Civilian Testimonials

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Sydney Course Review 2012
Toki'ukamea Liutai:
Second time around doing the course! Again, wonderful knowledge with Intercept, Stabilise and Resolution. A wide selection of students and
varying intensity levels matched with flawless coaching from your trainers. Thanks for your knowledge, you've basically revamped our whole team
response to violent situations!

Thanks mate!

Simon Auston, Red Dawn Security:
Thank you for the 3 days of training learnt a huge amount of knowledge which will be used in our industry-crowd control
Great course regardless of fitness or build 3 women in our course 7 men ranging from 50 kgs to 160 kgs and all performed well
Thanks ISR Matrix

Rod Wark, Security: Hey Dave the helmet just saved my arse at the Nats this yr! I was set upon by 8 others, there was 4 us and 20 of them, thank
god for the helmet!!! Hope to see you in Cbr soon. Take care

Facebook Feedback:
"ISR Matrix combines practicality and functionality. The skills learned and applied are functional and reliable. It also bridges the
gaps in self-confidence, mental fortitude and ability. It is unique in its training methods and instructors, making it world class.
Bottom line....it's legit, no bullshit!"
Tactical, Practical.... Athletically Provable. Designed for the "show me, don't tell me" generation.
   Low Tech Combat: Readily learnt and applied under pressure.
   Elton Aldridge: World class.
   Clarrie Schultz: You have to put up or shut up. You learn a lot about yourself and capabilties.
   Rod Wark: Simply the Best, it's the best way to become the best you can be!! Friggin awesome.
   Rod Jellyman: Life saving
   Anthony Joseph Luke Kavanagh: Easy to grasp. excellent to practice and highly effective in the field.
   Andrew Cottage: ISR Matrix combines practicality and functionality. The skills learned and applied are functional and reliable. It also bridges the
gaps in self-confidence, mental fortitude and ability. It is unique in its training methods and instructors, making it world class. Botom line....it's legit,
no bullshit!
   Dean Rogers: Solid, Reliable and whole lot of fun. Don't waste your money anywhere else. Good tunes too!!!
   Jon Craig: Definitely a worthwhile experience. Thanks to Dave, we get a chance to evaluate our skill set and check our strengths and areas to
work on. A must for all the right reasons.
   Terry O'm Dave knows his shit and when you are finished the course, so do you!
   Delta November: The ONLY defensive training I have ever seen that is able to be applied effectively on the street, after only a few days of
training. Also the ONLY self-defense training package that can be practised at full intensity, with no resulting injuries. Far more effective and
relevant that anything else out there, including currently-taught Police / Military self-defense packages.
   Gavin Bright: A training system that can be applied subconsciously with real life threats after 3 days of 8 hour training sessions with hundreds of
reps. ISR training gives you experience in what it would be really like out on the streets with out the injury factor. Plus a whole heap of fun
   Chris Urquhart Practical, versatile,intense, no bull s#@T and definitely not for the faint hearted.
   Stan Nelson: No other course can match this for intensity and learning. 13 moves with multiple uses and a problem solving approach using the
matrix that is not looking to add new techniques but instead how can we use what we have to solve the challenge. It was great to train again, with
some good people under pressure it felt like the fight had slowed down and I had 3 minutes to get control and not 3 seconds. Hundreds of reps to
burn it in to the mind and body. Also with so many reps it's easy to move to something else when it turns to shit and you need to move on to another
position. If you want good solid dependable empty hands control there is nothing better than ISR Matrix. Thanks tremendously, Stan the self
defence man, western australia

"To everyone at the course/seminar on Saturday thank you so much had a great time training with you got a lot out the experience I've tried a few
other practical systems but this was first one I have found that didn't leave me thinking I would have to explain myself in court if had to use it. I will
continue to drill what I have learned and I hope to be able to come for a full course next time it comes to Melbourne thank you once again hope to
see you in the future"

"ISR, the work of another genius real world operator. A very nice Australian ( yes, they do exist!) came and showed me the basics after my friend
told me to check it out. Its simply one of the best standing grappling systems and pressure training methods out there. I firmly believe that this is
very necessary for all police/prison staff who need restraints. I did only 4 hours of this in Bangkok under the very well qualified Dave who literally
blew me away. Please check him out and see how great this system is ....I realy love to promote people who have worked so hard to give us such
great stuff, many thanks to Dave and founder Luis" Charley, Thailand Martial Arts Seminars

Melbourne 2011 course testimonial:"Going into ISR Matrix course for the third time I thought I knew what to expect. I anticipated getting in
another three days of reps, fine tuning my technique and fighting through the ‘circle drill’ aka ‘circle of death’ until I could barely breathe. But this 3
day course totally blew all that away!

