Di Somatican just after delivering an obviously effective palm jab to Ed Kruzel.

Challenge the assailant, but be ready if he ignores it.

Dynamic Combat Method (DCM) is one way to fine-tune those choices. According to Richard Ryan, DCM's creator, "a martial art is essentially a collection of physical techniques, philosophies and concepts designed for interpersonal defense. Today there are essentially three types of martial arts: 1) Theatrical -- what you see in the movies, 2) Sports -- judo, karate, boxing, etc., and 3) Defensive -- true self-defense for use in real life situations.

On April 20th and 21st, at Harvard Sportsmen's Club in Harvard MA, Richard Ryan, and his assistant Lance Clodfelter, brought his Alternate Force 1 course to the Northeast under the aegis of Gunsite Training Center (GTC). There were fifteen students of varying abilities and skill levels. It was to be an intensive two days.

Ryan developed his system as a realistic alternative to many systems out there which really didn't work on the street. In his almost life-long study of martial arts, he identified what didn't work:

• Multiple palm jabs by Barbara Clorite-Ventura.

  Techniques which are complex and/or fancy
• Kicking above the groin
• Grappling and/or throwing
• Mystical methods

He also determined what actually did work well:

• Direct, overwhelming force (make the assailant worry about his own safety)
• Speed, of thought and action
• Surprise

The system to accomplish this must consist of quick, simple methods. The Gunsite series consists of Alternate Force I (handgun), Alternate Force 2 (long-gun), and Alternate Force 3 (tactical). These courses focus on the ramifications caused by either a situation going from a lethal force to a non-lethal force situation, or the firearm being neutralized in a close-quarters confrontation. A full range of programs is available directly from Ryan Defense Systems, Inc.

Debbie Fonda practicing impact push with Richard Ryan observing. Bill Hoffman's on the receiving end.

The class started off slowly, with Ryan showing the three principles of balance:

• Widen the base of support
• Lower the center of gravity
• Align the center of gravity

Once the students had assimilated this seemingly simple, but cornerstone precept, the subtle, yet significant differences between a one step and a two step action were internalized. Defensive blocks (essentially a collision) and parries (a deflection) were compared. The pace and action increased from here. Demonstrations were followed by students practicing the various techniques over and over again, full power, against each other (using body shields and punch mitts, of course). Corrections and refinements were orchestrated by Clodfelter and Ryan until the group was ready for the next stage.

Lyn Bates warding off a blow (by Richard Ryan with an elbow shield). The attacker is clearly in a world of trouble now!

A number of methodologies were put into practice-impact push, palm jab, swarm, elbow shield, and battering ram. All were done slowly at first, to attain correct form, then faster and faster to develop speed and power. And the power that could be generated was incredible. Students holding the body shields were knocked back by some of the procedures. The four women in the class more than held their own. They soon learned to compensate for their lesser upper body strength by transferring power from the hips and legs, and also using their lower center of gravity to fullest advantage.

I have participated in a great many defensive tactics and firearms courses, and this was one of the most enthusiastically received. To a person, the off-line chatter, and the formal requested evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. After this weekend, it was interesting to read some of the email commentary about the program. Comments were glowing, almost effusive, and were interspersed with pronouncements such as "My hair hurts," "it hurts to type." All good-naturedly -- the results of a thorough weekend workout.
[image] The battering ram technique. Consider what Lyn Bates would have done to Dave Ventura without those two body shields.

Di Somatican employs the battering ram under Ryan's watchful eye. Richard Benedict is left holding the bag.

Many of the participants went out and purchased their own shields and mitts to continue to practice. But it must be correct practice. As Ryan explained: "An hour wasted in poor performance will not equal a minute of concentrated effort."

If you can, take this course. It fills a vital gap in your personal defense strategy, and engenders a more connected personal force continuum. In Richard Ryan's words, ATW -- Anything That Works!

About the Author.- Roger Lanny is a certified firearms and defensive weapons instructor, a certified Glock armorer, a competitive shooter, and board member of We Are AWARE.

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