When combined with the techniques taught in the Level 1 course, GST Level 2 provides any law enforcement agency with a complete defensive tactics solution. With 17 additional techniques, GST Level 2 covers everything from multiple officer arrest procedures (SafeWrap™) and dynamic weapon retention to vehicle tactics and compliant handcuffing techniques (low risk and high risk).
The program can be completed in-person via our 5-day Live Instructor Certification Program or remotely via video using our Online Instructor Certification Program. Only those who meet the Gracie University quality standard for technical execution and instruction will qualify for Instructor Certification upon completion.
On this page, we will outline the similarities and differences between the Live Instructor Certification Program and the Online Instructor Certification Program to help you make the best decision for you and your organization. We’ll also discuss the Level 2 Recertification Requirements and the new online recertification opportunity available to you.
Four Cops Try to Arrest Rener Gracie
"We’ve been teaching GST Level 1 for years and the Level 2 techniques are the perfect complement.”
-Angelo Cruz, Police Officer in Maryland
“The Level 2 multiple officer takedowns and arrest strategies were critical additions to our departments d-tac program.”
-Chris Wells, Police Officer in California
"The vehicle extractions and edged weapon defenses were very well thought out and very easy to learn. Thank you!”
-Amy Keetus, Police Officer in Texas
GST Level 2 Live Instructor Certification Program
Cost: $1500 Per Participant
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This 5-day course is hosted year-round at various locations. Day 1 is entirely dedicated to a comprehensive review of the Level 1 material. Days 2 and 3 are committed to learning the Level 2 techniques. Day 4 is used for to review and refine the Gracie Teaching Methodologies, and Day 5 is when the final evaluation takes place.
Not only does successful Level 2 completion certify participants as Level 2 GST instructors, but it also serves as Level 1 recertification.
Listed below are some pertinent details for the Level 2 GST Instructor Certification Program (ICP).
Qualifications
To qualify to attend the Level 2 GST ICP, you must be active-duty military, law enforcement, or a first responder, and you must have completed GST Level 1 no more than two years prior to your Level 2 course commencement date. Exceptions are made to the two-year rule on a case-by-case basis. If you graduated from Level 1 more than two years ago and would like to be considered for Level 2 participation, please email us at [email protected].
Training Partners
Since each Live ICP typically attracts 50-150 participants from all over the world, you don’t need to bring a training partner. Although most agencies send two or more instructors to ensure the successful implementation of the GST curriculum at the organization, many participants attend the course alone and have no trouble learning the material. Part of the reason the course is so successful is because we go to great lengths to make sure everyone has a training partner that is best suited for them.
Instructor Handbook
Upon arrival to the Live ICP, you will be given a printed copy of the official GST Level 2 Instructor Handbook which outlines all the techniques and teaching methods covered during the week. Not only will the handbook help you keep track of everything you learn throughout the week, but it will serve as an invaluable reference when you return home and are expected to teach the GST techniques to your colleagues.
Evaluation Process
During the Live ICP, we are evaluating you the entire week. Your techniques, your dedication, your interactions with the other students, etc. At the end of the week, we conduct a series of drills designed to assess your competency in the skills learned and use mock teaching exercises to verify your comprehension of the Gracie Teaching Methodologies. If your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will receive your GST Level 2 Instructor Certification.
Certification Details
Upon successful completion of the Live ICP, you will receive a GST Level 2 Instructor Certificate, a GST Level 2 Instructor T-shirt, and a GST Level 2 Challenge Coin. Since GST Level 2 also serves as a GST Level 1 recertification, you will be authorized to teach both Levels for 2 years (24 months) within your organization.
Online GST Access
For the duration of your certification period, you will have access to the online Level 1 and Level 2 GST curriculums. The online curriculums are regularly updated with technique improvements and program modifications and feature private forums where you can ask questions about techniques and get answers from GST master instructors. This is an invaluable resource, particularly when you are actively teaching GST in your organization.
