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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


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


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


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


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


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


The Power of Perspective: Transforming Life’s Challenges into Opportunities for Growth Through Jiu-Jitsu
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...
Self Defense Academy COS
Mar 234 min read


The Art of Jujutsu, Ju Jitsu, and Jiu Jitsu: A Journey Through History and Evolution
The martial arts world is rich with tradition, technique, and terminology that have evolved over centuries, adapting to new cultures......
Self Defense Academy COS
Mar 165 min read


What Are We "Really" Defending When We Talk About Self-Defense?
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?
Self Defense Academy COS
Mar 95 min read


Why a Billion-Dollar Exit Won’t Make You Happy (And What Will)
After listening to an episode of the Radical Personal Finance Podcast it made me think, have you ever wondered why some people seem...
Self Defense Academy COS
Mar 211 min read


Mastering the 5 elements of Self Defense Jiu-jitsu
At Self Defense Academy COS, we believe in empowering individuals through the art of self-defense Jiu-Jitsu (Jujutsu). Our approach which...
Self Defense Academy COS
Feb 93 min read


Tolerance: A Cornerstone of Jiu-Jitsu Teaching
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..
Self Defense Academy COS
Jan 262 min read


Empowering You: Why Self Defense Academy COS Chooses The Valente Brothers Method
At Self Defense Academy COS, we're not just teaching martial arts – we're empowering lives through the Valente Brothers Method of Jujutsu.
Self Defense Academy COS
Jan 123 min read


Is the New You Worth Defending?
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..
Self Defense Academy COS
Dec 29, 20243 min read


If You Give Us Time, We Will Gift You Jiu jitsu
Professor Pedro Valente's words, "If you give us time, we will give you Jujutsu," encapsulate the essence of what we teach at...
Self Defense Academy COS
Dec 22, 20243 min read


Must We Have A Purpose? A Different Perspective.
Must We Have a Purpose?
In a video I recently watched with Sadhguru, the Indian yogi and spiritual leader posed an intriguing question...
Self Defense Academy COS
Nov 10, 20242 min read


Honoring Grand Master Pedro Valente Sr.: A Life of Martial Arts Excellence and Medical Mastery & Public Service
In the realm of martial arts, few names resonate as profoundly as Grand Master Pedro Valente Sr. His legacy is a tapestry woven ...
Self Defense Academy COS
Nov 3, 20242 min read


Discovering Your Why: Vitality Through Purpose on the Mats
In the rush of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in the “how” and “what” of things. We focus on "how" we’re going to reach our...
Self Defense Academy COS
Oct 27, 20243 min read


Unlocking Agency Through Self-Defense - Taking The First Step
Imagine walking into a room, standing tall, shoulders relaxed, knowing that you are not just safe but empowered.
Self Defense Academy COS
Oct 13, 20243 min read
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