Someone recently thanked me for imparting some skills to them that helped them to survive in a violent encounter.  That is what IRT is all about!  I and other IRT instructors try to give skills to individuals so that they in turn may have an opportunity to survive in a violent encounter.  Yet, even when we pass on these real world skill sets it is in the end, the individual who brings them into action.  It is their will power, their instincts and their desire to survive that determines the outcome.  The real world skills we give freely help but they are the ones who deserve the credit for implementing them correctly and in the right time.  It does not matter whether they utilized a breakfall, roll, empty hand skills and tactics or firearm skill sets.  In the end it falls on their ability to implement the skill at the right time and place.  We are guides but in IRT the individual always comes first and not the system or the skills themselves.  Always keep this in mind!  Now, mind you, I am super happy when someone that I have worked with survives a violent encounter and credits IRT.  Make no mistake about that.  Whether it has been in Afghanistan, Iraq, England, Japan, Canada or the United States when I hear someone thank me personally for their survival it makes my heart very happy.  I just want them to understand where the credit really lies.  It lies with them!  They in that moment made the right choice at the right time and they deserve the credit!

See You On The Mats!!!
Brian R. VanCise
Note: This blog is opinion only and neither Instinctive Response Training LLC or Brian R. VanCise are responsible for any third party actions