Close Quarters Survival Seminar at Rio Salado (Salty River)

[Guantes]

Close Quarters Survival Seminar at Rio Salado (Salty River)


I am not sure where to start, but being somewhat of a linear person, I will approach it in that manner. Being of elder persuasion I feel entitled to ramble.

It was a pleasure to finally hook up with Tom and Steve after considerable exchanges over time and an additional pleasure to meet Matt. I feel I can safely say that Brownie and I had a bond, which I value highly, befor the current weekend came about. Whether or not Tom may appreciate the comparison, I feel as comfortable talking with him as with my son.

I find it hard to envision a two day event that could surpass the breadth of conflict related skills that were covered at Salty River. They ran the gamut, from threat oriented shooting, to physical confrontation, to blade defense and attack. I found it incredible that such a broad spectrum of information and skills could even be presented, much less demonstrated and imparted in such a short expanse of time. This was only magnified by the round robbin presentation method adopted by the presenters. It had a synergistic effect on the material presented. I would compare it to three chefs preparing the same dishs. Somewhat akin to an Iron Chef of defensive tactics. While each dish was in essence the same, the flavors in each case were specific to the preparer and reflected their interpretation of the dishs. This definitely expanded the perspective of the application of the material in each area and combined, took one from minor physical conflict escalating all the way up through several avenues of lethal encounter. While this may be repetitious, I would again mention the vast amount of material that is contained in a journey from mild physical conflict through lethal encounters. It is a journey I am familiar with.

It would border on impossible to absorb and retain all the material that was presented, in one experience. I believe that one could experience the material several times and each time gain and retain more of it. That is not to say that an enormous amount would not be learned and retained in the initial experience, just that I do not believe that one's absorption rate could keep pace with the flow of information. That being the case, I still would not reduce the amount of material presented as I believe it gives the recipients a greater selection from which to initially select and retain specific things, and variations of same, that are particularly suited to them and their individual situation.

If one could only avail themself of one thing to prepare them for any conflict related event they might encounter, this would be the thing I would choose and recommend to others. I cannot help but believe that if the overall concept of this event is maintained that it would become a milestone in training methodology.

As I chose for this to be a general overview, I will leave the specifics to others.

While my training dosier is minuscule compared to many others, I do have some experience in the "street world", that I believe is sufficient to validate my opinions here.

I enjoyed meeting the other attendees and found it fascinating to actually watch their abilities progress. The progression in the various areas was so pronounced that it was virtually impossible to miss. It leaves me no doubt that they will be much more prepared to act on behalf of loved ones and themselves, should they become entangled in one of those situations that we all attempt to avoid.

Lonnie, keep up the good fight and CYA.

In a lighter vein, there are several things I would mention.
The facility at Rio Salado (Salty River) was superb, as was the Epicure'an guidance provided by Brownie. A better host would be rare indeed.
An excursion to Tombstone by Tom, Matt and myself proved to be well worth the drive and in the company present, gave focus to a personal reminiscence of the Earps.

In closing I would like to thank all those involved for their patience with, and consideration of, an old man.

Regards to all.
Gloves

[Brownie]

It was a pleasure to have you back in Arizona training together with Matt, Tom and I. I appreciate your thoughts on the weekend's curriculum and how we put it together this time around. Giving people the information and skills in the most effective and efficient manner is a prime objective.

You're right G, when I started training in blade with Jim Keating, it was three seminars before I was able to remember everything in the first one and half of the second one. By the 5th seminar, everything he had shown before fell into place and it was easier to retain the material he'd cover in subsequent outings when the core skills became autonomic.

I appreciate you taking the time to show everyone the Drawing Against the Drop [ DATD ]. I think everyone was impressed with their ability to use this skill you've further developed after it's successful use in a real world event you were involved in on the streets.

Thanks again for the good company and friendship G.

[Matthew Temkin]

Same here, guys.
Good fun, good food, good people and a great training event.
Nice to finally get to Tombstone as well.

[RAM]

Great overview Gloves!

I'm really bummed out that I could not make. It sounds like it was a fantastic time. This economy got crappy real fast and I am trying to hold on for the duration.

I do hope to meet you guys in the future.

[Brownie]

Ram, we're probably going to be doing this again this time next year. Perhaps make it a yearly event. The materials that were presented by the three of us were very well received.

Looking forward to training with you in the future.

[RAM]

It sounds like great training B. I hope I can make it.

[7677]

Gloves,
I thank you for the kind words and it was a pleasure to finally meet and shoot with you. I enjoyed the trip to Tombstone and our conversations during the ride back. I only hope that this was not your last trip and we can get together and do some more shooting in the future.