The California Force Instructors' Association (CALFIA) will hold its 2026 Use of Force Conference from August 10-13 at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California. The POST-certified event (Control #5028-21756-26) will bring together law enforcement professionals, trainers, attorneys, and industry partners for four days of advanced training focused on modern policing, leadership, officer safety, and use-of-force education.
UFC legend Anderson Silva, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, will participate in conference events, including "Battle of the Badges," a first responder grappling competition designed to promote fitness, teamwork, and safer tactics. The inclusion of Silva underscores CALFIA's commitment to integrating martial arts expertise into law enforcement training.
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. CALFIA believes that increasing the state's minimum standards in control skills (grappling) would reduce deadly shootings, aligning with the intent of California's landmark Act to Save Lives AB392, which became law in January 2020.
Keynote presentations, interactive panels, and breakout sessions will be led by nationally recognized experts, including Scott Savage (Savage Training Group), Rener Gracie (Gracie University), Dr. John Peters (IPICD), and Darrell L. Ross, Ph.D. (Valdosta State University). Topics will cover leadership development, de-escalation strategies, tactical decision-making, legal considerations, instructor development, officer wellness, and use-of-force education, including emerging case law and risk management.
The CALFIA 2026 Exhibition Hall will feature companies providing products, technology, equipment, and training solutions. Confirmed sponsors include The Briefing Room (Platinum), PepperBall (Silver), and Forecast Securities Group and the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (Bronze). Additional supporting organizations include Elite Sports, New Hope Regeneration, and CHAP. Sponsorship opportunities remain available for brand recognition, exhibitor space, website placement, and speaking opportunities.
Registration is open for law enforcement attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and media representatives. Conference registration is available at www.calfiaconference.org, and tournament registration is via Jiu-Jitsu Federation Competitor Application.
CALFIA, a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to advancing law enforcement through education, collaboration, and professional development. The conference represents a reform model led by professionals responsible for critical field decisions, emphasizing better training to protect both the public and officers.
The implications of this conference are significant: by promoting evidence-based policing and enhanced control skills, CALFIA aims to reduce use-of-force incidents and improve community-police relations. The involvement of a global sports icon like Anderson Silva draws attention to the importance of physical fitness and tactical proficiency in law enforcement, potentially influencing training standards nationwide.
