I hold 5th degree black belts in both Shorin Ryu (traditional Okinawan Karate) and Chon Tu Kwan Hapkido. (For more information on Chon Tu Kwan, google ICHF Martial Arts). I also have training in Kobudo (traditional Okinawan weapons). My teaching philosophy is that martial arts should be a practical and useful part of the student's life; and that any self defense method that requires brute strength
instead of good technique is useless. Students will learn to escape from common types of attacks such as grabs and strikes, as well as defense against armed attackers. They will also learn the legal and ethical implications involved in self defense; i.e. defending yourself in a way that protects you legally as well as physically. Sadly, there are a few schools who teach unrealistic self defense, assuring the student they will be able to take care of themselves by using certain "tricks" that will quickly disable an attacker in seconds. Such schools place their students in danger by giving them a false sense of security. All self defense situations are potentially dangerous, and your first, best defense is to escape before trouble starts. Use of your martial arts training is your last resort, not your first.
