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 POST-certified event (Control #5028-21756-26) brings together hundreds of law enforcement professionals, trainers, attorneys, and researchers for advanced training in modern policing, leadership, officer safety, and use-of-force education.
This year's conference features UFC legend Anderson Silva, who will participate in the Battle of the Badges, a first responder grappling event. The tournament, including the inaugural CALFIA Cup jiu-jitsu competition, underscores CALFIA's belief that increasing minimum standards in control skills can reduce deadly shootings, aligning with California's Act to Save Lives AB392, effective January 2020.
CALFIA positions itself as 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 includes keynote presentations, interactive panels, and breakout sessions led by nationally recognized figures such as Scott Savage, Rener Gracie, Dr. John Peters, and Darrell L. Ross.
Sessions 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 less-lethal technology. The exhibition hall features sponsors like The Briefing Room (Platinum), PepperBall (Silver), and Forecast Securities Group and Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (Bronze).
Registration is open for law enforcement attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and media representatives. Conference registration is available at www.calfiaconference.org, and tournament registration at the Jiu-Jitsu Federation Competitor Application. Sponsorship opportunities remain available.
CALFIA is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing law enforcement through education, collaboration, and professional development, with the motto "Better Training Means Better Policing."
