Real Change, Real Results
For a brief overview of GST Hybrid, watch this video…
CHIEF-TO-CHIEF
GST Hybrid was piloted at the Bellevue Police Department in Washington over a two-year period. The results exceeded everyone’s expectations, including the Chief’s, and produced measurable improvements in the six critical areas:
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Use of Force Injuries & Liability
- Culture & Morale
- Communication & Teamwork
- Recruiting & Retention
- Community Relations
"If you're thinking about doing something different, this is it. This is a game-changer for us. As far as liability, as far as preparing our officers to handle difficult situations, and mental health/wellness; every single thing a Chief has to worry about, it's in there. I don't even think about the money factor because the benefits we're getting from it you can't even measure."
Chief Shirley
Bellevue Police Department
FREQUENCY
OVER DURATION
At most law enforcement agencies, defensive tactics training happens just once a year for 4–8 hours. With so much crammed into one session, officers often feel overwhelmed, and most of the material is forgotten within weeks. GST Hybrid takes a different approach—prioritizing frequency over duration by delivering the curriculum through focused, one-hour weekly sessions.
To see the impact consistent training is having in Bellevue, hit the play button…
INJURY & LIABILITY REDUCTION
Every undertrained officer represents a risk—to themselves, their team, and the community. By equipping every officer with time-tested GST techniques, the Bellevue Police Department has significantly reduced injuries to both officers and civilians during use-of-force encounters. Compared to other agencies in Washington with similar use-of-force rates, BPD reports significantly fewer allegations of excessive force—a direct reflection of the program’s effectiveness.
Use of Force Incidents by Year
Source: Bellevue Police Department
Bellevue Police Department
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The Data is Not Available
Source: Bellevue Police Department
Average incidence of excessive force: 1.1%
Comparable Neighboring Agency
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The Data is Not Available
Source: Agency Public Records
Average incidence of excessive force: 33.3%
FIELD APPLICATIONS
The Marietta Police Department (MPD) in Georgia, had it’s DT instructors certified in GST in 2009, but only offered training to their officers one time per year. After a video of an inciting incident went viral, the agency decided to sponsor their officers to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) on a weekly basis at a local civlian-operated school. The program started on April 1, 2019. Out of 145 officers, 95 opted in to the training opportunity. Over an 18-month period, over 2,800 BJJ classes were attended, with only one (1) reported minor training injury. When comparing the performance of BJJ-trained officers against that of non-BJJ-trained officers, the following data was released by MPD:
Watch this to see how GST Hybrid translates to real-world applications…
23%
deployments
59%
reduction in UOF
encounters
48%
injuries during UOF
53%
injuries during UOF
$66k
comp claims
Source: Marietta Police Department
COMMUNICATION & TEAMWORK
Every officer brings a different skill set to use-of-force encounters. Without consistent training, these differences widen over time—often with serious consequences during high-stress situations. GST Hybrid closes that gap by giving officers the opportunity to train regularly with their shift partners, strengthening teamwork and communication in critical ways.
To understand the difference optimized communication can have, hit the play button…
MENTAL HEALTH
& WELLNESS
Law enforcement officers routinely face challenging and psychologically taxing situations that can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being. Notably, officers have a 54% higher risk of dying by suicide compared to the general population.
GST Hybrid offers a proactive approach to addressing these mental health challenges by reinforcing three foundational pillars that support officer wellness: Peer Support, Stress Relief, and Physical Fitness.
Watch this video to witness the positive impact GST Hybrid has on officer wellness…
THE SAFEWRAP™
SYSTEM
GST Hybrid implementation also includes SafeWrap, a proprietary restraint system that was originally created by Gracie University to help safely manage mental health patients in healthcare settings. The system provides maximum control without relying on joint locks, choke holds, or strikes, and is designed to facilitate free breathing and reduce panic in restrained individuals. Within just three months of the system’s launch, BPD had five successful SafeWrap applications in the field with no significant injuries reported.
Watch Officer Silva detail his SafeWrap application just one week after learning it…
STRUCTURE & SAFETY
Traditionally, law enforcement agencies seeking to offer weekly jiu-jitsu-based training faced two limited options:
1) Internal programs led by an officer with BJJ experience
2) External partnerships with civilian-owned BJJ schools
Each came with its own advantages and drawbacks. By converting an agency into its own Certified Jiu-Jitsu Training Center, GST Hybrid combines the best of both models—the accessibility and cohesion of internal training with the professionalism and curriculum integrity of external programs—without the compromises.
Watch this video to see how GST Hybrid is designed to help your agency succeed…
COMMUNITY POLICING
After implementing the GST Hybrid program, agencies can also become certified to teach Women Empowered, Gracie University’s official self-defense program for women.
By offering these time-tested, practical skills to the community, agencies help participants build lasting confidence and a strong sense of personal safety.
Just as importantly, the positive, personal interactions between officers and community members play a powerful role in reshaping public perception and strengthening trust in law enforcement.
Experience community relations through an entirely new lens with Women Empowered…
RECRUITING & RETENTION
In today’s shifting social and political climate, law enforcement agencies face growing challenges in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates. GST Hybrid addresses this by fostering a positive, inclusive agency culture that improves morale and strengthens internal cohesion—key factors in both recruitment and retention.
Watch this video to understand why officers are traveling from far and wide to join BPD…
INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION
PHASE 1
GST Level 1 & Level 2
(In-Person)
The first step towards GST Hybrid Instructor Certification is to attend the in-person GST Level 1 and Level 2 courses to fully learn the curriculum. These courses can be taken separately or completed together during an 8- or 10-day Dual Certification event.
PHASE 2
GST Video Evaluation
(Online)
After completing the live courses, candidates must submit an inquiry for GST Hybrid program consideration. If accepted, candidates must submit a series of videos demonstrating proficiency in GST techniques and teaching methods.
PHASE 3
GST Hybrid Instructor Course
(Online)
Upon passing the video evaluation, you’ll unlock a comprehensive video library covering everything needed to successfully implement GST Hybrid at your agency. The course includes 33 structured lessons. Completion of all lessons marks your final step toward GST Hybrid instructor certification.
Discover how GST Hybrid transforms law enforcement culture from the inside out—by empowering officers, strengthening agency cohesion, and rebuilding public trust.
Complete the short form below to receive immediate access to our interactive Executive Summary (PDF), and then share it with your team to spark informed discussions and drive better decision-making.
What’s included in this free download:
- Bellevue PD Pilot Results
- Weekly BJJ Impact Data
- Implementation Guidelines
- GST Hybrid Certification Costs
- Bonus Videos & Information
- Frequency Asked Questions
Got Questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Click the button to tell us a little more about you and your organization, and we’ll reach out within 24 hours to discuss your safety needs.