The Level 1 Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) Instructor Certification Program (ICP) provides participants with the techniques and teaching methodologies to effectively transfer the GST system to the other members of their organizations. 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. Although no experience is necessary to participate in the program, only participants 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 1 recertification requirements and the new online recertification opportunity available to you.
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GST Live Instructor Certification Program
Cost: $995 Per Participant
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The Level 1 GST Live Instructor Certification Program (Live ICP) is an immersive 5-day course, with six hours of training per day, totaling 30 hours of instruction. The Live ICP is hosted year-round at various locations throughout the country. Absolutely no experience is necessary to participate in the course, and the techniques are designed to work for anyone regardless of age, gender, or fitness level.
The first three days of the GST course are dedicated to technical instruction. You will be introduced to all GST techniques in a calm and cooperative setting, and then we will use a series of Reflex Development Drills to develop your muscle memory and build your confidence.
The fourth day of the course is dedicated entirely to the Gracie teaching methodologies that have been perfected over nearly a century. Upon learning the formula, you will have a chance to hone your teaching skills in small focus groups. The last day of the course is when the final evaluation takes place. You will be tested on your techniques and teaching methodologies, and if your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will receive your GST Level 1 Instructor Certification.
Qualifications
Absolutely no experience is necessary to participate in the Level 1 GST Live ICP, and the techniques are designed to work for anyone regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. You must be active-duty military, law enforcement, or a first responder to participate. If you have any questions about your specific situation feel free to email us at GST@GracieUniversity.com.
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 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 1 Instructor Certification.
Certification Details
Upon successful completion of the Live ICP, you will receive a GST Instructor Certificate, a GST Instructor T-shirt, and a GST Challenge Coin. You will be authorized to teach the GST Level 1 curriculum 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 GST curriculum. The online curriculum is regularly updated with technique improvements and program modifications and features 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.
Expert Witness
Should any 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 one or more members of the agency hold current GST instructor certificates.
Recertification
To maintain your valid GST Instructor Certification you will need to recertify every 24 months. This can be done by attending any Level 1 Live ICP or you can do it online using our Video Evaluation Process. Alternatively, you may choose to complete the GST Level 2 Live ICP which would simultaneously certify you in Level 2 while also serving as your Level 1 recertification.
Action Steps
If the Live ICP is your preferred method of certification, please take the following steps:
- Select Your Course: Click here to review the list of upcoming course dates and locations.
- Save Your Spot: Reserve your spot by paying for the selected course online. If you need an invoice, or would like to pay via government issued purchase order, email Jackie@GracieUniversity.com.
- 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 Online Instructor Certification Program
Cost: $995 Per Participant
2-for-1 GST Certification – Limited Time Offer!
Due to all the training restrictions caused by the pandemic, for a very limited time, we are allowing any agency/organization to enroll two GST Level 1 participants for the price of one!
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The GST 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 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 23 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 5 videos for us to evaluate your skills), and if your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will receive your GST Level 1 Instructor Certification!
GST Level 1 ICP Introductory Class with Ryron, Rener and Evandro
Qualifications
Absolutely no experience is necessary to participate in the Level 1 GST Online ICP, and the techniques are designed to work for anyone regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. All you need is an internet connection, and a soft surface to train on and at least one dedicated training partner (see below). You must be active-duty military, law enforcement, or first responder to participate. If you have any questions about your specific situation feel free to email us at GST@GracieUniversity.com.
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 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 Online ICP.
Instructor Handbook
When you unlock the Online ICP, you will have the opportunity to download the official GST 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 five (5) 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 1 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 Online ICP, you will receive a GST Instructor Certificate, a GST Instructor T-shirt, and a GST Challenge Coin. You will be authorized to teach the GST Level 1 curriculum 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 GST curriculum. The online curriculum is regularly updated with technique improvements and program modifications and features 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.
Expert Witness
Should any litigation arise involving the use of the GST techniques within your agency, Gracie University Master Instructors, including Gracie Family members, are willing to testify as subject matter experts on the agency’s behalf so long as one or more members of the agency holds a current GST Instructor Certificate.
Recertification
To maintain your GST Instructor Certification you will need to recertify every 24 months. This can be done by attending any Level 1 Live ICP or you can do it online using our Video Evaluation Process. Alternatively, you may choose to complete the GST Level 2 Live ICP which would simultaneously certify you in Level 2 while also serving so your Level 1 recertification.
Action Steps
If the 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, as well as the credentials for your training partner if they also intend to pursue Instructor Certification.
- Unlock the Program: Once we review your application and verify your credentials, we will unlock the course in your online lesson library. Once unlocked, you will be notified and you will have 60-days to complete the program.
- Upload Your Evaluation Videos: On or before the 60-day deadline, you will upload five (5) 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 Certified Instructors!
