In 2016, after nearly 15 years on the job and 15 years since his police academy training, Tucson Police Officer Mike Pelton faced a life-threatening situation. He was attacked at night from behind by a deranged male wielding two knives, one in each hand. The individual struck Officer Pelton in the back of the head with the butt of one of the knives, catching him off guard. Despite the sudden and dangerous assault, Officer Pelton drew upon his extensive background in wrestling, judo, and jiu-jitsu. He was able to swiftly subdue the attacker, throwing him to the ground and controlling the situation. With the assistance of another officer at the scene, they successfully disarmed the suspect without resorting to their guns or tasers.
The encounter highlighted the value of Officer Pelton’s martial arts training. His confidence and ability to control the suspect with minimal use of force prevented a potentially deadly outcome. The suspect was safely apprehended and later received his day in court, while Officer Pelton returned home safely to his family. This incident underscored the importance of continued defensive tactics and de-escalation training for law enforcement officers.
The spring and summer of 2020 brought a wave of viral police videos, showcasing negative interactions between officers and civilians. Officer Pelton and his colleagues recognized the urgent need for better training and support for first responders. They asked themselves: How could they provide the life-saving training that had protected Officer Pelton and the suspect that night to every first responder who needed it? How could they engage the community to support those who risk their lives to keep everyone safe?
These questions led to the creation of the No Belt Required (NBR) program. NBR aims to save lives by equipping first responders with the skills and confidence to handle dangerous situations with minimal force. We are proud of the positive impact NBR is making, helping to protect both first responders and the communities they serve.
What Can I Expect From Participating In No Belt Required?
Expert and Personalized Training and Coaching
Classes with an Emphasis on the Most Effective and Applicable Skills
Individual Training Focused on Maximizing the Learning Potential of a Group
Numerous Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Community – A Community of Like-Minded Individuals Committed to Self, and Community, Improvement
The Tools for a Long and Healthy Career
Lots of time to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
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Natalie GarlandJiuJitsu Instructor -
Yegor MakhiborodaJiuJitsu Instructor -
Sam OhanesianJiuJitsu Instructor -
CJ HigginsJiuJitsu Instructor
Benefits of No Belt Required
Empowering Law Enforcement & First Responders Through Continued Defensive Tactic Training with The NBR Community
Mental Health
No Belt Required is committed to supporting first responders in their well-being journey. Our program provides a dedicated space for decompression and mental wellness, fostering a community where officers can share experiences and access resources to navigate the unique challenges.
Confidence
No Belt Required focuses on building your confidence through hands-on training in defensive tactics and de-escalation techniques. By seamlessly incorporating these practices into our programs, we ensure that you not only acquire valuable skills but also gain the confidence to apply them effectively.
Community
At No Belt Required, we foster a community of motivated officers and staff committed to self-improvement and community betterment. Our programs offer opportunities to engage in team building, problem-solving, and networking, allowing you to collaborate with individuals from diverse departments.
Training Officers and Agents From...
