About No Belt Required
No Belt Required is a Tucson, Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing continued defensive tactics, de-escalation, and jiu-jitsu training to law enforcement officers and first responders, so they can control a situation with skill instead of force.
Our Story
Skill and confidence, not guns or tasers, ended that fight. Every first responder deserves the same chance.
In 2016, after nearly 15 years on the job and 15 years since his police academy training, Tucson Police Officer Mike Pelton faced a life-threatening situation. He was attacked at night from behind by a deranged male wielding two knives, one in each hand. The individual struck Officer Pelton in the back of the head with the butt of one of the knives, catching him off guard. Despite the sudden and dangerous assault, Officer Pelton drew upon his extensive background in wrestling, judo, and jiu-jitsu. He was able to swiftly subdue the attacker, throwing him to the ground and controlling the situation. With the assistance of another officer at the scene, they successfully disarmed the suspect without resorting to their guns or tasers.
The encounter highlighted the value of Officer Pelton’s martial arts training. His confidence and ability to control the suspect with minimal use of force prevented a potentially deadly outcome. The suspect was safely apprehended and later received his day in court, while Officer Pelton returned home safely to his family. This incident underscored the importance of continued defensive tactics and de-escalation training for law enforcement officers.
The spring and summer of 2020 brought a wave of viral police videos, showcasing negative interactions between officers and civilians. Officer Pelton and his colleagues recognized the urgent need for better training and support for first responders. They asked themselves: How could they provide the life-saving training that had protected Officer Pelton and the suspect that night to every first responder who needed it? How could they engage the community to support those who risk their lives to keep everyone safe?
These questions led to the creation of the No Belt Required (NBR) program. NBR aims to save lives by equipping first responders with the skills and confidence to handle dangerous situations with minimal force. We are proud of the positive impact NBR is making, helping to protect both first responders and the communities they serve.
Our Mission
Empowering law enforcement and first responders through continued defensive tactics and de-escalation training.
02 · Guard work
03 · Partner academy
Sponsor
AZPOST Accredited
This course has received full AZPOST accreditation for continued training credit.
Our ultimate goal is to save law enforcement, first responder, and community member lives while enhancing community safety, improving the physical and mental health of first responders, and growing public trust.
Our expert martial artist and first responder staff at No Belt Required have created a foundational program to teach the most effective and applicable moves from the most effective self-defense disciplines.
The classes focus on teaching the skills you need to protect yourself and others.
Our instructors are a mix of first responder professionals with extensive real-life policing experience and martial arts training, as well as expert civilian martial arts practitioners and coaches who understand the need for further education for our law enforcement community.
Instructors teach a small, specifically chosen list of effective, proven techniques in every discipline and focus on providing an experienced and safe place to practice, practice, practice.
Practice makes progress.
Why It Matters
Empowering law enforcement and first responders through continued defensive tactics training, with the NBR community behind you.
No Belt Required is committed to supporting first responders in their well-being journey. Our program provides a dedicated space for decompression and mental wellness, fostering a community where officers can share experiences and access resources to navigate the unique challenges of the job.
We build your confidence through hands-on training in defensive tactics and de-escalation techniques. By weaving these practices into every program, we make sure you not only acquire valuable skills but also gain the confidence to apply them effectively when it counts.
At No Belt Required, we foster a community of motivated officers and staff committed to self-improvement and community betterment. Our programs offer opportunities for team building, problem-solving, and networking, so you can collaborate with people from departments across the region.