MONROE — Bad guys beware: Monroe police are getting some new moves.
The Monroe police department has announced its partnership with Monroe Jiu Jits to advance their skills in combative ground fighting and situational training that helps them react calmly under stress. Starting in early October, 40 officers will train quarterly in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, said Monroe Police Chief Charles F. McCormick IV.
Chief McCormick said the goal of the effort is “to provide realistic training, using real-world scenarios to increase safety to both officers and citizens alike.”
The officers will study leverage and defense techniques to enhance their abilities to end altercations with minimal force when responding under pressure. The effort is in addition to the department's ongoing verbal-deescalation training, according to a police news release.
They will be trained under the direction of Todd Williams, founder, owner, and head instructor of Monroe Jiu-Jitsu.
A Monroe native and a former professional distance-runner, Mr. Williams is a jiu-jitsu black belt. He has held more than 400 safety workshops in 31 states and instructed law enforcement and National Guard.
“We are truly blessed to have such a resource, and literally just across the street from our agency...,” Chief McCormick said. “He is such an accomplished athlete and trainer.”
Highlights of Mr. Williams’ training career include instructing students at his teacher Luiz Palhares’ prestigious Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Jacksonville, Fl.
“My goal.... is to help as many people as possible and make Monroe a better place to live...,” Mr. Williams said. “Jiu-jitsu has the ability to do that.... Jiu-jitsu isn't about fighting... It's about stopping the fight and making everyone safer.”
First Published September 1, 2019, 10:29 p.m.
