"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

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

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

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

Here's to the ideals that this country was founded on! The Discipline of Freedom: A Story of Transformation Let’s start with a...

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....

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,...

The martial arts world is rich with tradition, technique, and terminology that have evolved over centuries, adapting to new cultures......

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?

Ever walked into your usual training spot and felt like you stepped into a completely different world?