Exclusive LAB Access
The LAB is an ever-evolving online video library comprised of the new ideas that surface at each GST Level 2 Live Instructor Certification Course. Law Enforcement Officers in attendance from all over the world are asked to share their favorite non-GST techniques they’ve ever learned (from any source), and these presentations are digitally recorded and uploaded to Gracie University Online. A new LAB session is uploaded after every live GST Level 2 course and access to these recordings is only granted to actively certified GST Level 2 instructors.
The LAB – Law Enforcement Collaboration Curriculum
Expert Witness Support
Should any UOF litigation arise involving the use of the GST techniques within your agency, Gracie University master instructors are willing to testify as subject matter experts on the agency’s behalf, so long as the defensive tactics instructor who taught the officer under investigation holds a valid GST Instructor Certificate.
Recertification
To maintain your valid GST Instructor Certification you will need to recertify every 24 months. This can be done by attending any Level 2 Live ICP or you can do it online using our Video Evaluation Process. Regardless of the method of recertification, upon completion you will be authorized to teach Level 1 and Level 2 material for two more years.
Action Steps
If you are ready to join us for the Level 2 GST Live Instructor Certification Program, please take the following steps:
- Select Your Course: Click here to review the list of upcoming course dates and locations.
- Save Your Spot: GST courses almost always reach capacity. To reserve your spot as quickly as possible, select the preferred course location and register in the online Gracie store using a credit card. If you need an invoice or would like to pay via government issued purchase order, click here.
- See You There: Once you’ve reserved your spot, and we’ve verified your credentials as active-duty law enforcement, military, or first responder, we’ll send you additional information to help you make the most of your GST experience!
GST Level 2 Online Instructor Certification Program
Cost: $1500 Per Participant
REGISTER NOW
The GST Level 2 Online Instructor Certification Program (Online ICP) is an interactive online course during which you will have 60 days to learn the exact same techniques and teaching methodologies that are taught in the 5-day GST Level 2 Live ICP course.
The main benefit of this online certification is that you'll have more time to learn the same amount of material. Since all the material is presented in online video format, you can complete the program at your own pace from anywhere in the world.
In the first portion of the Online ICP you will learn all 17 techniques and develop your muscle memory in their execution. Then, you will learn the essential Gracie Teaching Methodologies that will prepare you to transfer the skills to other members of your organization. Upon completion of the program, you will demonstrate your comprehension of the skills 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!
Learn the GST ‘Zero Handcuffing’ System
Qualifications
To qualify to attend the Level 2 GST Online Instructor Certification Program, you must be active-duty military, law enforcement, or a first responder, and you must have completed Level 1 no more than two years prior to your Level 2 course commencement date. Exceptions are made to the two-year rule on a case-by-case basis. If you graduated from Level 1 more than two years ago and would like to be considered for Level 2 participation, please email us at [email protected].
No Risk 10-day "Consideration Period"
Gracie University pioneered online jiu-jitsu instruction, particularly when it comes to the use of a Video Evaluation Process for quality assurance. We have been doing online courses/certifications in the civilian sector for over 10 years, and the cumulative results have exceeded all of our expectations! In fact, we have over 170 civilian-operated Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Centers worldwide and every one of them was certified “online.” That said, we are very excited to deploy our proven online certification processes in the law enforcement sector, even though we understand that it’s not “customary.” To eliminate any reservations you have regarding this method of learning/certification, we will grant you a 10-day “Consideration Period” when you enroll in the GST Online ICP. If, by the tenth 10th day, you aren’t convinced that the GST Online ICP path is for you, just let us know, and we’ll gladly remove you from the program and issue a full refund. Bottom line: we know it's a new learning format, but we're so confident in the quality of the program that we'll gladly assume any and all risk in order for you to give it a try.
Training Partners
All the GST Level 2 techniques are designed and taught to be practiced with another person, so you will need at least one dedicated training partner in order to complete the Online ICP. Most departments typically send two or more officers to achieve GST certification, since it greatly increases the chances of successful implementation of the GST curriculum at the organization. That said, your selected training partner may be one that is pursuing GST Instructor Certification, but this is not a requirement. Neither you or your training partner need any previous experience to successfully complete the GST Level 2 Online ICP.