I had my first circle in pitch darkness, blinded by strobelight, unable to see opponents advancing, and having to intercept them based on touch
alone. In the confusion I was amazed to be able to pull off the techniques all the way to a take down and resolution. And this was on day one!

Day two and three saw our group advance to team tactics, restraint and control of multiple offenders with multiple good guys. We trained on the
mats, outside, used the walls to our advantage, and escorted bad guys down stairs.

Of course the repetitions were there, and every time I hear the words ‘Glove up’ I cringe a little bit. But the circle is where everything gets tested.
Even fighting muscle fatigue and minor injury at the end of day three I was still able to take down an opponent and resolve a fight, which is a
testament to the effectiveness of ISR Matrix techniques.

I really liked the structure of the course and how it was broken up. The instructor did a really good job of reading our energy levels and assigned
drills accordingly to get the most out of us.

ISR Matrix gives me confidence in my ability to restrain and control another person while blinded, dizzy, fatigued or injured, without harming myself
further, or harming the other person accidentally. I had a lot of fun on the course, met some great people, copped a few punches, but most
importantly, I feel safe to go and do my job without fear of injury or excessive force complaints"

Perth course review July 2010
In July 2010 I had the privilege to attend my second course in ISR Matrix. I believe the first course in 2008
was one of the first times the system had been taught outside the US and was a breath of fresh air with its
simplicity and efficiency. This course differed slightly from the previous one and it’s easy to see that the
system is still evolving and being refined. I was lucky enough to be one of the only civilians on the course
which gave me the opportunity to learn from people working in Law Enforcement, the Armed Forces and Security Guards.

The brilliance of the ISR Matrix is the speed at which someone can learn the basic techniques, and then apply them under greater levels of
pressure, intensity and resistance. One person on the course had never done any martial arts or hand to hand combat (he was however a firearms
expert) and he quickly learned the moves and was suitably proficient by the end of the first day. It's testament to the system's simplicity that I still
remembered the techniques having not trained them in almost 2 years. That being said, for someone who had done the course previously, there
was still a lot to learn, refine and practice.

Another great thing about the ISR Matrix is the way it is taught. Light music and some simple, but ever changing drills camouflage the repetitions
and you never feel bored or like you are performing the same technique over and over. You simply work through the steps and before you know it
you have done hundreds of reps, increasing your proficiency exponentially. Over time you are exposed to greater intensity and it’s easy to see how
effective the system is. By the end of the third day we could each handle [ground stabilise] a larger attacker trying to knock us out at 100%
intensity, in around 6 seconds. No fancy moves, and not a single strike. [on an entry level course].

I cannot recommend this course highly enough. If you work in any field where you may encounter aggressive people this is certainly the course for
you. Now I’m just an average guy who is interested in martial arts so don’t just take my word for it. Look at the testimonials from guys like the ones I
trained with, who are working in dangerous situations every day, and they swear by it. Police Officers, people working in corrections facilities,
Security professionals, and military personnel alike agree that ISR Matrix is a versatile, effective and simple system.
I can’t wait to train it again. As soon as I heal from this course that is!
Daevid

Brisbane 2010

Having participated in martial arts since 1962 with a number of instructors, I was struck with the professionalism and organisation of the ISR Matrix
course conducted over three full, well-spent days. The ISR Matrix course fills the gap that was needed in the area of self-defence and subject
restraint.

I was particularly impressed with the training program that slowly, but inexorably, progressed from simple to complex situations incorporating a
variety of stimuli and distractions necessary to become proficient in mastering the techniques. By the end of the second day, we were learning to
fight in the dark and subdue any opponent regardless of size by transitioning quickly to the stabilization and resolution phase. This intensive three-
day system of training resulted in an extremely effective and practical application of skills.
Thank you for providing an enormously valuable assortment and collection of skills.

