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Saturday, July 14, 2012
Rethink Women's Self Defense With Bodyguard Tactics Used to Protect VIPs
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Rethink Women's Self Defense With Hit Like a Girl Bodyguard Principles
Rethink Self Defense!
Personal Security Principles for Practical Personal Protection
Learn To Be Your Own Bodyguard and Protect Those You Love
Handbags, Heels and Chocolate
Saturday July 28
10am The Handbags, Heels & Chocolate
Experience
It's HOT!
11am It's HOT!
OC/Pepper Spray & Weapons of Opportunity
Register online NOW at facebook Hit Like a Girl to reserve your space.
Nottingham Sword
& Shield Security Bodyguards
USA Martial Arts
& Kickboxing Phoenix
4731 E. Greenway Rd Suite 9, Phoenix AZ
First Seminar HHC Cost: $195 (only $39 if you
register before July 14)
Second Seminar It's Hot Cost: $395 (only $95 if
registered before July 14)
Sponsored
by:
Nottingham Sword & Shield Security Bodyguards
USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing Phoenix
iLoveKickboxing.com Phoenix
For
more information, visit Hit Like a Girl on Facebook or email
info@usa-martialarts.com
Hit
Like a Girl was designed especially for women by a highly trained female
bodyguard and personal security specialist.
Rather than using a fear based model like most self defense courses,
agent Rhonda Roth developed Hit
Like a Girl with an empowerment teaching model that
educates, entertains and enlightens the issues and addresses the myths
surrounding personal protection.
The Handbags, Heels and
Chocolate Experience allows women to learn effective bodyguard
protective strategies while enjoying delicious chocolates and in a supportive
environment of friendship.
A mother, advanced Black
Belt and award winning teacher, her down to earth sense of humor engage
audiences and create lasting memories while delivering life-saving lessons.
It's a perfect gift to
daughters headed off to University or to Mothers, friends, Aunts or loved one's
for a peace-of-mind that is priceless.
The practical skills taught
at Hit Like a Girl training instill confidence to:
- · Detect danger early and avoid it
- · Deter potential attacks
- · Derail and de-escalate would be violent encounters
- · Defend and escape to safety
For immediate release
Contact: John Nottingham
info@usa-martialarts.com
602-896-8721
Monday, February 27, 2012
School Shooting & Office Attack Survival - Analyzing Four Ways To Survive a Shooter
Bodyguard trainer and Close Quarters Combat Instructor John Nottingham offers review, insight and analysis of an instruction video on YouTube on how to survive a school shooter or office attack.
Mr. Jim Wagner is a popular figure often featured in Black Belt magazine as well as other publications, including the internet, regarding self-defense, Police Officer training, and tactical survival instruction. Here I will review a video of his from YouTube and offer some commentary. My hope is that it serves to enlighten, improve discussion and be fuel for better training.
Don't get your undies in a bundle, these are only my opinion and not specific prescriptions. If you want that, you'll have to come to one of our training events as it is a complex issue deserving adequate time and instruction. This is not intended as a magic pill or quick fix. By the way, never confuse knowledge for ability.
The video description reads:
Office massacre & school shooting survival-
If someone came into your work place, classroom, or any public gathering and started shooting people, and at YOU, do you know what to do to increase your chances of survival? As my student I'll show you step-by-step the four major survival options in an office massacre or school shooting: 1. Escape 2. Hide 3. Barricade 4. Ambush. You can also teach young children the first two options.First of all, I agree with Mr. Wagner that even children can and should learn the self defense concepts, age appropriate of course. I believe that self-defense is an essential life skill that builds inner-strength and a more civil and compassionate community.
School survival training can be done with an empowerment teaching model that doesn't scare them or cause them to worry unnecessarily. However, my view is that it starts with parents in the home, teachers at school and an alerted citizenry ready to accept the reality of attacks, the propensity for violent behavior, abuse, bullying and how it is all related to the individual responsibility of self defense.
School Survival Video Review
Watch the video and follow along.
Note: The assessment stage here was mostly skipped. The video starts with the response to a stated threat. I didn't see mention of force multiplication, communication or weaponization (granted it is a segment of a much larger training program).
I. ESCAPE
Planned escape routes can be very helpful. Consider that most of us drill fire escape routes and this might be a good option. The key is reducing exposure time to the danger. The quicker route is usually best but that is based on the location of the shooter. Multiple escape route options are advised.
