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Embracing Benevolence: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Timeless Wisdom through Jiu-Jitsu
"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
Self Defense Academy COS
Jan 184 min read


The Myth of Moderation: Unlocking True Discipline from Professor Pedro Valente's Wisdom
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
Self Defense Academy COS
Dec 21, 20254 min read


Does Chasing Ultimate Safety Make Us Weaker? Unpacking Risk, Resilience, and Self-Defense Jiu Jitsu
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
Self Defense Academy COS
Nov 30, 20256 min read


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
Oct 19, 20255 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 14, 20256 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 6, 20254 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 1, 20254 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 25, 20256 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 27, 20255 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 30, 20254 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 23, 20254 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 16, 20255 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 9, 20255 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 2, 202511 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 9, 20253 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 26, 20252 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 12, 20253 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
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