very special year for Kocom in Peru. Our alliance with Moving Zen has grown stronger than ever and is focused on the structure of the Aikicon Combat System (ACS). Our new alliance with the Peruvian Air Force has positioned Kocom as the leader in personal protection and tactical training in South America. Kocom has always challenged indoctrinated teaching methods and techniques. Now more than ever students have realized that Kocom’s unconventional teaching methodology is specifically centered around saving lives. We teach what others neglect. The focus has always and will always be, to teach techniques and tactics that work in the real world. This teaching methodology closes the gap between the all important body and mind.

Instructor After Action Report

The most recent training course in Lima was in mid June. The focus was on fundamentals of close combat during close proximity confrontation. This was a very select group of standout individuals.. We had students from all walks of life including Navy Special Forces, Martial Artists, Air Force, Executive Protection and Professional Businessmen.

The training location was one of the best that I have ever had the privilege of training in. Open and hidden in the mountains with the ocean in the backdrop, surreal for sure. l. I have to thank the Peruvian Airforce for the great training location..

Day one was focused on the basics of the pistol and body angulations, including basic marksmanship, combat ready mindset and numerous positions of tactical advantage. The energy of this class was evident since the first round was fired. Even for a fundamentals course, I emphasize movement, combat is not static, that is for sure. Students were eager to learn and motivated to train. More importantly they were learning what was being taught and they were showing it through execution. As the instructor, I could not ask for more.

During the morning of Day two we focused on active repetitions of the basics that were learned the day before. The afternoon focused on fighting/shooting positions from the ground and behind cover. Qualification was conducted in the late afternoon. Anyone that has ever attended my courses knows that qualifications are not a cake walk. I was surprised at the endurance of the students.As always there was a post event debrief. The feedback from the students (which is extremely important for me) was very positive. What I observed through the progression of training was the student’s improvement with the handling of their weapons as well as the increase in their awareness level. Overall I was very pleased with this group and I am truly looking forward to continuing the development of Kokoro Combatives in Peru.

                        BASICS OF CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT (PISTOL) LIMA PERU MAY 28-29

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of close quarter combat while operating a pistol. CQBP steps away from the ordinary teaching methods. Techniques and tactics are disseminated and learned using progressive elements. During this course the student will learn the application of core combat fundamentals while operating in a high stress environment. Ample time is dedicated to the repetition and break down of core fundamentals. The focus here [...]]]>

                        BASICS OF CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT (PISTOL) LIMA PERU MAY 28-29

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of close quarter combat while operating a pistol. CQBP steps away from the ordinary teaching methods. Techniques and tactics are disseminated and learned using progressive elements. During this course the student will learn the application of core combat fundamentals while operating in a high stress environment. Ample time is dedicated to the repetition and break down of core fundamentals. The focus here goes beyond physical training. Training the mind is equally as important in order to have a perfect balanced skill sets. CQBP is a course that every warrior wanting to establish a core set of basics should experience.

Gear Required For This Course:

- Handgun

- Three Magazines

- Solid Belt

- Belt Holster

- Dual Magazine Carrier

 - Hat/ Ball Cap

- Long Sleeve Shirt

To register contact: mreyna@kokorocombatives or kocomamericas@gmail.com

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                                                              AIKICON COMBAT BLADE ONE DAY ONLY FRIDAY MAY 28, 2010 LIMA, PERU

This one day course will cover the basics and philosophy of the edge weapon during combat. Aikicon Combat Blade stresses continous movements with angular attacks that stop the threat immediately. ACK relies on efficiency of movement while emphasizing speed and accuracy of cuts. The student will also learn how to use the human body as a shield to deflect incoming deadly cuts. A good knife fighter is mentally prepared to get cut, this course will cover the psychological and physiological responses that are common during an edge weapon confrontation.

Course Overview:

Offensive Attacks

Counter Attacks

Speed Drawing

Hand grips

Domination Mindset

Cutting angles

Deflections

Shielding Techniques

Human Anatomy Targets

Defensive/Offensive Technique

To register contact: mreyna@kokorocombatives or kocomamericas@gmail.com

During this trip to Lima Kocom focused on training the National Police Special Operations Unit better known as DINOES. This unit’s specialty is to combat Narco-Terrorism both in the jungle and in urban environments. 

