Rapid Assault Tactics

Rapid Assaults Tactics (R.A.T.) is a self-defense system developed by Paul Vunak and is the central aspect of his approach to the martial arts, known as Progressive Fighting Systems.
It was developed for the U.S. Navy Seals as a primary combative program based in Jeet Kune Do concepts. Rapid Assault Tactics focuses on identifying phase (or range) in which an attack situation is occurring and responding to it with appropriate tools, typically using the so-called HKE apporach (headbutts, knee strikes, and elbow strikes). Today the R.A.T. system is taught to Special Forces, military, U.S. Marines, U.S. Rangers, F.B.I, D.E.A, C.I.A, S.W.A.T. Teams, and over 50 police Departments in the U.S and other countries.
The R.A.T. system places an emphasis on self-preservation (hence the acronym) using a realistic fighting structure. The three basic concepts of the method are Entry to close range, Pressure on the opponent to keep him on the defensive, and Resolution/Termination of the conflict. Students learn to move between the various ranges, entering from long range to close range in order to control the opponent's head and apply the HKE paradigm. Drills to learn and improve these skills lead to live drills (using protective equipment) to "functionalize" the material.
Paul Vunak states that having and utilizing a plan (entry, pressure, termination) increases the chances of success in a violent confrontation.

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