Jon Craig,
IPSC National Range Officer,
retired school teacher,
Wing Chun exponent and former student of Bruce Lee

Brisbane Aug 2009
I attended ISR in 2008 & 2009 and will continue to attend every chance I get. The drills and intensity against larger, stronger, more skilled and fitter
individuals certainly tests what will work in reality. I am vertically challenged and ISR has provided tools that will value add to me and my school.
Some prior learning has being challenged by ISR concepts and fortunately I can say, you can teach and old dog new and better tricks. I thank Tim
& Davo for imparting their knowledge. I look forward to the next one.
If you are a Wing Chun follower be loyal to the principals and do ISR you will come out better for it. This is my second ISR Matrix course and I
strongly recommend ISR to all who seek self improvement. The strength of ISR is in its simple and functional responses regardless of applied
combat stresses. If you want to stay within your comfort zone this course is not for you. ISR compliments my schools focus and training
methodology. I look forward to supporting and training in ISR every chance I get. ISR rox, hope to have you in Townsville soon. Thank you.
Pablo Cardenas

Review of 2008 Sydney course from Luke Beston, Gracie BJJ Black Belt:
Hi all, Just got home from the 3 day ISR Matrix PM course in Sydney. Awesome course! - fantastic material taught by a fantastic coach. Thanks to
Coach Tim for his time and effort. A great instructor, communicator, and motivator. Thanks to Davo and Jim for their hard work and making it all
happen. Would recommend the course to anyone who has the opportunity to attend and I look forward to sharing the material with my students.
Luke Beston

A review of 2008 Sydney course from James Seckold, Floro Fighting Systems Instructor
Hi All, Just got in from the ISR course and have to second Lukes comments, easily the best course I have been on. Great coach, great drills and
great material, the transformation of some of the students was incredible, going from light contact drills up to full out full on contact making the
material work in some difficult circumstances. Thanks to all of you who came and supported Daves efforts , Rays seminar and to Tim who drove
everyone to personal and group success with great training methodology and insight. I had a great time and wish all on the Brissie course good
luck for next week. Thanks again!!
Best Regards,
Jim

Darren Turnbull Sydney 2008 (Australia) wrote at 11:52pm on October 2nd, 2008
Hey guys, awesome time and amazing learnings. I second the posts below. I enjoy the training, the learnings and wish to thank Dave for the
opportunity to train in ISR with Tim and also in knife with Ray. A pleasure to meet both ppl. Thanks D for making it possible.
Cheers, much appreciated to all involved, Darren.

Ash S Sydney 2008(Australia) wrote at 1:41pm on October 3rd, 2008 Review of ISR Sydney:
A very professionally delivered course, presented with a world class and effective coaching method. All drills and material were set at the perfect
level so that all course participants developed confidence and efficiency in all techniques. As for the material itself, very effective techniques that I
have full confidence in using. The system is clear, concise and effective, and leaves no real questions unanswered in regard to the control and
restraint of an aggressive, unarmed subject. Australia's Law Enforcement agencies could really benefit from this system. Overall it was easily the
best course of its type that I have attended and I look forward to attending future ISR courses. I highly recommend it for people of any background
or experience. Much thanks to you guys for making it happen and providing me with the opportunity to participate. Brilliant effort. Kind Regards,
Ash S
MMA Coach

Long Review by Ash S, Sydney 2008
It's a little later than anticipated but here's the review I promised. Please note that I am not involved with the ISR guys in any official capacity and do
not represent them here in Australia. I simply completed the course and now utilise ISR training and methodologies within my own MMA curriculum.
I've tried to be as unbiased as possible in this review, but frankly the course impressed me that much that I don't really have any negative feedback.

Review - ISR Matrix Physical Management Course, Sydney 2008: Prior to attending this course, I had already been aware of the ISR Matrix program
for a number of years through the Straight Blast Gym. I was impressed with the handful of short videos available on their website (and now youtube)
and was very keen to do the course, but had resigned myself to never being able to afford to travel to the States specifically to attend the course.
So it was with a great deal of excitement that I accepted an invitation from Dave to attend the course in Sydney during ISR's first Australian visit.

Right from the introduction, Tim the US based instructor pointed out that ISR was nothing new or revolutionary, it was simply a different
methodology applied to movements and techniques that had been around for centuries (mostly in the various wrestling styles). Off to a great start -
it's always refreshing to hear an instructor admit that they were not teaching something they considered new or superior, just a different way of
looking at things. The training itself started off relatively light as we all adapted to the unique terminology of ISR (Wrist Weaves, Seatbelts, Harness,
Helmet, Underhook and Pike, Shaking the Blanket, Straight Jacket, Zombie Drill, Jack Knife etc).

