Unless otherwise noted, everything you read here is written by me and I am the primary instructor. I have been doing this stuff since I was an 18 year old MP. I am no tough guy, just a lifelong student that likes to share information. Here is my background. – George
George Matheis served in the US Army Military Police Corps. He retired from the Aberdeen Police Department in 2008 after a distinguished career. During his time with Aberdeen, he served in various roles, including SWAT, Special Operations, patrol, crisis negotiations, and firearms instruction. Notably, he developed the state’s first edged weapon survival program, which mandated officers carry a folding knife as part of their standard equipment. He was also an adjunct instructor for the DOD police academy located on Aberdeen Proving Ground where he taught officer survival.
Following his retirement, George founded Modern Combative Systems LLC, specializing in personal protection and preparedness training for military personnel, law enforcement, and civilians. His training methodology emphasizes the integration of interpersonal conflict skills within seven yards.
Renowned for his pioneering work in edged weapons and combatives training, George authored the edged weapons program for the US Air Force Special Operations Command’s DAGRE (Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element) at Hurlburt Field, FL—home of the Air Commandos. His Edged Weapon Survival for Law Enforcement course has been featured at both the American Law Enforcement Education and Trainers Association and the International Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Conference.
A prolific writer, George shares insights on personal protection and preparedness through TemplarsTactical.com, covering topics such as product reviews, training methodologies, and tactical concepts. He is also a recurring special guest on Kerry Lutz’s Financial Survival Network.
With his latest venture, Templars Tactical, George utilizes a mobile training model, bringing cutting-edge instruction directly to end users. His courses—offered nationwide—include Inverted Edge Tactics, Spontaneous Attack Survival, Vehicle Tactics, and Handgun Training.
From 2010 to 2012, George served as a Combat Skills Instructor at the US Air Force Expeditionary Command’s Air Advisor Course at Ft. Dix, NJ. There, he trained over 1,300 troops in High-Threat Driving, Advanced Weapons Handling, and Combatives, preparing them for deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Central America, and Africa.
In addition to his extensive law enforcement and military training experience, George has worked as a bouncer at prominent venues between Baltimore, MD, and York, PA. He developed a “no-strike” use-of-force policy for security personnel and continues to oversee security details as well as consult for bar owners.
George currently resides in Fort Worth, TX, with his wife of 30 years, Lisa, and their three children: Elizabeth, Frank, and Emilie. Prior to moving to TX George was the head of security for Freedom Biker Church York PA where he put together a 12 man team. There he was responsible for member selection and training.