The focus of this training was extreme close combat with a handgun and a blade.  Over the last year over 200 Peruvian Police Officers had been murdered in the jungles by various drug cartels and indigenous guerillas trying to over throw the government. Some of [...]]]>

During this trip to Lima Kocom focused on training the National Police Special Operations Unit better known as DINOES. This unit’s specialty is to combat Narco-Terrorism both in the jungle and in urban environments. 

The focus of this training was extreme close combat with a handgun and a blade.  Over the last year over 200 Peruvian Police Officers had been murdered in the jungles by various drug cartels and indigenous guerillas trying to over throw the government. Some of these incidents started as riots and escalated to full blown assaults while others were initiated by ambushes. Reports indicate that most Officers were dying within a range of 5 feet, normally after a sniper had shot the drivers of the vehicles and caused vehicular shutdown. There is no doubt that Peruvians have heart, they have always fought for their country with great honor and pride. However, the lack of training is evident and has caused way too many lives.  Our goal was to introduce them to techniques and tactics that they could apply efficiently during close range combat incidents in any environment.

The DINOES training facility is a rare one, I have been to numerous special operations training sites all around the world and I must say this is one of the best. There is nothing fancy about this site, no high tech firing ranges here, just simple openness and the essentials required for hardcore training, tucked away in the mountains.

Day one consisted of Aiki-Con Knife Fighting techniques. The techniques shown here were specific to their needs. The class consisted techniques that would quickly stop an attack using very efficient movement. Most importantly the techniques were simple to learn.  The energy was great and the officers were thrilled with the techniques. They were a sponge, absorbing all the information given to them. Even though my Spanish was not as fluent as I would have liked it to be, I felt like the information was disseminated in an accurate manner.  As usual the class was structured in progressive elements. As the class progressed and Officers started to apply the fundamentals we were able to pick up the pace. We continuously emphasized the need to be aware of your surroundings, even after you have neutralized the threat. In a jungle environment an enemy can almost appear from anywhere!   

Day two and three were dedicated to the pistol. During these two days we continued focusing on violent, efficient, and simple techniques. The pistol is a secondary weapon for the DINOES operator, so we paid careful attention to violence of action and keen awareness. We covered attacks from every angle in close proximity. Being timid was not acceptable; we pushed the students hard yet gave them an opportunity to correct themselves. The techniques were practiced hard and often, no room for games here.

The spirit and dedication that the DINOES Officers showed is to be commended. I thank the DINOES for bringing in Kocom and opening not just their doors but their minds to learning new techniques and tactics.

For me, this was a very enriching experience. No matter where in the world, I respect my brothers in blue. There is a bond that ties us all together. To say the least they have the work cut out for them. Peru is one of the highest Narco-Trafficking and Narco -Manufacturing countries in the world. I truly look forward to returning to train with these warriors in the near future.

TRAINING PICTURES

Coming up in the next few days we will post an After Action Report with plenty of pictures!

Dynamic Combat Carbine 1 After Action Report Camp Blanding , FL January 30-31 2010.

Yes it was cold and rainy, at times miserable.  Like warriors we shrugged the hard weather. The dedication and the willingness of students to train hard and learn under any environment, make what I do all worthwhile. This course took place in Camp Blanding Joint Operations Military Base in Starke Florida. I must say that they have excellent training facilities. The fact that the ground we trained [...]]]> Dynamic Combat Carbine 1 After Action Report Camp Blanding , FL January 30-31 2010.

Yes it was cold and rainy, at times miserable.  Like warriors we shrugged the hard weather. The dedication and the willingness of students to train hard and learn under any environment, make what I do all worthwhile. This course took place in Camp Blanding Joint Operations Military Base in Starke Florida. I must say that they have excellent training facilities. The fact that the ground we trained in was the same ground that warriors have trained in since the early 1930’s gave me a buzz inside.

This was an unrestricted class which had mixture of personnel including Law Enforcement, Ex Military, Bail Agents, Security and Civilians. The fact that we can all train harmoniously is very satisfying. I always ask everyone to leave their egos at the door and step in with an open mind. You will need it.

As I stated earlier, the cold was upon us and many forecasters were expecting one of the worst storms in a decade. Everyone brought rain gear and were clearly prepared for the worst.  As day one commenced the energy began to build and the class began to bond. I am a big believer that the first few hours of a course are crucial.

