After Action Report
Time feels like it’s gone into overdrive since the Steve Tarani Close Quarters Tactics w Live Fire Class in Boulder, MT July 20-21, 2024. But I am putting the brakes on my usual morning routine in order to write this…because it’s important.
WALK THE WALK
Steve was recommended by a friend and I have to admit, (although I trust her judgement…love you Patricia!) I was just not sure what to expect. I have noticed some instructors who can talk the talk, but don’t really walk the walk. Many have good things to offer here and there, but don’t exactly have the heart of service I seek, even though they act like they do sometimes.
I wasn’t so much concerned for MY experience in the class, but the experience of my peers who had trusted me to bring them someone worthwhile because I was the one hosting him through Defenders USA. I did NOT want to let my friends down who had spent the money and allocated the time for this class.
With all that to say, the proof was in the pudding. And boy it was eye opening!
A RICH PATH
Steve took a class of 23 students (with all kinds of varying physical and emotional limitations) down a rich path of depth and instruction of defending against knives and blunt force objects in order to get offline, create space and get to our pewpews.
His teaching style was akin to the preciseness of a surgeon and as clear cut. His layering approach was clean and his communication crystal clear. I was impressed by the finesse he used to help all different kinds of students not just with technical skill but with managing their own emotions and fears. His class was regimented enough to have structure for safety, but casual enough to allow liberty to explore and try new things.
FOR OUR GAIN
And mostly I noticed Steve’s demeanor and his heart of service. Keep in mind this guy is experienced and talented (and not just a little bit either.) Some of his demos left the entire class with eyes and mouths wide open. And he wasn’t trying to impress us. That’s just what he’s ingrained into his body and mind through years of dedicated study and practice.
He is a master of his craft and for good reason. He has put in the time and has earned every bit of his credentials both in personal mastery and working for 3 letter agencies. And none of that was on display for his own gain, only for ours.
A MONK AND AN ASSASSIN WALK INTO A BAR
Steve was as calm, humble and as kind as anyone could be. It’s like he’s a cross between a Buddhist monk and an assassin. He’s kind and calm but you know that he has the capability to savagely use deadly force should the need arise.
I like to study people, especially those I look up to. When I was sitting across the table from him at dinner in a hole-in-the-wall bar/burger joint, I watched his eyes. I paid attention to his awareness of what was going on around him while he carried on a conversation.
In other public places, I noticed how he casually positioned himself, as if without thought. It was all so natural to him, extremely subtle and virtually undetectable to anyone not closely paying attention.
(Please read to the end. The best parts are there.)
NO ONE QUIT
Back to the class… The entire class bonded in a way that was beautiful to watch. Everyone helped everyone. Everyone mixed well with everyone. No one was left in the dark. Steve gave us just enough information to feel like we were really getting our money’s worth, but not so much that we were overwhelmed.
His management of the energy level and morale of the entire class was a sight to see. No one quit for any reason (and this was a decently physical class), and every student respected their partners limitations and abilities and adjusted accordingly. By the end of Day 1, instead of being drained, we all wanted more! And the time just FLEW by!
SPEAK YOUR HEART
In true Lora fashion, the beginning of the last day, Day 2, was a bit emotional for me. I sometimes get this way on the last day knowing time is coming to an end with my favorite people in the world. And this time, since I had the opportunity as the host, I let everyone know just how much I loved and appreciated them. And I thanked them and Steve for together creating an unforgettable weekend.
I think it’s important that we sometimes stop and say how we really feel to those we love, even though it may feel uncomfortable in the moment. We never know how much time we have on this Earth. It was a special time I’ll never forget to show gratitude publicly and not just privately.
I’m glad I briefly, bravely, and somewhat uncomfortably said what was on my heart in that moment. It’s the joy of my heart to see people gain life-saving skills and find the warriors inside themselves.
MIND, HEART & BODIES
By the end of Day 2, we were all so grateful of all the skills we had learned and the given time to really practice and cement into our minds, heart and bodies. SO many people came up to Steve after class, some in tears, so appreciative of his heart and talent as an instructor. And everyone is looking forward to training with him again.
LATEST & GREATEST TRAP
I have to write this and put this out there because I think sometimes we look for the latest and greatest in the instructor community, and overlook the experienced ones who have put in the time. It’s true that many who have been teaching for decades fail to upgrade their teaching and get stuck in a rut because they are not continually learning.
Steve Tarani is not in that category. He is a deep thinker, a perpetual student and a man with a true heart for teaching. I’m blessed to know him and I encourage anyone to take his classes. Thank you Steve! You’re a true gem.
~ Lora T.