Canadian Use of Force Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

So what do you teach?

We teach a modern and evolved system of Self-Protection (Self-Defense) and Use of Force (Control Tactics and Unarmed Combat) originating in the original work of North America's founding Unarmed Combat Grandfather, Bill Underwood. Bill Underwood's systems of COMBATO and DEFENDO were the first non-boxing and wrestling systems of unarmed combat and self-defense to be taught in North America starting in approx. 1912 and which became the initial systems taught to Canadian and American Military Forces, Canadian Security and Law Enforcement. Our focus is on Self-Protection and Use of Force options for operational Law Enforcement, SWAT and Military professionals.

Are you teaching Bill Underwood's original Defendo and Combato systems?

No.

Bill's original systems although highly innovative and effective in their day are now (like anything dated) in need of modernizing to ensure their task-specificness for professional operators in our current context. Canadian Use of Force Systems has built upon the principles and concepts taught by Underwood and has evolved their applications for a modern environment.

So what has changed since the days of Underwood's original systems?

A great deal.

What must be understood however is that there is far more that has changed over the last number of decades than the simple introduction of "Mixed Martial Arts" or the modern concept of mixing or blending martial arts styles in an attempt to pursue a more universal approach to combatives. That almost exclusively is a martial arts and not a Use of Force way of viewing physical conflict management skills.

The 2 primary areas of concern for current Use of Force professionals are legal liability and operational procedure (including weapons, equipment and tactics.) The application of traditional or sport martial arts techniques within a tactical environment has very significant limitations on both counts. Subjects that are thrown in hip tosses, straight-blasted through walls or who are knocked-out with excessive force techniques now have a very clear avenues from which to pursue legal remedy. Civil liability has become far more of a concern. Operational procedure and equipment load for current professionals additionally, has them moving more like "Robo-Cop" on the field than Bruce Lee across the martial arts dojo floor. Operators in a current context are in need of Restricted Movement and Single Hand-Use of Force options reinforced by Single Shape Tactical Movement and Integrated Engagement and Disengagement options which do not sacrifice the readiness of their primary weapon systems. All tactics and techniques MUST be able to be introduced, trained and retained with an acceptable level of competency within a short period of time.

How do these things apply to non-professionals who wish to learn Self-Defense and Use of Force Skills?

Most truly, a modern Use of Force training platform is a FAR more effective training ground for civilians who wish to learn Self-Defense skills than from a traditional martial arts mindset or standpoint. Military and Law Enforcement Tactics should be designed to give the average person with little to no background a skill set in a condensed period of time.

Canadian Use of Force Systems takes professional level tactics and techniques designed for high-stress situations and makes them accessible to the average person who does not have 5 years to earn a black belt. In North America, Bill Underwood pioneered the concept of attaining highly effective Self-Protection and Use of Force skills without having to pursue a traditional, philosophical or sport style system which would take extensive periods of time to master.

How is your system different than Krav Maga, Systema or other military style arts?

We are very big proponents of the mindset that "you can learn something from everyone" and that everything in the martial arts world has its place. It also is very important to understand that every instructor regardless of style will teach differently and every student has different levels of natural physical attributes, abilities and discipline in the personal pursuit of their training.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned, in general our system differs from a variety of other systems because of the following:

#1) Our focus is on Short-Duration/ High-Retention principle based training. Students should be able to understand, train and APPLY the concepts almost immediately regardless of background or level of athletic ability.

#2) Our application is for all 3 sectors of Physical Conflict Management: Self-Protection, Control Tactics and High Force Response. Without question, by far the most common limitation with most systems is that they focus to a greater extent upon either Self-Protection or Unarmed Combat. (Take' em out so you can run... or take' em out so you can kill' em.) The whole element of dynamic and effective control options is ignored. This is critical to realistic, professional Use of Force applications.

#3) Canadian Use of Force Systems focuses a great deal on legal liability and Use of Force and the physiological realties of interpersonal human aggression. In a high-stress situation your body is going to respond in many undesirable or potentially unexpected ways. Students need to learn how to contend with these realities.

#4) Task-Specific applications for each unique professional environment. Canadian Use of Force Systems prides itself on its highly specific applications and customized programs for Fire, EMS, Security, Close-Protection, Front-line Law Enforcement, K9, Motorcycle Patrol, Undercover, Surveillance and Tactical Officers as well as Military and Special Operations requirements. Tactics and techniques must and do take into account the realistic limitations pressed upon operators by Restricted Movement, Confined Environments and tightly woven SOP's which must be followed in high-stress.

How can I get involved in training with you?

Toronto Tactical Training Group for Military - Law Enforcement
If you are a Law Enforcement or Military professional you are eligible to participate in our Toronto Tactical Training Group which has 3 locations in the city of Toronto.

Public Seminars
Canadian Use of Force Systems public seminars are open to anyone and are held locally here in Toronto or wherever internationally they are organized. Information on these seminars is always listed on the main page of our website.

Small Group and/or Private Training
Small Group and Private Training Programs can easily be organized for professionals and civilians alike. All you have to do is contact us.

DVD and Audio CD Distance Learning Formats
Visit the Products page of our website for a variety of dynamic training materials which greatly increase your training experience or educate you from a distance.