The Legion Photo team of John and Aaron also showed tremendous warrior spirit by facing the cold, the rain and focusing on the task at hand. These guys are pros all the way. I was able to conduct the course flawlessly without them interfering. They were like ghosts most of the time. You knew they were there but were never in the way.

The first day consisted of covering fundamentals and battle zeroing the irons and red dots. Most of the guys were deploying Eotechs and Aimpoints. We  worked on manipulation of the AR 15 platform. As the day went on we covered malfunctions, immediate action tactics, reloading techniques, gear placement and access, tactical movement, Domination Mindset and four tier shooting (positions of shooting ie; belly prone, modified prone, kneeling etc.). Towards the conclusion of the first day I introduced cover and concealment and at that time we split the students up into two man teams.

Day two was the run and gun day. The entire day was spent in covering two man elements while moving under stress. This day is all about solving problems on the move and communicating with your teammate.  All operators were asked to fully gear themselves ready for combat. It is important to train as we fight. What you learned the prior day must be applied during movement and under stress in combat. My goal is to push all of the students beyond their self imposed mental and physical limits. In my opinion this is where the retained learning begins.

Towards the end of DCC1 the students had formed a bond and were performing at a much higher level. They were able to apply tactical reloads and speed reloads under stress. Students also showed that they were able to solve problems on the fly specially after ingraining the techniques through repetition. Like I have said many times before, “At the very least if the student retains one technique and one tactic that can someday save his/her life; I have done my job as an instructor”.

I want to thank Aaron and John from Legion Photo for coming to the Low Light Combat Pistol Course and conducting a great video and photo shoot.  These guys are all business and very professional. Aaron and John take their job very seriously and it is evident in the quality of work they produce.  There are very few companies out there that I [...]]]>

I want to thank Aaron and John from Legion Photo for coming to the Low Light Combat Pistol Course and conducting a great video and photo shoot.  These guys are all business and very professional. Aaron and John take their job very seriously and it is evident in the quality of work they produce.  There are very few companies out there that I would allow to come to my training courses, however after observing their work, I was more than happy to open the door for them. I had been looking for a top notch photo/video agency to produce Kocom’s new instructional DVD ‘s. I am happy to say that I have found the Agency. I will complete an in depth review of Legion Photo coming up very soon. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a quality photo / video agency, I highly recommend Legion Photo.

Extreme Close Combat Pistol After Action Report November 14-15 2009

First off let me give thanks to Eileen and Chuck at Revere Gun Range in Pompano Beach. They are two of the finest people you will meet in the gun industry.  Eileen worked very hard to get the range ready for this course and it showed.

As I teach most any combat course I stress [...]]]>  

Extreme Close Combat Pistol After Action Report November 14-15 2009

First off let me give thanks to Eileen and Chuck at Revere Gun Range in Pompano Beach. They are two of the finest people you will meet in the gun industry.  Eileen worked very hard to get the range ready for this course and it showed.

As I teach most any combat course I stress the elements of combat not bullshit competition shooting. During ECP you are mostly working within the 5 yard engagement and contact sector. It is all about speed positioning and mindset here. In attendance were Law Enforcement, Ex Military, Security and Vetted Civilians. The levels were from intermediate to advance.  The atmosphere was cooperative, energized and focused. Everyone understood that this was a fighting course first and a gun handling class second. All had, at a minimum basic gun handling experience.

During day one all of the following were covered: Combat footwork, reactive hand, positioning, mindset, speed drawing, contact retention, contact firing, shooting drills, threat scanning, multiple target acquisition, active tactics against blue man and using an inoperable gun as a weapon.

Day two the focus remained on fighting with the gun. The following were covered: Multiple level attacks, using a knife and gun, recovering a gun from the ground, active shooting drills, round placement, shoot and move, secondary hand contact transitions and gun drive tactics.

The end of day two consisted of multiple qualification courses.  All the students showed great poise throughout the intense timed qualification courses. Above all students improved tremendously throughout the course. Shooting a gun at high speed near your body while an active secondary makes contact with the target takes getting used to. After numerous repetitions everyone’s confidence improved. Even at a close range when the shit hits the fan properfundamentals and a fighting mindset will always prevail. We observed this throughout the course.

I thank you all who attended and it is my hopes that one day, if you need to, you can use what you learned here to bring you home alive.