Look, listen, breathe, plan, execute and adapt.2. HIDE
We would emphasize the selection and difference between cover (can inhibit a round) and concealment (visual interruption), the importance of diversion and violence of action. Conceptually Mr. Wagners framework is sound in our view.
3. BARRICADE
Barricading is critical, even if it just delays to create a greater window of opportunity for escape. His choice for barricade is ridiculous, especially with so many better options available to him. Simple testing would prove this. Take quick inventory of what is around you that could be used as a weapon of opportunity or environmental geometry that could be used to your advantage.
A better option would be restricting handle movement and wedging things under and in the hinges of the door as a door stop, then the big desk in the room. Offices should be equipped with a security wedge and thicker doors for higher priority targets in my opinion.Preparation goes a long way. As I learned in Boy Scouts, be prepared.
A chair under the door handle as a wedge might work, depending on the chair and handle. A little practice here can go a long way. Either way, use redundant mechanisms to block the door. Plan on Murphy's law and use him to your advantage.
School Shooting/Office Attack Survival Safety Ti: Distance creates time and options.Note also that drywall is of little protection from flying bullets. The door may be thicker than the wall. Consider your environmental geometry careful and refer to your assessment based on context.
Personal Security Survival Note: Assault rifle rounds are likely to pass through most things in an urban environment. Just because they can does not mean that the attacker necessarily will shoot through walls. Our research shows that it is actually rare.4. AMBUSH
On the AMBUSH, a padded computer bag would not be my first choice, nor would I be standing as a big target next to door frame. A pen to the eye socket (specific targeting until desired result achieved) might be a better option. The goal isn't simply to "knock him", the objective is a disruption to the nervous system to elicit an effective physiological response and mental disruption (The V.I. of VIPER =Violence Interdiction) . We would also advocate overwhelming force by recruiting those around & creating a game plan you so you're not 1 on 1. 1 on 1 is an equilibrium- we want superiority.
Be aware of prescription without diagnosis, overly ridged rules, assumptive language and the difference between others abilities and your own. "Know thyself."
NEVER rely on the function of an unknown firearm, instead plan to use it in a manner that has the highest likelihood of getting a desired result. He makes a great point in NEVER assuming you have only one shooter in the scenario. Reverse engineer real crime scenarios rather than risk recreating them from movies and imagination. Isolate the key survival factors and train, train, train. Ask better questions, get better results.
We salute fellow Army Veteran Mr. Wagner for his work on behalf of Officers, Military and civilians in his efforts to help people stay safe. He clearly has some solid concepts that we can agree upon. We would emphasize some assessment, communication and force multiplication tactics as well. For more information on Nottingham Sword & Shield Security Bodyguards Training or any NTS course, feel free to contact us at info@usa-martialarts.
GUARDIAN Family Protection | VIPER Personal Protection Close Quarters Combat Self Defense | Officer /Agent Survival | John Nottingham's IMPACT
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Passengers Subdue Airline Passenger Shouting "Alah is Great" on Continental Flight To Houston
According to reports, a passenger on a Continental Airlines refused to follow the rules given by a flight attendant. Passengers assisted the flight crew in subduing the man until the plane landed and he was handed over to government agents.
Sources say that the airline attendant instructed him that he was not allowed to smoke an electronic cigarette on the plane. He became agitated and unruly.
Responsible Citizens, Alert, and Accepting of Reality, Are The True First Responders. When we decide that doing something positive is a better course of action than doing nothing and allowing evil to run it's course.
Without hesitation, passengers took action to support the flight attendant showing once again the power of an alert and aware public. It goes to show the power of a collective community who accepts life's risks and realities, including the need to take action to protect ourselves and others.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. " - Edmund Burke
I hope this shines as an example of the power of a culture ready to accept life's risks and live with confidence and a set of values that stand for freedom, liberty and looking out for one another.
Lessons
1. Never doubt the power of alert determined people whom are willing to take action. Note that they did not wait or abdicate their roles of responders.
2. Those who resist and refuse to be victims almost always increase likelihood of survival and thwart the attack.
3. It doesn't take special skills, weapons or knowledge to defend yourself. Those things can significantly help, but play a secondary role to the will and determination to act and use our innate survival skills. (Good training gives more peace of mind and options.)
