As some of you may know I attended a PCR class and have become a
certified instructor. So what exactly is PCR and how will it impact
training at the dojo?
PCR is nothing more than a politically correct title given to a
style of fighting for the street. It was developed over the course
of 10 years by US Navy SEAL Ken Good. He saw a need to practical
hands on combatives that really worked with the least amount of
effort or time. He started pulling from various martial arts to
develop this system. PCR was developed for the militaty and law
enforcement.
Some of you may have heard about PPCT (Pressure Point Control
Tactics). PPCT is a good start but it's way different than PCR. The
idea behind PPCT is very limited to the fact that if a techniques
doesn't work, it's not the technique that is bad, the person doing it
is not doing it properly (hard enough). So the only advice from PPCT
is to strike harder. IF it still doesn't work strike even harder.
You can see the probelm with this...excessive use of force. PCR is
different. It will flow very good with our training in kenpo. PCR
is principal based just as kenpo is concept based. You simply use
what is needed to end the confrontation.
So what was training like? In one word PAINFUL! My instructor Mr
Jim King uses the Russain method of training. Mr King was a US Army
Ranger then went on to Special Forces. He got out of the Army and
began training in Russian Martial arts and training in Systema for 5
years with the Spetnaz (Russia's version of Green Berets or Navy
SEALs). He was one of the best instructors I've come across in a
long time. Training was 8 to 10 hours a day. By the end of class
each day you could barely move but it was worth it. It was great to
train with 15 other guys that were there to train and train hard.
They were motivated and dedicated.
Many of the PT drills we will be incorporating into our warm ups.
Some of the other material will also be put in to the material where
we feel it fits best.
This was not watered down typical DT. For example we started
working with training knives then went onto real knives. Yes real
knives that could cut you. The movements don't change but the fact
that it's a real knife messes with your mind. Firearm work was the
same way.
Everyone got over any problem they had with hitting or getting
hit. Full contact without any pads. But it worked. By the end of
the week no one hand any fear of taking a full power punch or
delivering a full power punch.
I spoke with Jim King after class who lives in Missouri and he said
he'd be willing to come to Aberdeen for a seminar or for karate camp
next summer. I think everyone will be able to learn a lot from him.
If he does end up coming I recommend having ice packs ready because
you will get black and blue and get some cuts. I split my lip open
the first day. It was painful training but it was worth it because
it was great and kicked butt!!