Course: GST Level 2 (Instructor Certification Program)

Lead Instructors:  Rener GracieRyron Gracie
 Access:  Prerequisite Required   Status:  Active   Course:  Application

Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) Level 2 is Gracie University's Advanced Instructor Certification Program for military and law enforcement professionals who have previously completed the GST Level 1 course (online or in person). Originally, this Instructor Certification Program was only accessible through 5-day in-person courses taught throughout the country each year. Due to limited training budgets, travel restrictions and increasing international demand, many agencies are unable to send officers to the live courses, as a result, we have made the entire course available online.

60-Day Online Course
The GST Level 2 Online Instructor Certification Program (Online ICP) is a 60-day online course specifically designed to equip you with the exact same Gracie techniques and teaching methodologies that you would learn if you attended the 5-day live course. Since you have 60-days to complete the program, and all the material is presented via streaming online video, you can complete the Online ICP at your own pace from anywhere in the world with a training partner of your choice.

Official Certification via Video Evaluation
In the first portion of the Online ICP you will learn 17 new GST techniques and develop your muscle memory in their execution. Then, you will revisit the essential Gracie teaching methodologies that you learned in the GST Level 1 course. Upon completion of the program, you will demonstrate your comprehension of the material learned using our Video Evaluation Process (through which you upload 6 videos for us to evaluate your skills), and if your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will receive your GST Level 2 Instructor Certification (which also counts as your GST Level 1 Recertification), and you will qualify for several benefits only available to GST Level 2 Certified Instructors!


This course is part of the Gracie Survival Tactics Program. Click the button below to learn more on how to verify your credentials and purchase:
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Course Lessons (32)

Free (Registration Required)

Intro Class

Since 1994, over 5,000 military and law enforcement professionals have been certified to teach the techniques featured in the Level 1 course, and the time has come for Level 2.

Lesson 1: Twisting Arm Control

The Twisting Arm Control (TAC) is one of the most reliable ways to control an actively aggressive subject without causing injury. It can be used to exhaust the subject until the opportunity arises to transition into a handcuffing procedure. In this lesson, we will start by teaching you the Twisting Arm Control setups f...

Lesson 2: Kneeling Control

When utilized properly, Kneeling Control gives you maximum control over the subject while also giving you the opportunity to conduct perimeter security as well as the ability to readily access all your weapon systems. In this lesson, we will start by teaching you the Dynamic Control concepts, and then we’ll discu...

Lesson 3: Advanced Guard Get-Up

The most important ground fighting technique you need to know is how to get out of the ground fight as quickly and safely as possible. In Level 1, we introduced the Guard Get-Up as a means of getting to your feet from the bottom of the guard, and now it’s time to discuss a few additional details and variations to...

Lesson 4: Advanced Clinch Control

The Double Underhook Clinch position (GST Level 1) is highly effective for takedowns, punch protection, and weapon retention. However, establishing this standing control position can be difficult against a warier subject sometimes. In cases where double underhooks are not easily achieved, there are a series of standing...

Lesson 5: Outside Trip Takedown

In the Level 1 GST course, you learn the Body Fold Takedown from the Clinch position when double underhooks are achievable. In cases where double underhooks are not possible, the Outside Trip Takedown is an excellent alternative when you must get the fight to the ground. In this lesson, we will start by teaching you th...

Lesson 6: Multiple Officer Arrest Procedure

In the Level 1 course, we discuss many techniques with regard to arresting a subject in a single officer scenario. In the event that there are two or more officers, the arrest will be that much easier IF there is a well-coordinated plan to follow. In this lesson, we will start by teaching you the Figure 4 Lockdown tech...

Lesson 7: Rear Takedown

In a multiple officers’ arrest scenario, it is very common for one officer to be in front of the subject, and the other officer be behind or off to the side. In this lesson, we will discuss how to achieve the rear Clinch against an aggressive subject, as well as two very effective takedown strategies from the rea...

Lesson 8: Turtle Control

There is a consensus in law enforcement that the objective is to pronate the subject as quickly as possible during an arrest. The only concern with this strategy is that if pronated too early in the altercation, a resistant subject who is full of energy will almost always attempt to “build the house” to get...

