New martial arts in Bakersfield opening soon! Private self defense lessons available now
About Our Training
Professional Bilingual Instructors David and Gloriela Woods
"We can't wait to meet you and help you reach your goals!"
Multiple Top Level Qualifications
Dave is an expert instructor in many martial arts styles but has a passion for helping people learn realistic, practical self-defense. Although his favorite martial arts styles might be Krav Maga, Brazilian JiuJistu, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Tai Chi, he continues to train in various styles and works actively with law enforcement and other sources to ensure students get the best of the best for self-defense.
Tai Chi Surprise
When Dave first went to Shaolin in 2001, he had no intention to learn Tai Chi. It was simply a part of the daily routine which also included Qigong. At 5:00am, Dave woke up to a run and stretch followed by 30 minutes of Qigong and then 90 minutes of Tai Chi. This was repeated in the afternoon after 6 hours of extreme training in Shaolin Kung Fu. He realized that Tai Chi and Qigong were necessary elements of training to balance out the more intense and brutal training in Shaolin Kung Fu.
Self-Defense Instruction
Krav Maga / No Rules Self-Defense
"Self-Defense" is often mistaken for something specific when it is really just a phrase describing a goal. There are many many ways to learn self-defense and all martial arts offer some self-defense value. We believe in using modern, proven, realistic martial arts such as Krav Maga (the Israeli military system which is the core of our adult self-defense training program). We also draw on skills from Brazilian JiuJitsu (for groundwork), MMA and Boxing for training methods, and traditional martial arts for their unique skills and philosophies such as discipline, respect, honor, and humility. There are other martial arts included but you get the idea. Our self-defense training is moderately intense and covers weapons training, defense against multiple attackers, standing and on the ground. We want you to learn in a safe appropriate way, but with the necessary intensity to ensure your self-defense skills are excellent so that you are more than capable of defending yourself and your loved ones.
This class is beginner friendly.
Women Only Self-Defense
Our women's self defense classes are taught by a bilingual female instructor, Gloriela, and/or the owner Dave. Both instructors have years of experience working with women from all backgrounds. The lessons are similar to Krav Maga / No Rules as described above, but with emphasis on situations women are statistically more likely to find themselves in.
Kids Self-Defense
Our kids' self-defense classes are taught by Dave and Gloriela. Dave has a California Teaching Credential and years of experience as a professional educator. Gloriela has a natural gift for motivating the little ones. The lessons are based on Krav Maga / No Rules as described above, and also Kung Fu San Soo. The most important consideration is that we teach kids lessons that are age appropriate and focused on school issues such as bullying. We also encourage our families to communicate with us regularly to ensure they are successful in school, and build good character for success in life.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a practice that will help you remember to relax. The slow gentle movements are good for all sorts of health concerns and truly bring your mind, body, and spirit together. Whether you're dealing with physical ailments, age related health issues, mental health challenges, or work related stress and anxiety, Tai Chi can help you. Also for the self-defense students, this helps you stay calm and smooth when you have to battle. Tai Chi is your balance.