Jiu Jitsu in Victoria BC Canada
Testimonials
Jeff M: 20 year police member
Jiu Jitsu has dramatically changed the way I use force and interact with non-compliant subjects. Since training Jiu Jitsu, the amount and frequency of force I need to use has gone down significantly, while my confidence has gone up. When I am required to use force, I am far better able to control the subject without risk of injury to them or myself. The techniques can be scaled up or down, whereas strikes can not.
Hundreds of use of force encounters have shown me that strikes are far less effective, more likely to result in injury, and optically look bad to the public who does not understand policing and use of force. Using Jiu Jitsu I am far less likely to instigate bleeding of the subject I am controlling. This protects me from blood born disease and looks better from a public perception standpoint.
Other benefits of Jiu Jitsu are my increased understanding, vocabulary and ability to articulate my use of force. This is increasingly important in the current climate of law enforcement, and I doubt that will change.
An unexpected benefit has been a reduction in PTSD symptoms. I don’t know if that will happen for everyone, but it has been a benefit to me.
Ari and Dan are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and excellent teachers. The Invictus Hq environment is welcoming, relaxed and safe for law enforcement with no judgment or ego. You don’t have to have any prior experience to get in to Jiu jitsu and benefit from it, no matter your age or physical fitness.
So the benefits of Jiu jitsu are; More control over subjectsMore scalable than strikesBetter optics for the public resulting in less complaintsIncreased articulation and understanding of force usedMore confidenceSafer for officer and subject with less injuriesLess chance of blood contamination compared to strikesLess likely to use force over allPossible reduced PTSD symptomsGreat exercise and fun.
I truly believe that training Jiu Jitsu should be mandatory for every police officer. It has made me more effective, safer, and a better police officer. Until Jiu Jitsu becomes part of every police departments regular training curriculum, I believe every officer owes it to themselves to train on their own time. Besides, it’s a lot of fun and you meet other great people as you train. -Jeff M.
Testimonials
Pauly B
"It is an honour to be a student at Invictus Leo. I needed and was looking for an outlet to channel my past inner fears, anxiety, and PTSD in an understanding environment. What I found was so much more. The transformation I've seen in myself and my family and friends has been incredible in the last four months. I'm mentally in the best shape of my life and getting there physically with more peace during my days. I am more confident, and my brain is more active in a sense; Jiu Jitsu has enhanced my critical thinking, but most importantly, I have found a sense of belonging with the Invictus Leo family.
Invictus Leo is a place where both my mind and body can get challenged and is an environment that allows me to level up with transferable skills to help overcome many obstacles. It has been a critical component that has led to my success with obtaining my bachelor's degree.
Having Ari as an Instructor, a brother, and a friend has and will continue to be an excellent foundation for my growth, both personally and professionally.”
Pauly B
Testimonials
Alex B: 12 Year RCMP Member
I have been a police officer for 12 years. During those 12 years, I have had many physical encounters which ranged from all level of force required to subdue the subject. I’ve dealt with subjects with the help of multiple partners, sometimes alone. I’ve dealt with subject in outdoor settings with lots of room to manoeuver, sometimes in tight hallways or rooms filled with obstacles and a myriad of objects that can be used as a weapon. What I know is that you can prepare for those eventual confrontations. But even if you prepare for it, you are not in control as to when it’ll happen. The day chooses you.
I consider myself extremely lucky that my previous encounters resulted with a positive outcome. Was it pretty? No. Was I scared? Yes, because I wasn’t always confident in my abilities to subdue and control a violent subject. When I started training Jiu Jitsu, that confidence slowly instilled itself within me. I learned to discover my limitations, my flaws but also my strengths. Was my following encounters pretty? Not necessarily. Was I scared? Yes, but I was going in a much more calm approach and clear mind.
Jiu Jitsu allowed me to not only be more prepared physically, but also mentally. Those encounters were much more scalable and professional – especially in a day in age where every police action is meticuslously scrutinized, sometimes without prior context. I wish I started training sooner. On a personal level, Jiu Jitsu has been the best therapy for me, especially having to cope with PTSD. For me, Jiu Jitsu is very mathematical – in a way that it can be scary when you don’t know what you’re doing. But when you take the time to break it down piece by piece, the equation makes total sense. Invictus has provided the highest level of instruction and expertise in Law enforcement use of force and Jiu Jitsu.
-Alex B