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 event, POST-Certified under Control #5028-21756-26, will bring together police leaders, trainers, attorneys, researchers, first responders, and industry partners for advanced training focused on modern policing, leadership, officer safety, and use-of-force education. This year's conference will feature special guest Anderson Silva, one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, who will participate in conference events including Battle of the Badges, a first responder grappling event promoting fitness, teamwork, and safer tactics.
While public debate over police reform often centers on criticism of law enforcement, CALFIA represents a different model of reform—one led by the professionals responsible for making critical decisions in the field. The conference brings together nationally recognized attorneys, physicians, law enforcement leaders, trainers, and subject matter experts to advance evidence-based policing through better training, clearer legal understanding, and improved decision-making. The conference opens with the inaugural Battle of the Badges CALFIA Cup, a jiu-jitsu tournament created exclusively for active law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders. More than a competition, the event highlights CALFIA's belief that increasing the state's minimum standards in control skills (grappling) would reduce deadly shootings, aligning with the intent of the landmark Act to Save Lives AB392, which became law in January 2020.
Following opening day, attendees will participate 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 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 features companies providing products, technology, equipment, training solutions, and professional services supporting 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). CALFIA is also supported by organizations including Elite Sports, New Hope Regeneration, and CHAP, among others. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, including brand recognition, exhibitor space, website placement, and speaking opportunities.
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 via 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. As the organization states, "Better training means better policing."