4. Cooperation and communication are powerful force multipliers and offer significant advantage.
5. Stories like this can inspire others and help create a hero culture rather than a victim culture. Despite the numerous media messages to the contrary, you do not have to believe the view that you are a victim in need of a new government agency to protect you. Our security can come from our taking responsibility, trusting our intuition, willingness to take action and defend what we love... including our way of life.
Land of the Free, Home of the Brave,
Nottingham Sword & Shield Security Bodyguards
USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing Phoenix
About John Nottingham
JOHN NOTTINGHAM, PI, EPS – Since 1989 John Nottingham has trained law enforcement, military, men, women and children various forms of self-protection. John discovered for every tragic abduction, or attack there are people who escaped. Bodyguard, law enforcement, military trainer and Martial Arts Master John Nottingham set began a quest to learn what specific thoughts and actions helped each adult and child escape from their kidnappers. GOOD MORNING ARIZONA, Channel 12 Safety Team, and others invited John on their show to share his unique approach to personal safety, security, self defense and conflict avoidance. An Eagle Scout, Army Airborne Veteran, and Martial Arts Master, from bullying prevention to abduction options and learning to be your own bodyguard, John is an internationally respected specialist.
JOHN NOTTINGHAM, PI, EPS – Since 1989 John Nottingham has trained law enforcement, military, men, women and children various forms of self-protection. John discovered for every tragic abduction, or attack there are people who escaped. Bodyguard, law enforcement, military trainer and Martial Arts Master John Nottingham set began a quest to learn what specific thoughts and actions helped each adult and child escape from their kidnappers. GOOD MORNING ARIZONA, Channel 12 Safety Team, and others invited John on their show to share his unique approach to personal safety, security, self defense and conflict avoidance. An Eagle Scout, Army Airborne Veteran, and Martial Arts Master, from bullying prevention to abduction options and learning to be your own bodyguard, John is an internationally respected specialist.
Listen to John Nottingham Discuss the USA Martial Arts Anti-Bully Program on the
Outreach Today Radio Show
Outreach Today Radio Show
Monday, November 14, 2011
Pre-Incident Indicators - Warning Signs For Violence and Abuse
One of our pillars of protection at my firm is based on the work of Gavin de Becker. The ability to conduct proper threat assessments is key in protecting clients, as well as advising individuals on how to improve personal security and safety.
After training with Mr. de Becker and his team, we immediately integrated these techniques into our self defense programs, bullying prevention, stranger safety abduction prevention, as well as into our law enforcement and military training. It is a fundamental part of our "advance" for close protection details and a key aspect of our bodyguard training programs.
Training with Gavin and his team changed my teaching and our approach to protection forever. Gavin de Beckers training influence is found in virtually every aspect and arena of our training programs today. There are few people who have had greater influence on my teaching and we are proud to be sharing strategies that save lives and prevent abuse.
In this blog, I will share with you lesson of PINS or Pre-Incident Indicators. You can read more about it in his books, starting with "The Gift of Fear".
Learning PINS and survival signals can save your life or help you save someone else.
PINS are warning signs, precursors or red flags to situations that could become violent or a setting for abuse. Learning to recognize these signs can go a long way in improving one's personal security and safety or that of those you protect.
provides strategies to help readers avoid abuse and violence by teaching them various warning signs and precursors to violence.
provides strategies to help readers avoid abuse and violence by teaching them various warning signs and precursors to violence.
Do You Recognize Any of These Warning Signs?
PINS (Pre-Incident Indicators)*
- Forced Teaming. This is when a person tries to pretend that he has something in common with a person and that they are in the same predicament when that isn't really true.
- Charm and Niceness. This is being polite and friendly to a person in order to manipulate him or her.
- Too many details. If a person is lying they will add excessive details to make themselves sound more credible.
- Typecasting. An insult to get a person who would otherwise ignore one to talk to one.
- Loan Sharking. Giving unsolicited help and expecting favors in return.
- The Unsolicited Promise. A promise to do (or not do) something when no such promise is asked for; this usually means that such a promise will be broken. For example: an unsolicited, "I promise I'll leave you alone after this," usually means you will not be left alone. Similarly, an unsolicited "I promise I won't hurt you" usually means the person intends to hurt you.
- Discounting the Word "No". Refusing to accept rejection. *Source: The Gift of Fear
Sunday, October 9, 2011
What Bodyguards Do to Overcome Jetlag. Mindset, Awareness and Being Alert Can Be Hampered By Jetlag and Travel Fatigue
A Tactical Mindset, Protection Awareness and Being Alert Can Be Hampered By Jetlag and Travel Fatigue. When we work long hours and travel it is easy to become jet lagged and dehydrated. Our heart rate increases, we will become fatigued, lose our ability to regulate body temperature, and lose concentration. Jet lag and dehydration usually creeps up on us gradually, without dramatic warning signs.
