The California Force Instructors' Association (CALFIA) will host its 2026 Use of Force Conference from August 10 to 13 at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California. The four-day event, POST Certified under Control #5028-21756-26, is designed for law enforcement professionals, including police leaders, trainers, attorneys, researchers, and first responders, focusing on modern policing, leadership, officer safety, and use-of-force education. The conference represents a reform model led by those in the field, aiming to enhance evidence-based policing through better training, legal understanding, and decision-making.
UFC legend Anderson Silva, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, will participate in conference events, including the Battle of the Badges, a first responder grappling competition that promotes fitness, teamwork, and safer tactics. The inaugural Battle of the Badge CALFIA Cup, a jiu-jitsu tournament exclusively for active law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders, underscores CALFIA's belief that increasing minimum standards in control skills (grappling) can reduce deadly shootings. This aligns with the intent of Assembly Bill 392, the Act to Save Lives, which became law in January 2020.
The conference features keynote presentations, interactive panels, and breakout sessions led by respected voices in law enforcement training and leadership. Featured speakers include Scott Savage of Savage Training Group, Rener Gracie of Gracie University, Dr. John Peters of IPICD, Jamie Borden of Critical Incident Review, Jay Wadsworth of EFCombatives, Jason Louis of The Briefing Room, Darrell L. Ross, Ph.D. of Valdosta State University, Danny King of the American Patrolman Podcast, Jeff Martin of DSI Consulting, LLC, Noah Blechman of the McNamara Law Firm, Rick Rees of the Ontario Police Department, Jamie Gissel of Valor Threat Protection, Tim Pearce of A.U.FIRE, Thomas Keener of the Napa Police Department, Taylor E. Arnold of Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC, Dave Siver of EFCombatives, and Ron Bayne of 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, 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 showcase 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. Organizations interested in sponsoring, exhibiting, or partnering may 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. 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.
