The Center Axis Relock (C.A.R.) system, is a tactical shooting method designed for close-quarters confrontations, emphasizing weapon retention, speed, and accuracy. Let's see if it's practical, and talk about the pros and cons of this system. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 What is C.A.R. – Center Axis Relock Shooting System, and is it worth learning?

 

 

Meet the creator of the system – Paul Castle.

 

First of all, to understand the C.A.R System, and its applications, we need to understand who the creator of the system was.  

Paul Castle was a highly experienced Law Enforcement and tactical training expert, known for his work in developing the Center Axis Relock (C.A.R.) shooting system. With over 32 years of operational and training experience, Castle began his career as a detective and training officer in the U.K. Police Force, where he was involved in investigations ranging from violent crimes to counter-terrorism operations. His distinguished career included specialized Military training, particularly in explosive ordnance, fibre optic surveillance, and close protection duties. He even served in highly sensitive roles such as guarding members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher.

Castle’s expertise extended to firearms training, where he became a certified instructor in a wide range of tactical areas, including SWAT, less-lethal munitions, and explosive entry techniques. His skills were sought after internationally, and he trained elite units of various Law Enforcement and Military groups across the U.S., U.K., and Europe. He worked closely with organizations such as the FBI, U.S. Special Forces, and NATO Military police, earning commendations for his contributions to training in high-risk and specialized environments.

Among his many achievements, Castle authored over 45 training programs and was featured in Law Enforcement publications and media, where he was recognized for his innovations in officer survival techniques and firearms tactics. His most notable contribution was the development of the C.A.R. system, a shooting method designed to enhance accuracy and survivability in close-quarter combat situations. This system has been adopted by numerous police and Military units worldwide, solidifying Paul Castle’s legacy as a pioneer in tactical training .

"Carrying the Legacy: Jeff Johnsgaard and the Evolution of the C.A.R. System".

In 2009, Paul Castle, the creator of the C.A.R. system, named Jeff Johnsgaard as his official successor to carry forward the system. Following Castle’s passing in 2011, Jeff took on the responsibility of advancing and refining the C.A.R. system, not only preserving its core principles but also expanding its instructional framework. Under Jeff's guidance, the system has evolved into the 360° Close Quarter Defense (CQD) program, which incorporates both firearms and physical skills alongside innovative teaching techniques designed to enhance learning and retention.

Jeff’s dedication to the system has been recognized internationally, and in 2016, he was appointed as the International Director of Training by Kelly S. Worden for the Worden Defense System and Natural Spirit International. Despite his full-time role as a police officer, Jeff continues to ensure the legacy of the C.A.R. system by holding annual instructor courses, focusing on the 360° CQD, to ensure that it remains an effective and relevant tool for Law Enforcement and tactical operators.

I had the pleasure to learn Center Axis Relock System from Jeff’s instructor Valerio Lino from Veritas Tactical based in  Brazil.

 

Introduction, and Characteristics of the Center Axis Relock System (C.A.R).

The Center Axis Relock (C.A.R.) system, is a tactical shooting method designed for close-quarters confrontations, emphasizing weapon retention, speed, and accuracy. Born from an understanding of natural body mechanics, the system allows operators to maximize control of their weapons while maintaining a high degree of mobility and precision, even in high-stress situations. One of the key features of the C.A.R. system is its ability to seamlessly transition between different weapons—such as OC spray, handguns, or long guns—without requiring changes in stance or shooting position. This adaptability ensures that operators remain balanced, stable, and ready for action regardless of the weapon in hand.

At the heart of the system is the concept of dividing the body into a "weapon side" and a "reaction side." This setup helps maintain weapon control close to the operator’s body, offering unparalleled retention and reducing the risk of disarming by an opponent. The "reaction hand" is free to block, strike, or assist in weapon handling, and the use of natural body weight enhances both defensive and offensive movements. The Center Axis Relock system promotes the use of harmonious muscle placement, which not only improves weapon retention but also reduces muscle fatigue and improves efficiency in tasks such as loading, reloading, and target acquisition. By simplifying body movements and aligning them with gross motor skills, the C.A.R. system enhances the operator's performance in high-risk environments, making it a powerful tool for Law Enforcement and Military personnel in close-quarter engagements.

The Connection Between Center Axis Relock and John Wick

Many shooters are familiar with the Center Axis Relock (C.A.R.) system due to its prominent presence in the John Wick film series. However, it’s important to note that the main character, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, utilizes a modified version of the C.A.R. system. While Reeves delivers an impressive performance, he did not receive training from Jeff Johnsgaard or anyone from the C.A.R. team. Instead, he learned this adaptation for the film through different sources.

If you closely observe John Wick's shooting techniques, you'll notice that his stance deviates from the traditional bladed position characteristic of the C.A.R. system. Additionally, his pistol is not consistently aligned with his non-dominant eye, and he employs a standard thumbs-forward grip rather than the distinct grip associated with C.A.R. This divergence in technique highlights the cinematic interpretation of shooting styles, which often prioritize visual flair and dramatic effect over the practical application of established systems. While the John Wick films showcase an exciting approach to firearms handling, they do not entirely represent the principles or mechanics of the Center Axis Relock system as taught in real-world training environments.

