Episode 14: Kru David Edwards - Muay Thai, Bully Prevention, & Purpose Join us on Episode 14 of the T4TCS Podcast as we sit down with a true powerhouse in martial arts and community advocacy, *Kru David Edwards!* Kru Edwards is the founder of *Bully Be Gone Canada* and a highly respected Muay Thai Kru, Trainer, and Coach at *Kombat Arts* in Mississauga, Ontario. In this insightful episode, we dive deep with Kru Edwards as he shares his incredible passion for *Muay Thai* and the vital mission behind **Bully Be Gone Canada**. Discover what inspired him to embark on this journey, his approach to empowering individuals through martial arts, and how he's making a real difference in the lives of youth and adults alike. Whether you're a martial arts enthusiast, interested in community work, or seeking inspiration, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. *Don't miss out on:* Kru Edwards' personal journey into Muay Thai. The origins and mission of Bully Be Gone Canada. The intersection of martial arts training and personal empowerment. Why finding your purpose through action can change lives. Tune in to hear how physical exercise methods and practices, like those endorsed by Train 4 Trauma Combative Sciences, can optimize mental and physical performance, both on and off the mats. *Connect with Kru David Edwards & Bully Be Gone Canada:* IG - / bullybegone2021 Website - http://www.bullybegonemovement.ca *Further Resources from T4TCS on Bullying:* Bullying and Mental Health: Trauma-Informed Training: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-blogs/f/bullyi... Bullying and Its Connections: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-blogs/f/bullyi... Bullying and Its Connections - Part II: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-blogs/f/trauma... Cyberbullying, Exploitation, Connections to Trauma and Suicide: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-blogs/f/cyberb... Violence: Types & Impact: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-blogs/f/violen... Violence: Types & Impact - Part II: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-blogs/f/violen... #T4TCS #MuayThai #BullyBeGone #DavidEdwards #KombatArts #MartialArts #Podcast #SelfDefense #CommunityImpact #MentalToughness #PhysicalFitness #CombatSports #Oshawa #Mississauga #Train4Trauma

Welcome back to the Train 4 Trauma Combative Sciences (T4TCS) podcast! In this action-packed episode, we're diving deep into the incredible community collaborations and overwhelming gratitude we're feeling here at T4TCS.

We've been busy forging strong relationships and expanding our reach.

We're thrilled to announce our collaboration with Sifu/Kru Mark's and Kru Jakub's home training academy, Kombat Arts out of Mississauga! This partnership is bringing exciting opportunities for cross-training and shared learning.

Speaking of partnerships, our local friends at The Warrior Fight Store in Pickering are now offering a fantastic 10% in-store discount for T4TCS clients! Make sure to mention us when you visit and keep an eye out for our flyers and QR codes in-store for more #T4TCS info.

We also had the distinct pleasure of an amazing training night with the Royal Canadian Air Force 598 Sabre Squadron Air Cadets. A huge thank you to Captain Matt Slade for this incredible opportunity!

Mark your calendars! We're gearing up for our Module 2 Trauma Informed Women's Self Defence Seminar, coming up on May 31st. We're passionate about empowering women with these vital skills.

The training has been intense! Mark and his training coach/Sifu from Kombat Arts recently ran two very successful Knife Defence Seminars, equipping participants with crucial knowledge and skills. Additionally, Mark, alongside Rene Cocolo from the Dog Brothers, just wrapped up a highly successful stick fighting seminar. The energy and learning were fantastic!

We were also honoured that Eric Poirier was back for his third visit, as he led another incredibly engaging discussion about trauma-informed approaches with the students from Durham College's Postgraduate Mental Health and Addictions program. Our sincere thanks to Carl Legault for his continued support and invitations.

In exciting community news, T4TCS is now a proud sponsor and guest coach for the Ajax Spartans Baseball team! Thank you to Patrick Morrison for believing in our commitment to the community and for this wonderful opportunity.

Looking ahead, in less than two weeks, Eric will be a keynote speaker at the annual Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association conference, where he'll be discussing the vital connection between mental health and trauma-informed practices.

Meanwhile, Mark will be heading to Minneapolis with Joey from Kombat Arts to train with Todd Fossey and the IDS team for a full week. We're always striving to learn and bring the best knowledge back to our community.

And for those of you tuning in on YouTube, you're getting a special inside look at one of the co-founder's home dojo and podcast studio!

As you can see, things are incredibly busy and there's so much more on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates!

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for believing in our passion, supporting our goals, and helping our communities thrive. We truly believe that success doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's the incredible help and support from our peers, coaches, brothers, sisters, friends, family, and clients that makes all of this possible. We are, and will forever be, deeply grateful!

