Michael Alban - COBRA Self Defense Instructor

Michael Alban - COBRA Self Defense Instructor

5.0Exceptional(10 reviews)
Top Pro
Offers online services
Top Pro
Offers online services

About

Tactical Self-Defense Instructor - COBRA™ Self-Defense Systems

Active Shooter Response Instructor - COBRA™ Self-Defense Systems

Cage Fitness Instructor (High Intensity Interval Training based in MMA)

4th Degree Black Belt - World Taekwondo Federation

Muay Thai/Kickboxing Coach - Muay Thai Alliance

I have been teaching martial arts and self-defense for over 20 years and operated my own studio in NJ before moving to Texas in August 2021.

I work out of my home in Plano, TX teaching private lessons to individuals and families either in their home or other convenient location. I also teach seminars to businesses/corporations, schools, churches, and other community groups.

COBRA™ is a reality self-defense system created by Chris Sutton, a former police officer in Florida. He combined his experience in law enforcement/corrections, multiple combative systems, and military advisement, and is structured so people of any age, fitness level, and experience level can learn.


Highlights

Current Top Pro
Hired 5 times
1 employee
22 years in business
Serves Plano , TX
Offers online services

Payment methods

Credit Card, Cash, Check, Venmo, Square

Social media


Specialties

Student age(s)

Adult (over 18), Senior (over 55)

Number of students

One person, Two people, A group of 3 – 5 people, A group of 6 – 10+ people

Any previous experience

Students without previous experience

Type of training

Gun safety, Self-defense, Target practice

Type of firearm

I can recommend a firearm, Handgun / pistol, Rifle

Reason for training

Training as a hobby or personal interest, Training to be educated and feel more comfortable around firearms

Own a firearm

Student who own the firearm that he/she want to learn with, Students who will rent a firearm

Photos and videos

  • Muay Thai Intructor
  • Muay Thai Intructor
  • Muay Thai Intructor
  • Muay Thai Intructor
  • Wood & Partners 2023
  • Wood & Partners 2023

  • Reviews

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    SP

    sharmin P.

    Michael Albans self-defense seminar was an excellent resource for non-profit organization Eagles Empowered to Soar during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The training was comprehensive and addressed various forms of personal violence.
    Michaels delivery was engaging and informative, allowing attendees to grasp the seriousness of the issue while also offering practical techniques to defend themselves in dangerous situations. The training was also inclusive, promoting a safe environment for all participants, regardless of their gender, sexuality or ethnic background.
    Eagles Empowered to Soar urged Michael to conduct further sessions in the future as it was a valuable resource for their members who can now take the knowledge and techniques provided and incorporate them into their daily lives. Michaels seminar has had a positive impact on the members of the community and their overall awareness of personal violence. Overall, Michael Albans self-defense seminar is recommended for all individuals looking to protect themselves and others from personal violence.
    ... Show more
    April 28, 2023

    BH

    Brenda H.

    Michael was great at showing us what to do and answering all of our questions. The role play was really powerful.
    ... Show more
    April 17, 2023
    Hired on Lessons

    RH

    Rachel H.

    Communicative, professional, knowledgeable and pleasant. Just an all-around phenomenal experience with him.
    ... Show more
    March 09, 2023
    Hired on Lessons

    KG

    Kathy G.

    Very knowledgeable and friendly. Had a great time learning some basic skills to protect myself.
    ... Show more
    September 12, 2022

    ZZ

    Z Z.

    Michael is an excellent instructor. He listens to the client and tailors the curriculum to thier needs. The COBRA program is awesome. He has a foundation as a martial arts instructor and gym owner. 30+ years in martial arts and this is the best true self defense, not sport fighting, that I have encountered. It can only add to any training you already have.
    ... Show more
    July 18, 2022
    Hired on Lessons

    DB

    Denise B.

    This has been an amazing experience. Michael is not only extremely knowledgeable he is an amazing all around person. My son absolutely adores him. We have learned so much. I highly recommend him on so many levels. Professional, punctual, friendly, knowledgeable and so much more.
    ... Show more
    September 28, 2021

    Frequently asked questions

    All COBRA Courses start with an Orientation. During Orientation, students learn:

    - How COBRA was developed from law enforcement

    - Why self-defense is an important life skill

    - Martial arts vs. "real" self-defense

    - The three part formula every "bad guy" uses

    - How a "bad guy" chooses a victim/target

    Fundamentals are the essense of the first few sessions of Muay Thai/Kickboxing. Proper stances and technique are stressed to establish good habits and prevent any injuries that are caused by improper technique. Students will also learn how to properly use their training gear.

    All Cage Fitness courses start with a Fitness Evaluation and Health Assessment. The purpose is to establish a baseline to help me and the student set short term and long term goals for their 12 week course.

    I have been involved in the martial arts for 30 years. I hold a 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo. Between 2002 - 2021, I operated my own studio in Rochelle Park, New Jersey. Now that I am located Texas, I am offering my services as a personal self-defense training for individuals, families and small groups. I am also offer seminars for businesses, schools, churches and other organizations.

