Training · Tactics · Practice
Close protection training & courses for Cologne and NRW
We teach what we do in the field.
Practical training for aspiring close protection officers, security staff and anyone who wants to sharpen their skills in self-protection, situational assessment and professional conduct in critical situations.
Training areas
Three areas. One benchmark: real operations.
Close protection training
Practice-based training in protection, situational assessment, escorting and professional operational procedures.
Close combat & operational techniques
Self-protection and officer safety using elements of boxing, wrestling and control holds, practised against resistance and under stress.
De-escalation & operational training
Recognising situations early, keeping conflicts under control and staying effective under pressure.
Realistic training
Ready to act when seconds count.
Theory builds understanding. But real security only comes when procedures still work under pressure. That is why DERLO combines solid fundamentals with realistic scenarios and practical exercises.
Training topics
- Self-defence
- Officer safety
- Control techniques
- Tactical conduct
- Reacting under stress
- De-escalation
- Scenario training
- Situational awareness
Basic course
7 days of close protection training – the operational foundation.
The basic course lays the groundwork that every assignment builds on: observing, assessing, escorting safely and communicating as a team.
- Duration
- 7days
- Group size
- min.6participants
Prices on request only
There are no fixed course dates yet. Courses take place in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW); we will give you the exact location on request.
Course content
- Fundamentals of modern close protection
- Threat analysis and situational assessment
- Conduct in public and sensitive areas
- Escort and evacuation techniques
- Communication and teamwork
- Practical scenarios
Advanced training
7-day advanced seminar for more demanding operations.
The advanced seminar takes the fundamentals further: more teamwork, more pace, more pressure.
Course content
- Advanced protection and escort techniques
- Tactical teamwork
- Conduct in stressful and dangerous situations
- Evacuation and emergency management
- Protection at events and when travelling
- Advanced scenario training
- Duration
- 7days
- Group size
- min.6participants
Prices on request only
There are no fixed course dates yet. Courses take place in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW); we will give you the exact location on request.
DERLO certificate of participation on completion of the seminar, not state-recognised
Enquire about the advanced seminar
Individual training
Training that adapts to each participant.
Not everyone starts from the same point. In individual training, the content, pace and focus are tailored to your level of experience and your goals.
- Individual training
- One-to-one training
- Small groups
- Tailored to your level of experience
- Flexible focus areas
- Realistic scenarios
- In-depth tactical work
The instructor
Practical know-how, first-hand.
As the owner of DERLO, Marc Derlich combines operational experience with practical training. The aim is not to memorise theoretical procedures. It is to understand how to recognise situations early and act in a controlled way, even under pressure.
Instructor's qualifications
- Certified security and protection specialist (Fachkraft für Schutz und Sicherheit)
- Close protection training in Germany and abroad
- Shooting training for close protection
- CQB training courses
- Close protection medic
- Driver safety training
- Evacuation from crisis regions
- Preparation for travel abroad
- Martial arts since 2002
These are the instructor's personal qualifications. The courses and training you can book are described above.
Meet Marc DerlichFrequently asked questions about the training
Who is the close protection training for?
For aspiring close protection officers, security staff and anyone who wants focused training in self-protection, situational assessment and professional conduct in critical situations.
How long is the basic course?
The basic course lasts 7 days and runs with a minimum of 6 participants.
How long is the advanced seminar?
The advanced seminar also lasts 7 days and runs with a minimum of 6 participants.
Are there practical exercises?
Yes. Practical scenarios are an integral part of the training, for example escort and evacuation techniques in the basic course. Theory builds understanding; practice makes it hold up under pressure.
Where and when do the courses take place?
The courses take place in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW); we will give you the exact location on request. There are no fixed course dates yet. If you are interested, you are welcome to get in touch now.
Is one-to-one training available?
Yes. Alongside the courses, we offer one-to-one training and training in small groups, tailored to your level of experience and the areas you want to focus on.
Is self-defence part of the training?
Yes, as a training area of its own: close combat & operational techniques. Boxing, wrestling and control holds form the basis, along with officer safety, reacting under stress and acting in a controlled way. For more, see close combat in Cologne, self-defence in Cologne and de-escalation training.
Does DERLO offer shooting training?
We do not offer standalone shooting training. The shooting training listed under the instructor's qualifications is part of Marc Derlich's own professional training, and the photos from the shooting range on this page were taken during his own training sessions.
Is there a certificate?
Yes. On completing the advanced seminar, participants receive a DERLO certificate of participation. It is not a state-recognised qualification and does not replace the certificate of competence examination (Sachkundeprüfung) under section 34a of the German Trade Regulation Act (§ 34a GewO).
How much does the training cost?
Prices are available on request only. Get in touch and we will get back to you personally.
How do I enquire about the training?
Use the enquiry form on this page, call us or send a WhatsApp message. We will get back to you personally and discuss the content, the location and your requirements.
Can I withdraw from a course booking?
Yes, if you book as a consumer by phone, email or WhatsApp (including after an initial enquiry through our form) or away from our business premises. In that case, you have a right of withdrawal of 14 days from the conclusion of the contract. The details, including what applies if the course starts within this period, and the model withdrawal form are set out in our information on the right of withdrawal (PDF) (opens in a new tab).
Enquire about training
Whether it is a course, one-to-one training or team training, tell us briefly what you have in mind. We will get back to you personally.