GST Level 1 Recertification
Cost: $795 - $995
GST is a perishable skill, and as a result, the GST Level 1 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.
Here are the three ways you may choose from to meet your GST Level 1 Instructor recertification requirements:
1. Live Level 1 Recertification - $795
The most traditional way to meet the Level 1 recertification requirement is to attend any scheduled GST Level 1 Live ICP course. Once you demonstrate proficiency in the techniques and teaching methodologies, you will be certified for an additional two-year period.
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2. Online Level 1 Recertification - $795
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 1 Online ICP is a perfect alternative. You will have 60 days to complete the online course and submit the five videos that we will use to assess your proficiency in the techniques and teaching methodologies of the GST Level 1 program. To submit your application for GST Level 1 Online Recertification, click the button below.
Register Now
3. Live Level 2 Certification - $995
The final option for Level 1 recertification is to attend any GST Level 2 Live ICP course. Not only does the Level 2 course certify you in the Level 2 techniques and teaching methods, but since the entire first day of the course is dedicated to Level 1 review, it also serves as a Level 1 recertification. To learn more about the GST Level 2 Live ICP course, click on the button below.
GST Level 2
Recertification Benefits
Regardless of which method you choose, here are the benefits of recertification:
- Newly Issued 2-Year Instructor Certificate
- New GST Instructor T-shirt
- Extended GST Online Curriculum Access
- Extended Expert Witness Support from GU
Action Steps
Select from any of the three recertification methods above, click the corresponding red button and we’ll see you on the mat!
GST Level 1: Lesson List
The GST Level 1 Instructor Certification Program comprised of three parts 1) techniques, 2) teaching methodologies and 3) the evaluation.
Although any training is better than no training, regular 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 as well as some of the specific adaptations/considerations (in parenthesis) that have been made to each technique over the last 30 years to ensure maximum effectiveness for law enforcement officers.
Introductory Lesson
Lesson 1: Base Get-up (w/ Weapon Considerations)
Lesson 2: Trap and Roll Escape (w/ Punch Considerations)
Lesson 3: Americana Armlock (w/ Weapons / Cuffing Considerations)
Lesson 4: Positional Control (w/ Weapon Retention)
Lesson 5: Take the Back (vs. Larger Suspect)
Lesson 6: Vascular Neck Restraint Defenses (vs. Trained Suspect)
Lesson 7: Straight Armlock (w/ Cuffing Transitions)
Lesson 8: Clinch Control (w/ Weapon Retention)
Lesson 9: Body Fold Takedown (w/ Terrain Considerations)
Lesson 10: Guard Punch Block Series (w/ Weapon Retention)
Lesson 11: Guard Get-up (w/ Weapon Retention)
Lesson 12: Twisting Arm Handcuffing Procedure (w/ Handcuffing Considerations)
Lesson 13: Side Mount Positional Control (w/ Weapon Retention)
Lesson 14: Double Underhook Pass (w/ Weapon Retention)
Lesson 15: Triangle Defenses (vs. Trained Suspect)
Lesson 16: Mount Elbow Escape (vs. Trained Suspect)
Lesson 17: Side Mount Shrimp Escape (vs. Trained Suspect)
Lesson 18: Guard Safe Draw (w/ Weapon Considerations)
Lesson 19: Double Leg Takedown (w/ Weapon Considerations)
Lesson 20: Front Headlock Defense (vs. Trained Suspect)
Lesson 21: Headlock Escape (vs. Larger Suspect)
Lesson 22: Hidden Arm Technique (w/ Cuffing Transition)
Lesson 23: Kimura Armlock (w/ Weapon Retention)
Bonus: Tactical Gear Demo (All techniques demonstrated in tactical gear)
Bonus: The 4-Hour GST Training Module (What to teach if you’re limited to four hours)
Teaching 1: Gracie Slice Presentation Formula™ (The secret to creating good instructors)
Teaching 2: Essential Presentation Skills (Turns “good” instructors into “great” instructors)
Teaching 3: Error Correction Strategies (How to teach so cops actually want to learn)
Teaching 4: Support Material (Additional resources to ensure GST success at your agency)
Evaluation Intro
Evaluation 1: Technical Proficiency (Your demonstration of the techniques)
Evaluation 2: Freestyle Fight Simulation (Your demonstration of your reflexes)
Evaluation 3: Slice Presentation Formula (Your demonstration of your teaching skills)
Evaluation 4: Error Correction Strategies (Your demonstration of people skills)
Evaluation 5: Instructor Interview (Our chance to meet you)
Contact & Registration
For National Security reasons, additional information requires our personal attention. Please contact the GST Director by sending an email to: GST@gracieuniversity.com or calling (817) 692-8303.