ISR Matrix Australia & Asia Pacific Testimonials
ISR Matrix Australia Testimonials - sourced from Facebook and Internet Discussion Forums
To read the 3 page review published in Oct 2009 Response Australia magazine, click here
Brisbane course review Aug 2009
I recently attended a 3 day ISR Matrix Physical Management Foundation Skills course. By way of background, I have
been involved in the military, the security industry and law enforcement field for over 10 years. Through out this time I
have always trained in Martial arts and defensive tactics and continually searched for a realistic/effective system with no
success. Then I found ISR. This course was just brilliant.
I have trained in wrestling and MMA for a long time (where a lot of the ISR techniques come from) but this is far more
then a bunch of techniques. The ISR Matrix team have seriously done some quality research and development to
establish 9 core techniques that flow systematically together. ISR Matrix allows you to keep complete control of the bad
guy whilst always keeping in mind situational awareness, weapon retention and transition, team tactics and the ability to
escalate or de-escalte your use of force at anytime.
Sure that sound sounds great but we drilled these 9 core moves over and over again to the point of having to apply them
on a full resisting opponents wearing boxing gloves who were trying to knock us out!
ISR just works. Unfortunately, as a police officer, I am not comfortable walking into dangerous situations with every
partner I work with. However, I would gladly go up against any angry man with any Officer who has done an ISR course,
safe in the knowledge that they have already had to make their training work for real! This system is a must for anyone
serious about doing their job properly or wanting to defend themselves.
Tim
Police Officer
Brisbane Course Review 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 and Joe 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.
Testimonial
"This is my second ISR Matrix cse 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 cse 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
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, we had 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 appreciate 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.
I will hopefully have a highlight video up in the coming weeks, pending approval from head office in the US.
Congrats to all those who attended, and well done to all those who passed.
Joe Saunders
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 to Dave and Joe for coming down and presenting such an excellent system. I cant wait for the next course!
Robert Winter
Crowd Controller and Combatives Instructor
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 recomend the course to anyone who has the opportunity to attend and I look forward to sharing the material with
my students.
Luke
A review of 2008 Sydney course from James Seckold:
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 (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 Oz 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 Sinclair (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 it's 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 Sinclair
Head Instructor
Millennia Academy
Campbelltown, S
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"+ and
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, gave their own input, and even created a
new vehicle extraction technique that will be added to the ISR curriculum next year. 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.
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
Nick Wyborn
March 29 2009 at 12:08am
Hi guys, just got back from 5 days training ISR in Adelaide.
I'll start by saying I have never before felt so exhausted after a course.
At the end of the second day I got an ice pack from the freezer and didn't know where to put it first. Everything ached.
From the get go I was impressed by how functional the system is.
Transitioning from a point of disadvantage to a point of almost total subject control is done with relative ease. Never in
any point of the course was excessive force advised or demonstrated. All techniques have been carefully examined and
pressure tested, with a strong emphasis on using minimal or reasonable force to achieve a positive outcome.
The system is designed in a way that it always leaves you an opportunity to transition to gain positional control, or even
better to find an exit.
The techniques focused on using Gross Motor Skills, and placed more emphasis on control and restraint, as oppossed
to using pain for compliance which sometimes may not be effective if your aggressor is under the influence of drugs, or
has unusual flexibility/size differences etc.
The LE course dealt with specific situatioans that Law Enforcement Officers may encounter whilst in the field. The
material and techniques were job specific, and always placed a strong emphasis on officer safety and situational
awareness.
A big thankyou to Fletch who travelled a long way to teach such a small group. Fletch is an excellent Instructor, and just
a great guy to boot.
Thanks to Ash, Davo and everyone who helped make a highly enjoyable week of training.
I highly recommend ISR to all Front Line Employees, or simply anyone who wants a safe and effective method of
controlling potentially hostile or aggressive persons.
