OUR TEAM
DAVE BALSAMO
President
Dave Balsamo is a seasoned law enforcement professional with a rich experience spanning over two decades, dedicated to enhancing the safety and efficacy of law enforcement officers across the nation. His career, rooted in both local and federal law enforcement, has seen him navigate numerous Use of Force and Deadly Force incidents. These critical encounters have deepened Dave's unwavering commitment to ensuring that officers are well-equipped with the essential tools and knowledge to safely manage the complexities inherent in their profession.
Dave's expertise is further amplified by his extensive background in providing specialized firearms and defensive tactics training to law enforcement professionals. With over 20 years dedicated to educating officers, Dave's is recognized for his comprehensive approach, integrating the practical, physical, and psychological aspects of law enforcement operations. His training focus not only focuses on physical preparedness but also on critical decision-making and stress management techniques, ensuring officers are mentally and ethically prepared for the challenges they face.
In addition to Dave’s civilian LE career, he recently retired with the USCG Reserve where he was assigned as a Chief Investigator / Special Agent, to the Coast Guard Investigative Service, marking 26 years of distinguished service. His academic achievements, including a BA in Criminal Justice and an MA in Public Policy, complement his practical experience, offering a well-rounded insight into law enforcement dynamics. Moreover, Dave's commitment to continuous personal and professional development is evident in his pursuit and attainment of a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This discipline not only enhances his defensive tactics training but also imbues his programs with the principles of control, leverage, and efficiency, minimizing harm while effectively managing confrontations.
Dave's approach to law enforcement training is innovative and forward-thinking. Leveraging the latest research and technological advancements, he has developed scenario-based training simulations that mirror real-life encounters, fostering a learning environment where officers can gain the confidence and skills needed to navigate complex situations. Beyond physical and tactical training, Dave is a fervent advocate for mental health awareness and support within the law enforcement community. He champions initiatives aimed at de-stigmatizing mental health issues among officers, promoting a culture of resilience and support.
Dave Balsamo's multifaceted contributions to law enforcement safety and training exemplify his dedication to the profession. His blend of practical experience, academic insight, and martial arts proficiency positions him as a leading figure in enhancing the operational effectiveness, ethical standards, and overall well-being of law enforcement officers, ultimately contributing to the safety and health of the communities they serve.
LARRY COSME
Vice President of Operations
Mr. Lazaro “Larry” Cosme is a retired Special Agent (SA) with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of Immigration & Customs Enforcement within the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Cosme started his federal law enforcement career with the legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in 1992. His most recent assignment was to HSI D.C. based out of the HSI-Harrisonburg, Virginia field office. During his distinguished career, Mr. Cosme led a multi-agency financial crimes task force in the central Virginia region and was involved in criminal investigations, which included national security, human trafficking, and financial fraud.
While working for INS, Larry was assigned to work on the 9/11 task force. In April 2007, he was a lead HSI special agent in the Virginia Tech Massacre Investigation. In 2008, the HSI Director and HSI Special Agent in Charge for HSI D.C. recognized him with the Investigative Excellence Award for HSI D.C. field office.
In November 2010, Larry was promoted to Operation Manager/SA at Homeland Security Investigations, Headquarters in Washington, D.C. at which time, he coordinated and made assessments of large-scale complex criminal investigations. During this time, Mr. Cosme had direct oversight of several domestic field offices in addition to being a liaison for senior level agency directors and managers.
Aside from his career accomplishments, Larry has been heavily involved in law enforcement organizations throughout the years. In 2005, he was elected to serve as FLEOA's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency President. While serving his second term as ICE Agency President, he was elected to FLEOA's National VP of Operations. In September 2019, he was elected to FLEOA’s National President and is currently serving a four-year term. In addition to his work with FLEOA, he has also served law enforcement officers in different capacities, as President and Executive VP of Local 2149 with the American Federation of Government Employees, National INS Council. Larry is a Board member on the Congressional Badge of Bravery.
Larry possesses a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University. In addition, he attended training in Management and Labor relations at Rutgers University and received training from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, in dispute resolution. As Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Larry is committed to enhancing Law Enforcement safety through physical de-escalation.
Felecia Bain
Treasurer
Felecia “Rooster” Bain is a federal law enforcement officer, physical tactics instructor, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and a Master Degree of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. Felecia is presently employed as a United States Probation and Pretrial Services Officer in the Southern District of Indiana.
As a jiu-jitsu instructor, Felecia leads a women's program at the Franklin Jiu-Jitsu Club and is a coach at the Hangout Jiu-Jitsu Club, which provides training primarily to law enforcement officers. Felecia is also a law enforcement instructor, serving as the lead safety instructor and a non-lethal training ammunition instructor for her Indianapolis-based agency. She is also an adjunct instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Felecia is a subject matter expert in all aspects of self-defense, such as target hardening, avoidance, situational awareness, de-escalation, fighting back, post-altercation actions, and legal considerations. She uses her expertise to lead multiple women's self-defense seminars throughout the year as a means to raise money for local domestic violence organizations. Felecia's instructional style is a unique balance of humor, empathy, and candor to provide women with tools to defend themselves. Her realistic and practical instruction appeals to a broad audience, including high school and college students, law enforcement, victims of domestic violence, business professionals, and anyone seeking to be better prepared for a physical attack.