Lesson 9: Multiple Officer Takedown

More often than not, when two officers are dealing with one subject, they attempt to establish a “one in front, one in back” configuration in order to have the greatest tactical advantage. The challenge is that most of the time, the subject will not allow someone to get behind him without putting up substan...

Lesson 10: Wall-Pin Tactics

During an altercation in a confined space, it’s almost certain that you will find yourself up against a wall or other flat surface within moments of engaging with the subject. In this lesson, we teach you how to use the wall to your advantage as well as what to do if you find yourself pinned against the wall by t...

Lesson 11: Headlock Defenses

Headlocks are the brawler’s favorite submission hold. In Level 1 we discuss several variations for headlock escapes on the ground, and now it’s time to take our headlock comfort to the next level. In this lesson, we will discuss three very common standing headlock scenarios including what to do if you are t...

Lesson 12: Compliant Handcuffing

In this lesson, you will learn to perform a tactical pat-down of a subject based on “Terry v. Ohio” as well as perform various handcuffing techniques. Emphasis will be on keeping the subject in a position of tactical disadvantage while keeping yourself in a position of tactical advantage since the most dang...

Lesson 13: Noncompliant Handcuffing

If the subject presents active resistance or pre-fight indicators of any kind, we recommend the use of tactical de-escalation skills to allow time for backup to arrive on scene. If the subject is compliant, we recommend the use of the Compliant Handcuffing techniques. For situations where the subject is slightly less t...

Lesson 14: Dynamic Weapon Retention (Standing)

The statistics of police officers being shot with their own firearms is alarmingly high. In this lesson, we will discuss some additional weapon retention strategies from standing situations, starting with the weapon in the holster.

Lesson 15: Dynamic Weapon Retention (Ground)

The Level 1 GST course covers preemptive weapon retention from a variety of positions. In this lesson, we will expand on your retention skills by teaching a dynamic series of techniques for both holstered and unholstered scenarios. We will begin with the Cross Draw weapon retention tactics, and then we’ll discuss...

Lesson 16: Edged Weapon Defense

Our friends over at www.Setcan.com have done some in depth research regarding the most common types of edged weapon attacks and the most common responses to spontaneous edged weapon assaults. Based on their findings, we’ve devised some emergency response strategies that can be used to survive an edged weapon atta...

Lesson 17: Tactical Vehicle Extraction

Most Law Enforcement professionals will find themselves in a position where they will have to extract a noncompliant, resisting subject from a vehicle (ex: traffic stops, vehicle checkpoints, etc). In this lesson, we cover a variety of techniques depending on the nature of the subject’s resistance. We will start ...

Use of Force Law

Rener Gracie is joined by Justin Wade, a Use of Force expert and a California Police Officer with over 20 years of experience, to discuss Use of Force Law. Although teachings in this block pertain to California Law, law enforcement professionals from every state can benefit from it. The teachings are centered on Graham...

Tactical De-Escalation

At its core, jiu-jitsu is de-escalatory. The highest level of Tactical De-escalation, however, is the implementation of systems and strategies to reduce the intensity of an encounter, gain voluntary compliance, and mitigate the need for a higher level of force. This lesson provides an in-depth discussion on Tactical De...

Teaching Intro

Ryron and Rener introduce you to the different teaching methodologies taught in the GST ICP Program.

Teaching 1: Slice Presentation Formula™

Handed down over three generations, the Gracie Slice Presentation Formula is what separates the Gracie University instructors from the rest. Learning the formula will make you a better teacher in all fields of study.

Teaching 2: Essential Presentation Skills

Learning the Slice Presentation Formula will instantly make you a good instructor, mastering these essential presentation skills will make you great.

Teaching 3: Error Correction Strategies

If defensive tactics is taught in a way that is safe, encouraging, and enjoyable, students will learn better and they will train more frequently and with higher levels of enthusiasm.

Evaluation Intro

Upon gaining access to the GST Level 2 Online Instructor Certification (ICP), you will have 60 days to complete the program and demonstrate proficiency in the techniques and teaching methodologies you learn throughout the process.

Evaluation 1: Level 1 Recertification

The Level 1 Recertification Drills are graded on a pass/fail basis. Successful demonstration of these scripted Fight Simulation Drills in the exact order outlined below will demonstrate your comprehension of the most important GST Level 1 techniques and principles. In order to pass this portion of the test, we want to ...

