About
My service stands out because most self-defense instructors come from one particular martial art. I have trained in Taekwondo, Sambo, Judo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and having done so I have distilled a series of techniques that are not only effective but easy to use by someone who is not athletic or strong. The idea is for you to be able to protect yourself against someone bigger and stronger without being an expert fighter.
Helping prepare women and children for a day when the skills I teach may protect them from assault or rape.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Meredith A.
Sam D.
Elise M.
Jacquelyn H.
Stefanie H.
Dawn L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Usually, the student and I discuss their situation and learning objectives. I don't have a "one-size-fits-all" method of teaching. Every lesson-plan is tailor-made and fit-for-purpose.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Over 25 years of martial arts experience including Taekwondo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Sambo, Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I have worked with several women who have been through sexual assault and abusive relationships - I specialize in teaching self defense with a focus on realistic situations.
Not a MMA fighter trying to turn my clients into cage-fighters :)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are usually $50/hour unless you bring a friend who is paying full-price. If you sign someone up it's 50% off, if you sign-up two or more people your lessons are FREE.
How did you get started teaching?
Started with helping friends who knew I was into martial arts who were in abusive domestic relationships
What types of students have you worked with?
I usually work with women and children but have helped adult males as well. If you are an adult male reading this and want to "learn to fight" I can refer you to some very good trainers.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Just because someone happens to be a black-belt or into MMA doesn't mean they have the ability to teach self-defense!
Fighting in a controlled Judo or Jiu-Jitsu match or even in a cage with weight categories is a very different situation than an abusive partner bring drunk and taking it out on you, or a homeless man trying to sexually assault you.
For self-defense instruction ability look for self-defense experience!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I think a student really needs to dig-in and express why they want to take self-defense lessons. I have had people reach out to me in the past and said they wanted self-defense lessons so they could get fit. There are much better ways of getting fit than to sign up for self-defense!
If your kids are being bullied signing them up for a Karate or even Jiu Jitsu lesson may not be the best idea. There are several schools these days that are completely focused on the competition aspect of martial arts and that will do you no service if you're looking to defend yourself in real-life situations.