STORM Training Group Foundation Instructor Trainer course

FIT Hybrid

Online Learning + 2-Day In-Person Course • 14 Minnesota POST Credits

FIT Hybrid is a recertification option that combines self-paced online learning with two focused days of hands-on training. It is designed for current Foundation Instructor Trainers who want to renew their certification while reducing the time they must spend away from their agencies.

After registering for a scheduled FIT Hybrid course, students receive an email with access to the online portion and may begin immediately. The online coursework must be completed before attending the two-day in-person component.

Students continue to have access to the online course for the duration of their FIT certification. The easy-to-navigate Learning Management System serves as a complete technique and teaching library, with high-quality instructional videos, body-worn camera examples, supporting documents, and checks on learning. Instructors can return to the material when preparing to teach, reviewing a technique, or refreshing material they have not used recently.

Why Choose FIT Hybrid?

  • Begin the online coursework shortly after registration
  • Complete the academic material on your own schedule
  • Spend only two days away from your agency instead of five
  • Reduce lodging, travel, meal, overtime, and shift-coverage expenses
  • Use the in-person course for coaching, repetitions, drills, and instructor development
  • Keep access to the complete online training library throughout the certification period

Graduates are recertified in the STORM Foundation Instructor Trainer system and teaching methods. The course reinforces practical control skills, handcuffing, takedowns, ground control, weapon retention, tool integration, communication, and evidence-based instruction.

Eligibility: FIT Hybrid is available only to students who are within three years of their most recent Foundation Instructor Trainer certification course.

Online Course Content

The online portion includes instructional videos, integrated body-worn camera examples, supporting documents, and checks on learning.

  • Introduction and course orientation
  • Handcuffing
  • Blueprint Teaching Formula
  • Standing control and defense
  • Skill transfer and instructor development
  • Takedowns
  • Ground control and escape
  • Use-of-force report writing
  • Weapon retention
  • Force-tool integration
  • Prone hand recovery
  • Video breakdowns and debriefs

2-Day In-Person Component

Day 1 – Skill Development, Control and Handcuffing

Day 1 focuses on the STORM teaching process, hands-on skill development, control tactics, handcuffing, takedowns, ground skills, and instructor teach-backs.

  • Course orientation, safety, and STORM Training Group principles
  • The Blueprint for Skill Transfer
  • Instructor demonstrations and student teach-backs
  • Single-officer and two-officer handcuffing
  • Standing control and rear-clinch positions
  • Single-officer and team takedowns
  • Ground-control positions, escapes, and recovery
  • Progressive drills and controlled resistance
  • Body-worn camera video review and group discussion

Outcome: Students improve their ability to perform, teach, evaluate, and correct core FIT skills.

Day 2 – Applied Skills, Weapon Retention and Program Development

Day 2 builds on the first day with wall-control skills, prone hand recovery, weapon retention, force-tool integration, live drills, and agency implementation.

  • Review drills and student teach-backs
  • Wall-control and wall-pin handcuffing
  • Clinch work, positioning, and grip breaks
  • Prone hand recovery and team-control methods
  • Ground escapes and guard retention
  • Standing and ground weapon retention
  • Intermediate-force tool transitions and integration
  • Body-worn camera review and facilitated discussion
  • Using the digital library to support agency training
  • Program implementation, final drills, evaluation, and certification

Outcome: Graduates leave prepared to teach the material, use the online library for continued support, and implement the FIT program within their agencies.

Required & Recommended Equipment

Required

  • Duty belt or load-bearing vest
  • BDU-style or athletic pants
  • Pen and notebook

Recommended/Optional

  • Extra T-shirt
  • Wrestling shoes; no street shoes are permitted on the mats
  • Mouth guard
  • BJJ gear for optional lunchtime rolls

Featured Instructors

Tom Menton and Chad Malmberg

Testimonials

“Better instructors than I’ve seen anywhere.”

Dan Swanson, Rochester Police Department SWAT
“I would and do highly recommend STORM training as in-service use-of-force training for any and all departments.”

Anthony Petrie, Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office
“It’s a must-attend course. Never been to an actual practical training that you will use the next shift potentially.”

Dylan Bebeau, City of Anoka Police Department
“If you have no martial arts experience and want to improve both your techniques and tactics, this course is one of the best for the job.”

Peter Gaffney, University of Minnesota Police Department
“It makes you much more comfortable using these force options on suspects instead of relying on tools.”

Logan Welter, Mendota Heights Police Department
“The instructors are good dudes who have used this on the street and want to change the face of use-of-force training for agencies for the better. They care and have done the movements themselves.”

Jesse Drown, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office

Testimonials

“Best course I have attended since I can remember.”
“I feel like this course gave me the skills to be confident in not just making contact, but confident
in controlling a subject.  The teaching model is also very simple to remember.  Great job guys!”

-James Comings, Minnetonka Police Department SWAT

“Better instructors than I’ve seen anywhere.”
“Great presentation skills.  Made the course interesting and fun.  Very realistic course material.”
“Very usable techniques!”

-Dan Swanson, Rochester Police Department SWAT

“Top level instructors.  Highly recommended, here to help you.  What I liked most about the
course overall was the atmosphere, learning how to teach, and the realistic tactics.”

-Tyler Martin, Washington County Sheriff's Office SWAT

“The instructors were very approachable, knowledgeable, and friendly.”
“What I liked most about the training was that most things use major motor functions and have minimal moves.”

-Andy Trupe, Champlin Police Department
“The instructors were excellent, superior to other trainings.”
“Every technique I learned can be used on the street with high success.”
-Dustin Fleck, New Ulm Police Department

Interested?

Join Us Today!

Are you ready to train with an elite team of experts and improve all aspects of your critical response and action?

Are you ready to train with an elite team of experts and improve all aspects of your critical response and action?