Evaluation 2: Technical Proficiency

The Technical Proficiency portion of the evaluation is graded on a point basis. You will start with 100 points and a point will be deducted for each critical mistake or omission. To pass this portion of the evaluation, you must amass no more than 10 deductions.

Evaluation 3: Freestyle Fight Simulation

In this portion of the test, you will conduct an unscripted Freestyle Fight Simulation Drill utilizing the Level 2 techniques in combination with the Level 1 techniques.

Evaluation 4: Slice Presentation Formula™

The Gracie Slice Presentation Formula™ (SPF) has been perfected and refined over nearly 100 years, and now it’s being used by Gracie Certified Instructors around the world to transfer knowledge to students of all ages and abilities.

Evaluation 5: Error Correction Strategies

Your students will make mistakes, and how you intervene when they do is one of the most important factors in determining their level of confidence on the mat.

Evaluation 6: Instructor Interview

When you become a GST Certified Instructor, you are an extension of the Gracie Family. As such, we’d like to get to know you a little better.

Recertification Requirements

Ryron and Rener review the recertification requirements necessary to keep your GST Level 2 certification up to date.


Course Specs

Course Chapters

There are no individual chapters available for this course.

Course Goals

  1. Understand the Course Topic
  2. Refine your ability to execute the techniques presented in the Course
  3. Become familiar with the drills that can be used to develop your skills
  4. Achieve significant proficiency in the material

Testing & Certification

There are not currently any tests or certifications for this course.

Lead Instructors

Rener Gracie

Gracie University Chief Instructor

Ryron and Rener Gracie are the eldest grandsons of Grand Master Helio Gracie, the creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Their father is Rorion Gracie, one of the world’s foremost experts in self-defense. In 1993, Rorion created the Ultimate Fighting Championship to showcase the supremacy of the family’s self-defense system in a realistic “no holds barred” confrontation against all comers. Rorion’s younger brother, Royce, won 3 of the first 4 UFC tournaments proving that the leverage-based techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu provided the most reliable way to defeat a larger, more athletic opponent. Ryron and Rener were born into this family tradition of testing the art against all challengers.

Rorion introduced his sons to the art as soon as they could walk. As children, they watched him teach private classes in their garage in Southern California. But, it wasn’t until they observed their father and uncles – Royce, Rickson, and Royler – easily winning challenge matches that they began to comprehend fully the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Even more important, Ryron and Rener recognized the profound impact the family’s art had on all who studied it. The life changing transformations of Gracie University students motivated the brothers to teach the art. While constantly perfecting their physical techniques, they worked equally hard to master the powerfully effective instruction methods developed by their forbearers. In 2003, Grand Master Helio Gracie awarded Ryron and Rener black belts in recognition of their mastery of his unique techniques and teaching methodologies.

More...

Ryron Gracie

Gracie University Chief Instructor

Ryron and Rener Gracie are the eldest grandsons of Grand Master Helio Gracie, the creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Their father is Rorion Gracie, one of the world’s foremost experts in self-defense. In 1993, Rorion created the Ultimate Fighting Championship to showcase the supremacy of the family’s self-defense system in a realistic “no holds barred” confrontation against all comers. Rorion’s younger brother, Royce, won 3 of the first 4 UFC tournaments proving that the leverage-based techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu provided the most reliable way to defeat a larger, more athletic opponent. Ryron and Rener were born into this family tradition of testing the art against all challengers.

Rorion introduced his sons to the art as soon as they could walk. As children, they watched him teach private classes in their garage in Southern California. But, it wasn’t until they observed their father and uncles – Royce, Rickson, and Royler – easily winning challenge matches that they began to comprehend fully the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Even more important, Ryron and Rener recognized the profound impact the family’s art had on all who studied it. The life changing transformations of Gracie University students motivated the brothers to teach the art. While constantly perfecting their physical techniques, they worked equally hard to master the powerfully effective instruction methods developed by their forbearers. In 2003, Grand Master Helio Gracie awarded Ryron and Rener black belts in recognition of their mastery of his unique techniques and teaching methodologies.

More...