Kinetic XR

Kinetic XR is a joint-venture partnership with some of Australia’s leading developers of virtual-reality (VR) and augmented-reality (AR) experiences. This partnership was established in 2018 to develop interactive training programs for, and in concert with, the Department of Defence. Designed to deliver advanced capability and training efficiency, Kinetic XR’s training solutions blend the latest in VR technology and behavioural science.

You can find out more about Kinetic XR here.

Chiron Global Technologies

Chiron Global (Chiron) is an innovative Australian technology company that has developed unique, patented high-tech body armour and supporting software. Its Chiron-X1™ is a lightweight and agile armoured suit that’s engineered to safely absorb extreme impacts. It protects equally well against blunt-force blows from a tomahawk and man-marking rounds fired at extremely close range. Already tested and trialled by Kinetic Fighting and the Australian Army, as well as the NZ Navy and police tactical units, Chiron’s armour enables front-line personnel to train as they fight — with unparalleled realism and safety.

Chiron has also designed and developed the world’s first high-tech combat body armour by incorporating data-recording and analysis capabilities into the X1. The globally patented Chiron-X2™ features force measurement sensors, processors and IP-based communications technologies. This embedded ‘intelligence’ collects data resulting from the wearer’s close-quarters engagements in training, which is then analysed by the software and the trainers. The results provide the key to improving the safety and effectiveness of future training.

Chiron’s armour platform was first developed and trialled for full-contact weapons training and combat sports, and was tested over several years under the brand Unified Weapons Master®. However, the technology proved to be even more readily applicable to close-combat training. It also has the potential to be used beyond the training space in real combat operations.

For training purposes, the intelligent armour’s sensors record the force and anatomical location of both strikes and man-marking rounds. These sensors are linked to a medical database that provides real-time anatomical injury analysis, with customised reporting on individual and group performance. As well as helping the individual wearer, the long-term data analysis from the Chiron-X2 can significantly improve effectiveness in CQC, helping to save lives in operational situations.

In short, Chiron has pioneered a leading-edge technology that will equip defence, law-enforcement, security and corrections organisations to rapidly improve their CQC training and operations. To find out more, visit the Chiron Global website.

Force Ordnance

Force Ordnance is Kinetic Fighting’s preferred supplier of small arms, combat equipment and manufacturing expertise.

Continuing its 35-year tradition of excellence and innovation, Adelaide’s Lightforce Australia Group launched the Force Ordnance brand in 2018. Implementing the latest technological research, Force Ordnance now manufactures tailored, technically superior and cost-effective small-arms systems for defence personnel worldwide.

Depended on by soldiers and law-enforcers in the UK, New Zealand, US and beyond, the brands’ reliability in the most demanding conditions has earned it the trust of defence organisations globally.

Australian-made with international reach, Force Ordnance has broken new ground through partnerships with other renowned companies. By bringing these trusted brands together, this big-hitter in small-arms development is uniquely positioned to deliver bespoke solutions at scale. Its key manufacturing partners include world-leaders Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT), SilencerCo, Cadex Defence, Leonardo DRS, Breaching Technologies Incorporated (BTI), TAUV and many others, depending on the client’s needs.

Force Ordnance and its partners deliver integrated expertise covering the full scope of small-arms systems and accessories. This enables the company to combine revolutionary manufacturing methods with equally advanced training and simulation systems. The results include producing the Maxim 9 integrally suppressed pistol with SilencerCo, and developing a new line of lightweight, composite ammunition with True Velocity.

Likewise, every Force Ordnance product is rigorously tested to meet MIL-STD or NATO STANAG requirements. This testing is achieved in partnership with Kinetic Fighting, which provides tactical expertise and training feedback analysis via its former Special Forces operators — as depicted in the video above, featuring KEF CEO Paul Cale and KEF MSI Reece Dewar. Paroo Pastoral Company provides the testing environments, offering access to suitably rugged terrain across its vast rural acreage.

