Upcoming Courses

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

FIT Hybrid combines self-paced online learning with two focused days of hands-on training. After registering, students will receive an email with access to the online course and may begin immediately. The online portion must be completed before attending the in-person course.

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

The hybrid format also provides considerable savings for agencies. Students receive the same FIT recertification while spending only two days away from their agency instead of five. This reduces lodging, meals, travel, overtime, shift coverage, and time away from regular assignments.

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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.

Online Course Content

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

• Introduction
• Handcuffing
• Blueprint Teaching Formula
• Standing Control and Defense
• Skill Transfer
• Takedowns
• Ground Control and Escape
• Use-of-Force Report Writing
• Weapon Retention
• Tools Integration
• Prone Hand Recovery
• Video Breakdowns and Debriefs

2-Day In-Person Course

Day 1 – Skill Development, Control and Handcuffing

Day 1 focuses on the STORM teaching process, hands-on skill development, control tactics, handcuffing, takedowns, ground control, escapes, 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
• Takedowns and prone handcuffing
• Ground-control positions and escapes
• Live drills and progressive 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, intermediate tool integration, live drills, and discussion about implementing the program within the student’s agency.

• 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 video review and facilitated discussion
• Agency implementation and use of the digital training library
• Final teach-backs, 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 agency.

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

Chad Malmberg
and
Tom Menton

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 they have done the movements themselves.”
— Jesse Drown, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office