The ShivWorks Extreme Close Quarter Concepts (ECQC) course offers a multi-disciplinary approach to building functional, combative handgun skills at zero to five feet. The course is designed to instill core concepts of seamless integration and provide the platform for aggressive problem solving during a life or death struggle at arm’s length or closer. We emphasize the common body mechanics that apply across different skill sets. That way, all combative software is reinforcing. Once students’ skill sets are ingrained, they will be stress inoculated with force-on-force drills using marking cartridges and protective equipment.
Craig discusses his background and inspiration for developing his Extreme Close Quarters Concepts.
Craig talks about the operating system required to be effective in extreme close quarters combat. There are 3 P's in the operating system (Pressure, Posture, Position). The attributes are developed through training.
Craig teaches and demonstrates the 3 P's of the combat training environment. The Mountain Goat drill helps you learn Posture Under Pressure. Positioning is critical, but must maintain posture.
Craig explains the 4 basic ties in combat (Underhook, Overhook, Bicep Tie, Wrist Tie). These are core to combat in a weapons based environment.
Craig demonstrates how to swim or pummel for the underhook to take the inside position. Practice the drill without resistance. After going through a number of reps, then add pressure.
Craig demonstrates the whizzer as a variation of the overhook to take the inside position. Cut the underhook with the whizzer and maintain posture.
Craig demonstrates how to use the bicep tie to drive the opponent's limb away from you. This is a responsive action to a free swinging knife in a clinch. The wrist tie is also useful in controlling the opponent's limb.
Craig demonstrates the underhook arm tie as the best way to resolve a clinch. It allows for several options as transitions in position. Plan A is to get behind someone. Plan B is to do the hook and tie combination.
Craig discusses the 2 options for a primary and secondary plan of escape. Setting up the Duck Under and the Arm Drag.
Craig demonstrates the proper technic to execute the Duck Under to setup an escape in a clinch situation. This can be done on the underhook side or the tie side.
Craig demonstrates the proper technic to execute the Arm Drag to setup an escape in a clinch situation. Always exit on the side your head is on.
Craig demonstrates the proper technic for drawing and firing in close range with an opponent. Using the elbow shield provides a defensive position while you deploy a weapon for defense.
Craig demonstrates a live fire scenario with a close range pistol draw in an assault scenario. Checking your muzzle line is critical to maintaining a safe and effective shot. Check your support hand in the process.
Craig demonstrates the technics of appropriate extension in a live fire drill. Target proximity is the primary consideration for this exercise. At no point in the presentation should the opponent be able to reach out and grab the weapon.
Craig teaches the principal strategy of when to draw a weapon in a fight scenario. This is based on threat awareness and control. Breaking range and drawing is ideal, but when you have no options, you must know how to handle In Fight Weapons Access.
Craig demonstrates weapon control with an elbow pin in a standing fight scenario. This can be done with a holstered weapon in the appendix position or the strong side hip.
Craig teaches the principal strategies for in fight weapons access and control in a ground fight. Using leg work and kicking help you maintain position and make space. The plan is to get up or allow you to access your weapon. Getting up is Plan A.
Craig demonstrates a critical technic called a Hip Escape to help you get out of an overwhelming threat in a ground fight. The steering wheel technic allows you to control the opponent and create space. Same rules for using the pistol standing apply to using it when grounded.