Jujutsu 101 Testimonials

To: Whom it may concern

Subject: Fred Crivello

Shortly after I began as High Liability Coordinator, I was presented with what seemed to be a dilemma. My predecessor had hired Fred Crivello to teach a ground fighting class. As a former defensive tactics trainer, I had some strongly held views as to the value of ground fighting in law enforcement. I also had some reservations about a defensive tactics trainer who did not have a law enforcement background. Due to these concerns, I checked with several of his private students who are corrections officers at the jail. I also monitored the class more closely than I would ordinarily do.

What I observed was an outstanding class, presented with a viewpoint that I believe is unique to the various ground-fighting schools now extant in law enforcement. Fred Crivello has a program that is as strong in the standing position as it is in the ground-fighting position. He has been teaching it privately for almost ten years. Fred presented techniques that had structure and coherence. His training methods demonstrated scenarios that were highly appropriate to law enforcement, to include techniques that worked in a variety of positions, and techniques that stressed the importance of weapons awareness.

Since that first class, Fred has returned with three more classes. I have used Trust Fund monies to pay for these classes, as I believe that what Fred is teaching is of great value to law-enforcement. His classes that we restricted to female officers were particularly well received. Fred's ability to teach physical skills in a way that is open, honest, and non-intimidating is extremely popular with female officers. Students have actually written me "thank you for hiring Fred" letters. That is a first for me, after more than 30 years as a police trainer.

Fred Crivello is an outstanding trainer, with a ground-fighting technique that has proven to be highly effective. He is highly motivated, and a motivating trainer. He is extremely well regarded by his students. I take great pride in recommending him without reservation. He will provide any agency that hires him with a quality program.

David Keefe
High Liability Coordinator
Southeastern Public Safety Institute

July 29, 2005

To: David Keefe, High Liability Coordinator - SPC Allstate Center

Dear Mr. Keefe:

Core Grappling Tactics for Female Officers is by far the greatest class I have ever taken of its kind. I can not thank you enough for providing me and my fellow officers the opportunity to participate in such an awesome class. I consider myself incredibly privileged to have been a participant.

Initially, when I first heard about the class, I decided not to take it for fear of injury. As much as I long to learn better skills and techniques for defending myself in dangerous situations, I cling to self preservation by avoiding defensive tactic classes whenever possible. I believe I have less chance of getting injured in a fight in the jail than I do of a week long defensive tactics class.

I was pleasantly surprised after my first day of the Core Grappling class with Fred Crivello. Wow! What a wonderful man. Because of Fred's method of training, egos never entered the class and fear of injury went out the door with the first few words of instruction. I spent five days getting thrown to the ground and wrestled with a group of women I had never met before, and I never so much as broke a fingernail.

Fred is the best. His concern for our well-being throughout the course was limitless. He made sure we understood what we were doing and always insured all questions were answered. We all had many concerns about how to protect ourselves in different scenarios and situations, and Fred had an answer for every situation we could come up with. He provided us with skills we will have for the rest of our lives.

I thank you once again for providing this awesome course, and I am extremely thankful to Fred Crivello for his hard work and dedication this past week. I could not have asked for or expected more. This course was more than I imagined it would be, and I am truly grateful.

Sincerely,
TH
Detention's Deputy
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Core Grappling Tactics for Female Officers
July 2005 - Evaluations

The mechanics and practical exercises were extremely valuable to me. The techniques taught in this course are practical and useful in day to day use on the job.

The best feature of this course was the hands on activities. Fred is a great teacher - not only is he patient, he is also very easy going and easy to learn from.

The strengths of this program were getting in the mat room and starting with the hands on activities. Immediately I learned many techniques that my save my life one day if the situation arises.

This is the best course I have taken. Fred is an awesome instructor and teaches at everyone's own pace. Fred breaks down each movement so that they're easily learned. Fred doesn't use technique terms; everyday terms are easier to remember. Fred takes his time and allows each of us to learn and practice until we are comfortable and ready to move on.

I honestly didn't see any weaknesses. Fred's program is a welcomed addition to our 'tool boxes'! Fred's teaching is altered to each student's environment and is useful no matter of size. Fred really helped us for our profession. He really understands that females and males fight and react different. He has excellent technique.

The best feature of this course was the overall interaction. This was the first class that really helped us 'females' learn effective tools that we could really use.

I hope you offer more classes like this. This is very beneficial training for women. Fred really helped us learn new tools to use on the road.

You need to offer more of these classes.

Please keep offering classes like this. more female officers could benefit from Fred. I hope you are going to also offer intermediate and advanced classes.

The best feature of the class was basic technique that were easy for everyone to understand and perform in practical exercises. Fred made the class fun, relaxed and interesting!

I consider the strength of this program delivered in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Fred has the ability to adapt the lessons to the needs of the students.

Fred covered all scenarios. We need more training classes like this.

Fred taught us multiple tactics that are beneficial for females officers because our strength is in our hips and leg area; not upper body.

