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, certified under POST Control #5028-21756-26, brings together law enforcement leaders, trainers, attorneys, researchers, and first responders for advanced training on modern policing, leadership, officer safety, and use-of-force education. This year's conference features special guest Anderson Silva, one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, who will participate in the Battle of the Badges, a first responder grappling event promoting fitness, teamwork, and safer tactics.
CALFIA represents a reform model led by law enforcement professionals, focusing on evidence-based policing through better training, clearer legal understanding, and improved decision-making. The conference opens with 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. This event aligns with CALFIA's belief that increasing minimum standards in control skills would reduce deadly shootings, consistent with the intent of California's 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 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 American Patrolman Podcast, Jeff Martin of DSI Consulting, LLC, Noah Blechman of McNamara Law Firm, Rick Rees of Ontario Police Department, Jamie Gissel of Valor Threat Protection, Tim Pearce of A.U.FIRE, Thomas Keener of 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 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. 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. 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 through 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.
