I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to train officers around the world. And in my travels, I sometimes hear officers say “I don’t carry a baton anymore, because it’s ineffective; I’d rather carry (fill in the blank) because I know it will work.” Unfortunately, sometimes that kind of talk influences other officers—making them question their own thinking about impact weapons—and no one asks why that officer found them ineffective. Chances are it wasn’t the tool, it was the delivery; the proven key to effective use of the tactical baton is power generation.
There are seven components of power used to achieve maximum striking potential (also known as power generation). In 1980, ASP founder Dr. Kevin Parsons was the first to outline these components and incorporate them in formalized impact weapon training:
Balance is the foundation for power generation, and balance is established through what we call the Pyramid Concept. Proper balance allows the officer to move fluidly, maintaining proper timing while striking targets. Balance is improved—and becomes more instinctively natural—by consistently practicing proper stance and working with moving targets.
Endurance can be the difference between life and death. A subject might be a more skilled, or even better trained fighter than an officer, but the officer can still “win” by outlasting the subject until control is established or backup arrives. It comes down to superior endurance, and endurance is improved through constant, effective cardiovascular/aerobic training.
Flexibility allows the muscles, and the body as a whole, to be relaxed during a confrontation. If we are too tense or rigid—because of fear, nervousness or lack of confidence—we don’t move as smoothly, quickly or effectively. We slow down and lack power for things like striking. Practicing dynamic stretching and controlled breathing to relax can increase flexibility.
Focus is the result of our mental and physical training complementing each other . When we lack focus we tend to hesitate or overcompensate. Focus is improved through repetition and dynamic, stress-inducing training. A great example is working with an instructor or other capable colleague in a Redman training suit. Redman drills allow for intense, elevated heart rate training with interactive targeting and real time feedback.
Speed maximizes our striking potential. Speed can generate devastating power. It doesn't matter how big or strong you are—without speed you can’t effectively maximize striking power. Some of the hardest-striking ASP Trainers in the world are not the big guys you might expect. Speed is improved through repetition, until technique becomes routine and lag time is reduced.
Strength is actually not critical to power generation. Or, looked at another way, if you aren’t in a good place with the first five factors discussed above, there is no way you will be able to maximize your striking potential. Strength usually only gives a deciding edge when all the other components are equal. The strongest officer can’t generate maximum effective power if his stance is compromised, if he is too stiff, is unfocused or if he tires easily. But all other things being equal, of course improving strength is desirable in this profession, and in life. So make sure to incorporate strength training (weights, bodyweight exercises, etc.) into your weekly routine.
Simplicity is the last component of power. If you have to think about a technique, or it is too complex, you’ll struggle to achieve maximum striking potential. Keeping things simple (less thinking, more doing) allows us to train more frequently, and more reps always yield better results. Constant repetition of simple techniques absolutely translates to a higher likelihood of safely achieving subject control in the real world.
Properly used in the hands of a well-trained officer, the baton remains one of the most time-tested, effective tools on the duty belt. So the next time you hear someone say “I wouldn't use it because it doesn't work,” ask what his or her approach is to power generation. If they look confused or don't have an answer, they’ve answered you.
