SA’s Leading Tactical Training Platform

When the Fight Gets Too Close for Your Firearm

Combatives. Weapon access. Close-range engagement.
This is where training becomes real.

SECURE YOUR SPOT

PRETORIA

What Is CQC (Close Quarters Combat)?

CQC is survival training for the moments when the fight is already on top of you.

When someone is:

  • Grabbing you
  • Strangling you
  • Stabbing you
  • Trying to take your firearm

There is no distance.

There is no time.

This is not sport shooting.

This is not dojo combat.

This is where your firearm meets close-range human aggression.

You will learn how to:

  • Create space under pressure
  • Fight your way to your weapon
  • Access and deploy your firearm at contact distance
  • Make decisions when everything is happening fast and close

If you want training that works in real-world South African violence, this is it.

Who This Training Is For

This course is built for:

  • Civilians who carry a handgun daily
  • Individuals who want real capability against a violent attacker
  • People who understand that real attacks happen fast and close

This is for those who know that:

  • You may not have time to draw
  • You may be grabbed, pinned, or overwhelmed
  • You may have to fight before you can shoot

If you’ve ever thought:

“What if someone grabs me before I can draw?”  “What if I’m knocked down, choked, or slammed against a wall?”

Then this training matters.

This course is not for beginners.

This is for individuals who are serious about surviving real-world violence.

Our Close Quarter Combat Course Level 1 is a hands-on, practical training program designed to teach you effective self-defense techniques for real-world scenarios over 4 modules.

Training Requirements — READ THIS BEFORE YOU BOOK
This is not a beginner level course.

CQC demands:

  • Solid handgun proficiency
  • Full-body movement capability
  • The ability to function under physical pressure

You must be able to:

  • Move into and out of positions (kneeling, prone, supine) with control
  • Maintain muzzle discipline while moving, rolling, and transitioning
  • Fight and operate from compromised positions
  • Handle your firearm safely while under physical stress

If you are not yet confident in your ability to manage your firearm in dynamic conditions, we strongly recommend completing:

  • Lone Operator Level 1, or
  • The Fortis Combat Handgun Course

Alternatively, prior training with Kembativ Concepts may be accepted at instructor discretion.

Meet Your Instructor – ARNO BARLOW

Arno Barlow is the lead instructor behind Kembativ Concepts, specialising in close quarters combat, combatives, and real-world personal protection.

With a background rooted in close protection and high-risk environments, Arno brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to training — focused on what actually works when violence happens fast and at close range.

His methodology blends:

  • Combative movement and striking
  • Weapon access under pressure
  • Close-range firearm application
  • Decision-making in high-stress environments

Arno’s training is influenced by proven international combative systems and adapted specifically for real-world civilian and protection contexts.

In this program, he brings a specialist focus to the moments most training ignores — when the fight is already on top of you.

What You Will Do In This Course

Module 1 – Combative Foundations

  • Movement, positioning, and structure
  • Striking fundamentals (hands, elbows, knees)
  • Creating space under pressure
  • Introduction to weapon access

Module 2 – Fighting to the Gun

  • Breaking grips and physical control
  • Drawing under pressure
  • Retention and close-range shooting
  • Combatives integrated with live fire

Module 3 – Close-Range Control

  • Close range weapons
  • Edged weapons
  • Knife attacks
  • Confined-space application

Module 4 – Applied Live Fire

  • Retention shooting under pressure
  • Shooting from restricted positions
  • Multiple threats and decision-making
  • Performance under realistic conditions

In Conjunction With

Training Locations

Our CQC program is currently presented in Pretoria, using the following dedicated training environments:

Pretoria East — Outdoor Range

Map: https://share.google/uQLNnOIrtXkfm76bW 

Used for live-fire components and open-area movement drills.

Not in Pretoria?

CQC is being rolled out to other provinces soon.
Join the waiting list to be notified when training opens in your area.

JOIN THE WAITING LIST

Your training journey starts inside the FORTIS HUB

After clicking the button below, you’ll be guided through your course selection, dates, and payment on the FORTIS HUB.

 

Fortis Hub At Your Fingertips
– Anywhere, Anytime

Train with structure, not guesswork Follow a clear progression instead of just “going to the range”

Know exactly what to do next Your upcoming training, modules, and sessions in one place

Track your real progress See where you’re improving — and where you’re falling short

Stop wasting range time Every session has a purpose, focus, and measurable outcomes

Access your training anytime Drills, lessons, and content available when you need it

Stay accountable No more drifting — you always know where you stand

Train like it matters Build skills that actually transfer under pressure

Be part of something structured Not just random shooting — a system that builds capability

Everything in one place Accounts, billing, support, calendars, courses, progression, evaluations, credits, bookings, and it even predicts the weather.

Turn ownership into competence – Having a firearm is step one — this is where it becomes a skill

CQC Registration Process: Before You Continue — Read This (Important)

All Fortis course bookings are now handled through the Fortis Hub.

This is a 2-step process:

Step 1:
Register and complete payment for your course.

Step 2:
Log into the Hub and assign your credit to the specific course date you want to attend.

  • Your credit is automatically added to your account after payment.
  • You’ll apply it when selecting your course inside the Hub.

You’ll also receive:

  • A confirmation page explaining the process
  • An email with instructions and access details

What This Means For You

You are not fully booked until your credit has been assigned to a course date.

This step is critical — don’t skip it.

Next Step

Click below to access the Hub and complete your booking

Continue Here

(select from the available starts)