“Do You Know Joe?” Part I - RMAX Faculty Head Coach Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson is a modern day super hero. His true story of overcoming unbelievable adversity and physical disability early in life to becoming a world class martial artist and elite federal agent is legendary. If you have been to a CST Instructors Certification course here in the US then you know the incredible depth of knowledge and physical ability he possesses. You also know that he is a supremely gifted teacher with a frenetic sense of humor. Most admirable of all is his sincere humility and constant desire to help others. Joe is truly and inspiration for all of us.

In this interview you will learn a little more about the life of an RMAX Faculty Coach and some things Joe has going on right now.

 

Could you tell me a bit about your recent activities in both your law enforcement career and your martial arts school?

 After 13 years of law enforcement with one of the largest sheriff’s offices in Tennessee, I am now working for a federal law enforcement agency, on a Federal Task Force. 

 I train for myself at least once a day (although most of the time I still get in a second session) and teach classes - martial arts and CST - several times a week at my school. My schedule is a bit crazier now so I am very grateful to have help at the school. My wife, Head Coach Camron Wilson, is a huge help as is CST Instructor Bob Canale. They both cover my weekly Prasara Yoga classes when I can’t make it.  I also have a few black belt instructors, Mark Smothers and Cristina Gilliam, who are there to cover the MA classes when needed. I am blessed to have a great team!

 

 

How has your personal practice of CST benefited you in your work as a police officer?

Most people do not realize that the injuries that many LEO’s suffer from have little or nothing to do with chasing and fighting criminals - although that can happen.  Many of the injuries and physical problems come from wearing all of the equipment (vest, belt, gun, radio, etc.) and being in a car with all of the equipment on for hours and hours on end.  Then given that, you are expected to go from 0-100 mph sometimes with no notice and no warm-up. 

So I believe the CST has helped me stay injury free for my 13-year career.  I am also in better shape at 34 than I was at 24, so there is a lot that can be said for that!

 

How have you been able to incorporate CST in the training of other police officers?

Yes, I was the head PT instructor at our academy - the largest sheriff’s academy in Tennessee - for over 3 years.  In that time I incorporated LOTS of CST.  All classes at the academy did Intu-Flow as a warm-up and the last few classes I had were doing TACFIT protocols, they just didn’t know it. 

I was also able to certify several TACFIT Instructors before I left the academy.  There are now TACFIT Instructors all around the State of Tennessee as well as Arkansas and Mississippi.  While I was training recruits at the academy, and using CST protocols, I had NO major injuries from any recruits.  In my last class that I was in charge of, we had 0 injuries and everyone at least double their PT numbers!  We were using TACFIT and Intu-Flow everyday and saw fabulous results.  

I still consult the instructors at the academy and they are doing awesome!  They have just introduced kettlebells and are getting ready to order a bunch of Clubbells, so it will only get better.

 

What RMAX resources or programs would you recommend for police officers to practice?

Intu-Flow, Intu-Flow and Intu-Flow!

I also think the Shockability trilogy is amazing and very helpful in LEO work, as well as Immovable Object, Unstoppable Force. They are classics in my opinion.  TACFIT is another must!

Part II of this interview coming soon. Stay tuned!

Be Well.

Jeff

Comments

[Kathryn]

I know Joe and he rocks! Great interview so far and looking forward to more...
:)