In the defensive tactics and self-protection industry, a significant issue has emerged—the weekend certification course. It has become far too common for individuals to attend a two-day seminar, receive a certificate, and walk away calling themselves an “instructor.” This “weekend tourist instructor” approach to certification is not just ineffective—it is dangerous. It creates a cycle where underqualified instructors are teaching students skills they have not truly mastered, leading to misinformation, bad habits, and ultimately, ineffective training that could fail when it matters most.
The Pitfalls of Weekend Certifications
In industries like martial arts and defensive tactics, actual skill is developed over time. No one earns a high-level skill set or becomes an elite fighter after a single seminar. Yet, many defensive tactics programs operate on a checklist mentality, where participants are exposed to techniques but never truly develop a deep understanding of how or why they work. This process leads to significant gaps in knowledge and ability that can have dangerous consequences in real-world applications.
Weekend certification courses suffer from several fundamental flaws:
Lack of Depth – Instructors receive a broad overview of techniques but do not develop a deep, working understanding of their mechanics or application.
Missed Key Details – With limited training time, there is little room for refinement, meaning crucial mechanical adjustments, positioning, and execution often go unchecked.
No Long-Term Development – Most weekend courses lack structured follow-up training, mentorship, or a progression plan. Without continued practice, skills stagnate and fade quickly.
False Confidence – Many participants walk away feeling “certified,” but without consistent hands-on refinement, they lack the ability to apply their skills under pressure.
When preparing for real-world defensive scenarios, this surface-level approach is not enough. Physical confrontation is dynamic and unpredictable, demanding instinctual, reflexive movement that can only be developed through structured, continuous training. A weekend certificate does not create an expert—it merely introduces a topic.
Experience-Based Events and True Training
One of the biggest challenges for those outside the industry is distinguishing between a high-adrenaline “experience-based event” and a structured educational training event. Many people don’t know the difference, making it difficult to determine which training is truly valuable and effective.
An experience-based event, often referred to as a “run-jump-shoot” course, is designed to make participants feel like they accomplished something. These courses are often exciting, fast-paced, and physically engaging, but they lack structured learning, progressive skill-building, and an educational training path. They provide an adrenaline rush, but they do not necessarily create lasting, applicable skills.
In contrast, an educational training event is built to provide a clear roadmap for improvement. It offers a systematic approach to skill progression, focusing on refinement, repetition, and principle-based learning that leads to long-term success. Instead of just exposing students to action, it equips them with knowledge, tools, and a structured plan to continue improving long after the event is over.
Understanding this difference is crucial. One may leave you feeling accomplished, but the other will actually make you better.
The Value of Continued, In-Person Training
Skill development requires consistent, hands-on training under knowledgeable instructors. Unfortunately, many training programs do not offer structured pathways for continued growth. A high-quality program will always provide ongoing training opportunities that you can attend.
And yes, I said attend.
Having online reference materials can be a valuable tool for reviewing details, but it is not a replacement for in-person training. Contrary to popular belief, watching videos or reading material is not the most effective way to learn. Actual skill is forged through hands-on experience, where an instructor can provide real-time feedback, correct mistakes, and refine techniques.
A proper training program prioritizes direct instruction because knowledge is passed at a much higher level when students engage with their instructor in person. A well-structured program will provide opportunities for continuous development, ensuring that students not only acquire knowledge but also internalize it and apply it effectively.
The PRT Training Camps: A Commitment to Excellence
This is precisely why PRT Training Camps were designed the way they are. The PRT program is not just another certification course—it is a commitment to creating the best instructors in the industry. If you are looking for a structured training path that focuses on actual skill development, principle-based training, and ongoing education, we have it for you. The question is, are you ready to commit to real growth?
Alan Baker is renowned for his dual expertise in crafting tailored Defensive Tactics Programs and high-performance coaching. Catering specifically to law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and security firms, Alan designs training regimens that emphasize practical techniques, real-world adaptability, and scenario-based training. His approach enhances the capabilities and readiness of personnel in intense situations. His clients include the Executive Protection Institute, Vehicle Dynamics Institute, The Warrior Poet Society, ALIVE Active Shooter Training, Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, Tactical 21, and many others. Sifu Alan is the creator of the C-Tac® (Civilian Tactical Training Association) System and
Protection Response Tactics (PRT), two highly regarded training systems that emphasize realistic, adaptive techniques for both civilians and professionals in high-risk fields. Explore Alan’s tailored programs here. Sifu Alan travels across the U.S., teaching camps and seminars on the programs he’s developed and the multiple martial arts he has studied for nearly five decades.
Beyond mere tactics, Alan stands out as the paramount “Self Leadership” coach, adept at unlocking the vast potential within individuals. With a deep passion for mentoring professionals, entrepreneurs, and those on personal growth odysseys, he focuses on nurturing a mindset of excellence. Alan’s coaching hinges on practical strategies that bolster mental resilience, focus, and drive. Teaming up with Alan means embarking on a transformative path where mental barriers are dismantled, inherent strengths come to the fore, and your goals become within clear sight. His profound insights enhance performance and sculpt a mindset tailored for triumphant success.
To delve deeper into Alan’s mindset philosophy, peruse his enlightening collection of books. If you’re ready to amplify your journey under Alan’s tutelage, connect through his official website.