Don Gold
Born and bred in the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN), South Africa, Don was first exposed to Verbal Judo in 1994 and has been Involved in personal risk analysis and survival training for over 35 years, with more than 25 years police service. A founder member ainnd handgun & unarmed combat instructor to the first intake of the South African Police Special Task Force (national SWAT unit), Don served as inspector of explosives (bomb disposal specialist), took part in many investigations, counter-insurgency operations and performed extensive undercover work. His last responsibility in the SA Police Force was chief police reservist for the KZN Midlands, with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Involved in many aspects of the protection of VIP’s including (among others) Dr. Henry Kissinger, Mr. Ian Smith and South African politicians (both past & present), Don has worked with members of US and Israeli Secret Services and was actively involved in the training of close protection officers and intelligence personnel.
As KZN chief instructor of Kimura Shukokai karate, Don is a 5th Dan black belt whose more recent martial arts experience includes eastern grappling, blade & stick systems, having received extensive training in Africa, Europe, the USA and the Far East. Don emphasizes confrontation avoidance when teaching various forms of personal security (including armed & unarmed defensive tactics, anti-hijacking, anti-rape and home intruder management).
Don is president of the Minimum Force Institute of Africa, which presents Verbal Judo, Compliance & Control (Conflict Resolution & Force Management), Close Protection and Flash Point! gun-fight survival courses to law enforcement and security departments. Based on natural instincts and skills, the methods and tactics taught on these courses are easy to learn. He has coached a number of SA National practical shooters, including 1998 North American IPSC Champion, Clint Rafferty.
His clients include municipal & provincial law enforcement departments, nature conservation bodies (including the World Wildlife Fund and Southern African Wildlife College, Kruger Park), many casinos from the major Southern African gaming groups and South African Airways. He is a consultant to KZN Provincial Government, KZN Wildlife and a number of private security companies.
Don writes articles on defensive tactics for local and foreign publications. He regularly presents his popular courses to government, corporate and other organized groups throughout South Africa and neighboring territories. He travels extensively both to learn and to teach.
