Are you curious about the intersection of martial arts and law enforcement? I sat down with my father, Mick Jolly, a seasoned martial artist from a military family, to discuss how our martial arts backgrounds have influenced our mindset, approach to self-defense, and our careers in law enforcement. We also touch on the essential role of mindset in martial arts training and share firsthand experiences from a law enforcement training center, where we observed a diverse range of individuals honing their self-defense skills.

From personal experiences during a mission trip to Puerto Rico to handling unexpected situations in law enforcement, we explored how martial arts training can be beneficial in unexpected circumstances. My father and I also delve into the importance of continuous learning, adaptation, and having a mentor in self-defense and law enforcement. We also discuss the benefits of teaching self-defense classes, particularly to college students, as an empowering tool for personal safety.

Wrapping up, we shed light on how martial arts can play a significant role in law enforcement. We discuss the importance of ongoing training to effectively assess and de-escalate potentially violent situations, especially for police officers carrying firearms. Lastly, we share insights on the evolving mentality in martial arts schools and the legal system and how they impact self-defense training. This conversation promises to enlighten and provoke thought on martial arts, self-defense, and their application in various fields. Tune in for an engaging journey through martial arts and self-defense, laced with personal experiences and invaluable lessons.

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We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

Are you prepared to handle emergencies? What if possessing a certain piece of gear could mean the difference between life and death? Packing a punch in our latest episode, we unravel Alien Gear Holster's new tourniquet holster hybrid - a must-have for first responders and self-defense enthusiasts alike. This isn't just about owning the gear; it's about being ready, being prepared, and being able to act swiftly when emergencies arise.

Buckle up, and stay tuned!

Check out the TAC STRAP HERE

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

Imagine driving past a shootout between deputies and an armed suspect, would you have the courage to intervene? We'll recount the story of a man who did just that, rushing to help an injured officer. Back in my hometown, a similar situation unfolded where another brave civilian stepped in to assist two shot officers. These stories stir a conversation about the importance of being ready to aid in emergencies without crossing the line into vigilantism, prioritizing the protection of innocent lives, and understanding the role of civilians as intrinsic contributors to community safety. Tune in and be inspired by these extraordinary tales of ordinary heroes.

Check out the Articles and Videos Here:

- Houston Shootout
- Maple Falls Shootout
- Maple Falls Award

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

Imagine being equipped with the knowledge to boost not only your personal safety but also that of your family. We let you in on some tips of mastering the Everyday Carry (EDC) philosophy, a concept that aims to ensure you're always prepared, whether that's through the contents of your pocket or the shoes on your feet. Join us on this journey as we delve into how to optimize your EDC to fit your environment perfectly.

We share my personal experience on choosing the Glock 43X MOS and the Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite Slim holster. We also discuss the importance of functional yet comfortable clothing and how to blend in with the crowd strategically. We reveal the essential components you need to consider for your EDC, from your choice of a concealed carry firearm and holster to the seemingly trivial items you carry in your pockets.

But we don’t stop at individual safety, we also focus on family preparedness. We discuss how to equip your loved ones with basic knowledge and the right items in case of an emergency. Hear from us about the importance of balancing safety and normalcy, and learn how to prepare your family without instilling fear. Embrace the powerful concept of EDC and enhance your family’s safety and preparedness today. So, gear up and tune in to learn about simple yet effective tactics for everyday safety.

Check out some of the Gear mentioned in this episode:

Orvis Pants
Glock 43x MOS
Tier1 Concealed Axis Elite Slim
Shield Arms Z9 Magazines

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

Looking for a practical and grounded way to stay calm during a crisis? Welcome, dear listener! Brace yourself as we delve deep into the world of self-regulation in stressful situations, all inspired by our enlightening chat with Andy Prisco in our previous episode. Get a sneak peek into my personal strategies and thought process for maintaining composure in high-stress scenarios, and perhaps, discover how you can develop your unique system of self-regulation. 

We'll  briefly explore the ancient philosophy of stoicism and the role it can play in crisis management. Beyond theory, we'll also share actionable strategies like maintaining a position of strength, utilizing four-count breathing, and the power of mental rehearsal. Uncover how to prepare your mind for any situation and why stoicism might just be the foundation you need for effective self-regulation. Join us, and let's become better equipped to handle ourselves in a stressful encounter together.

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

Imagine having the skillset to confidently handle any crisis situation, to de-escalate with poise and defuse tension like a pro. That's precisely what you'll gain from our enlightening conversation with Andy Prisco, founder of one of the largest psychiatric emergency response team programs in the U.S. and developer of the first and only crisis intervention verbal de-escalation certification. This episode delivers a deep dive into the importance of competence-based training in personal safety and the transformative impact it can have on your ability to manage crises, both in the professional world and at home.

Who'd have thought Star Wars could teach us valuable lessons about self-regulation and de-escalation? We take a leaf from Qui-Gon's book in his iconic lightsaber battle against Darth Maul, analyzing how his calm approach compares to aggressive responses in tricky situations. We then bring it closer to home, discussing how such techniques can positively influence our familial relationships and why our homes make the perfect training grounds. Andy also shares the profound significance of listening and posture in communication, how to utilize validation statements, and the potent role of identity in conflict management.

