Ellis Amdur is the creator of Edgework Methodology. Amdur is a of pioneer of training concerning verbal de-escalation of aggressive and mentally ill individuals. This work focuses on communication to calm and control people manifesting mental illness and emotional disturbance, particularly those who are exhibiting potentially dangerous behaviors. Beyond the generic training that most offer, Amdur created a methodology to ‘tailor-make’ the training specific to the professional needs of trainees. He has been a lead trainer for close to eight hundred law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, social services agencies, schools and various businesses, all on crisis intervention related subjects.
Ellis has authored seventeen profession-specific books, some written with subject-matter-expert co-authors concerning tactical communication with seriously mentally ill individuals and verbal de-escalation of aggression. Target audiences for these books are those working in various law enforcement and emergency services capacities, those in social services and hospitals as well as families. All his books are available at Edgework Books.
Amdur has studied classic Japanese combat arts for fifty-five years, spending thirteen of these years studying in Japan. He is a recognized expert in classical and modern Japanese martial traditions, and has authored four iconoclastic books on this subject.
He has developed a range of training and consultation services, based on a combination of phenomenological psychology and the underlying philosophical premises of classical Japanese martial traditions. Ellis’s professional philosophy can best be summed up in this idea: the development of an individual’s integrity and dignity is the paramount virtue. This can only occur when people live courageously, regardless of the circumstances, and take responsibility for their roles in making the changes they desire.
Ellis Amdur has retired from active teaching, but continues to work as a consultant for people and agencies facing aggressive or otherwise chaotic/threatening individuals. He is also in regular consultation with Edgework Trainers, to ensure that all information is presented at the highest level, thereby ensuring everyone’s safety.