Regards,
Nick Wyborn
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 7:07 pm ISR Review
Well, just completed five days of the ISR PM 101/201 and the LE 101. I'm bruised, knackered, and sore. It was five days
of pretty intense training, ranging in techniques from escort control, restraints, weapon retention, vehicle extractions, and
everything in between.
Fletch Fuller, who is the main instructor for the Florida SWAT, and Vice President of the ISR Matrix was the instructor,
and was awesome at the job.
I've got a mainly Jujitsu and boxing background, and ISR has definitely changed my ways of controlling subjects in the
future.
I'd recommend this course to any LEO as a must do. Matter of fact, I'd recommend every Police Force in the country to
teach it to cadets at the Academy.
It makes the **** taught DEFTAC look pathetic.
Full review will be coming in the next week or two once I've finished my notes.
Long Review by Ash Sinclair:
t'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 instructor's 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 Instructor's 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 of Oz Combatives
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
To read the 3 page review published in Oct 2009 Response Australia magazine, click here
Brisbane course review Aug 2009
I recently attended a 3 day ISR Matrix Physical Management Foundation Skills course. By way of background, I have
been involved in the military, the security industry and law enforcement field for over 10 years. Through out this time I
have always trained in Martial arts and defensive tactics and continually searched for a realistic/effective system with no
success. Then I found ISR. This course was just brilliant.
I have trained in wrestling and MMA for a long time (where a lot of the ISR techniques come from) but this is far more
then a bunch of techniques. The ISR Matrix team have seriously done some quality research and development to
establish 9 core techniques that flow systematically together. ISR Matrix allows you to keep complete control of the bad
guy whilst always keeping in mind situational awareness, weapon retention and transition, team tactics and the ability to
escalate or de-escalte your use of force at anytime.
Sure that sound sounds great but we drilled these 9 core moves over and over again to the point of having to apply them
on a full resisting opponents wearing boxing gloves who were trying to knock us out!
ISR just works. Unfortunately, as a police officer, I am not comfortable walking into dangerous situations with every
partner I work with. However, I would gladly go up against any angry man with any Officer who has done an ISR course,
safe in the knowledge that they have already had to make their training work for real! This system is a must for anyone
serious about doing their job properly or wanting to defend themselves.
Tim
Police Officer
Brisbane Course Review 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 and Joe 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.
Testimonial
"This is my second ISR Matrix cse 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 cse 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
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, we had 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 appreciate 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.
I will hopefully have a highlight video up in the coming weeks, pending approval from head office in the US.
Congrats to all those who attended, and well done to all those who passed.
Joe Saunders
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 to Dave and Joe for coming down and presenting such an excellent system. I cant wait for the next course!
Robert Winter
Crowd Controller and Combatives Instructor
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 recomend the course to anyone who has the opportunity to attend and I look forward to sharing the material with
my students.
Luke
A review of 2008 Sydney course from James Seckold:
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 (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 Oz 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 Sinclair (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 it's 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 Sinclair
Head Instructor
Millennia Academy
Campbelltown, S
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"+ and
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, gave their own input, and even created a
new vehicle extraction technique that will be added to the ISR curriculum next year. 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.
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
Nick Wyborn
March 29 2009 at 12:08am
Hi guys, just got back from 5 days training ISR in Adelaide.
I'll start by saying I have never before felt so exhausted after a course.
At the end of the second day I got an ice pack from the freezer and didn't know where to put it first. Everything ached.
From the get go I was impressed by how functional the system is.
Transitioning from a point of disadvantage to a point of almost total subject control is done with relative ease. Never in
any point of the course was excessive force advised or demonstrated. All techniques have been carefully examined and
pressure tested, with a strong emphasis on using minimal or reasonable force to achieve a positive outcome.
The system is designed in a way that it always leaves you an opportunity to transition to gain positional control, or even
better to find an exit.
The techniques focused on using Gross Motor Skills, and placed more emphasis on control and restraint, as oppossed
to using pain for compliance which sometimes may not be effective if your aggressor is under the influence of drugs, or
has unusual flexibility/size differences etc.
