Training Balance & How Good is Good Enough

Originally Posted May 25, 2010

A problem we’ve seen lately. Identified by JD, he relayed to me and I took some notes over the past few classes. It’s definitely there, more so now than I’ve seen in the past. A lot of people are becoming obsessed with shooting tests, unrealistic scenarios, and just plain silly drills (more on these later).

The first thing you need to do is clearly identify your needs of training FOR THE REAL WORLD, such as; carbine, pistol, blade, combatives, physical fitness, tactics. Once you’ve made a list of the what, honestly ask yourself what you really NEED the most and which one you just LIKE to do. Here lies the problem. We (humans) like to practice what we’re good at, and what makes us feel good. Over time this is a recipe for disaster.

Prioritize those needs- Next step is to put in order those training needs according to your job/application. Again, people aren’t honest with themselves. They want to do what is sexy or easy.

Myself as an example:

1) Fitness
2) Combatives
3) Blade
4) Pistol
5) Carbine
6) Tactics

What you say Kyle? You teach shooting for a living and pistol and carbine are 4 and 5? That’s right. REAL WORLD, remember? The chances of me using a carbine for real again are slim to none. Pistol is a little better (because I carry some). The biggest thing is I shoot both weapons week in and week out,every day!, so my need to train them is not there. My most likely scenario as a civilian is a fight in very close quarters. The blade is always with, but, hand to hand is more likely first. I list fitness number one because it helps so much in a fight, and the survivability and recovering of a confrontation. In my opinion fitness has to be in the top spot regardless.

An anonymous active duty friend’s list:

1)Fitness
2)Tactics
3)Carbine
4)Blade
5)Combatives
6)Pistol

An anymous LEO friend’s list:

1) Fitness
2) Pistol
3) Tactics
4) Carbine
5) Combatives
6) Blade

Prioritize…..