Meet our Controlled F.O.R.C.E. team.
Diana Grano is the President and CEO of Controlled F.O.R.C.E. Mrs. Grano’s interest in and passion for martial arts led her to earning her blackbelt in American Freestyle. Utilizing her knowledge and passion, she founded Controlled F.O.R.C.E., was one of the lead instructors and ultimately appointed as President and CEO in 2010.
From the inception of Controlled F.O.R.C.E. in 1997, Mrs. Grano’s goal was to develop Controlled F.O.R.C.E into the premiere woman owned tactical training organization serving law enforcement, the Department of Defense and the security industry.
Mrs. Grano has over 20 years of experience writing doctrine, developing instructors, and co-authoring training and teaching manuals for law enforcement, federal, and military organizations. She currently maintains a Facility Security Officer (FSO) secret clearance and manages Federal Security contracts.
Tony Grano, co-founder and Executive Director, developed Controlled F.O.R.C.E. into one of the leading tactical training companies for military, law enforcement, and security organizations across the United States.
In 1997, Tony developed the MACH 5.0 system. Utilizing positioning, movement, body momentum, and resistance to control a subject instead of pain compliance, the MACH 5.0 system was widely accepted by law enforcement agencies as a legally, medically, and technically acceptable technique.
Recognized as one of the country’s most sought-after instructor-trainers for military combatives, law enforcement arrest and control tactics, and the development and integration of basic and advanced training doctrine, Tony has facilitated the instructor development of over 8,000 law enforcement, government and private sector professionals at all levels of skill in both domestic and foreign environments.
Tony is a commissioned Saint Francisville, Louisiana Police Officer and recognized as a use of force “Expert Witness”, by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
Nick Cassiano is the Director of Training Operations, as well as an International Command Master Instructor.
Joining Controlled FORCE at its inception in 1997, Nick worked his way through the instructor ranks, and gained tactical and instructional knowledge along his career arc. Nick has trained all levels of law enforcement and military personnel, as well as international law enforcement entities. During the summer of 2019, Nick facilitated tactical and classroom training for U.S. Air Force personnel throughout the Pacific Rim.
Along with Nick’s extensive instructor development background, he possesses a strong acumen in development and integration of basic and advanced training doctrine for both law enforcement and U.S. military entities.
Nick is a longtime practitioner of the martial arts and commissioned police officer through the Zachary, Louisiana Police Department.
Kevin Rittenhouse is the Director of Law Enforcement Training and an International Master Instructor for Controlled F.O.R.C.E.
A Brooklyn, New York native Kevin served in the United States Marine Corps and upon his honorable discharge, began a Law Enforcement Career with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Over the span of Thirty (30) years, Kevin served the people of the State of North Carolina as a Patrolman/Sergeant/First Sergeant before retiring in 2011 as a Director/Lead Instructor at the Highway Patrol Academy.
Kevin has been a Controlled FORCE Master instructor since the mid 1990’s before becoming the Director of Law Enforcement Training in 2014.
Mike Costa is the Director of Security Operations and is a Controlled F.O.R.C.E. International Master Instructor.
Mike served in the United States Air Force Security Police for six years, and upon his discharge became a Miami Metro Dade Police Officer. Mike also began his career in private and corporate security. After several years serving as a police officer, Mike followed his passion and talent for security, transitioning into the private sector where he established his own security firm specializing in security consulting, site assessments and guard / personal protection details.
Joining Controlled FORCE in 2000, Mike worked his way up the ranks to become an International Master Instructor, and because of his vast expertise in the security field, he was ultimately named the Director of Security Operations. Presently managing security contracts with both private and government agencies, Mike diligently seeks out new and cutting-edge security technology and methodology to keep Controlled FORCE at the forefront of security operations.
Rob Sarra has fifteen years of experience as an Illinois Law Enforcement Officer. He held positions as a Range Officer, Firearms Instructor, Department Armory Custodian, Rapid Response Instructor, Field Training Officer and School Resource Officer. Rob continues to serve as a certified police officer in a part time status. As a U.S. Marine, Rob spent ten years conducting both real world and training operations, including combat operations as part of an infantry unit in Iraq in 2003.
Joining Controlled F.O.R.C.E. as the Deputy Director of Business Development in January of 2019, Rob brought his law enforcement and military experience to the training world. Along with establishing outside business relationships, Rob is one of the lead instructors for De-Escalation and Situational Awareness. Rob's other duties include defensive tactics and tactical movement instructor, physical security consultant and school and workplace safety instructor.