This course had a very simple approach - learn 9 moves that all seamlessly interact with each other, train reps, reps and more reps and then do
even more reps against full resistance. The movements taught throughout the course were all very simple, gross motor patterns that allowed very
quick assimilation and as a result we were able to effectively utilise our first few techniques against full resistance (mouthguard and boxing gloves
only) within a few hours of starting the course.

Tim's coaching method was fantastic. He delivered all the material in a very direct manner, demonstrating on various attendee's at various angles
and speeds before giving personal attention to each and every participant. He managed to find the perfect balance between personal attention and
leaving enough space for all participants to try the movements out and get used to them. 'Hidden Reps' was the theme of the course, with drills
being changed regularly so you didn't feel you were working the same material over and over again.

Day One saw approximately 6 hours of training before calling it a night and resting up for what was to be the biggest day of the course.

Day Two saw us training from 8am til 6pm with a lunch break somewhere in the middle. The first half of the day was revision from day one, with
some introduction work on a couple of new moves. The afternoon saw us putting it all together in completely alive drills (Zombie Drills).
By the end of day two, we had learned all the major techniques of the program and put them into effect against fully resistance opponents. This
may not sound that impressive, but there were participants on the course with very limited Martial Arts experience who were now facing much
heavier, more experienced opponents throwing full force punches and they were able to avoid being hit cleanly, and take down the opponent to
resolution every single time - an impressive feat to say the least.

Day Three started off with some light warm up drills based on revision (by this stage everyone was a little achy from the previous 2 days) and
quickly built back up to full resistance training. The last day was capped off with some team fighting applications (mostly aimed at Law Enforcement
officers and Security Teams) and some knife defence work based on Jerry Wetzel's Red Zone program.

Having trained for 25 years now, during which time I've trained in a number of different styles and systems, I have to say this was the best course
I've seen of it's type. I haven't just come away with new material to play with, but it taught me a great deal about effective coaching and I believe as
a result my own coaching and teaching has improved tenfold.

I highly recommend this course to anybody (whether Martial Artist or untrained) with an interest in simple, functional self defence. The ISR program
is particularly useful for Law Enforcement or security personnel, but can easily be utilised as a clinch/stand-up grappling program for Martial Artists
training predominantly in striking arts or BJJ. It will work in with any other Martial Art system without having a negative impact on that system's
current syllabus.

As an epilogue to this review, the ISR influenced material that I am now teaching has been effectively used on a number of occasions by Law
Enforcement officers in the course of their duties. All feedback has been positive so far which stands as further testimony to the effectiveness of
both the ISR material and their coaching method. (I can't and won't take any credit for it, I'm merely the conduit)Hope this review helps to shed some
light, let me know if you have any further questions - or if you want to experience the material first hand, please feel free to pop by the club to give it
a go.

Ash S
MMA Coach

Luke Beston wrote at 11:47am: Looking forward to learning more ISR in 2009. Have been sharing the material with the guys at my school and
has been a great addition to our program. As coach Tim pointed out it's an excellent compliment to BJJ. Highly recommend ISR to anyone who has
the opportunity. Thanks again to the coaches and all the students for a great experience from Shane Huggy and myself.

Ron Goodman (Australia) wrote at 12:19pm: Yep, count me in for ISR '09 too. It was an epic three days and I think everybody enjoyed them and
learned a whole lot of simple, functional and effective ways of controlling someone who is violent. Thanks again and I'll write a review in a few weeks
on the uni break if you want. Cheers Ron.

Melbourne Course Review Aug 2009
The ISR Matrix course is the only defensive tactics course I have attended where I feel that I have actually earned my certificate. Performing the
techniques under stressful situations and high intensity proves that the techniques will work in real life situations. The same cannot be said for other
systems targeted towards security and law enforcement where everybody receives certification regardless of demonstrated ability and competency.
The instruction was second to none and each technique was practiced repeatedly with the aim being “to practice until you cannot get it wrong”. This
obviously worked as by the end of the second day there were people less than half my size who were able to control and restrain me every time,
and I wasn't pulling my punches. This is the first such system I have seen where these levels of results had been achieved so quickly.
The techniques demonstrated were few, however I have always been of the opinion that you are better to know one technique which can be utilised
against one hundred attacks, than knowing one hundred techniques which can be used against one attack. The way the techniques flow into one
another ensures that there is always an option available, just in case something doesn't go to plan. It is also one of the few systems where the
effectiveness of techniques is not dictated by athletic ability or physical strength, making it a suitable system of people of all body types.
I've started incorporating the techniques into the defensive techniques package which I teach my security, crowd control, and bodyguard students.
The differences in their level of performance has been amazing compared to the previous package which we were using. Additionally I have been
incorporating some of the techniques into the women's self defence classes which I teach, with women weighing less than 50kgs being able to easily
control and restrain myself, weighing in at 115kgs. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone within the security and law enforcement
community, as well as anyone who wants to learn a simple and effective means of defending themselves.
I will definitely be attending any future seminars.
Steven Morrissey
Senior Educator – Security Asset Protection
Applied Technology Centre

