A concise control-first playbook from a 30-year cop that prioritizes safer pins and clinch.
The Bottom Line
You learn to manage distance, clinch safely, and get to body-lock takedowns that survive duty gear. On the ground, it is mount, side, back, and back to cuffs. You will not get sport detours or risky stunts that create needless liability.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Officers short on time
Skip if: You want deep sport
Tech focus: Distance Control, Clinch, Body Lock, Kimura, Mount, Side Control, Back Control
Biggest takeaway: Distance, clinch, pin, then cuff.
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
A veteran officer and Tom DeBlass black belt, Trillo focuses on distance management, clinch entries, body-lock takedowns, and the four ground positions you will actually fight from. He includes kimura-based control, gun defense overviews, and violence indicators to help you recognize escalation early. It is concise and field-driven.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Distance Control
- Clinch Entries
- Body Lock Takedown
- Kimura Grip
- Gun Defense Overview
- Mount Control
- Side Control
- Back Control
- Indicators Of Violence
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Conceptual, System Based
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Volumes: 3
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I value how this trims the playbook to high-percentage options under stress.
Why Freddy Trillo?
Freddy Trillo is a longtime police officer, SWAT veteran, and BJJ black belt under Tom DeBlass. He runs Trillo Jiu-Jitsu Academy and publishes duty-relevant content on YouTube. Trillo emphasizes distance control, clinch safety, and positional dominance with minimal harm. His teaching reflects decades of field experience and defensive tactics instruction. He is frequently cited in LE and self-defense discussions.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Veteran cops on Reddit like control-first, minimal-harm approaches.
- People appreciate concise, concept-led self-defense instruction.
- RNC and headlock defense material is often praised for street use.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Skeptics dislike standing armlocks and risky throws in DT curricula.
- Some want more live, scenario pressure than short modules provide.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Protect and Serve – More emphasis on standing defenses and cuffing review. (Price: $79.00, 3 vols)
- Jiu-Jitsu Based Self Defense Solutions – Broader self-defense library to pair with LE control. (Price: $79.00, 8 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Grapple Control Techniques and Strategies for Law Enforcement on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
