In the ever-evolving landscape of personal development and mental health, few conversations hit as hard as the recent episode of the Huberman Lab podcast featuring neuroscientist Andrew Huberman and renowned family therapist Terry Real. Titled "Defining Healthy Masculinity & How to Build It," this in-depth discussion dives deep into the intricacies of male emotional health, relational dynamics, and the tools needed to foster stronger connections. Released on December 29, 2025

"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

Hello, fellow seekers of growth and warriors of the mat! As we step into 2026, I'm excited to share my personal "Word of the Year" tradition. If you've followed my journey, you know that last year, 2025, was all about Shokunin – the Japanese concept of craftsmanship, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of mastery in one's art. It shaped how I approached everything from daily routines to my training sessions. But this year, I'm evolving that foundation with a new guiding pr

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

Picture this: Five anxious determined students travel from the crisp, mountain-kissed air of Colorado Springs, trading snow-capped peaks for the sun-soaked pulse of Miami's beaches. Armed not with Kimono's and flip-flops, and an unquenchable thirst to learn. Our Self Defense Academy crew embarked on a pilgrimage that touched all of us in our souls. This wasn't just a trip—it was a rite of passage, a collision of sweat, strategy, and soul-stirring solidarity at the hallowed ha

In a world obsessed with bubble-wrapping every corner of life, it's easy to forget that true strength often blooms from the edge of uncertainty. Picture this: You're cruising through the latest episode of *The Joe Rogan Experience* #2412 with Adam Carolla, and around the 1:50 mark, the conversation ignites. Carolla riffs on the absurdity of over-engineered car safety features—like mandatory backup cameras that treat drivers like toddlers—while Rogan chimes in on how society's

Today’s world doesn’t send warnings. One moment you’re walking to your car in the Woodmen Valley parking lot, the next someone is in your space, aggressive, and the adrenaline spike hitting like a freight train. In that moment, YouTube videos and “Top 10 Self-Defense Moves” TikToks won’t help you. What helps is training that has already put you through it—so when reality shows up, you’re not meeting it for the first time. This is why the best self-defense training

Every year at the Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs Thanksgiving Dinner, we gather not just to eat turkey and share gratitude—but to remind ourselves of the invisible force that brought us all together. That force? Imagination.

As the crisp November air sweeps through Colorado Springs, we pause on Veterans Day—November 11th—to honor the brave men and women who’ve served our nation with unwavering courage and sacrifice. To our veterans: Thank you. From the front lines of global conflicts to the quiet battles of reintegration at home, your service embodies resilience, discipline, and an unbreakable spirit. We stand in profound gratitude and reverence for you—not just today, but every day. Your stories

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.