I finally took a Hamilton/Insights method handgun retention class. I won't give major details of the methods on an open bulletin board (even if I could properly describe the methods, which I can't -- they really have to be demonstrated). The class was given by a local organization -- http://www.aware.org
The instructors had trained with John Holschen and Greg Hamilton at Insights: http://www.insightstraining.com/ps/courses/unarm/hrd.htm
This was a shortened version of the class, only 1 day long, as opposed to Insight's 2 day class.
I've previously taken the Lindell method, both from Aware and at LFI-2. My concern with the Lindell method is that, for me at least, I think it works well in the dojo at slow speed with a cooperating partner, but I have my doubts about whether it would work on the street if TSHTF without a LOT more practice. The Lindell method has a number of different techniques which must be matched to the attack -- e.g., a strong-side, palm-up attack to a drawn gun is met with technique X, a weak-side attack with technique Y, etc. It would take a lot of practice before I could diagnose an attack quickly enough to counter it.
The Insights method is definitely simpler, with less techniques. The Insights method is also destructive, focusing on elbow strikes and close fighting. The Insights method is really part of their integrated close-quarters combat technique. The good thing is that I think their techniques are effective. The bad thing is that I'm not sure that I can internalize all of their techniques in just a one day class. Like most people, I'm used to fighting at a distance. Their method is to get in close, inside the normal punching range. I think it will take more practice before I can get used to doing that.
Some of the good things in the Aware version of the Insights class is that they use both a tactical dummy (held up by one of the instructors) and a FIST suit, so you can practice some of the techniques at full force. At the end of the course, the instructor was in the FIST suit attacking you. This was a very dynamic attack and you learned pretty quickly whether you could apply the techniques when everything goes to sh*t.
I would definitely like to take the Insights Unarmed Self Defense class and their 2-day Handgun Retention class.
M1911
The instructors had trained with John Holschen and Greg Hamilton at Insights: http://www.insightstraining.com/ps/courses/unarm/hrd.htm
This was a shortened version of the class, only 1 day long, as opposed to Insight's 2 day class.
I've previously taken the Lindell method, both from Aware and at LFI-2. My concern with the Lindell method is that, for me at least, I think it works well in the dojo at slow speed with a cooperating partner, but I have my doubts about whether it would work on the street if TSHTF without a LOT more practice. The Lindell method has a number of different techniques which must be matched to the attack -- e.g., a strong-side, palm-up attack to a drawn gun is met with technique X, a weak-side attack with technique Y, etc. It would take a lot of practice before I could diagnose an attack quickly enough to counter it.
The Insights method is definitely simpler, with less techniques. The Insights method is also destructive, focusing on elbow strikes and close fighting. The Insights method is really part of their integrated close-quarters combat technique. The good thing is that I think their techniques are effective. The bad thing is that I'm not sure that I can internalize all of their techniques in just a one day class. Like most people, I'm used to fighting at a distance. Their method is to get in close, inside the normal punching range. I think it will take more practice before I can get used to doing that.
Some of the good things in the Aware version of the Insights class is that they use both a tactical dummy (held up by one of the instructors) and a FIST suit, so you can practice some of the techniques at full force. At the end of the course, the instructor was in the FIST suit attacking you. This was a very dynamic attack and you learned pretty quickly whether you could apply the techniques when everything goes to sh*t.
I would definitely like to take the Insights Unarmed Self Defense class and their 2-day Handgun Retention class.
M1911