Review of Melbourne Course August 2009

I was fortunate enough to recently attended an ISR Matrix course held here in Melbourne. The three day course was easy to learn and full of
practical real world combative applications for those who work in Law Enforcement or security roles. The moves I learned are some of the most
effective I have seen to defend yourself and gain the upper hand in a combative situation without having to resort to potentially lethal striking.

The moves we learned are all usable in a use of force continuum and actually work unlike many moves I have seen people attempt to utilize. The
skills you learn are all mixed together in high stress drills against a resisting subject to lock these practical techniques into your head.
Thanks for coming down and presenting such an excellent system. I can’t wait for the next course!

Robert Winter
Crowd Controller and Combatives Instructor

ISR review by Joe Saunders at 3:53pm on October 6th, 2008
Absolutely excellent seminar. The training methodology was different from any other seminar I've been a part of, and really made the most of the 3
(or 5) day period. The transformation in some people from day one to day three (or five) was tremendous, with everyone being more than capable
of single handedly taking control of an opponent permitted to do whatever it takes to not be controlled. This is more impressive when you consider
that we had some quite large people there, with several 6'4 an 120kg+ participants.

ISR Instructor Tim made a point on the very first day that ISR will never claim to have invented anything, and that, in his opinion, anyone who claims
to invent a human movement is stupid. This humble and open-minded attitude continued throughout the course as our illustrious panel of experts
played with concepts and gave their own input. We didn't cover many techniques, but everything we did cover worked and was drilled to the point
that we could all do every technique with our eyes closed, even with some of those monsters swinging punches at our heads. Even with the limited
number of techniques, there were no gaps that could not be catered for and everyone left the seminar confident in their new skills.

Also to ISR's credit, not everyone passed. The standard was kept high, and some very capable and otherwise qualified people left without a
certificate. No one, however, left without a new tool to add to their toolbox. Huge thank you to Tim for being an excellent coach, a friendly guy to talk
to, and showing me a new move I hope I can use in a few weeks at a BJJ competition. Also huge thank you to Dave for organising one of the most
professional and tightly run seminars I've been a part of.

Joe Saunders
Security Officer & Grappling Competitor

ISR Review, Melbourne & Brisbane Aug 2009
Hey guys, huge thank you to Dave for coordinating what was a highly successful national tour of ISR Matrix courses, and a big thank you to
everyone who attended any of the courses nationwide. Unfortunately I couldn't be at the Sydney or WA course, but I did get a chance to attend the
Victorian government and civilian courses, and just this last weekend completed my fourth seminar by attending the Brisbane course.
As always, there was a fantastic group of guys with a broad range of experience including civilians, security officers, police officers, soldiers, martial
arts instructors and competitive athletes. Everyone got something out of the course, even if it was only an appreciation for hard training. I've spent
a bit of money on ISR now, and I don't plan to stop any time soon. The experience and the gut check is worth every cent.
Technically, the system is the most suitable for law enforcement I've seen anywhere, but it's more than that. The pressure drills really force you to
practise what you preach and to keep pushing through fatigue. Congrats to all those who attended, and well done to all those who passed.
Joe Saunders
Security Officer & Grappling Competitor

Melbourne 2010
Will be back for sure to do another session. It was well worth the time & money and hands down beats any other security orientated defensive
tactics I have learnt so far. Thanks!
Jonathan, Security Operations Manager
From the average person to the most elite trained officers I would highly recommend this system to everyone as it is something so instinctive yet
functional and will allow them much greater odds to successfully handle and ultimately walk away from dangerous situations as they arise.
Throughout the training we attempted to pick apart different techniques in a range of what-if scenarios...all of which a suitable response was
demonstrated to us from within the core techniques we could not find fault with the system and its ease in transition.
The other great advantage of this system is in performing the techniques you are keeping well within the use of force continuum.... in every
situation we are always under scrutiny in regards to our actions. I would feel extremely confident in justifying my every action using the ISR System.
Chris, Security Officer

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