Kouri, James

Security Management
Volume 38, Issue 9, pp. 226+ (1994)

Recommended

This article argues for the implementation of marital arts forms in security guard training. The article begins by citing an example of when standard security guard training was inadequate during a subway confrontation between an armed security guard and an unarmed man who was trained in martial arts. The author describes how even though the officer was armed with a pistol, a canister of mace, and a baton, he was no match for the attacker.

The author then proceeds to describe the benefits of martial arts training for security guards including increased physical strength, greater mental strength (which encompasses greater self-confidence), better judgment skills, and tactical knowledge. Furthermore, the author describes the difference there would be between police martial arts training and security guard training. Finally, the article describes methods for incorporating marital arts training into security guard training. The author concludes his argument by stating that there would be less reliance on chemical weapons and with knowledge of martial arts in security officers, workplaces and public areas may become much safer.

I found this article informative and interesting. It makes people aware of the fact that security guards are often at a disadvantage because they aren't granted the freedoms or liberties that police officers are. I think this article is a positive step towards giving security guards a leg up in the future.

Annotated by: Tim Reeves (March 2009)

Martial Arts:

Topics: crime | training/exercise science |