    In January of 2019 I became a Certified COBRA Instructor  by completing the mandatory 20-Hour Certification Course and passed all required tests. As a COBRA Instructor I am able to teach a variety of COBRA courses which you can find on my webiste www.cobra552.com

    I am also a certified Cage Fitness Instructor since 2010. Cage Fitness combined High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). No partners. No contact. No experience needed. Only Muscle toning, fat burning, sweat pouring exercise!

    Over the last 20+ years, I have worked with students of all ages (ages 3 and up), skill levels, fitness levels, and various "walks of life".

    Some of my students have served in the military, work in law enforcement while others are everday people wanting to know how to defend themsleves or improve their health.

    One of my students started training with me to prepare for Marine Corps Basic Training. I was the second person he called the day he graduated from Basic Training. His mom being the first person he called of course!

    When selecting a self-defense training provider, the following should be considered to evaluate the value of the training:
    *Does the program come from real life training and experience in a field that deals with violence and criminals?
    *Where are the instructors getting their lesson plans?
    *Do students get a training manual?
    *Does the program have specific training for what they are advertising that they teach?
    *Can I verify with the affiliate company you are with that you are in good standing?
    *Is this program a brand or a single location?
    *How long has the program been around?
    *If you are a company/business/corporation and are looking for a self-defense trainer, ask how many companies has the program trained?
    *Where do you and your instructors get on-going training
    Your safety and safety of your family is the most important thing in the world. Ask the hard questions, do your research and be sure that the self-defense company you pick for your training is legitimately qualified to teach reality self-defense.

    1.Does the program come from real life training and experience in a field that deals with violence and criminals? This excludes sports, theory-based self defense, power point training and is, by nature, more than knowing how to kick and punch. You want the self-defense programs primary training focus to be defending and dealing with violence from a criminal.

    2.Where are the instructors getting their lesson plans and curriculum? This is very important. Many programs do not have a structured and organized written curriculum. It’s the equivalent to attending school and your teacher scribbles out the lesson plan on the same day.

    3.Do students get a training manual? A step by step manual is a valuable learning tool, especially when learning self-defense.

    4.Does the program and do the instructors operate from a single and organized source or is everyone flying solo? It’s not difficult to obtain a certification in something, however after that, what is in place that maintains quality control, consistency, and professionalism? Checks and balances are very important.

    5.Does the program have specific training for what they are advertising that they teach? If your child needs training to deal with a bully, the program you pick should have legitimate experience and training in this area. This should be across that board. Whether it’s a corporation or training teens, ask how and what are your qualifications to teach that market.

    6.Can I verify with the affiliate company you are with that you are in good standing? This is if they are part of and receive their training from an affiliate organization. If they are a stand-alone system, ask if they have company or client references that you can verify. Social proof is very important, especially when it involves training that needs to work in real life.

    7.Is this program a brand or a single location? This is important especially when it comes to creating and developing a consistent, organized and professional end product. Brands of all types are widely preferred by the market over a small mom-and-pop type of service.The market desires a refined and proven product and that’s what a brand name brings. They also feel more comfortable spending money with an established brand that they can do research on. Examples: Amazon, Starbucks & NFL.

    8.How long has the program been around? Anyone can open a business. Staying in business is where the real work begins. A long-established business usually (but not always) indicates that the company is successful, professional, and offering a great product. You do not want them to go out of business before your membership runs out.

    9.If you are a company/business/corporation and are looking for a self-defense trainer, ask how many companies has the program trained? Both large and small. A professional and legitimate self-defense company who has specific training for specific businesses should be able to provide an extensive client list.

    10.Where do you and your instructors get on-going training? When you get a certification to teach self-defense, you are letting everyone know that you offer realistic self-defense training that could save someone’s life in the real world. It is critical for a self-defense professional to keep their training up to date. Physical techniques are a perishable skill and knowledge of how criminals operate is always changing. Manuals, videos, consultations and in person physical training are all great ways to stay up to speed on reality self-defense training if you are and instructor. Keep This in Mind. One of the most important, if not the most important skill a person could posses is the ability to stay safe and stop a violent threat. This has nothing to do with a sport, winning a trophy or title belt. Watching YouTube videos or adopting ideas from hearsay, example  “I will put my keys between my fingers and hit him in the eye” just won’t cut it. Cell phone safety Apps, pepper spray and many other commonly used crutches are used so people can avoid committing to physically training.

    Your safety and safety of your family is the most thing in the world. Ask the hard questions, do your research and be sure that the self-defense company you pick for your training is legitimately qualified to teach reality self-defense.

    COBRA-Defense was developed from REAL Law Enforcement training and field experience. COBRA is a GLOBAL Self-Defense brand with locations worldwide.


    Services offered

    Mixed Martial Arts
    Personal
    Gun Safety