23 Feb 15
2015 âPolite Societyâ Tactical Conference, Memphis, TN
The 2015 âPolite Societyâ Event at the MPD Academy in Memphis, TN last weekend, ended yesterday.
Hosted by my famous friend and colleague, Tom Givens, this annual Conference has grown into a major entry on my personal training calendar!
This year, Memphis was cold and rainy, but outdoor range classes, including mine, went as scheduled. There were many lecture and hands-on classes indoors, and I did my best to attend them all!
Instructors included:
Bigley
Haggard
Lindenman
Givens
Harper
Johnson
Higgenbotham
Murphy
Ayoob
Gosa
Weems
Keepers
Burch
Sharp
Holschen
Reed
Rehn
Causey
Hearn
Hayes
Branca
Werner
Hoops
Aprill
Topper
Dobbs
Douglas
Fry
Moses
Thomas
Bigley
Kulscar
Werner
Greco
Bolky
Ellifritz
and me
Subjects included use of cover, weapons retention and disarms, witness dynamics, video studies, demographic trends, fitness, womenâs issues, trigger control, couples tactics, urban terrorism, shotgun, knife fighting, successfully dealing with the criminal/justice system, holsters, low-light, other legal issues, using Rotator Steel Targets, and more.
As I listened, watched, and participated, here are some issues that stuck in my mind:
Complicated terrorism issues. Many competing interests. Hard to predict. In any event, the future of Western Civilization looks bleak!
During a hands-on (Simmunitions) class on managing distance and circumstances, I was astonished at the profound indecision, approaching complete paralysis, displayed my many participants when they were confronted by clever and aggressive panhandlers! The best strategy was almost always to immediately break contact, disengage, and separate. But, curiosity and a sincere tenancy to want to âhelpâ kept many âhoveringâ in a dangerous place, often actually inserting themselves between armed combatants. Suicide, as they quickly discovered! Good lessons for participants themselves, and observers.
My esteemed colleague, Mas Ayoob, presented the best of his lectures Iâve ever attended! He eloquently pointed-out the way witnesses often vary widely in their recollection of events. Bottom line: When youâre not specifically looking for something, you wonât see it! He showed us the phenomenon multiple times via assorted examples. Brilliant!
Bill Aprill taught us the difference between sociopaths and psychopaths. I didnât know there was one!
John Hearn, Claude Werner, Linda, Hoopes, Tom Givens, and Marty Hayes all had meticulously-researched presentations, from legalities to technicalities. I should, of course, mention everyone, but there isn’t space!
Attendees were range officers and other Operators from around the country. Comradery was contagious!
Attendance is strongly recommended for all aspiring Operators and other serious students of our Art.
Not to be missed!
/John