Here are some techniques I teach to bodyguards, agents, law enforcement and military to mitigate and manage the effects of high stress fatigue, travel and changing time zones. Some of my business clients picked up on them are use them with great success as well.
If you are a protection specialist, bodyguard, military, law enforcement or travelling professional on business, being at your best can be tough when travelling. This goes doubly for those of us who travel internationally on tight schedules and have to stay sharp.
If you have ever had to take an international flight and make a presentation in a fatigued state or feeling ill, you know the challenge I'm talking about. This is particularly tough for those of us whose livelihood or presentations can make the difference between large financial deals or lives depend on us.
Here are some travel tips I use and teach to my clients to help.
1. Time adaptation
If you can, anticipate the time change and begin to modify your sleep schedule. You can get by on adrenaline only so long. I speak from personal experience.
2. Control light exposure
Another trick to use is modify your exposure to light as it triggers chemical changes in your brain to release serotonin or melatonin as a catalyst for sleep or waking function. Avoid monitors or other media screens or sources that allow light to the eyes. This can trick the eyes and brain into preparing your body for day time activity rather than sleep.
3. Aspirin
I take an aspirin before and after the flight. Good for digestion, preventing heart problems and promote circulation. This is not only good for making the flight more comfortable but can help you avoid the risk of an embolism (blood clot). It happened to a friend of mine - hard way to learn a lesson. I've found that aspirin seems to help the body adapt. While I'm not a medical professional, it has worked well for me, team members and clients for years.
4. Yoga
Before, during and after the flight. Recently I took a group to Korea. When we got off the flight we gathered around in the airport, found an open space and did a gentle yoga session. Rather than being an embarrassing spectacle, it seemed to inspire others to do a bit of stretching as well. People are catching on and accepting of therapeutic movement. Either way, ego aside, it made a significant difference for those who did the postures, movements and breathing. Those who didn't clearly had a harder time adapting. Yoga has a very positive impact on the bodies immune function as well, an invaluable benefit for hard chargers. It has been a part of my travel routine for years. You need not put on a show, simple barely noticeable movements can help.
5. Frequent eating
Eat frequently and stick to quality foods with lots of variety. I've found that small meals are best. I prefer lots of fresh fruits and veggies and encourage lots of snacking between meals. Think in terms of providing your body with nutrition and proper fuel. In my profession, you may not always know when you will have your meals.
6. Nutritional choices
Avoid junk carbs or short chain carbohydrates from refined sources and other stimulants. Refined sugar is problematic on many levels. One trick I use is to ad a bit of waxy maze (my preference is Glycocharge by JSNITRO) to a protein shake (Nitro SIZE) and a dash of cinnamon. This contains a long chain carb that helps regulate energy levels and the cinnamon helps with regulating insulin (blood sugar) response. An apple has a similar effect for me if those aren't available.
Caffeine and other stimulants can be helpful if used properly but are often more problematic than they are worth in the long run. Stimulants are a short term fix and should be avoided. Avoiding them all together is usually the wise choice. Keep in mind that it is better to eat than to not eat in my experience, even if you have to consume less than idea foods. Everything in moderation.
7. Hydration
I try to keep water with me at all times rather than risk leaving it to circumstance. I've been to places where there is no access to water or I refused to drink the water. On details I always apply the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared" by bringing a basic comfort and care kit. This includes some simple basics, including aspirin and water so I can be self sufficient and on top of my game. If I don't have the kit, it is one of my first priorities upon arrival. I also try to include a wedge of lime or lemon to help absorb the water at a cellular level.
8. Ginger pills
On the last few Airborne jumps I had while serving in my Special Forces reserve unit, I noticed nausea setting in. I found out that I had inherited motion sickness from my father. Prior to that, I never had any symptoms. I found ginger pills worked well for me without the drowsy effects of over the counter motion sickness (active ingredient Dimenhydinate) pills. Although I have used those to sleep on flights, I prefer the ginger pills to stay sharp. You will also find ginger ale available on most flights (make sure it has actual ginger in it - some brands are no longer using actual ginger).
