The California Force Instructors' Association (CALFIA) will host its 2026 Use of Force Conference from August 10-13 at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California. The four-day, POST-certified event (Control #5028-21756-26) is designed to bring together police leaders, trainers, attorneys, researchers, first responders, and industry partners for advanced training in modern policing, leadership, officer safety, and use-of-force education. Unlike public debates that often focus on criticism of law enforcement, CALFIA represents a reform model led by professionals who make critical decisions in the field.
The conference will feature internationally recognized instructors and a special appearance by Anderson Silva, one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Silva will participate in conference events, including the Battle of the Badges, a first responder grappling event that promotes fitness, teamwork, and safer tactics. The inaugural Battle of the Badge CALFIA Cup, a jiu-jitsu tournament for active law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders, will open the conference. This competition aligns with CALFIA's belief that increasing the state's minimum standards in control skills (grappling) would reduce deadly shootings, a concept supported by the landmark Act to Save Lives AB392, which became law in January 2020.
Attendees will engage in keynote presentations, interactive panels, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities led by respected voices in law enforcement training and leadership. Featured speakers include Scott Savage (Savage Training Group), Rener Gracie (Gracie University), Dr. John Peters (IPICD), Jamie Borden (Critical Incident Review), Jay Wadsworth (EFCombatives), Jason Louis (The Briefing Room), Darrell L. Ross, Ph.D. (Valdosta State University), Danny King (American Patrolman Podcast), Jeff Martin (DSI Consulting, LLC), Noah Blechman (McNamara Law Firm), Rick Rees (Ontario Police Department), Jamie Gissel (Valor Threat Protection), Tim Pearce (A.U.FIRE), Thomas Keener (Napa Police Department), Taylor E. Arnold (Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC), Dave Siver (EFCombatives), and Ron Bayne (Embassy Consulting Services).
Sessions will cover leadership development, de-escalation strategies, tactical decision-making, legal considerations, instructor development, officer wellness, emerging training methodologies, and use-of-force education, including emerging case law, use-of-force decision-making, defensive tactics, less-lethal technology, and risk management. The goal is straightforward: better training that protects both the public and the officers who serve them.
The CALFIA 2026 Exhibition Hall will feature companies providing products, technology, equipment, training solutions, and professional services for the public safety community. Confirmed sponsors include The Briefing Room (Platinum), PepperBall (Silver), and Forecast Securities Group and the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (Bronze). Additional supporters include Elite Sports, New Hope Regeneration, and CHAP. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, including brand recognition, exhibitor space, website placement, and speaking opportunities. Interested organizations can contact CALFIA through the conference website.
Registration is open for law enforcement attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and media representatives. Conference registration is available at www.calfiaconference.org, and tournament registration is available through the Jiu-Jitsu Federation Competitor Application. CALFIA is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing law enforcement through education, collaboration, and professional development, operating under the motto: BETTER TRAINING MEANS BETTER POLICING.
