"Every person must decide whether they will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This profound quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. captures the essence of benevolence—a deliberate choice to prioritize kindness, empathy, and mutual benefit over self-centered actions. At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, we draw directly from this wisdom through the 753 Code, a guiding philosophy in

In a world obsessed with balance and "everything in moderation," it's easy to fall into the trap of justifying shortcuts. But what if moderation isn't the golden rule we've been led to believe? At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, we embrace the transformative power of martial arts. It builds not just physical strength, but also mental resilience and ethical living. Drawing from an unforgettable visit to Valente Brothers Headquarters, where Professor Pedro Valente shared

The benefits of embracing tough challenges aren't limited to hikes or martial arts. Let's look at other areas where "getting tired" lays the foundation for profound personal growth...

As the calendar flips to September 11, 2025, a day already etched in our collective memory as a symbol of unimaginable loss and resilience, America finds itself grappling with a cascade of fresh wounds. This past week has been a brutal reminder of the fragility of life and the persistent shadows that haunt our society. From senseless violence on our transit systems to horrors unfolding in our schools, and even the shocking assassination of a prominent/controversial public fig

Here's to the ideals that this country was founded on! The Discipline of Freedom: A Story of Transformation Let’s start with a...

Let’s start with the big picture. In the 753 Code for optimizing your body, Exercise is the first word. Why? Because it’s the foundation of turning your body into a lean, mean, self-defense machine.

I just had the incredible opportunity to travel from Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs to the Valente Brothers Headquarters in Miami for an intensive three-day seminar that delved deep into the heart of Jujutsu. As head instructor at our academy, I have a passion about the transformative power of the Valente Brothers Method, but this experience elevated my understanding to new heights.

The Kanji characters "文武両道" (BunBuRyoDO) proudly displayed below the grandmasters at the Valente Brothers headquarters in Miami carry a profound meaning that resonates deeply within the world of Jiu Jitsu (Jujutsu). One Translation is as "The Way is in the combination of the Scholar & Warrior. Also, The Way is in Both Pen and Sword" & "The Harmony of Intellectual and Martial Arts,"

In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, leadership demands more than just charisma or strategic thinking. True leaders embody resilience, humility, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others under pressure.

When we think of martial arts, images of complex techniques, flashy moves, and high-flying acrobatics often come to mind....

Kegan earning a stripe! Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, tempted to take the easy way out? Maybe it’s skipping a workout,...

Life is a wild ride—a series of twists, turns, and unexpected detours that can leave us breathless, bewildered, or even broken if we let...

Let’s start with a question: What comes to mind when you hear the term *self-defense*? What is it exactly that you're defending?

After listening to an episode of the Radical Personal Finance Podcast it made me think, have you ever wondered why some people seem...

In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, few names carry as much weight as Helio Gracie. His teachings have shaped not only the technical aspects of the..

At Self Defense Academy COS, we're not just teaching martial arts – we're empowering lives through the Valente Brothers Method of Jujutsu.

As the holidays wrap up and the New Year begins, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the one ahead..

Professor Pedro Valente's words, "If you give us time, we will give you Jujutsu," encapsulate the essence of what we teach at...

Must We Have a Purpose? In a video I recently watched with Sadhguru, the Indian yogi and spiritual leader posed an intriguing question...

In the realm of martial arts, few names resonate as profoundly as Grand Master Pedro Valente Sr. His legacy is a tapestry woven ...