Ground Defense Tactics is a hands-on continuing education course that helps sworn law enforcement officers and jailers sharpen the skills they rely on in real encounters. You’ll train in techniques drawn from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling and mixed martial arts — all applied to law enforcement and built on the defense and arrest tactics principles taught by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board. You’re also encouraged to bring real-life situations and scenarios from your own experience to work through during open mat time, so you can practice new techniques for the moments that matter most.
Who can enroll: This course is open to sworn law enforcement officers and jailers, as well as those who are certifiable as law enforcement officers or jailers.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Effectively apply Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling and mixed martial arts techniques to gain control of and manage subjects in a variety of law enforcement situations.
- Handle physical altercations with greater confidence and competence while minimizing the risk of injury to yourself and others.
- Understand the importance of maintaining control and restraint in use-of-force encounters, leading to safer outcomes for everyone involved.
- Assess threats, make split-second decisions and respond appropriately in dynamic, real-world scenarios.
- Integrate these techniques into your existing law enforcement training, strengthening your overall preparedness and effectiveness in the field.
Training Schedule
All sessions meet on Tuesdays from 4–5:30 p.m., Sept. 15–Dec. 15, 2026. There is no session on Nov. 24.
| Week | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 15 | Standing Control Techniques |
| 2 | Sept. 22 | Takedowns |
| 3 | Sept. 29 | Ground Stabilization (Supine Subject) |
| 4 | Oct. 6 | Handcuffing From Ground Stabilization |
| 5 | Oct. 13 | Ground Stabilization (Prone Subject) |
| 6 | Oct. 20 | Wall Stabilization Techniques |
| 7 | Oct. 27 | Positional Subject Control |
| 8 | Nov. 3 | Escapes |
| 9 | Nov. 10 | Headlock Escapes |
| 10 | Nov. 17 | Multiple Officer Arrest Procedures |
| 11 | Dec. 1 | Weapon Retention Techniques |
| 12 | Dec. 8 | Vehicle Extractions |
| 13 | Dec. 15 | Miscellaneous Techniques |
Meet the Instructor: Eric Soberg
Eric Soberg is an NTC faculty member teaching in the Criminal Justice programs. He is a certified Defense and Arrest Tactics Instructor and a Gracie Survival Tactics Level 1 & 2 Instructor.
Registration Options
Choose the option that fits your schedule and goals:
- Full program — 20 hours, $250. Register for the full program
- Half program — 10 hours, $125. Register for the half program
- Single session — $20 per session. Register for a single session
If you choose the half program or a single session, you’ll select the dates you’d like to attend when you register.