Rock'A Lock'A BANG! BANG!
2024: REVIEW
Its good to be uncomfortable.
Rock’A Lock’A Bang! Bang! Lived up to its expectations and now certainly has a reputation as a must do event. Those who were quick enough to grab tickets flew in from all over the world to experience a hardcore blend of workshops, camaraderie, tattoos, and fire breathing during four sleepless days and nights in a former maximum security Prison. You want to learn new skill and meet interesting people? ... go to prison.
Arrival : "Eat, Drink and be Merry for tomorrow you all go to Prison"
Inmates were greeted with badges, room keys (I know) and a case loaded with prison contraband: glass breakers, fire starter, bypass tools, razor blades, evidence suppression rags, lock picks and of course, SKULL HAWK WHISKEY drink tickets. The first night was a social meet and greet with time to introduce the various instructors. As a large gang we had dinner, drinks, picked locks, looked at Fireball enduro cars, planned tattoos and learned how to breath FIRE.
Day One: Into the Prison
At 10 a.m., we were shuttled to the prison and split into groups to start the workshops. From lock picking, SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape), to breaching, the lineup was intense. World-class instructors included former Ranger sniper and breaching expert Aaron M and former Navy SERE instructor Michael W who both have real world down range experience and successfully delivered a hands-on immersive training in every corner of the prison.
- Breaching door from RUHL tactical
- Picking handcuffs and making stabby things
Prison Tattoos? Hell yeah. Bianka from Black River Ink set up a full parlor in the prison's infamous Hotel California block. Yes the tattoo's were real. After Bianka showed off her world class skills she was fully booked .... until 3am every night, nearly everyone ended up getting inked—because who can resist a prison tattoo?
That night was a great dinner at Kelsey's as the inmates got to know each other more. Dinner was followed by more social time at the hotel, a presentation on RFID tech, and the kind of bonding that only happens when you’re learning to escape from a straight jacket while drinking Skull Hawk Whiskey.
Day Two: Pushing Limits
Back at the prison, we switched tracks, learning advanced impressioning techniques taught by international competitors and experts Alexandre and Ely. SERE school continued with improvised weapons making. Arron taught a mix of CQC and hostage rescue techniques while we also reviewed Graphic First aid. Despite the rainy weather, Up in Smoke BBQ kept the inmates fueled with brisket, pulled pork, and burgers smoked fresh in the prison yard for lunch.
Unfortunately, Fireball Enduro Racing was postponed due to the weather, but the action continued inside. Rurban Brewery showed up with cold craft beer, and the vibe hit new levels of fun and absurdity—drinking beer, getting tattoos, and picking locks in a prison is exactly as it sounds.
For some, things were about to get a lot more intense. Six attendees volunteered for the advanced SERE challenge, a high-stress endurance test that included “kidnappings,” stress positions, and psychological pressure. Supervised by an on-site medic, this challenge was no joke. While details remain under wraps, those who participated walked away wet, uncomfortable and with a serious sense of accomplishment.
Day Three: The Mission
The weekend’s grand finale—the Tiger team mission. Teams were shuttled to the prison one by one, briefed on their objective en route: infiltrate a secure prison, rescue an American prisoner and a Ukrainian scientist, and retrieve her hard drive—all while evading patrolling guards. They had 30 minutes. The catch? No power, and everything was locked. Hidden doors, murder's, drunk guards, smoke ... new sections of the prison. The high light was Mi Sun throwing a garbage can to "distract a guard". New rules had to be written by the minute as people came up with creative ways to pick locks, kill guards, and throw garbage cans. Fortunately we had Craig on our side. IYKYK
While the teams tackled their mission (and Guards), the other groups received a presentation on vehicle work from Recovery specialist Mi Sun. As the teams completed their missions, a cold lunch was served, and everyone gathered for closing statement ...... "Maybe some of what happens at Rock'a Lock'a BANG! BANG! should stay at Rock'a Lock'a BANG! BANG!" Awards were handed out for Best Shank, most hardcore, best fireball and then it was time to wipe down all the surfaces, suppress any witnesses, burn all evidence and take the oath to protect Rock'A Lock'A BANG! BANG!
Reflections and Bonds:
The weekend came to a close with handshakes, hugs, and promises to return prison. The now former inmates even started a discord so they could stay in touch on the outside as they struggled to adjust to civilian life. The Majority of participants came to prison not knowing anyone, They left with true friendships, sharpened skills and tooth brush's with razor blades melted into the handles.
Rock’A Lock’A Bang Bang is an unforgettable adventure, blending real-world challenges, expert training, and fun. If you missed out, start planning for next year—you won’t want to be on the outside looking in!