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We've all seen them: those slick, high-energy videos showcasing incredible martial arts techniques and seemingly effortless self-defense maneuvers. A perfectly timed disarm here, a flawless takedown there – it's a visual feast that leaves you thinking, "Wow, I wish I could do that!" But here's the cold, hard truth: those videos are a dangerous illusion, a carefully curated fantasy that bears little resemblance to the messy, unpredictable reality of a physical altercation (check out the full blog here).

In this episode, Mark Medeiros and Eric Poirier discuss this key topic, along with Eric's recent milestone in getting certified as a T4TCS Level 1 Combatives Instructor.

We also hear a little bit about Eric's journey (Blog Post here), a few reviews from clients who have attended Seminars hosted by Mark, and his instructor, Joey, from Kombat Arts.

If you are interested in up coming seminars, check these out:

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., one of the Co-Founders of Train 4 Trauma Combative Sciences, and my friend/Coach/Sifu/Kru, Mark Medeiros, and his friend/Coach/Sifu/Kru, Joey Kombat will be hosting an Edged Weapon Defence Seminar at KOMBAT ARTS, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mark Medeiros and Rene Cocolo will be hosting a Stick Fighting Seminar.

Address: 595 Wentworth St East, Unit 51, Oshawa, ON, Canada

Cost: $60

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 595 Wentworth Street East, Unit 51, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, T4TCS will be hosting Module 2 of the Trauma Informed Awarenss Women's Self Defence Seminar.

Thank you for your support. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tMAmAp... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/c86b... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast... T4TCS - Focus | Agency | Regulation #HowFARwillyougo #t4tcs #trauma #mentalhealth #traumarecovery #martialarts #selfdefence #rezilia T4TCS.CA

Ahead of his presentation at our May 7, 2025 conference, T4TCS co-founder Eric Poirier is interviewed by Jean Bota of The Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association. The speaking engagement abstract is provided below. While trauma-informed awareness is a valuable tool for addressing the root causes of crime, it's important to acknowledge that first responder activities remain essential for maintaining public safety. Trauma-informed approaches can complement traditional first responder strategies by providing a more holistic understanding of crime and its underlying factors. Key considerations for integrating trauma-informed awareness into first responder practices include: First Responder Training, De-escalation Techniques, Collaboration with Community Partners, Data-Driven/Intelligence Led Approaches and Community Engagement In this session Eric will speak about incorporating trauma-informed awareness into first responder practices, to create a more compassionate and effective approach to public safety that addresses both the immediate needs of crime prevention and the long-term well-being of individuals and communities. He will also discuss the components of Trauma-Informed Awareness as a holistic approach that recognizes the prevalence of trauma in individuals and communities and seeks to create environments that are safe, supportive, and responsive to the needs of those who have experienced trauma. Through this session, delegates will also be provided with the benefits of Trauma-Informed Awareness,& how Trauma-Informed Awareness plays a role in/ & is a crucial component of addressing the root causes of violent extremism, gangs, and organized crime. Eric will demonstrate to the delegates that by understanding and addressing the underlying trauma experiences of individuals, we can reduce the likelihood of their involvement in harmful behaviors. Delegates will also learn Trauma-informed approaches that will help individuals develop resilience, cope with difficult emotions, and build positive relationships, ultimately contributing to safer and more cohesive communities. Additionally, by fostering empathy, understanding, and collaboration, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that reduces the appeal of extremist ideologies and criminal activities.

"It's important to remember that trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, and not everyone who has experienced trauma will show obvious signs. Being trauma-informed means being aware of this and approaching interactions with a compassionate and understanding mindset" (for the rest, please find the full write up on our website).

"Trauma-informed care can actually help build resilience. By recognizing and addressing the impact of trauma, individuals can learn healthy coping mechanisms and develop the skills to navigate challenges."

In episode 10, with our guest, Jenny Brackman, we discuss the creation of the Post-Traumatic Growth approach (PTG) program. We also explore the benefits of somatic healing and the salutogenic approach to trauma recovery when integrated with martial arts practice and training.

In this episode we refer to a few books:

The Handbook of Salutogenisis

Transforming Trauma with Jiu Jitsu (we made a mistake in describing the title in the podcast recording)

To learn more about Jenny Brackman and her practice, please follow the links below. Also, please note, she is offering 30% off of the Post-Traumatic Growth Specialist Program to our listeners and viewers (use the promo code listed below).

Promo Code for the Post-Traumatic Growth Specialist Program: T4TCS listeners can use coupon code t4tcs to get 30% off

Post-Traumatic Growth Specialist Program: https://rezilia.org/courses/posttraumatic-growth-specialist/

Email: [email protected]
​
Website: www.rezilia.org

Facebook/Meta: facebook.com/reziliaconsulting

Instagram (IG): https://www.instagram.com/reziliaconsulting/

LinkedIn (Rezilia): https://www.linkedin.com/company/reziliaconsulting/

LinkedIn (Jenny Brackman): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennybrackman/

Thank you for your support. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel.

