Popping my CQC class cherry

[kmontang]

I recently signed up for an ECQC (extreme close quarters) class from Shivworks. I'm really excited, and its only about a month away. Other than up my Cardio, any advice from people who have taken similar classes? or any suggestions on things to bring that aren't on the required list? I look at these classes as an investment, so anything I can take in with me that will help me get more out of the class would be greatly appreciated!

 

[...]

do you have body armor?.....you can pick up some IIIA or III plates and carriers pretty cheap now......i generally dont train unless im in a plate carrier, to many yahoos with poor gun handling skills popping up in classes now.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

^^^ This.

Does everyone who is signed up for the class have to prove that they took... basic rifle and pistol. Intermediate rifle and pistol. Advanced... Super advanced. Before going to Extreme CQC?

I have been to some classes that attracted fucktardedness like molasses attracts flies. I walked out of one shaking my head after a few hours. I've seen instructors fire rounds through the walls (ND). Participants jam magazines into AR's upside-down with so much force that it took a hammer to get out.... you name it.

Unless your 'extreme' CQB class is attended by people who started out with the 'basic' course and spent lots of time walking before they are running... make sure you wear plates.

Bring a vest... And grow eyes in the back of your head. And don't be 'that guy.' Because someone is always 'that guy.'

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Veer_G]

I'll echo Sirhr and MC Ameron. Run, don't walk, if it looks likely that there's going to be a casualty. I walked out of one in the second hour of the second day because we were in the middle of nowhere, there were only six participants, the instructor had no command presence whatsoever, and her boyfriend, the property owner, was every bit a spastic, gung ho wannabe jackass. Just wasn't worth it.

 

[jrassy]

knee pads, unless you like gravel. and i second or third whats been said already.

 

[kmontang]

I believe "Extreme refers to 'extremely close,' not extremely advanced lol. the knee pads are a good thought I hadnt considered. the class actually recommends light body armor if you have it, though that is due to using simunition, not danger from classmates

 

[...]

I believe "Extreme refers to 'extremely close,' not extremely advanced lol. the knee pads are a good thought I hadnt considered. the class actually recommends light body armor if you have it, though that is due to using simunition, not danger from classmates

sim rounds honestly dont hurt at all.......you dont need armor for those

 

[sirhrmechanic]

To echo Cameron... are they really having you shoot Simunition at each other?

Run away. Really. Run.

Cheers,

Sirhr

And, no, they don't hurt. They sting a bit. And leave marks. But hurt? Well, compared to a gunshot wound. No, not really.

 

[kmontang]

I've been hit by sim rounds and they didn't feel good lol, I'm guessing if I had even a plate carrier with no plates I wouldn't even notice.

And Sirh, I suppose I don't know 100% that's the case. Having read other peoples reviews/overviews of the courses, they did, but most of those were at least a couple years old. the syllabus itself does not say that however. http://shivworks.com/extreme-close-quarter-concepts/

FWIW, the guy running it (Craig Douglas) comes highly recommended by a wide variety of sources.

 

[WATERWALKER]

If you're using Sims rounds you'll want very good eye protection. Eye protection is paramount. I don't want marking cartridge residue on my carrier, but that's just my .02.

 

[...]

any legitimate place training with Sim rounds will provide protective gear....usually a paintball style mask, and a padded cod-piece to protect the giblets.

 

[kmontang]

any legitimate place training with Sim rounds will provide protective gear....usually a paintball style mask, and a padded cod-piece to protect the giblets.

They are providing masks, and bringing a cup is on the list of required items, as is a mouthguard

 

[Redmanss]

I have to wonder what distance they're running the sims at for this type of training, IIRC it's a 5ft minimum but that was through M16 kits, handgun might be closer. I've been hit close, still have the scar from one that went through two layers of fabric (sleeve pocket on cammies) into my arm and I was pulling plastic out of myself, however that was from about 6" off muzzle and that Lance Coolie didn't find it very amusing after he discovered who he pretty much just muzzle pressed. Learning occurred...

A lot of these classes are good for a skills supplement, but when it comes to close in fighting training I'd recommend a membership and dedicated training at a BJJ or similar training center first and foremost.