The California Force Instructors' Association (CALFIA) will host its 2026 Use of Force Conference from August 10-13 at Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California, bringing together law enforcement professionals, trainers, and legal experts for advanced training on modern policing and use-of-force education. The conference, POST Certified under Control #5028-21756-26, aims to promote reform from within the profession by improving training, legal understanding, and decision-making.
UFC legend Anderson Silva will participate as a special guest, including in the Battle of the Badges CALFIA Cup, a jiu-jitsu tournament for first responders. The tournament underscores CALFIA's belief that increasing minimum standards in control skills (grappling) could reduce deadly shootings, aligning with the intent of California's Act to Save Lives AB392, which became law in January 2020.
Keynote speakers include Scott Savage of Savage Training Group, Rener Gracie of Gracie University, Dr. John Peters of IPICD, and legal experts such as Noah Blechman of McNamara Law Firm and Taylor E. Arnold of Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC. Sessions will cover leadership, de-escalation, tactical decision-making, legal considerations, and officer wellness, with a focus on evidence-based practices.
The conference also features an Exhibition Hall with sponsors including The Briefing Room (Platinum), PepperBall (Silver), and Forecast Securities Group and Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (Bronze). Registration is open for law enforcement, exhibitors, sponsors, and media at www.calfiaconference.org. Tournament registration is available via the Jiu-Jitsu Federation Competitor Application.
CALFIA, a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit, emphasizes that better training leads to better policing, focusing on reform led by professionals in the field rather than external criticism. The conference aims to provide practical tools to protect both the public and officers.