9. Exercise in the sun
20 minutes of aerobic activity upon arrival. My preferred activity is to do 20 minutes of aerobic activity in the sun. It helps reset my circadian rhythm and helps me feel at my best.
10. Yogic breathing
Deep belly breathing - yogic breathing (nose breathing with back-pressure) with mobility exercises on the flight. Simply flexing muscle groups, gently rotating joints, and gentle stretching help improve circulation, muscle recovery and stimulate adaptation.
11. Power naps
Power naps are something I learned from the team guys in Special Operations. Timing yourself and taking advantage of short term snoozes can really make a big difference. Cover your eyes, plug your ears if possible. I bring a headband or hat to cover my eyes and earplugs when I travel. Quality downtime is key to being alert and sharp while on duty. Resting is as important as action and activity. A massage can sometimes have a similar effect as well. My preference is Thai Massage - a facilitated yoga-like therapeutic massage.
The key is to experiment with different tips and tricks here and find what works best for you. Everyone is unique, each with our own unique bio-chemistry and personal preferences.
To you comfort, peak performance and safety,
John Nottingham, PI, EPS
Nottingham Sword & Shield Security
Monday, September 5, 2011
Real Risks and Costs Associated With Hiring Bodyguard Security
The role of a modern professional protector is expanding with technology. While the basic principles still apply, the methods are ever evolving. This change demands that protectors keep their skills updated. Today that means being familiar with technological risks such as smart-phones, social media (Facebook) and other security information factors.
Some clients are far more at risk from a heart attack than a physical assault. Others put themselves at greater risk by drug use (legal and/or illegal). These are the realities of being intimately intertwined with a clients lifestyle as a close protection professional. It is also the reason to have a confidentiality and non-disclosure contract with your client from the start. The bodyguards role is to protect the principal and his or her interests.
This takes a unique relationship with clearly defined parameters and a unique set of ethics. The client must know that they can trust the security professional without the risk of one of the bodyguards going to the tabloids or writing a tell-all book with all their gory personal details on display.
Another example might be a bodyguard or member of the security team who parties with the client, perhaps ingesting alcohol. These activities are completely unacceptable with any professional agency because those substances interfere with judgment. That judgment is critical for safety as well as discretion. Bodyguards are people and subject to the influences of alcohol like anyone else. A moment of indiscretion saying something inappropriate to a client, texting or facebooking a comment can have some far reaching unintended consequences. In our firm, we have a strict no drinking, no tobacco policy which is enforced without exception.
Some of you may be familiar with a popular recent tell-all expose book by a former bodyguard. This is what celebrities can bring on themselves by hiring untrained goons or the lowest priced bidder. The long term costs of such an error in judgment can be career ending.
Personal security is no place to be greedy or overly cheap. That is why it shouldn't be left to assistants, talent agents or managers alone. The collective team should interview the protective agency, do their due diligence and seek references and recommendations. Then they should hire on a trial basis (just as a reputable protection team will do).
Good security will often prove itself to be an investment rather than an expense. For example, some clients pick up hours in the day of new-found time due to the efficiency of a good security team. They may also find they have the peace of mind to be better at their professions, gain more quality time with family or even become more efficient due to less anxiety and stress.
What our clients fear and what they are more likely at risk for may be two different things. Our job is more than just to placate worry. It is to prepare for the likely outcomes and risks associated with the clients lifestyle, including work and social habits. This is also why candor and honesty is so critical for a protector and his or her client. This trust often takes time. The security specialist providing protection has to earn this trust with professionalism and discretion.
For Nottingham Sword and Shield Security Bodyguards teams, we make sure the fire safety system is in working order and carry our own AED machine. Before our client ever arrives, our team has run scenarios, evacuation drills and physical intervention training to be prepared.
Our security teams are required to be first aid certified and we assign a Bodyguard EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). Why? Because our clients are often more at risk for a heart attack than of physical attack. We see to both. From body armor, advanced threat assessments, counter-intelligence operations, research and contingency planning it is our job as security professionals to be prepared.
As protectors, our commitment is to anticipate these potential outcomes and have plans in place to thwart and or manage them. It saves lives and ads to peace of mind. That peace of mind can translate into higher performance for an executive, an artist or even a child who deserves to enjoy life without adult worries. This is why some of our clients engage our services to protect their families - one of our specialties.
These are just some of the costs that need to be considered in hiring a security team or bodyguard. The costs are often not the ones people first think of. With a bit of research and investigation, the results can make all the difference.
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