Making Sense Podcast: Police Violence and Jiu-Jitsu Training
Host: Sam Harris
Guest: Henner Gracie
Key Topics:
Police Violence and Jiu-Jitsu
Discussion on how jiu-jitsu can help mitigate police violence.
Henner Gracie, a third-generation member of the Gracie family, discusses his work in training police officers.
Importance of jiu-jitsu in teaching police officers to control suspects without significant injury.
Current State of Police Training
Officers in California receive only four hours of arrest and control training every two years.
Training includes grappling, restraint, and force policy but lacks depth in physical control tactics.
Many police officers are under-trained, leading to excessive use of force due to lack of control in high-stress situations.
Impact of Under-Training
Under-trained officers are more likely to experience amygdala hijack in intense situations.
Officers may resort to violent measures quickly due to lack of control tactics.
Every encounter is life-threatening as officers carry firearms, making effective non-lethal control training critical.
Role of Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-jitsu provides officers with skills to manage suspects physically without excessive force.
Techniques focus on control through leverage and energy efficiency rather than strength.
Training aims to reduce the need for weapons or violent measures in suspect apprehensions.
Case Studies and Examples
Several case studies highlight failures due to insufficient training.
Officer Hubbard's incident in Kansas City exemplifies the dangers of inadequate ground control training.
Solution and Reform Proposals
Regular jiu-jitsu training proposed: at least one hour per week for all officers.
Marietta Police Department in Georgia implemented a program for mandatory jiu-jitsu training with promising results:
Significant reductions in suspect and officer injuries.
Cost savings on workman's compensation and legal claims.
Challenges and Opposition
Some laws, like New York's diaphragm bill, restrict effective control techniques, leading to increased violence.
Misunderstandings about the effectiveness and safety of jiu-jitsu techniques, such as the neck restraint.
Positive Outcomes and Future Prospects
Successful integration of jiu-jitsu into police training can bridge the gap between public expectations and police performance.
Potential for nationwide adoption of jiu-jitsu training for officers, improving community relations and reducing use of force incidents.
Conclusion
Henner Gracie emphasizes the need for improved training standards and the role of jiu-jitsu in creating safer and more effective police forces.
The discussion highlights the importance of understanding both the challenges faced by police and the potential solutions through martial arts training.