About
I work with people of all ages to help them determine their best options for self defense training, from children to senior citizens. I've been offering these services for over 40 years.
I will help them establish a safety plan for their home, place of business or other site, to best deal with any potential threat or concern.
I work from two platforms based on the need and interest of the one seeking training:
1) training for the non martial artist to develop insight and skill to best defend themselves through situational awareness along with best methods of physical approaches for self protection based on their physical abilities and emotional response to training.
2) traditional training in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido supplemented with practical street knowledge for dealing with potential threats.
For more information including my philosphy and credentials see https://sheltonmartialarts.academy/
I love seeing the light come on in students when they begin to grasp the concepts behind the physical techniques I begin with. My method is to teach principles that can apply across many situations instead of a different defense technique for every possible attack technique. After some training the students begin to see that and when it comes together its an "aha" moment for them. Seeing the satisfaction of accomplishment in students when they realize they've arrived at a place they were reaching for is a rush for me!
Highlights
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Audrey J.
Jeff R.
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Erin M.
Eduard
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I will do an initial consultation at no charge to determine the interests and goals of the student. I'll then discuss with them the avenues to reach those goals and we will settle on a beginning approach, schedule, and fee per hour based on the anticipated time and if they choose one on one attention or if they have others that they wish to include with them in the training.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've studied and taught martial arts since 1971.
I have an earned 6th (edit: received my 7th degree in September, 2018) degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and and earned 5th degree black belt in Hapkido.
I'm a certified master instructor of Hosinsul (self defense).
I focus much of my personal study on practical self defense methods.
I completed an MA in Theology with a concentration in Christian Counseling. I worked in the crisis mental health field as my second career and had many instances requiring use of de-escalation skills and a few of restraining patients who assaulted me or another staff person.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Standard price for a 12 hour program is $400. The hours can be split up in six, 2 hour sessions or four, 3 hour sessions.
If a group wants lessons there are group discounts depending on how many participate.
For extended training (more than 12 hours) rates are lower and can be discussed during the initial consultation,
How did you get started teaching?
I began training as a teenager. Participating in teaching was a requirement for rank advancement. Eventually after obtaining a black belt I began teaching on my own under the supervision of my instructor.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught ladies groups, teens, youth who had issues with being bullied, senior citizens, and have done safety training for kids headed to college or moving away for the first time. My youngest students have been 5 years old and the oldest I believe were in their 80's.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently did a private class for a lady and her granddaughter. They could only commit four hours over two sessions so I was challenged to devise a program to give them the maximum results in this brief amount of time. It worked out well, they were very responsive and both worked to learn the lessons. It was gratifying to be able to provide them what they wanted and needed in their time frame.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask questions of the instructor. If you know someone knowledgeable in the areas of martial arts or self defense have them participate in the initial consultation if possible. Make sure the instructor is knowledgeable and can teach well and safely.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What exactly do I want to accomplish with this?
Am I looking for something that will help me in the long term and how can the instructor provide that?
How physically involved in the training do I want to be? Do I just want to be well informed on how to stay safe or do I want to develop ability to deal with a physical assault and how far do I want to develop those skills.