Well, guess what?
It not only worked in real life, it also saved the lives of 200 people.
“It” being Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — or more specifically the BJJ used to stop an airplane passenger who tried to open an exit door mid-flight.
Last weekend, an intoxicated man on a Frontier Airlines flight tried to open the door, attempted to force his way into the cockpit, then choked an off-duty flight attendant.
Nearby passengers moved away, but not John Longood.
The former MMA fighter and BJJ black belt jumped into the fray.
Using nothing flashy, he restrained the man, controlled his movement, and kept everyone safe until the plane made an emergency landing.
Here are 3 takeaways:
1. Skill beats strength.
Longood used wrist control, positioning, and experience. In fact, he was so relatively calm in the chaos that he continued to chew his gum throughout the ordeal.
2. Kindness saves lives.
He could have easily dropped elbow strikes or snapped limbs. Instead, the martial artist chose restraint, keeping everyone — including the drunk man — unharmed.
3. You never rise to the occasion.
You fall back to the level of your training. Under stress, you don’t magically become John Wick if your preparation is more like Austin Powers’.
That’s why we practice.
Not because we expect trouble.
Because if trouble finds us, we want options.
At the San Francisco stop of the Toolset Training Tour, you’ll spend two full days developing the practical skills, tactics, and decision-making that matter when things get chaotic, fast, and unpredictable.
But don’t wait. Preregistration closes tomorrow.
Reserve Your Seat at the Toolset Training Tour
Whether you’re a civilian, security professional, or simply someone who takes personal protection seriously, this seminar on July 18-19 will give you the skills to use the tools you have … and under pressure to protect yourself and those you love.
