In March 2026, the "Gimborn on Tour" initiative achieved a major milestone in Chișinău, Moldova. Hosted by the Police Academy “Ștefan cel Mare” and IPA Moldova, this four-day intensive seminar brought together 41 police officers from diverse backgrounds, including Moldovan and Ukrainian police and Romanian Special Forces. Despite the different policing environments, the participants shared a singular goal: to master combat-proven skills designed for the real world.
The energy on the ground was electric. Led by instructors Robert Stenhouse and Tim Taylor from the UK (IPA-DTG & ESDS Instructors), the curriculum pushed delegates to their physical and mental limits. This wasn't a dry lecture on theory; it was a deep dive into the brutal realism of the street. The training focused on Explosive Self Defence Systems (ESDS), specifically the "Cover–Counter–Move" concept that utilises natural movement to use open hands to strike with speed and power. From "Stop the Bleed" tactical medicine to the high-stakes world of Instinctive Point Shooting, every module was designed to account for the physiological realities of human stress (fight or flight).
The week reached its high pique during force-on-force scenario training, where the tempo was high, and the pressure was undeniably real. But beyond the sweat and the tactics, there was an incredible sense of camaraderie, humour, and international friendship. As Robert noted, these courses are as much about building trust and confidence as they are about the techniques themselves.
An event of this scale simply doesn't happen without a powerhouse team behind the scenes. We owe a massive debt of gratitude to our Moldovan facilitators, Sergiu and Olga Tumuruc. Their tireless work, flawless organisation, and warm hospitality ensured that every detail—from the facilities to the equipment and the evening entertainments that ran seamlessly from start to finish.
The success in Moldova has proven that there is a massive global demand for this calibre of reality-based training. With sections in Romania and Ukraine already lining up for future sessions, the IPA-DTG and ESDS is ready to bring this expertise to your doorstep.
Get Involved: Your Next Move
Don't wait for a crisis to test your limits. We are inviting all IPA members to join this growing movement and sharpen their skills:
- Join the IPA-DTG: Connect with a global network of defensive tactics experts, share your experiences, and help influence the future of police safety.
- Host a Course: Want to bring the "Gimborn on Tour" experience to your local section? Reach out to the IPA-DTG or IBZ Gimborn to start the conversation about hosting a seminar in your area.
- Join us at IBZ Gimborn, Germany: We are hosting two back-to-back powerhouse courses this summer:
- Police Street Survival Course: Starting 12th July.
- Instinctive Point Shooting Course: Starting 17th July.
- Can’t decide? Go all-in and combine both for the ultimate tactical immersion!
Secure your spot now and be ready for whatever the street throws your way. Visit www.ibz-gimborn.de or Robert.stenhouse@sky.com for more information and registration!