C.A.R.: what is it and should I learn it?

[shaman]

Hi,
I've been surfing around trying to find more info on CAR.

Quite a few around here seem to really be sold on it. I'm curious to know if it's a Law Enforcement specific skillset (for dynamic entry, SWAT, etc) or if it's something a regular joe nobody like myself should learn.

thanks.

[Brownie]

shaman,

The CAR program now has a civilian version within it's ranks as well. I'd prefer to let Dave Williams [ a MOD here ] who is certified to teach CAR or one of the other CAR instructors answer in more detail.

Myself, having been shown some of the skills within the system a few years back, I've adopted two of the skills within the system as their strengths in the two areas I'll use them is better than anything I've seen anywhere before.

Hopefully DW and the CAR trainers will see this and respond as well.

[evan1293]

There's a lot of great info on www.ipdsystems.com , if you haven't checked that out already. (IPDS is the civillian version of the CAR system. )

[David Williams]

shaman -
C.A.R. is essentially geared toward an LE/Mil skillset, primarily because the system has been designed around teamwork and close quarters. Two skills that the average person won't usually need, especially within the context of maximizing the efficiency of training time and dollars.

As a system, there are many aspects of C.A.R. that a civilian can use even though the courses are usually restricted. Courses are restricted to LE/Mil not because the techniques are super-secret, but because we explore and discuss unit TTP's throughout the training evolution.

With that said, I would never discourage anyone from learning what they can of the Center Axis Relock system. evan1293 mentioned IPDS, which is a Sabre Tactical spin-off that has been set up to meet the demand for C.A.R. training in the civilian market.
There are tools and techniques that are extremely useful and easy to learn that have nothing to do with CQB or dynamic entry, and I or one of the other CAR Instructors would be more than happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

[shaman]

David,
Thanks for the response.
I'm just getting into doing some more formal training. I have a pretty high aptitude, if I do say so myself, for using the handguns I own. I had a brief foray into IDPA, where my first time out I qualified into the "master" level bracket.
After a few times at the events, I looked around and realized that I wasn't really learning anything and was just burning ammo with a bunch of other people who were doing the same thing.
So, I'm trying to find a good place to start once I obtain my official Concealed Carry permit for North Carolina.
C.A.R. seems to be endorsed by a lot of people with obviously developed skill and mindset. So, that's why I queried about its effectiveness for a non-LE/Mil person like myself.
I guess the underlying question is, where is a good place to start if you are employing the good old buddhist "beginner's mind?"

thanks.

[Robert Desrosiers]

David,
Thanks for the response.
I'm just getting into doing some more formal training. I have a pretty high aptitude, if I do say so myself, for using the handguns I own. I had a brief foray into IDPA, where my first time out I qualified into the "master" level bracket.
After a few times at the events, I looked around and realized that I wasn't really learning anything and was just burning ammo with a bunch of other people who were doing the same thing.
So, I'm trying to find a good place to start once I obtain my official Concealed Carry permit for North Carolina.
C.A.R. seems to be endorsed by a lot of people with obviously developed skill and mindset. So, that's why I queried about its effectiveness for a non-LE/Mil person like myself.
I guess the underlying question is, where is a good place to start if you are employing the good old buddhist "beginner's mind?"thanks.


Many aspects of C.A.R. are very applicable to the "civilian" context. Now in the form of IPD Systems. Speed, accuracy, mobility and weapon retention are constants across all paradigms. Those who teach the system can attest that the system excels in those areas.

If you are interested I will be running another IPD class within the next two months. You can reach me at 267-968-0122

Good Luck!