top of page
You Are Worth Defending!
Downstairs at The Co-Working Space The Next Us
525 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907
719-357-6034


Embodying Veracity in Jiu-Jitsu: Helio Gracie's Philosophy and Its Legacy at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs
Truth In the world of martial arts, few concepts hold as much weight as veracity—the unwavering commitment to truth and authenticity. For practitioners of JuJutsu in Colorado Springs, this principle isn't just a philosophical ideal; it's a cornerstone of effective self-defense training. At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, students learn to embody veracity through the Valente Brothers Method, a direct lineage from Grandmaster Helio Gracie. This blog post dives deep into
Self Defense Academy COS
4 days ago5 min read


Why "The Best Martial Art" Isn't One-Size-Fits-All: Lessons from Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs
In the world of martial arts, debates rage on about which style reigns supreme. Is it Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ground control? Muay Thai for striking power? Or Self Defense Jujutsu for real-world efficiency? Whenever someone claims, "My martial art is the best," I always pause and ask one simple question: "For what?" This isn't just a clever retort—it's rooted in how our brains wire themselves through training. At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, we emphasize that the "b
Self Defense Academy COS
Oct 55 min read


Homeschool Socialization in Colorado Springs: Positive and Negative Impacts, and Why Jujutsu at Self Defense Academy COS is the Ultimate Boost
Are you a homeschool parent in Colorado Springs wondering about homeschool socialization? Imagine a world where your child's education isn't confined to rigid bells and crowded hallways, but unfolds in the cozy chaos of your living room, the thrill of a community park like Bear Creek Nature Center, or the quiet focus of a Pikes Peak Library District corner. Homeschooling in Colorado Springs has exploded in popularity—millions of families worldwide, including many in the Pikes
Self Defense Academy COS
Sep 218 min read


A Somber Week in America: Reflections on Tragedy, Human Frailty, and the Path to Inner Strength
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
Self Defense Academy COS
Sep 146 min read


The Warrior's Legacy: Why Cultures Worldwide Have Always Revered Fighters – And How Jiu Jitsu Training at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs Builds Unbreakable Strength
In the annals of human history, from the sun-baked sands of ancient Egypt to the misty highlands of feudal Japan, one archetype stands eternal: the warrior. Societies across time and space have elevated their fighting class to near-mythic status, weaving tales of valor that inspire generations. But why? What psychological undercurrents drive this universal reverence? And in our modern era, where physical confrontations are rare but mental and emotional battles rage daily, how
Self Defense Academy COS
Aug 315 min read


The Crucial Distinction Between Choice and Decision: Empowering Your Life and Self-Defense Jiu-Jitsu Skills
In the often stressful world of today, where every moment demands action, understanding the difference between a "choice*" and a *"decision" can be a game-changer. Whether you're navigating career paths, personal relationships, or even learning JuJutsu for self-defense, grasping this concept can lead to greater empowerment and clarity. At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, we often draw parallels between mental resilience and physical training—both require deliberate acti
Self Defense Academy COS
Aug 245 min read


Empowering Yourself with Self-Defense Jiu Jitsu at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs
In today’s world, personal safety is a growing concern for many. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Colorado Springs, hiking beautiful trail or seeking a new skill to boost your confidence, self-defense classes at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs offer the tools you need to protect yourself and thrive. These classes go beyond physical techniques, fostering empowerment, resilience, and a sense of security that transforms lives.
Why Choose Self-Defense Trai
Self Defense Academy COS
Jul 203 min read


The Power of Intuition: Trusting Your Gut and Knowing When It Can Lead You Astray!
Have you ever had a gut feeling about something—a sudden sense that you should take a different route home, avoid a certain situation, or leap at an opportunity without fully knowing why? That’s intuition at work, a mysterious yet powerful force that guides us through life’s uncertainties. Intuition, often called a gut feeling, is like an inner compass, offering insights when logic alone isn’t enough. But where does this instinct come from, and how do we know when to trust it
Self Defense Academy COS
Jul 134 min read


Freedom Through Jiu-Jitsu: Discipline as the Key to that Freedom
Here's to the ideals that this country was founded on! The Discipline of Freedom: A Story of Transformation Let’s start with a...
Self Defense Academy COS
Jul 64 min read


Exercise and Jujutsu: The Ultimate Power Couple
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.
Self Defense Academy COS
Jun 295 min read


Exploring the Art of Base: Review of The Valente Brothers Shokunin Conference
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.
Self Defense Academy COS
Jun 156 min read


BunBuRyoDo - The Way is in the Combination of the Scholar and the Warrior. The Jiu Jitsu way.
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,"
Self Defense Academy COS
Jun 14 min read


Why Jiu-Jitsu Builds Better Leaders: A Foundation for Leadership Excellence
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.
Self Defense Academy COS
May 256 min read


Who Was Miyamoto Musashi? Why is he in the Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs Logo?
Picture this: a lone samurai, standing poised with two swords, his silhouette etched against a crimson sunset. His gaze is steady, his mind clear, ready for any challenge. This is Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s legendary sword saint, and his iconic silhouette graces the logo of Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs. But why?
Self Defense Academy COS
May 116 min read


May the 4th Be With You: Unleashing Your Inner Jedi at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs
Why did Darth Vader become a jiu-jitsu master? Because he’s the ultimate choking hazard! With that Force choke in his arsenal, you’d think he’d be untouchable on the mats. But let’s be real—Vader’s heavy breathing would probably give away his next move faster than a TIE fighter in a dogfight. Here on Earth, specifically at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, we’re all about channeling the light side of the Force to empower you with self-defense skills that don’t involve tu
Self Defense Academy COS
May 44 min read


The Distinction Between Doing and Being: A Journey of Identity and Empowerment
What does it mean to be something versus simply doing something? This question isn’t just philosophical—it’s a lens through which we can understand our passions, our growth, and our purpose.
Self Defense Academy COS
Apr 275 min read


Success is Something You Attract: The Jiu Jitsu Path to Empowerment
Bowing is a great part about Martial Arts. Imagine standing at the edge of a path, the world buzzing around you—chaotic, unpredictable,...
Self Defense Academy COS
Apr 216 min read


The Genius of Simplicity: Helio Gracie’s Philosophy and Its Legacy at Self Defense Academy COS
When we think of martial arts, images of complex techniques, flashy moves, and high-flying acrobatics often come to mind....
Self Defense Academy COS
Apr 145 min read


Finding Strength in Small Steps: Lessons from Dr. Becky Kennedy and Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs
Recently, I had the pleasure of tuning into the Huberman Lab podcast featuring Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Becky Kennedy...
Self Defense Academy COS
Apr 65 min read


The Power of Rectitude: Why Short Cuts Will Cut You Short
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,...
Self Defense Academy COS
Mar 304 min read
bottom of page