Force Ordnance is also working with KEF’s Kinetic XR division to develop the Defence training packages of the future. These firearm-integrated, virtual-reality systems will signify the joint commitment between Kinetic Fighting and Force Ordnance to deliver not only the best equipment, but the best in product support and training.

In consultation with their strategic partners and end users, Force Ordnance is designing and manufacturing the “system-of-systems” for the next generation of defence and law-enforcement personnel. To find out more, visit the Force Ordnance website.

5.11 Tactical

5.11 Tactical is Kinetic Fighting’s preferred supplier of tactical clothing and accessories. They also produce the uniforms worn by KEF Mission Specialist Instructors (MSI), as well as Kinetic Fighting’s bespoke line of tactically enhanced, everyday wear.

Working to the motto ‘Always Be Ready’®, 5.11 Tactical makes purpose-built apparel for law-enforcement, security professionals and others who require readiness for action whether in or out of uniform. The company’s focus is on delivering functionally innovative gear that passes the toughest tests of durability, quality and value. It has been a favourite brand of US law-enforcement personnel since 1992, when the FBI National Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia adopted the original 5.11 pant as part of its official training uniform.

Up to that point, 5.11 had forged their reputation for rugged and dependable trousers within the mountain-climbing fraternity. The name ‘5.11’ was inspired by the Yosemite Decimal System used to measure the difficulty of a climb. A 5.10 was the highest rank, reserved for the toughest possible challenges…so 5.11 was just that bit tougher!

The pants were the creation of the late climbing pioneer Royal Robbins, whose eponymous company remains a force in outdoor apparel. With his wife and company co-founder, Liz, Robbins developed a more extensive law-enforcement line due to the popularity of their gear among police. In 2003 this culminated in the launch of 5.11 Tactical, and the brand quickly became synonymous with tactical wear.

Since those days, 5.11 designers have worked with front-line professionals to create high-performance outfits and accessories that meet the real needs of operators in the field. This includes clothing with different profiles for specific requirements, whether it’s low-visibility concealed carrying or easy access to an array of tools. Their lines range from feature-packed pants and shirts to all-weather jackets, protective vests, combat-ready boots, bags and survival tools.

Today, 5.11 also boasts an extensive women’s tactical collection and new apparel catering to the outdoor and fitness markets. Head to www.511tactical.com.au for the full range on sale in Australia.

Veterans Grappling Foundation

A not-for-profit foundation, Veterans Grappling delivers fitness and wellbeing programs for Allied military veterans and other front-line professionals. These include classes in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), wrestling, Kinetic Fighting Personal Combatives (KEF–IC), yoga and mindfulness/meditation.

The classes are designed by experienced instructors with extensive knowledge in the grappling arts, assisted by a medical team of physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists and exercise physiologists. Their collective aim is to ensure that all members can benefit from the classes, regardless of their level of ability and any restrictions imposed by injuries sustained through service.

Veterans Grappling was established in 2019 by a group consisting of medical professionals, Australian Defence Force (ADF) combat veterans and former police officers. According to Veterans Grappling founder and instructor Scott Steer, its vision is to improve the lives of currently serving and former members of the military (ADF and its allies), police, ambulance crew, fire-fighters and other first-responders, via targeted physical and mental health services.

The strength of Veterans Grappling lies in the experience of its coaches, both on the battlefield and on the mats. Scott Steer is a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, prior to which he had a successful career as a competitive grappler. A judo and jiu-jitsu Black-belt with 30 years of experience, he was formerly the tackling coach for the Gold Coast Suns AFL team.

Fellow coach Luke Meir has more than 20 years of martial arts experience, including time as a pro fighter, and holds instructor qualifications in BJJ, muay Thai, boxing and KEF–IC. An accredited exercise physiologist, Meir has nearly 10 years’ experience working with veterans on their health and fitness.

The team also boasts a physiotherapist in Daniel Brown, a former member of the Gold Coast Titans NRL team’s physio staff. Daniel holds a Master of Medical Research degree and is an expert in rehabilitation programming for veterans.

Veterans Grappling programs are currently offered in two locations in South East Queensland and classes are free for active service personnel and those who’ve served.