Vanguard Gym

Tactical training at Vanguard Gym is done with our Complete Combative Tactical Program. This type of training is held only for Law Enforcement, Military, and Government personnel. Weapons, weapon retention, transitions, and all manner of tactical considerations are covered for all ranges of combative engagements. Impact weapons, bladed weapons, firearms, and continuum of force considerations are all trained according to departments’ or agencies’ Rules of Engagement (ROE) and Use of Force (UOF) policies.

Complete Combative Tactical Training Testimonials:

I train at Vanguard not only to keep me in shape, but to mentally prepare me for my job. I am investing in a way of life that tests me physically and psychologically. Building that mental toughness and being skilled in various combative arts really helps me feel secure.
I have worked in the world’s most volatile regions around the globe for the past five years. In my job a mistake could cost you your life or the lives of others around you. Training at Vanguard has helped develop the combative skills and mental toughness to serve and protect our great nation. Doug’s attention to detail and knowledge has set him apart from all others in the defense tactics community. You are not just a paying customer there you are part of a family and a brotherhood. He cares about what he teaches and gives you the tools to build a foundation that will last for a lifetime. When training at Vanguard you are surrounded by people with high moral standards who are willing to help you achieve your goals. Iron sharpens iron at Vanguard and the intensity breeds champions from right at home to all corners of the world. If you are willing to walk the path of success the first step is to see for yourself.
-Steve USG

Im a police officer in northern VA and have been training at Vanguard Gym for about 3 months. Recently I was involved in an arrest where a suspect was fleeing on foot. When I caught him he wanted to fight a little bit. I took him to the ground and found myself immediately in side control. He continued to try and get up, but couldn’t. I then grabbed his arm and put him in a kimura. He couldnt even move at this point. I was able to get him into handcuffs without one strike. What suprised me the most was how I went to side control without even thinking about it. The way Doug trains us makes these basics become second nature, and in my job it needs to be.

Thanks Doug,
A northern Virginia cop.

I’ve been in Law enforcement since 1996 and have been training on and off for the past 4 years. Working 12 hour shifts made it extremely hard to get to classes on a regular basis. Most gyms only offer late evening classes a couple times a week. Vanguard Gym changed all that with their easy schedule. The afternoon classes make it very convenient for any one with a crazy schedule and the evening classes start at 5 o’clock 5 nights a week! You can’t find that any where else.

I spent the last four years training Law Enforcement recruits and can say that Doug’s teaching and professionalism are second to none. Doug and his staff are very involved with each individual student and are always on the cutting edge with their instructional techniques. Doug is very knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. More importantly he is extremely humble. Vanguard is a very relaxed environment to learn in.

Whether you are in Law enforcement and want to work on your tactics or you just want to get into shape and learn a few things, Vanguard is a great place to train.

— Dave

I have been training at Vanguard Gym for three years now. I’m a police officer in Alexandria VA. I was working Halloween night, midnight shift, 2009. I was the only unit available in my sector when I was dispatched to a violent domestic where a suspect was beating his child’s mother with a bottle in one of our housing projects. When I arrived on the scene I was greeted by a subject standing in an alley yelling “he’s gonna kill her.” I made entry into the residence and encountered the suspect in the kitchen holding a broken bottle. I immediately drew my service weapon and pointed it at him. The suspect, who was high on PCP, dropped the bottle and charged at me. I was able to get an under-hook with my left arm and secure my firearm with my right arm. At this point suspect was punching and elbowing me. I was able to take him to the ground but because of the tight quarters he was able to get up. I then grabbed him as he ran for the living room. I took control of him again and took him to the ground. This time we both went through a glass table with him landing on top of me. I did a butterfly sweep and he wound up falling into a nearby wall. He stood up again and ran for the front porch. I caught up with him again and took him to the ground into the mud. The suspect was on all fours and attempting to get up, I was able to control him but he started reaching for my firearm. After ordering him several times to put his hands behind his back and stop reaching for my firearm I applied a rear choke and controlled his hips so he couldn’t roll out of it. After about 10 seconds the suspect went limp and collapsed to his chest. At this point I was able to place the suspects hands behind his back and cuff him. He woke up seconds later in handcuffs.
This suspect was 250 lbs and high on PCP. During that entire incident I never felt like I was going to lose. While I was muddy and there was blood from the glass table, I never felt out of breath. I remember telling the first officer on the scene who asked if I was ok that “he had nothing for me.”

I can honestly say that the training I have received at Vanguard has saved my life as well as the suspect’s life. Thanks Doug.

— Michael Kochis
Sergeant, Alexandria Police Dept