I don’t know him personally, but I can tell one thing from looking at his Web site and DVD: Demi Barbito doesn’t know the meaning of “half-assed.”

I have been interested in firearms and martial arts for a good portion of my life. My firearms training has far outpaced my martial arts training, which has been piecemeal and, I’m sorry to say, decidedly half-assed. I began with kung fu San Soo in the mid-80s; started my firearms training in earnest in the Marine Corps; and had my latest foray into MA studying kickboxing in a mixed martial arts studio. Over the years, it occurred to me that firearms and martial arts did not have to be mutually exclusive—Chuck Habermehl’s video Entry Team Combatives, for example, addresses the possibility that an armed operator may need to take someone to the ground, yet if memory serves, firearms aren’t central to his solutions—but there seemed to be no place to study a firearms-integrated martial arts “system.” Until now.

Demi Barbito, director of the Center for Self Preservation Training (CSPT), has, in classic “Of course—it’s so obvious!” style, effectively incorporated firearms into mixed martial arts training. Just as a martial artist can use a knife, stick or other hand weapon, he or she can also add firearms to the fighting “toolkit.” Likewise, a gunfighter can add empty-hand martial arts techniques to his or her repertoire. And if you’re like me, you can stand to study in both areas at the same time. I will be visiting CSPT in the near future; until then, there’s Fire Power.

I am particularly critical about training videos, because I know how little effort is usually put into a typical firearms or martial arts training tape, and how little additional effort is needed to make one that stands out. Most cost $40 and last about 30 minutes, and the quality is usually abysmal: shot in one take during a regularly scheduled class with an old VHS camcorder, poor lighting and worse sound.

The first thing that appealed to me about this DVD is that it encompasses two hours of material for its $39.99 (plus shipping) price. In the training-video niche, Lenny Magill leads the pack in video quality, setting the standard that other producers should strive to meet (but seldom do, to the detriment of the genre). Although Fire Power isn’t quite up to that level, it comes damn close. This is a quality production, standing head and shoulders above all the overpriced, badly shot commercials for someone’s training facility. It’s even more impressive that Barbito wrote, directed, edited and scored it himself.

Admirably and refreshingly, Fire Power is a dedicated training video, not simply a videotaped record of a CSPT class. A major problem with typical training videos is that first-time students are often shown practicing techniques as the instructor explains them. The danger is that unless the student is performing at the same level as the instructor—which is highly unlikely—viewers will be watching and learning imperfect technique. Barbito avoids this by demonstrating all techniques himself, with high-level students or fellow instructors playing only opponents.

The training program is very thorough, starting with the basics (safety and safe handling) and progressing through handgun and shotgun techniques (two separate full-price videos from anyone else). Even though much of the first few chapters are beginner level, a refresher never hurts. Additionally, Barbito introduces some techniques that I’ve not seen in other firearms training that are worth considering. Although CSPT materials refer to “using no way as a way” a la Bruce Lee, and Barbito doesn’t explicitly say that it’s “his way or no way,” I don’t recall any discussion about “what works best for the individual.” In that respect, the training treads uncomfortably (if softly) close to dogma. For example, my brother uses the same fighting grip on his Glock that Barbito does (I’m currently of the support-thumb-up school), but keeps inadvertently holding the slide stop lever down, preventing the slide from locking back on an empty magazine. So now what? There are few absolutes, especially in martial arts—adaptability is key. I say, discover what works for you.

Barbito comes across not as a know-it-all tactical guru, but as a caring teacher confident in his knowledge. He is an excellent speaker, talking very quickly but distinctly. As we are able to take in information faster than people normally speak, viewers should not miss anything. The training pace is brisk; there’s no time to get bored. (I put on the first disc just to see if it worked and ended up watching the whole thing.) His message is direct and straightforward, with very few verbal errors and virtually no “uhs” or “ums.” The man knows his material.

In terms of incorporating a pistol as a martial arts weapon, Barbito’s four basic gunfighting positions are great. Keeping the left arm up to protect one’s head from a knife, stick or punch—so simple and seemingly obvious, yet so overlooked. (My own San Soo-derived close-contact block might have protected my head from flying brass, but not a swinging baseball bat. No longer.) He stresses maintaining visual contact with your opponent and keeping your field of vision clear: When you’re slicing the pie, it’s good to not have a low-ready position blocking your view of the floor.

Barbito’s emphasis on movement is vital, and reflects his martial arts training. You don’t just stand toe-to-toe with your opponent and duke it out; you have to move. Because we fight like we train, getting out of the square-range mentality is something we should all think about (and do) more often.

While most training videos or classes teach police- or military-style room-clearing and -entry tactics, Barbito’s emphasis is decidedly upon civilian homeowners’ concerns. He admonishes viewers to avoid a fight if necessary, while teaching the proper tactics one needs in order to prevail in an in-home encounter with an intruder. The chapter entitled “Capture” is extremely valuable, not to mention eye-opening. Too often we approach every training scenario as a “shoot;” rarely do we think about what to do after we’ve found we don’t have to shoot. The “Force On Force/Simunition® Scenarios” chapter is simply fascinating, showing just a few of the potentially limitless “bad scenes” you’d hate to face in real life. It’s a beautiful way to wrap up the program.

Overall, Fire Power is unquestionably a worthwhile investment. But because “a bitchin’ Marine is a happy Marine,” I do have a few gripes: The DVD is actually two DVD-ROM discs in clear jewel cases, and not pressed on one "real" DVD in a keep case. My two-year-old Philips 825 (the heart of my home entertainment system) won't play them, which means I have to watch them on a newer player in the bedroom or on my computer. Neither area is conducive to watching with a group of people. Also, because Barbito mentions “this tape” a few times, I surmise the DVD was transferred from a tape master. As a result, perhaps, in many scenes the color constantly shifts from cool blue to warm beige and back. It is very distracting and detracts from an otherwise professional presentation. Finally, I would like to see him use the video medium more effectively with close-ups—particularly for properly teaching such techniques as indexing rounds—and reverse angles, particularly in the force-on-force segment (I want to see the bad guys’ reactions, too). Next DVD, perhaps?

