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Program updates, event recaps, research, and the stories behind No Belt Required.

  • From Patrol to the Mat: Mike’s Mission to Serve Beyond the Badge
    Stories
    1 min read

    From Patrol to the Mat: Mike’s Mission to Serve Beyond the Badge

    Every now and then, you get a guest on the show who doesn’t just share a story, they drop truth. Mike Pelton is one of those guys. Mike and I go way back. We both barely graduated from Palo Verde High School, started our careers as Pima County Deputies, and eventually served as City of Tucson Police Officers. That shared path isn’t just a coincidence, it’s a calling. For guys like us, being the protector wasn’t a job we applied for; it’s just who we were. We stayed out of trouble, stood up for our people, and found purpose in serving. Now Mike’s on a new mission, still protecting, still serving. He founded No Belt Required, a nonprofit that provides Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, and Muay Thai training for public servants. On the podcast, we dig deep into why that matters. Because in a world where critical incidents can break you, confidence and competence in your abilities might be the best prescription we’ve got. We talk training, mindset, physical readiness, and what it really means to show up for your community. Whether you’re on the job or just someone who values service and strength, this episode’s got something for you. Turn up the volume, welcome Mike to The Squad, and shoot me a message, I’d love to hear what you think of the episode.…

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  • Research Study Launched with ASU’s School of Criminology and UofA’s School of Government and Public Policy
    News
    3 min read

    Research Study Launched with ASU’s School of Criminology and UofA’s School of Government and Public Policy

    In partnership with Professor Ed Maguire of ASU’s School of Criminology and Professor Bradley Bartos of the UofA’s School of Government and Public Policy, NBR has organized a first-ever-of-its-kind academic peer-reviewed study to assess the effectiveness of continued defensive tactic and de-escalation training on law enforcement Use of Force outcomes (including officer and civilian injuries) and officer wellness (physical and mental health). No one has ever studied UOF and Officer wellness before AND no one has ever done a study utilizing 4 different police departments of varying sizes and jurisdictions. Tucson PD, South Tucson PD, UofA PD, and Sahuarita PD. Both research professors have extensive experience researching and publishing research connected to policing and public policy. The study will be 1 year in duration and can start as soon as departments are ready. The study will require a participation and control group of officers from each participating department. The participation group will be the officers volunteering to participate in the NBR classes. The control group will be a comparable set of officers with similar characteristics (age and experience) who do NOT participate in the NBR classes. Then at the end of the year, the research team will compare the officers who are training with NBR and their data sets to those comparable officers who were not. For example, if a department has 5 officers interested in doing the study it will need to share data on 10 total officers: 5 participants and 5 non-participants. For the full year all participating officers will be expected to come to at least one NBR class a week and fill out the officer wellness survey two (possibly three) times: at the beginning and end of their year of training (and maybe the middle). Non-participant officers will only be asked to fill out the survey instrument. The research professors have put together a survey instrument with questions from the NIH (National Institute of Health) and the VA meant to effectively measure officer confidence, experience, and overall mental health (primarily sleep, anxiety, and PTSD-related symptoms). **As a perk/incentive the research professors have offered to crunch the numbers for any participating departments on as many of their officers interested in taking the wellness survey as they want. What this means is that any participating department, even if you only have a few officers participating in the full study, can disseminate the wellness survey to your entire staff and receive the collated data results from the research team. An incredible way to get a free look at your department’s overall officer wellness!** Participating Departments will be required to enter into a DUA (Data Use Agreement) with ASU and NBR. This agreement will authorize ASU to receive the participating officers’ UOF data and wellness survey data. It will clarify, and hold ASU responsible for, all data protection and anonymization protocols for the study. ALL participant data will be made anonymous and temporarily stored securely on special private servers to protect all department and department personal data. The training is free and the normal NBR membership fee of $300 a year per officer is being donated by private philanthropic donors. The research professors are generously donating their time to this effort. NBR is a nonprofit and this enables us to provide this training for as minimal a cost as possible and bring to bear the vast resources of the Tucson incredible community. Once the study is complete every participating department will receive all the data on its officers and be mentioned in the formal study publication for participating in this valuable research and spearheading the search for knowledge that is vital for movement and change on the issues facing officers and communities today. We look forward to working together to keep your officers and our community healthy and safe. Practice makes Progress. Practice makes Patince. Practice makes Peace. Relevant Contact Info: Professor Ed Maguire (ASU) edmaguire@asu.edu Professor Bradley Bartos (UofA) bartos@arizona.edu…