Instructor Handbook
When you unlock the Level 2 Online ICP, you will have the opportunity to download the official GST Level 2 Instructor Handbook (pdf) which outlines all the techniques and teaching methods covered during the course. We recommend you print the handbook upon beginning the program, so you have a physical copy at your disposal through the learning process. Not only will the handbook help you keep track of everything you learn, but it will serve as an invaluable reference when you are expected to teach the GST techniques to your colleagues.
Evaluation Process
Upon completing the Online ICP, you will need to demonstrate your technique and teaching skills using our Video Evaluation Process. On or before the 60-day deadline, you will upload six (6) separate videos, based on specific criteria we will specify in the Gracie University Online Testing Center. A GST Master Instructor will review the videos and if your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will receive your GST Level 2 Instructor Certification. The first attempt at the Video Evaluation is covered in the cost of the Online ICP. If you fail to submit your evaluation videos on or before the 60-day deadline, or if you do not pass the test, you will have the opportunity to request a 30-day extension (additional fees will apply). Not only would this extend your access to the program for an additional 30 days, it would also give you another opportunity to submit your Video Evaluation. More details can be found in the Testing Center.
Certification Details
Upon successful completion of the Live ICP, you will receive a GST Level 2 Instructor Certificate, a GST Level 2 Instructor T-shirt, and a GST Level 2 Challenge Coin. Since GST Level 2 also serves as a GST Level 1 recertification, you will be authorized to teach both Levels for 2 years (24 months) within your organization.
Online GST Access
For the duration of your certification period, you will have access to the online Level 1 and Level 2 GST curriculums. The online curriculums are regularly updated with technique improvements and program modifications and feature private forums where you can ask questions about techniques and get answers from GST master instructors. This is an invaluable resource, particularly when you are actively teaching GST in your organization.
Exclusive LAB Access
The LAB is an ever-evolving online video library comprised of the new ideas that surface at each GST Level 2 Live Instructor Certification Course. Law Enforcement Officers in attendance from all over the world are asked to share their favorite non-GST techniques they’ve ever learned (from any source), and these presentations are digitally recorded and uploaded to Gracie University Online. A new LAB session is uploaded after every live GST Level 2 course and access to these recordings is only granted to actively certified GST Level 2 instructors.
Expert Witness Support
Should any UOF litigation arise involving the use of the GST techniques within your agency, Gracie University master instructors are willing to testify as subject matter experts on the agency’s behalf, so long as the defensive tactics instructor who taught the officer under investigation holds a valid GST Instructor Certificate.
Recertification
To maintain your valid GST Instructor Certification you will need to recertify every 24 months. This can be done by attending any Level 2 Live ICP or you can do it online using our Video Evaluation Process. Regardless of the method of recertification, upon completion you will be authorized to teach Level 1 and Level 2 material for two more years.
Action Steps
If the GST Level 2 Online ICP is your preferred method of GST Certification, please take the following steps:
- Submit Application & Payment: Since GST is only accessible to active-duty law enforcement, military and first responders, you will need to submit a short application verifying your credentials prior to gaining access to the material. If your training partner also intends to pursue certification, they will need to submit an application of their own.
- Unlock the Program: Once we review your application and verify your credentials, you will be accepted into the program and you will have 12 months to unlock the program and begin your training. Once unlocked, on the date of your choosing, you will have 60-days to complete the program. During the 60 days, you will have access to both Level 1 and Level 2 course material.
- Upload Your Evaluation Videos: On or before the 60-day deadline, you will upload six (6) videos in the online Testing Center based on the specific GST evaluation criteria we’ve outlined in the program. If your performance meets Gracie University quality standards, you will join the global family of GST Level 2 Certified Instructors!
GST Level 2 Recertification
Cost: $1500
GST is a perishable skill, and as a result, the GST Level 2 certification period lasts exactly two (2) years from the time of course completion. To ensure that all certified instructors are capable of maintaining the Gracie University quality standard within their organizations, and to maintain access to all the benefits offered to certified instructors, we require active instructors to recertify every two years.
Below are the two ways you may choose from to meet your GST Level 2 Instructor Recertification Requirements. Regardless of the method of recertification, upon completion you will be authorized to teach Level 1 and Level 2 material for two more years.