 

Benefits of the C.A.R. System: Tested in Range and CQB Environments

1. Stable Shooting Platform with Superior Recoil Management

   The C.A.R. system provides a highly stable shooting platform, enabling shooters to control recoil effectively. The bladed stance keeps the shooter’s core engaged, helping to absorb recoil and keep the weapon on target, which is essential during rapid fire or high-stress situations.

2. Quick Sight Picture Acquisition

   One of the standout benefits of the C.A.R. system is the quick and natural sight alignment. Since the weapon is held closer to the body and in the operator's natural line of sight, the shooter can acquire a sight picture faster. This is particularly useful in high-stakes situations where speed and precision are crucial.

3. Eliminates Double Vision Issues

   The C.A.R. system inherently resolves the problem of double vision, which is a common issue in traditional stances. By positioning the nose in such a way that one eye is naturally covered, the shooter uses only their dominant eye to focus on the sights, preventing any confusion from overlapping sight pictures.

4. Crisper and More Accurate Sight Picture

   With the sights positioned closer to the eyes, shooters experience a more defined and precise sight picture. This proximity allows for greater accuracy, especially when engaging targets at close quarters, making the system highly reliable in high-pressure environments.

5. Enhanced Weapon Retention

   The bladed stance of the C.A.R. system positions the firearm close to the body, increasing weapon retention. This is a critical advantage in close-quarter combat where an opponent may attempt to disarm the shooter. The front hand can be used to push or defend against an attacker while maintaining control of the weapon.

6. Effective in Confined Spaces, Especially Vehicles

   In environments with limited mobility, such as inside vehicles, the C.A.R. system shines. Traditional stances make it difficult to achieve full 360-degree coverage in tight spaces, but the compact nature of the C.A.R. stance allows the shooter to engage threats in multiple directions without the need for excessive body movement.

7. Optimized for Close Quarters Environments

   The C.A.R. system is particularly well-suited for Close Quarters Battle (CQB). The compact, efficient movements allow operators to move fluidly through tight spaces while keeping the weapon in a ready position, ensuring full retention and quick response to threats.

8. Shooting on the Move with a Greater Range of Motion

   Unlike traditional stances, the C.A.R. system provides an increased range of motion while moving and shooting at various angles. The shooter can maintain stability and balance even while moving forward and firing backwards. This flexibility is critical in dynamic CQB scenarios where threats may come from any direction.

9. Smaller Target Profile

   The bladed stance naturally makes the shooter a smaller target, minimizing exposure to threats. Although there are some disadvantages, which will be discussed later, this smaller profile offers tactical advantages in terms of reducing the risk of getting hit in combat.

10. Easy to Learn and Adapt for Beginners

    Despite its advanced applications, the C.A.R. system is relatively simple to learn and adopt, even for beginner shooters. Its intuitive stance and alignment techniques allow new operators to achieve proficiency quickly, making it a highly versatile option for both novice and experienced shooters.

Drawbacks of the C.A.R. System

1. Limited Effectiveness at Medium and Long Distances

   The C.A.R. system excels in close-quarters combat but is less effective at medium and long distances. Personally, I would limit its use to engagements within 7 meters. Beyond that range, transitioning to a traditional shooting stance is often more practical. Although Paul Castle developed the Apogee Position for longer-range engagements, many shooters may find it just as efficient to revert to their standard stance for improved accuracy and control.

2. Reduced Visibility to the Support Side

   The bladed stance in the C.A.R. system narrows the field of vision, particularly on the support side. Since the head is turned towards the weapon side, operators may experience reduced peripheral awareness to their opposite flank, which could be problematic in dynamic environments where threats emerge from multiple angles.

3. Limited Mobility Toward the Support Side

   Mobility is also impacted when moving toward the support side. Without repositioning the feet, moving quickly in that direction can be challenging. The bladed stance favors movements toward the weapon side, which can slow down your ability to shift laterally in the opposite direction, reducing your agility in fast-moving scenarios.

4. Exposed Body in Bladed Stance

   While the bladed stance offers the advantage of a smaller target profile, it also exposes certain vulnerabilities. When wearing a plate carrier, the sides of the body, particularly the ribs, are less protected. This can increase the risk of injury if you are engaged from an angle or if a threat emerges from the exposed side.

5. Ambidextrous Nature Requires Practice

   The ambidextrous nature of the C.A.R. system demands proficiency in switching weapon hands, which can be difficult for less experienced shooters. Mastering this skill requires dedicated training, as it is crucial in scenarios like shooting from the passenger seat of a vehicle, where the weapon may need to be transferred to the opposite hand to engage threats effectively. This learning curve can pose a challenge for those unfamiliar with dynamic shooting techniques.

My Conclusion

While the C.A.R. system has its limitations, such as reduced effectiveness at longer distances and challenges with visibility and mobility on the support side, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks. It is a highly effective close-quarters tool, particularly when integrated with other shooting techniques. Rather than replacing your standard stance, the C.A.R. system should be viewed as a valuable addition to your tactical toolkit. Whether you’re in Law Enforcement, the security industry, or a responsible civilian interested in defensive shooting, the C.A.R. system is a skill worth mastering.

The good news is, you don’t need to travel to the U.S. and deal with ITAR restrictions to learn it. BZ Academy in Poland offers the opportunity to train in this system, bringing world-class instruction closer to home.

See you guys at the training,

Bartosz 

BZ Academy Training Coordinator

 UPCOMING CENTER AXIS RELOCK COURSE (C.A.R)

 

 

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