Self-Defense & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Private Training
For me, self-defense isn’t about fear or fantasy. It’s about relationship.
Relationship with your body.
Relationship with your awareness.
Relationship with reality.
Martial arts taught me early on that real strength isn’t loud. It’s something you build over time, practice consistently, and carry quietly until it’s needed.
Training over decades in martial arts, (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, and traditional martial) arts has shown me that most real-world self-protection happens long before anything physical. It lives in how you move through space, how you read people, how you trust your intuition, and how you recognize when something feels off instead of talking yourself out of it.
I don’t believe self-defense should make you hyper-vigilant or anxious.
I believe it should make you more present, more confident, and more at home in your body.
The physical techniques matter. So does mindset. So does nervous system regulation. So does understanding pre-incident indicators, situational awareness, boundary setting, and when to disengage entirely.
Training is not about domination.
It’s about agency.
It’s about remembering that you are allowed to protect yourself and that it’s truly the highest form of self-care.
Work With Me:
My journey in martial arts began at 15 in a kickboxing bag class and quickly grew into a lifelong practice. While I earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I was drawn toward a deeper, real-world understanding of self-defense, especially as a smaller person. That path led me to Krav Maga, where I trained and taught from South Philly to Los Angeles.
Over the years, I’ve worked with and helped train military personnel, police officers, air marshals, and many civilians who simply wanted to learn how to be their own best defense. At 24, my training was interrupted by Lyme disease, forcing me to step away and focus on healing.
Years later, through herbalism, nutrition, and self-care, I returned to training at 34, earned my black belt in Krav Maga, and began my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. Today, I continue to train and teach because I believe deeply in this work. Self-defense is about far more than physical techniques. It builds confidence, resilience, and self-trust that carries into every part of life.
Current & Additional Offerings
Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi Class
Mercs Jiu Jitsu MMA & Fitness Training Gym, Colorado Springs
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM | All experience levels welcome
Also Available
1:1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu private lessons
Private self-defense sessions (individuals or small groups)
Self-defense workshops and talks
Education on situational awareness, self-protection, and prevention
If you’re interested in training, learning, or starting the conversation, reach out. We’ll find the right place for you to begin.
1:1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lessons (In Person)
Private instruction tailored to your goals, experience level, and interests.
Sessions can focus on sport BJJ, self-defense applications, or a blend of both depending on what you want to train.
Sessions may include:
Escapes and survival on the ground
Control, leverage, and distance management
Sport BJJ fundamentals and strategy
Self-defense scenarios and real-world application
Building confidence without pressure or ego
Pricing
60-minute private session: $90 ($75 Intro Session)
5-session package: $425
10-session package: $800
(Packages are recommended for consistency and skill development.)
Private Self-Defense Sessions (In Person or Small Group)
Customized self-defense education rooted in real-life situations, not theory or fear-based training.
Topics may include:
Personal safety fundamentals
Situational awareness and pre-incident indicators
Boundary setting and verbal de-escalation
Common assault scenarios and responses
Ground & striking defense basics and escape strategies
Pricing
Private 1:1 session (75 minutes): $125
Small group (2–4 people): $60 per person
Workshops or larger groups: Custom pricing
Self-Protection Talks & Consultations
(Virtual or In Person)
These sessions are conversation-based and educational, designed to help you think differently about safety, awareness, and self-trust. They are ideal for individuals, groups, or organizations who want practical tools without physical training.
Topics may include:
Self-awareness and intuition
Situational awareness and environmental reading
Pre-incident indicators and prevention
Nervous system responses under stress
Creating a personal self-protection framework
Pricing
Available upon request
(Rates vary based on format, length, and audience.)
Experience & Background
Training in martial arts since age 15
Black Belt in Krav Maga
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
Experience training military personnel, police officers, air marshals, and civilians
Worked with students who successfully used their training in real-world situations
My teaching is shaped by decades of training, lived experience, and a deep respect for the responsibility that comes with teaching people how to protect themselves.
