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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Bowing is a great part about Martial Arts. Imagine standing at the edge of a path, the world buzzing around you—chaotic, unpredictable,...

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