Chapters are divided nicely and the ability to jump to chapters is invaluable. Maybe I’m spoiled, but the opening titles could have been a little less “cable access” and a little more dynamic, and the menu screen needs some spice. It’s basic, but it works. And how about cutting together all of the shooting scenes so we can watch them all at once?

My admittedly minor gripes aside, this training program is quality. For once, I have absolutely no buyer’s remorse. Don’t be half-assed about your training: This DVD is a bargain at $39.99 (shipping is fast—I received mine in two days) and should be in the library of every student of modern martial arts and firearms.

©2003 Curtis E. Gropp

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Review by Walt Votta from Combative Solutions Firearms For Home defense Forum.

I have been asked by Big Sean to review Demi Barbito's newest video "Firepower". The reason he asked me to do it is that I have a much more extensive firearms background then he has. For those who care, I am a retired N.Y.C.P.D. Detective, a certified NRA instructor in rifle, pistol and shotgun. I've shot in a number of Soldier of Fortune 3-gun tactical matches, 2 National Tactical Invitationals, 1 Second Chance bowling pin match and a number of local IPSC matches. I agreed to do this under one condition. Since I'm putting my name on it, I can say anything I want. I do not know Demi Barbito personally, I have never communicated with him in any way and I owe him nothing, I also have nothing against him. I went into this with an open mind and unbiased. That said lets begin.

Firepower - Tactical hangun and shotgun with Demi Barbito is 2 hours long with very high production value (sound, lighting, camera work etc.).

The information in this video is indispensable for someone who owns a firearm for home defense. The tape is filled from begining to end with useful information that is clearly explained and demonstrated to the viewer. For someone who is thinking of buying a firearm for home defense or already has one but has little or no confidence - training or ability with it, this tape is invaluable. From the basic but important Safety demonstration to the Safe Handling - Loading - Unloading - Grip - Stance - Footwork - Marksmanship and proper handling of both pistol and shotgun, you will have a very competent instructor showing you what to do in your own living room.

If your already a competent firearms owner and shoot well (hunters, target shooters,IPSC shooters) the tactics contained in this video could go along way in saving your life if you had to search your home or confront an intruder. All of his demonstations teach up to date modern tactics for moving through hallways, around corners, the use of white light both hand held and pistol mounted, capturing and controlling both armed and unarmed, single and multiple intruders and also very importantly how to call 911 and what to do when the Police arrive. Demi speaks clearly in a normal voice tone throughout the video. When it comes time to demonstrate "Command Presence" to control the situation, you get to see Dr. Jeckel turn into Mr. Hyde. It is important to make the person your holding at gunpoint be completely convinced that his life depends on doing what you tell him to do. Demi shows this perfectly and it is entertaining to watch.

Demi does some live firing at a range to show some of the techniques. It is obvious that he can do more than just talk about the subject and that he has put in alot of trigger time. This video should be required for every Glock or Remington 870 owner, as these are the two firearms he demonstrates with. However, anyone with any firearm gets more than their moneys worth and can adapt his teachings to any firearm.

This is a very worthwhile video and I have no qualms about recommending it too anyone.

Walt Votta

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What's this? A video on handguns and shotguns for a martial artist? Aren't top-notch martial artists supposed to be able to counter and disarm a handgun with their empty hands? After all, isn't that what Seagal, Norris and Van Damme do in the movies? The truth is, of course, in real life all three of them most likely employ a host of bodyguards for their protection.

Demi Barbito, who is quickly becoming one of the martial arts's true iconoclasts, has just produced a video/DVD called "Fire Power." In it he discusses the realities of the handgun and shotgun as they apply to urban domestic situations. Demi knows all too well the futility of going unarmed against an armed assailant unless there is absolutely no other option. Through this video, Demi gives us an option--learning to use and fight with a handgun and shotgun.

In his unparalleled teaching style, he has created a high quality, practical video which is of extreme benefit to not only the untrained person who has never held or fired a handgun, but also the person who can fire a gun on the range, but lacks a tactical, methodical approach to actually being able to fight with one. Knowing how to fire a gun and knowing how to successfully fight with one can be mutually exclusive. Demi aims to correct this via this video.

This tape covers all the basics--loading, proper grip, stance, positions, movement, and calling police. He also discusses cover and concealment, proper movement around corners and the most efficacious methods to handle a wide variety of threats and how to take control of a hostile situation.

Demi also addresses various contingencies such as weapon malfunction and encountering someone in dark or dim light. He also covers the moral, ethical and legal issues as well.

Demi then covers the shotgun in the same methodical style, explaining the advantages and disadvantages, the opportunities and problems which could occur in its use.

The rest of the tape plays out a plethora of scenarios and the most tactical approaches necessary.

While the viewing of this video will not instantly transform a novice into an expert in firearms, it is an absolutely critical first step in not only showing essential firearms usage and training methods, but also displaying many tactical errors which are made quite often even by seasoned veterans and which could expose this person to great risk.

The intelligent martial artist must "get with the program" and realize that firearms are involved in a majority of threats today. The best way to successfully defend a firearm threat is to know how to use them. As mentioned earlier,Demi is an iconoclast--an image breaker--in that he is taking traditional martial arts out of the dark ages and bringing true self-preservation training into the new millenium. This video/DVD is a successful first step in doing this.

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