The LE course dealt with specific situatioans that Law Enforcement Officers may encounter whilst in the field. The
material and techniques were job specific, and always placed a strong emphasis on officer safety and situational
awareness.
A big thankyou to Fletch who travelled a long way to teach such a small group. Fletch is an excellent Instructor, and just
a great guy to boot.
Thanks to Ash, Davo and everyone who helped make a highly enjoyable week of training.
I highly recommend ISR to all Front Line Employees, or simply anyone who wants a safe and effective method of
controlling potentially hostile or aggressive persons.
Regards,
Nick Wyborn
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 7:07 pm ISR Review
Well, just completed five days of the ISR PM 101/201 and the LE 101. I'm bruised, knackered, and sore. It was five days
of pretty intense training, ranging in techniques from escort control, restraints, weapon retention, vehicle extractions, and
everything in between.
Fletch Fuller, who is the main instructor for the Florida SWAT, and Vice President of the ISR Matrix was the instructor,
and was awesome at the job.
I've got a mainly Jujitsu and boxing background, and ISR has definitely changed my ways of controlling subjects in the
future.
I'd recommend this course to any LEO as a must do. Matter of fact, I'd recommend every Police Force in the country to
teach it to cadets at the Academy.
It makes the **** taught DEFTAC look pathetic.
Full review will be coming in the next week or two once I've finished my notes.
Long Review by Ash Sinclair:
t'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 instructor's 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 Instructor's 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 of Oz Combatives
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
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"The strength of ISR is in its
simple and functional
responses regardless of
applied combat stresses….. I
look forward to supporting and
training in ISR every chance I
get" – Pablo, Martial Arts
Instructor and ADF
"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." Chris, Security Officer
"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 practice what you
preach and to keep pushing
through fatigue" Joe – Defensive
Tactics Instructor and Grappling
Competitor
"The ISR Matrix course is the
only defensive tactics course I
have attended where I feel that I
have actually earned my
certificate" Steven, Security
Trainer
"I highly recommend ISR to all
Front Line Employees, or simply
anyone who wants a safe and
effective method of controlling
potentially hostile or aggressive
persons" Nick, Police Officer
"I'd recommend this course to
any LEO as a must do. Matter of
fact, I'd recommend every Police
Force in the country to teach it to
cadets at the Academy. It makes
our DEFTAC look pathetic"
Damon, Police Officer
"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, Security
Trainer
"……full of practical real world
combative applications for those
who work in Law Enforcement
or security roles……some of the
most effective I have seen to
defend yourself and gain the
upper hand in a combative
situation without resorting to
potentially lethal striking ……
usable in a use of force
continuum and actually work
unlike many moves I have seen
people attempt to utilize. Rob,
Crowd Controller
"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" Ash, MMA Instructor
"I am extremely impressed with
the functionality of the ISR Matrix
System….. 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" Chris, Security Officer
"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
"We have been using and
training the ISR package in the
crew a fair bit now, and the
response from the guys is
phenomenal. We are routinely
using the helmet and
underhook and pike in unarmed
subject control now - to great
effect. The wrist weave has
become another favourite". – K,
Specialist Policing Officer.
"Brilliant ..... used it to take down
and control POI's a number of
times.... ISR is easy to learn,
easy to teach and their stuff
integrates seemlessy with other
skill sets.... Highly, highly
recommend it to operational
officers!" - Chris, Police Trainer
"vastly superior to any
contemporary Police DT / OST
package in use in Australia
today..... Australian Police
organisations are performing a
disservice to their staff, and the
community they are expected to
serve, by not implementing ISR"
Editor, Response Australia
Magazine
"ISR Matrix allows you to keep
complete control of the bad guy
whilst always keeping in mind
situational awareness, weapon
retention and transition, team
tactics and the ability to escalate
or de-escalte your use of force
at anytime" Tim, Police Officer
