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As a father of two young daughters, it has become more clear to me than ever before how critical it is that women know how to defend themselves.
I’ve been involved in martial arts since I was 8 years old. At first, it gave me an outlet for energy and aggression in a healthy, structured way. I thrived in an environment that demanded excellence, but also built respect, discipline, and control. Martial arts didn’t just teach me how to fight, it helped shape who I became.
For a long time, teaching martial arts was just a job.
Until it wasn’t.
One day, I read a story about a young woman not far from here in North Carolina. She had recently broken up with her boyfriend. Later, he broke into her room, pushed her against a wall, and strangled her to death.
What shook me to my core was this:
The day before, we had practiced that exact situation in class, being pinned against a wall and choked.
That moment changed everything for me.
It made me realize the urgency of what we teach. Self-defense is not a guarantee. It doesn’t make someone invincible. But it gives people a chance, a real chance, to survive the worst situations humanity can offer.
From that day forward, my passion for self-defense, especially female self-defense, has driven everything we do here in Kernersville at Edge Fitness & Combat Arts.
The statistics are sobering, and they highlight why this matters not just nationally, but right here in our own communities:
These aren’t just numbers. These are real people, neighbors, daughters, mothers, and friends.
And while we can’t control the actions of others, we can be better prepared.
This might surprise you… The best form of self-defense is the one you will actually commit to.
If you can train one to two nights a week at a gym in Kernersville or nearby, do it:
All of these are incredibly effective when trained consistently.
But if that level of commitment isn’t realistic right now, that’s okay too.
Seminars, workshops, and local self-defense classes, even once a month, can still make a huge difference.
The key is consistency and exposure.
This is something I don’t take lightly.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach literally thousands of men and women self-defense. I’ve also competed in over 80 professional and amateur fights, and I bring nearly 30 years of martial arts experience across multiple disciplines including:
But this isn’t just about me.
At Edge Fitness & Combat Arts here in Kernersville, our coaching team, including Jon Phipps, Greg Moye, Alex Rice, and Izzi Tufte, brings together:
We’ve spent decades not just learning, but teaching people how to apply these skills under pressure.
I say this for one reason: So you know that when you step into our gym, you’re not guessing, you’re learning from people who have lived it.
And more importantly, we can help give you the confidence and ability to defend yourself and your family.
Over the years, I’ve learned that effective self-defense doesn’t need to be complicated.
You don’t need flashy techniques. You need reliable ones:
These are accessible from almost any position and can create the opportunity you need to escape.
The best self-defense situation is the one you avoid entirely.
That means:
In a busy area like Kernersville, or anywhere, you can avoid a lot of danger just by being aware.
A large number of assaults come from people you know.
You have every right to:
No one has the right to touch you without your permission.
And if they do, you are allowed to defend yourself.
Self-defense isn’t just about fighting, it’s about confidence.
It’s about how you walk into a room.
How you carry yourself in public.
How you respond when something feels off.
When you know you can protect yourself, the world feels different.
And for women in Kernersville and surrounding areas who may be coming out of difficult or traumatic situations, this can be life-changing.
You don’t rebuild that overnight.
You build it, one class, one rep, one strike at a time.
We’re proud to offer a FREE Women’s Self-Defense Seminar right here in Kernersville, NC.
📅 Date: April 11th, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Edge Fitness LLC
619 North Main Street, Kernersville, NC
This seminar is open to:
Ages 13+ (some topics are sensitive in nature)
In this seminar, we’ll cover:
This is not about fear.
This is about preparation, empowerment, and confidence.
👉 Sign up using the link below or reach out to us directly to reserve your spot.
I mentioned earlier that I have two daughters.
One of them is nearly 18 now.
I see how people look at her.
I see how some people treat her.
And while that reality will always exist…
There is a level of peace that comes from knowing she can protect herself and break them in half if she ever needs to.
That’s what this is about.
Giving women in Kernersville, and everywhere, the ability to walk with confidence.
To set boundaries.
To protect themselves.
And if necessary, to fight back.
You can build that.
One punch.
One knee.
One elbow at a time.
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