1. Live Level 2 Recertification - $1500
One way to meet the Level 2 recertification requirement is to attend any scheduled GST Level 2 Live ICP course. Once you demonstrate proficiency in the techniques and teaching methodologies, you will be certified for an additional two-year period. To review locations for upcoming GST Level 2 Live ICP courses nearest you, click the button below.
SELECT LOCATION
2. Online Level 2 Recertification - $1500
In the event that travel restrictions, time requirements, financial difficulties, or any other logistical challenges preclude you from attending a live GST course, the GST Level 2 Online ICP is a perfect alternative. You will have 60 days to complete the online course and submit the six videos that we will use to assess your proficiency in the techniques and teaching methodologies of the GST Level 2 program. To submit your application for GST Level 2 Online Recertification, click the button below.
REGISTER NOW
Recertification Benefits
Regardless of which method you choose, here are the benefits of recertification:
- Newly Issued 2-Year Instructor Certificate for Levels 1 & 2
- New Level 2 GST Instructor T-shirt
- Extended GST Online Curriculum Access for Levels 1 & 2
- Extended Access to The LAB Exclusive Collaboration Curriculum
- Extended License to Teach GST Levels 1 & 2
- Extended Expert Witness Support from GU
Action Steps
To select from any of the recertification methods above, click the corresponding red button and we’ll see you on the mat!
GST Level 2 Lesson List
The GST Level 2 Instructor Certification Program comprised of three parts 1) the techniques, 2) the teaching methodologies and 3) the evaluation.
Although any training is better than no training, traditional sport BJJ techniques can be a liability when the user fails to consider the adaptations that are necessary for use in a law enforcement setting.
Listed below are the names of each lesson in the GST Level 2 curriculum as well as some of the specific adaptations/considerations (in parenthesis) that have been made to each technique in order to ensure maximum effectiveness for law enforcement officers.
Introduction
Lesson 1: Twisting Arm Control (w/ Cuffing Transition)
Lesson 2: Kneeling Control (w/ Cuffing Transitions)
Lesson 3: Advanced Guard Get-up (vs. Trained Subjects)
Lesson 4: Advanced Clinch Control (w/ Weapon Retention)
Lesson 5: Outside Trip Takedown (vs. Trained Subjects)
Lesson 6: Rear Takedown (For Fleeing Subjects) Lesson 7: The SafeWrap™ (Optimal 2-on-1 Restraint)
Lesson 8: The SafeDown™ (Optimal 2-on-1 Takedown)
Universal SafeWrap™ Considerations
Lesson 9: Turtle Control (Against Larger Subjects)
Lesson 10: Wall-Pin Tactics (For Confined Spaces)
Lesson 11: Standing Headlock Defense (vs. Trained Subject)
Lesson 12: Compliant “Zero” Handcuffing (Low Risk & High Risk)
Lesson 13: Noncompliant Handcuffing (+Zero Escort Hold)
Lesson 14: Dynamic Weapon Retention (Standing)
Lesson 15: Dynamic Weapon Retention (Ground)
Lesson 16: Edged Weapon Defense (Standing & Ground)
Lesson 17: Vehicle Tactics (Solo & Tandem Options)
Teaching 1: Gracie Slice Presentation Formula™ (The secret to creating amazing instructors)
Teaching 2: Essential Presentation Skills (Turns “good” instructors into “great” instructors)
Teaching 3: One-on-One Retention Strategies (How to teach so cops actually want to learn)
Evaluation 1: Level 1 Recertification (Your demonstration of essential L1 techniques)
Evaluation 2: Technical Proficiency (Your demonstration of the techniques)
Evaluation 3: Freestyle Fight Simulation (Your demonstration of your reflexes)
Evaluation 4: Slice Presentation Formula (Your demonstration of your teaching skills)
Evaluation 5: One-on-One Retention Strategies (Your demonstration of people skills)
Evaluation 6: Instructor Interview (Our chance to get to know you better)
For National Security reasons, additional information requires our personal attention. Please contact the GST Team by sending an email to: [email protected] or calling 310-893-0400 ext. 3.