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  • Successful Open House at Sonoran BJJ
    Events
    1 min read

    Successful Open House at Sonoran BJJ

    We were thrilled to host an unforgettable Open House event at Sonoran BJJ, one of our incredible location sponsors. This event was more than just a meet and greet; it was an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant community that No Belt Required (NBR) is building. Whether attendees were new to Martial Arts or seasoned practitioners, there was something for everyone to enjoy. What Happened: Meet and Greet: Guests had the chance to connect with the NBR team and our dedicated supporters. It was a great opportunity to chat with like-minded individuals passionate about Martial Arts, Defensive Tactic Training, and our mission. Food and Drinks: Everyone enjoyed a delicious selection of food and beverages, perfect for keeping energy levels high throughout the day’s activities. Raffle: Many attendees tried their luck in our raffle, where amazing prizes were up for grabs. All proceeds went towards supporting NBR’s mission to make Martial Arts accessible to everyone. Silent Auction: Our silent auction featured unique items, from exclusive NBR merchandise to one-of-a-kind experiences. Bidders walked away with fantastic prizes, all while supporting a great cause. NBR Merch for Sale: Supporters had the chance to grab some of our latest NBR gear, from apparel to accessories, proudly representing the NBR spirit wherever they go. Demonstration: Guests were treated to a live Martial Arts demonstration by our skilled practitioners. Whether beginners or advanced students, everyone found the demonstration both inspiring and educational. Q&A Session: Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions about Jiu-Jitsu and the NBR program. Our team was on hand to provide insights and share how NBR is making a difference in the community. And More: We had a few surprises throughout the day to make sure everyone had a fantastic time! Why This Event Mattered: This Open House was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the No Belt Required mission. Our goal is to make Martial Arts accessible to all, regardless of age, experience, or background. By attending, guests not only enjoyed a day full of fun and learning but also contributed to a cause that empowers individuals and strengthens our community. Whether people came to support a great cause, learn more about Martial Arts, or simply enjoy a fun afternoon with friends and family, we were grateful to have them there. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future!…

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  • No Belt Required Sponsors Epic JiuJitsu Showdown: Last Warrior Standing in Tucson, AZ
    Events
    2 min read

    No Belt Required Sponsors Epic JiuJitsu Showdown: Last Warrior Standing in Tucson, AZ

    On Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, Tucson, Arizona, will be the epicenter of JiuJitsu excitement as No Belt Required proudly sponsors the highly anticipated Last Warrior Standing tournament. This thrilling event promises intense, high-stakes matches where the best grapplers will showcase their skills and determination in a unique super fight format. The Last Warrior Standing tournament is unlike any other. Competitors will engage in a single match per event, unless otherwise agreed upon, ensuring that each bout is a battle of strategy, strength, and endurance. The competitive area, a 32 x 32 feet space with no cage or barriers, adds an extra layer of challenge, demanding precision and control from each fighter. One of the key aspects of this tournament is the rule governing out-of-bounds situations. If competitors find themselves outside the competition area while standing and seeking a takedown, they will be brought back to the center to restart the match in the standing position. However, if a competitor has a grip on their opponent’s body, they will be allowed to resume from that same position. This rule ensures that the action remains fair and continuous, maintaining the integrity of each match. Another highlight of Last Warrior Standing is the rule regarding submissions. If a competitor locks in a submission and goes out of bounds, the match can continue off the mat as long as the safety of the fighters is guaranteed. The center referee will have the final say, ensuring that the action is both thrilling and safe. Competitors are also required to maintain fair play, with strict prohibitions on slippery substances on their bodies or clothing. Violations will result in immediate removal from the event and forfeiture of any payment. No Belt Required is excited to support this extraordinary event, celebrating the spirit and skill of JiuJitsu practitioners. Join us in Tucson for a day of unparalleled competition, where warriors will clash, and only the last one standing will claim victory. Don’t miss out on the action, mark your calendars for August 3rd, 2024, and witness the ultimate JiuJitsu showdown!…