What I consider as the strength of this program is it is practical. The instructor was patient. All scenarios were addressed and we were taught the tactics or the scenarios. It did not matter if you are in Corrections or Patrol; all the females had basically the same concerns.

Fred, your class was great. I hope to see another one of your classes. You taught me a lot. Thank you. This was the best defensive tactics class I have been to.

Fred is a great instructor who takes his time with his students to make sure they learn the techniques. The instructor was good at teaching the techniques to make learning easy and fun.

This class was so good at showing you that no matter what size you are the techniques can work. I don't see any weaknesses other than the class is not offered more. I think more people in law enforcement/corrections should have access to this class.

Every female deputy would benefit from this class.

The best feature of this course was the hands on grappling.

I consider the strength of the program is that Fred let us give him scenarios to work with; problems that present themselves to us at the jail.

I would rate this instructor (Fred) higher than the highest rating allowed (which is a 5). I give him a 10! I highly recommend Fred. I will recommend him to everyone I can.

The quality of instruction and the simplicity of his technique are the best features of this course. Excellent training!

The greatest strength of the class besides the awesome training is Fred's ability to train without injury. I can give my attention and focus to learning because I don't have to constantly protect myself from injury.

There were no weaknesses in this course. It was by far the most awesome course I have ever taken of its kind. I cannot say enough good things about Fred Crivello and this course. I learned more in this one class than I have learned in dozens of defensive tactic classes over the years. I've learned how to protect myself and stop the threat without hurting myself or killing the criminal and making my agency liable in a use of force. Excellent training. Than you very, very much.

I would definitely recommend Fred Crivello's class to any person interested in self-dense or grappling. The practical, the grappling with the instructor is extremely beneficial. Fred doesn't only grapple, he stops to show other students and gives students an opportunity to show moves they have learned.

The ability of Fred Crivello to be given any situation and he can give solutions or options is what I consider the strengths of this program.

The only weakness is there isn't another class or a two week class.

This was an excellent class and it will be recommended.

This class was very practical for female officers.

The best feature of the class was the timing was great and the pace perfect for learning. Fred took his time and made sure all questions were answered. We all had time to use the techniques and he had the patience with each student. We all learned how to use our body types to our advantage.

What I consider as the strengths of this program was Fred Crivello is full of knowledge and skills. I truly enjoyed the class. I would recommend he teach more classes, especially the female or smaller officers. The philosophy taught in this class is something that I will use and could possibly save a life.

I will take any class that I see Fred Crivello's name on. His philosophy is amazing, useful and I truly believe in it. Fred is awesome.

The best feature of this course was the fact that we were taught tactics that we can actually use as women. What we have been taught (in prior courses) is not practical or useful. This class is geared toward us and what we need.

The best feature of this program was Fred's attitude. There was no ego. He just wanted to help us; that's something that we don't get.

The only weakness of the program is that here is not more of these classes available to female officers. We need it; so please make sure Fred gets more course to teach.

This is the best class I've taken so far. If Fred teaches another I will definitely try to get it!


Defensive Grappling for Officer Survival - April 2005
(Note: This was for male and female officers) - Evaluations

The best feature of this course was the hands on guidance any time during the course. Certain things took a little extra guidance before and after class and Fred was more than willing to help as much as needed. What I consider as the strengths of this program was thorough explanations, guidance and attention to the individual. There was plenty of practice time to really begin to develop skills.

Fred was very personable and paid a lot of attention to the strengths of each individual. He was able to show each person how to effectively develop their skills.

I would recommend this workshop to defensive tactics instructors, response team members and any training sections.

The best feature of this course was the hands on practical drills, techniques, control, body dynamics and structure explanation.

The strengths of this program was the instructor's experience, practical application, safety precautions and realistic training.

It was a motivating course. A great learning experience. Very realistic self-defense / control course. Great job. The best feature of this course was being given the opportunity to practice what was taught with generous amounts of time.

The instructor is very knowledgeable and willing to work with each individual student. Spending generous amounts of time practicing what was taught.

I really enjoyed the course and hope to take more with the same instructor.

I would recommend this course to anyone involved with weapons retention.

The best feature of this course was the hands on with instructor. Most instructors in other courses show / demonstrate the move and allow students to practice on each other. Hands on with the instructor allowed for corrective procedures.

Great class for people who want to learn the basics of ground fighting. Also great for people with experience in ground fighting to refamiliarize themselves with the basics.

The best feature of this course was the practical exercises.

I consider the strengths of the program was the excellent instructor and topics covered.

I would retake this class again in a minute and also will recommend it to friends.

Fred Crivello could benefit the corrections and the law enforcement academies.

The class was awesome as is.

The instructor was great. I learned a great foundation for grappling.

The flexibility of the instructor. He fostered an environment where I felt confident working with an all male class. A great class. I appreciate the fact hat he did not belittle other instructors / techniques and if you had a better way to do something, he was humble enough to be open for suggestions. Great class. I can't wait for the next one.