Kind of surprised to see reference of the fact that I have done some beta testing in teaching CAR using Airsoft.
Not sure if ronin wrote this before we decided to work together (I hired him to teach many of my CCW courses in Wisconsin on my behalf and he did a great job) however I don't see why its a bad thing especially considering the beta test groups have been civilians.
I have a law enforcement background (short time period) and extensive security backgrounds ranging from event,personal and armored security details so I am not all that much of a novice in the field of LE.
I'm not Captain Combat (he is real apparently by name...and copied SDTS creators system to sell himself) and all jokes aside no one on here is either outside of the figurative form.
Whether training tools (as suggested by Paul when I had the pleasure of speaking with him by phone on several occasions for long periods of time before he passed) are used be it any form of simulation tool such as; airsoft, laser and/or specialized devices that work with your live fire tool its all about INNOVATION that allows the CAR system to be taught with what you have.
If its designed to be used with OC Spray, Batons, Knives, Firearms then using airsoft for INDOOR training simulations and "CAR Basics" to see better assess Civilian competency prior to hitting the range can obviously work with great comparison considering the typical range of CAR use and actually allow Instructors to see who is ready to get into CAR in its full form.
Not every student will have enough experience with a firearm to make an instructor feel safe in working with them in group classes. Its also a great way for the student to get a general feel for CAR and for the instructor to see how a student reacts to the "mental confusion" added to basic CAR drills.
This will allow greater confidence in the transition to Live Fire application as we all know its very different than what 99.9% of people have been taught. Civilian or LE student...its a smart, cost effective and safe way to begin training in CAR when student firearm proficiency is not tested prior.
Fact remains that I spoke with Paul often in his last year on this planet and I asked HIM SPECIFICALLY what he thought of some of my ideas on how to teach especially to civilians since that is my primary group I work with. I have been out of LE for so long and feel that more Civilians need to be educated on WHAT WORKS just as much as professionals need the training too!
Unfortunately I had 2 separate times I was supposed to get the training from Paul and the first date he fell ill and I actually lost my entire flight costs etc. which being the amazing guy he was...he offered to accommodate by allowing me free room and board for the next date. Again, his health overcame him and as we got closer to the date Paul simply said he was not going to make it and referred me to one of his best students Mike at Drakon.
Mike took on the commitment from Paul like a Champ and even gave me the same offer of room and board for all my training with just a small fee as a favor to Paul.
I am forever thankful to Mike for doing that and I am very excited to have had great training from someone that was so close to Paul.
Now...in regards to whether or what should be used to instruct is really going to fall on the basic foundation that Paul built however just like any other "teaching concept" every TEACHER will have a different way of presenting the same information. As long as the foundation is followed then the integrity of the program is there regardless of how or what may differ from Instructor to Instructor.
I also find it interesting that the eLearning course available by sabretactical itself (another issue for some) is primarily his manual with a bunch of video footage and pictures that were added on top of what Paul had originally taught. Obviously many of those with Master Certs who where working with Paul prior have made this part of the training possible finally and have also understood the power of this enabling many others to become familiarized with CAR even if geographical issues prevent in person training to start.
Is it possible to learn the system through video/manuals...absolutely!
Is there GREATER benefit to learning in person or having in person instruction added to an eLearning concept...DAMN STRAIGHT!!!
The point is that unfortunately Paul did not have in place a true heir to his company (what I have been told anyway) that would have the perfect format for all to use continuously after he passed outside of the basic foundation he created. From what I hear there has been lots of bickering about who is doing what etc. but it appears that some ordered has been restored now that I finally see the eLearning portion up and running.
I don't keep in contact with to many other Instructors outside of Facebook as we all seem to be pretty busy and rather than sling mud on how someone who IS qualified/certified to Instruct is looking to adapt and encourage Civilian based training programs we need to be mindful that as long as the basic foundation is kept Paul's System will continue on.
There are and will be many adaptations to the system just as PAUL had done much to change and adapt CAR itself from its inception in 77-the late 90's when the end formula had been found.
If we are going to shun the very same innovation and courage that others may have in moving forward and getting others interested in learning CAR as it took its founder Paul Castle to create it, then we are actually doing the same as those that have and continue to chastise Paul's monumental breakthroughs in CQB training.
...at this point I would be happy to even get further guidance as an Instructor from others with MASTER level instructorship from Paul including added training from Mike as its prudent for all of us to continue learning and training to better ourselves and in turn offer more to our students.
In the mean time...yep, I will likely have a couple more Airsoft CAR Basic Courses for Civilians and to use as Demo's with LE agencies as well as utilizing various firearm training tools to implement "real life scenarios" using commonly available indoor settings. *I don't see anyone volunteering to build me a private indoor live fire range*
Its far easier to do extreme scenarios where a mistake causes one to have a "bruise" during training to remind them of the said mistake seeing as most of us on here do not have SIMUNITION training facilities.
High end airsoft pistols with blow back action and 400fps+ is perfect for CQB training for both CAR Drills and Force on Force work...its the reason why some LE agencies implement them in the first place along with SIRT Pistols training which I also use.
I would end up going through to many students with minimal repeat customers if we use live ammo on those types of scenarios.
Best regards fellow CAR Instructors.
PS: I am not interested in bickering...no time or desire but I was a little disappointed to find that someone who did not understand the full reasoning to my Airsoft Variation would blast me for it.
Center Axis Relock is a great system and until another that bests in that comes in the future I will continue to teach the principles of CAR and use the simplest ways of transfering "knowledge" to my students that I can.
I've learned a long time ago as health and fitness professional that much of what we learn in theory is not quite as useful as practical application and why I love CAR and will continue to learn how to better TEACH it to my students both from other experienced CAR Instructors and based on my own personal experiences in instructor/student interaction.
God Bless
