"I participated in Don's self-defense class at St. Thomas in November, and I can't recommend the experience highly enough. It is easy to be impressed by Don's vast fighting skills and his incredible physical power. But, like all great teachers, Don's message and motivation is about much more than method and mechanics. He stresses the power of the human spirit, of the heart, in every person in his class. He emphasizes these sources of power because he has drawn from them extensively as someone who has trained and fought for most of his life. And when he addresses people who haven't done the same, he speaks plainly and honestly: Your will to literally fight for your life, to do whatever is necessary to save yourself, is your most vital weapon. You recognize that first and refine it second. Now, given the sobering seriousness of his subject matter, it is important to stress just how much fun his class is. We all laughed as we learned thanks to Don's relaxed approach and well-timed humor. With all that I personally took away from my class experience, to know that participants' voluntary donations of any amount go to organizations dedicated to the care and protection of victims of violence and abuse, well, I can only thank Don once again for giving his time and talents so generously on behalf of such worthy causes. I am grateful for the powerfully unique perspective I gained from Don's teaching, and I look forward to learning more. Amazing work, Don!"
-- Patrick H.
-- Patrick H.
"A running group I'm part of took this course just to make us feel safer when we're out running. Great real world advice and lots of common sense to help you through bad situations. I cannot recommend this class enough!"
--Heather H.
--Heather H.
"A week ago I was fortunate, along with several others, to attempt building confidence and skills for self-protection - only made available because you care to the extent of providing your time and experience free-of-charge to the public.
Just the following day, I took my dog for a walk. It is a populated area off Charlotte Pike, not far from the hospital, though on a Sunday morning, it was less-so. I remembered awareness of my surroundings and had my right hand in jacket pocket - who would know it was empty? It was then I felt empowered and more brave than any outing I could remember.
Also, I have again reviewed the reading material you supplied. I had kept the one I brought home last year.
I'd like to sign up for any future classes you will be teaching.
Many thanks for instilling values and much-needed self-defense."
---L.H.
Just the following day, I took my dog for a walk. It is a populated area off Charlotte Pike, not far from the hospital, though on a Sunday morning, it was less-so. I remembered awareness of my surroundings and had my right hand in jacket pocket - who would know it was empty? It was then I felt empowered and more brave than any outing I could remember.
Also, I have again reviewed the reading material you supplied. I had kept the one I brought home last year.
I'd like to sign up for any future classes you will be teaching.
Many thanks for instilling values and much-needed self-defense."
---L.H.
"This class is ultimate. I’ve taken it 3 times and each time it’s not only a refresher but I learn something new. It’s great at all levels. Thank you!"
--LaKeisha H.
--LaKeisha H.