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  • Marana Police Department embraces martial arts to prevent use of force
    News
    2 min read

    Marana Police Department embraces martial arts to prevent use of force

    The Marana Police Department is hoping to raise awareness about the importance of using martial arts to prevent deadly use-of-force incidents. Officers Eric Slabaugh and Brad Gill are defensive tactics instructors for the department. They are also members of the No Belt Required program, a program that launched in 2022 for active-duty law enforcement and first responders. “No Belt Required is a program put together by the Erik Hite Foundation,” Slabaugh said. “They recognized a need for effective low-cost training for law enforcement officers in regard to controlling subjects without causing injuries or any sort of use-of-force situations.” Gill added, “The training is pressure-tested real-world martial arts techniques that are important for law enforcement to be able to better serve and protect our communities.” Pima County Sheriff’s Department recruiting deputy Patricia Kelley participated in the program. “I have two babies at home, and when I am out on patrol, if I come across a situation where I need to use some type of force, this definitely gives me the confidence to be able to handle myself in a better way,” Kelley said. The program was created by former Tucson police officer Mike Pelton and his co-founder, Josh Beren. According to No Belt Required, the classes are focused on teaching skills that officers need to protect themselves and others through the use of repetitive defensive tactics as a de-escalation platform. Classes are taught by a mix of law enforcement professionals and martial arts practitioners. NBR said the program has also received full AZPOST accreditation for continued training credit. “The program is important to me, because the officers we have in the field are being asked to do more with less, and the climate with which they operate under is increasingly violent,” said Brendon Brumitt, Tucson police detective and NBR coach. “Officers have never really been prepared for how bad the world can get, so I try to instill a martial aspect to keep them safe and intact for when they go home to their families. Additionally, I think positive conflict training keeps you psychologically prepared and willing to accept the consequences that come with conflict and keeps us mentally intact to go home to our families happy and healthy.” Gill called the program vital. “This has been an essential part of my law enforcement development over the last almost year and a half now. I wish I had this from Day 1. I have been in law enforcement for 12 years, and I wish this existed 12 years ago,” Gill said. Pelton said he recognized a need for the program after he used this type of training when he was attacked by a man with a knife in 2016. “It saved my life that night,” Pelton said. “We are passionate about this program and the good it can do,” Beren added. Click Here to Read the Full Post >>…

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  • Cops Are Turning to Jiujitsu to Curb Harmful Force, Boost Mental and Physical Health
    News
    1 min read

    Cops Are Turning to Jiujitsu to Curb Harmful Force, Boost Mental and Physical Health

    When Police Sgt. Josh Liedke puts on his gi, the two-piece uniform worn in martial arts, for an hour of Brazilian jiujitsu sparring, he practices a form of mindfulness, or being present in the moment. “When you come here, you focus on nothing but the mat and your technique,” the 21-year law enforcement veteran says, catching his breath after several rounds of intense rolling, arm bars, back takes and leg locks. During that hour, Liedke doesn’t think about his high-stress job in a unit that combats drug and gang crime. He doesn’t think about the sounds, smells and sights of violence and suffering. “You just pay attention to the moves,” he says. “And you also get a great workout in.” Liedke, 42, with a trimmed beard and relaxed smile, serves in the Marietta Police Department, in a city about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta. The department, with approximately 140 sworn officers, has garnered attention with an approach that builds Brazilian jiujitsu, or BJJ, into its training curriculum. It’s a requirement for all new hires and strongly encouraged for veteran officers. A main argument: BJJ helps improve officers’ physical and mental health, as well as resilience. As a result, officers use lesser force during an arrest. Three years into the effort, “our overall use of force is down,” says Maj. Jake King, who initiated the program. For the Georgia agency, Brazilian jiujitsu has become a de-escalation tool. Keep Reading the Full Post Here >>…

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