But what of the moments when our back's against the wall, when we feel cornered, helpless? We tackle the dangers of this sense of helplessness in de-escalation, using the metaphor of a 'porcupine' versus a 'wounded tiger'. Andy enlightens us on how involving people in crisis in the decision-making process can lead to safer, more manageable outcomes. We critique the alarming tendency of the healthcare industry to default to physical restraints and highlight alternative, more effective de-escalation techniques. This thought-provoking discussion on self-regulation, de-escalation skills, and the resources available through Jumpstart Mastery is a must-listen for everyone.

Check out Andy's Website Here: https://www.jumpstartmastery.com/
Andy's LinkedIn Here

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

What if self-defense was more than just a physical skill? Imagine if improving your self-defense abilities also enhanced your personal and professional relationships, stress management, and overall self-development. In today's episode, we take a fresh perspective on self-defense through the lens of self-improvement. We kick off the conversation with a unique approach to enhancing situational awareness. Remembering details about people such as their names, clothing, and physical features not only boosts our interpersonal relationships but also primes our self-defense reflexes.

We then dive deeper into the adrenaline dump phenomenon and how daily physical activities like cold showers and workouts can bolster your mental and physical resilience. Tune in as we discuss the power of influence, both in de-escalation scenarios and in our everyday roles, be it as a parent, a leader, or a colleague. We also share a list of must-read books to give you an even more comprehensive understanding of these topics. Get ready to take your self-defense skills and personal growth to the next level.

Check out the suggested books here:

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

The Prince 

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

Let's welcome the trailblazing Sensei Benny the Jet, a former professional kickboxer, martial artist, and an original mixed martial artist. His astounding career spans decades, with an unparalleled winning record that's truly a testament to his grit, determination, and unwavering self-belief. Listen as Benny takes us on an exhilarating journey, from his pivotal decision to go full-contact in 1974, to the challenges he faced in international matches and the pressures of fighting for money. Explore the birth of his unique kickboxing style, Yukitokon, designed to handle pressure and defend against threats.

We delve deeper into the psyche of a martial artist as Benny shares his insights on the profound differences between training in martial arts and self-defense for the street. Revealing how emotions can either be an asset or a liability when faced with threats, Benny emphasizes the significance of mental preparation. He also highlights the instrumental role of mentorship in his journey and the need for emotional understanding for one's self and others. Tune in as we discuss the vital role of a mentor who can reflect our truths and guide us towards our goals.

Finally, we unravel the fascinating process behind Benny's creation of his unique martial arts and kickboxing style. Think of the dedication and innovation it took to develop a system that would handle pressure and defend against threats, truly embodying the spirit of resilience and adaptability. From an unexpected fight offer on national television to an unfamiliar fight night experience, Sensei Benny's journey is packed with thrilling twists and turns that you won't want to miss. Get ready for an episode that's a true testament to the transformative power of martial arts and self-defense training, and be intrigued by how Benny emerged victorious from every challenge.

Visit Sensei Benny's Website at https://bennythejet.com/

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

Ever found yourself in a situation that made you ponder over the concept of death? Well, I've had my fair share of those moments, especially during my tenure as a sheriff's deputy. One such incident that stands out is when I processed a DOA (dead on arrival). It's experiences like these that propel us to explore the profound relationship between death and self-defense, urging us to prioritize protection over desires. 

Join me as we discuss the importance of service and protection, and how it extends beyond the physical realm. It's not just about safeguarding ourselves from harm; it's about living our lives in such a manner that when the inevitable happens, we die well. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode will stimulate thoughts on how you can improve your self-defense abilities, enhance your relationships, and elevate your quality of life. So let's embark on this journey together, where we learn to live well, defend well, and die well.

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.

When you think of self-defense, your mind probably jumps to martial arts or some form of physical combat. But what if I told you that the key to effective self-defense and personal development lies in something much simpler, something as natural as movement? Welcome to another thought-provoking episode where we have the pleasure of hosting Rafe Kelly from Evolve Move Play. Rafe, a beacon of resilience, shares his personal triumph over ADHD and dyslexia through the transformative power of movement and play.

Throughout our conversation, Rafe offers illuminating insights into his work at Evolve Move Play, a unique blend of dance, tribal movement, parkour, and martial arts designed to promote growth and wellbeing. We also take a deep dive into the profound impact of movement on our health, how it shapes our gene expression, and how we can harness its power to bring more meaning into our lives. This can be especially crucial in our society today, which has increasingly shifted away from the significance of embodiment.

Finally, we touch upon the essential task of teaching children self-defense and the importance of developing situational awareness. From martial arts to parkour, we explore how physical activities can build confidence and strength in children. However, it's not just about preparing for potential threats. It's about empowering children with the knowledge and skills to navigate life in a safer, healthier, and more intentional manner. So, join us for a riveting discussion on the essence of self-defense, the role of movement in personal development, and the wonder that is the human body in motion. You won't want to miss it!

Follow Rafe Here!
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@RafeKelley
Website: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/

Please be sure to give us a 5 Star review for this Podcast!

We are now also a video podcast! You can find us @smartsafedefense to follow and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram!

You can also join the Waiting List for the upcoming 5 Day Situational Awareness Challenge Course - Coming Soon.