JEFF BURKE
Secretary
Jeff Burke is currently any active U.S. Federal Agent with expertise in forensics and high technology investigations. He has been active in the Federal Law Enforcement Association since beginning his federal career. Before his federal career, he started in local law enforcement with the Houston Police Department where he also began studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As the Secretary of the 111 Project, Jeff brings technology expertise to the team and is passionate about sharing martial arts and use of force training with other law enforcement.
ROB MAGAO
Director of Development
With over 25 years of law enforcement experience, Rob has worked in various units to include; patrol, SRO, conservation law-enforcement, street crimes, narcotics, internal affairs, and as a detective investigating serious crimes. Rob also served 18 years on SWAT and helped to create and run the CT SWAT Challenge since its inception in 2005. Rob also has experience in dignitary protection and has provided executive protection services to high priority clients and has assisted in training executive protection specialists. This experience is vital in being able to teach realistic self-protection skills based on real life experiences and not just theory.
Rob is a highly respected international law enforcement instructor. He has taught hundreds of personnel from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as well as those in the United States Military in the areas of defensive tactics, arrest and control, ground fighting, officer survival, force on force, firearms, Taser, SWAT, Dignitary Protection and Physical Fitness.
Rob has over 30 years in the martial arts and is a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 3rd degree blackbelt under legendary Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor Pedro Sauer. Rob owns and operates both Manchester Brazilian Jiu-jitsu/Bushido in Manchester, CT and Hebron Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in Hebron, CT. Rob is the host of The Code Podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube! Rob is also a sponsored athlete/ambassador for the Invictus Law Enforcement Jiu-jitsu Collective. Rob is also an active grappling competitor with IBJJF and Reality Fighting/NAGA.
CHAD LYMAN
Director of Outreach
Chad Lyman's extensive background in law enforcement and Mixed Martial Arts has established him as a leading authority in defensive tactics training across the United States. His unwavering dedication to enhancing officer safety and commitment to training excellence through the adoption of innovative tactics distinguishes him. Through diligent study and practical experience, Chad has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of defensive tactics.
Chad embarked on his law enforcement career after graduating from Portland State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Administration of Justice, supplemented by minors in History and Terrorism Studies. His professional journey began in the late 1990s with the Portland Police Bureau, where he quickly became an instrumental figure in training officers in defensive tactics and subject control.
In 2004, Chad transitioned to a major metropolitan police department in Southern Nevada. His roles have spanned patrol, Field Training Officer, gang detective, member of the Mobile Crimes Saturation Team focusing on anti-terrorism, full-time SWAT operator, and contributor to the Advanced Officer Skills Training (AOST) team. Presently, Chad offers his expertise to the LVPPA (Union) as a specialist in defensive tactics, use of force, and tactical operations, holding multiple certifications in law enforcement training, from firearms to advanced defensive tactics.
Chad has also been deeply involved in Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 1998, training under some of the world's most prestigious teams. He leads as the head BJJ coach at Xtreme Couture MMA and Las Vegas Krav Maga and MMA, responsible for the curriculum, coaching, and management of students and coaches within these programs. His dedication to teaching MMA/BJJ in Las Vegas since 2006 earned him a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2012, advancing to a 2nd-degree Black Belt. Recognized for his coaching skills, Chad has been the personal ground fighting coach for numerous professional MMA athletes and was inducted into the Masters Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2012 for his contributions to police and military defensive tactics. He also serves as a certified judge for MMA and BJJ events in Las Vegas.
His expertise has made him a featured instructor at several national training conferences and a guest on multiple national-level podcasts. Chad's teaching extends beyond the public sector to include security personnel, MMA/BJJ enthusiasts, and qualified civilians, offering both unarmed and armed combat training. With a broad audience ranging from military units to civilian groups, Chad's impact on the field of defensive tactics and martial arts continues to grow.
BRIAN BOWERS
Lead Instructor - Midwest
Professor Brian Bowers is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor Chris Popdan with a decade and a half of grappling experience. He is the professor of The Hangout Jiu-Jitsu Club in Indianapolis, Indiana, and a coach at the Franklin, Indiana, Jiu-Jitsu Club. In 2024, Brian completed his professorship under the Oswaldo Fadda lineage.
Brian is a federal law enforcement officer and a physical tactics and firearms instructor for his agency. He was also a firearm, physical tactics, and search and seizure instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, where he continues to serve as an adjunct instructor.
Having personally relied on jiu-jitsu techniques to protect his life, Brian advocates jiu-jitsu as essential knowledge for all law enforcement personnel. His dedication to this cause is evident in his involvement with the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association 111 Project and his active role in teaching jiu-jitsu to law enforcement officers nationwide at seminars.
Brian's commitment to his students goes beyond the mat. With a Master of Science in Business Management, he leverages his formal education to cultivate deep, meaningful relationships with his students. His selfless dedication to serving their needs is evident in his use of research from psychology and neuroscience to optimize learning in any discipline he teaches. Brian uses science-based principles to educate jiu-jitsu practitioners, law enforcement students, law enforcement instructors, and jiu-jitsu instructors.
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Our mission is to provide in-depth expertise and support in the realms of police use of force, physical control tactics, firearms proficiency, mental health, and officer safety.