Course Overview:

concepts of disarming bad guys

This course focuses on identifying threat zones for right- and left-handed subjects, recognizing safe engagement angles, and understanding common weapon access methods including waistband draws, hoodie pockets, and cross-body bags or fanny packs. Participants will learn to safely approach potentially armed compliant subjects, identify pre-attack indicators, and disrupt or foul a draw. The training emphasizes controlling the weapon-bearing limb both inside and outside the waistband, executing disarms, and integrating takedowns with dominant control positions. It also covers controlling the accessing arm from bag-based concealment systems and concludes with decision-making concepts for drawing a duty firearm during close contact engagements and when to disengage or detach.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Kerry “Kato” murakami

Training & Instruction Experience

- Founder of Rectitude Training, LLC
- Defensive Tactics Instructor and Field Training Officer (since 1995)
- Firearms Instructor (since 2003) and Scenario-Based Training Instructor (since 2014)
- Co-lead of department Scenario-Based Training Program and Lead Instructor of Combatives Club
- Consultant for law enforcement agencies developing and modernizing combatives and jiu-jitsu-based training programs
- ILETSB Certified Instructor with four state-certified courses
- Instructor at the Combatives Association Summit (2024–2025)

Law Enforcement Experience

- 28-Year Career in Law Enforcement (Retired Illinois Officer) assigned primarily to Patrol
- Extensive experience in real-world use-of-force decision-making and field problem solving
- Lead role in developing integrated patrol, range, and mat-based training environments

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Combatives Background

- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt (2nd Degree) under Professor Mark Vives of New Breed Training Center
- Combatives Black Belt under Combatives University (earned 2025)
- Background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and boxing with emphasis on real-world application

Programs & Partnerships

- Preferred training provider for Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA)
- Focus on increasing training frequency, improving officer performance, and reducing injuries to officers and subjects
- Developed and implemented integrated combatives curriculum for agency-wide training initiatives

Outside the classroom and training environment, you’ll usually find Kerry on the mats or at the range: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, combatives, and shooting are his life.