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December 6th holds a poignant significance in Canada, marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This solemn day commemorates the tragic events of the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989, where fourteen women were senselessly murdered. The horrific incident underscored the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and ignited a movement to address this pressing societal problem.

In this episode we also discuss our experience during the November 30th Trauma-Informed Awareness Women's Self Defence Seminar. What we took away from it and the feedback we received from the participants.

During this part of the discussion we talk about situation awarenss and how easily distracted we can be in today's world. The use of social media, and mobile devices, and their impact on us. I reference a few books that dive deep into this topic as it relates to the silent mental health and trauma epidemic. One of theses books is called, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

Furtehrmore, we talk about the the appearance of one of our co-founders, Eric Poirier, on CBC Radio Canada's Saturday Morning Podcast, A echelle humaine. He was one of six panelist discussing men's mental health (this is a french language podcast).

Communities can benefit immensely from the expertise of professionals such as community and workplace traumatologists, post-traumatic growth specialists, ASIST trainers, and trauma-informed self-defence instructors. These individuals can provide essential support services, empower survivors, and educate the public about the impact of violence. By addressing the root causes of violence and promoting healing, these professionals can contribute to a safer and more compassionate society (from our blog here).

Curious about what our team can offer you, and what our backrounds are? Find out more by clicking here.

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They didn't give up on us, don't give up on them.

***Trigger Warning***

In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Kurt Leffler II, a U.S. military veteran and member of a multi-generational military family (Visit his YouTube Channel Here). Our conversation highlighted the critical importance of mental health support for veterans and the need to dismantle the stigma surrounding trauma. By acknowledging the challenges faced by veterans and providing adequate resources, we can optimize their post-service experiences.

Kurt P. Leffler II is a complex and resilient individual with a remarkable life story. Born in the Philippines and adopted by an American military family, he experienced a tumultuous childhood marked by violence, instability, and mental health struggles. Despite these challenges, Leffler served in the U.S. Army for 11 years and pursued a career as a martial artist and gym owner. He is a survivor of multiple suicide attempts and has been sober since 2016. Currently, Leffler is focused on healing and sharing his experiences to help others.

T4TCS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@T4T-CS

T4TCS Blog: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-blogs/f/a-debt-of-gratitude-supporting-veterans-reintegration

T4TCS Coping with Trauma: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-coping-w%2Ftrauma

T4TCS Music - Warrior's Hope: https://on.soundcloud.com/p5qL1vuf5m4C9mzW6

T4TCS Music - Haunted Uniform: https://on.soundcloud.com/bhQbozQmCcdZQYBy6

Coach Kurt "The Mighty Brownman" YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachKurtLFSKaliFightTeam/featured

If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out, call or text 988 (https://988.ca)

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In this episode, we'll delve into the wisdom of Stephen Covey: "We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior." Our lazy brains often jump to conclusions, making assumptions about others' motives without seeking understanding.

But what if we could awaken our minds to the importance of open dialogue and empathy? By sharing our stories and listening with an open heart, we can bridge the gap between intentions and actions. We'll discuss the contemporary climate of emotional suppression and the hidden traumas of maintaining integrity and moral discipline.

So, grab your favourite beverage and let's sip on some insight together. Let's wake up those lazy brain cells and embrace the power of meaningful conversation.

If you're looking for more to sip on, feel free to visit these links below:

Blogs/Articles: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-blogs

Recommended books: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-recommended-books-1

Coping with trauma: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-coping-w%2Ftrauma

Peer/Support Group: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-peer-group-approach

November 30, 2024 - Women's trauma informed self defence seminar: https://t4tcs.ca/t4tcs-events-%26-training

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In a world seemingly overrun by violence, it's time to look beyond the headlines. Join us as we explore the psychological and societal impacts of living in a world where safety is a concern. From everyday aggression to shocking acts of violence, we'll delve into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions. If you haven't already, feel free to visit our website for our blog posts, titled Violence: Types & Impact Part I and Part II.

When considering self-defense training in this society, it's crucial to choose a school that doesn't provide a false sense of security. A good, trauma-informed defense school that incorporates situation awareness training can have a positive impact on society. By focusing on realistic self-defense techniques and promoting awareness of potential dangers, these schools can empower individuals to protect themselves without perpetuating harmful stereotypes or creating unrealistic expectations.

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Trigger Warning ⚠️

Honouring Rob Leathen and the Importance of Normalizing Mental Health Conversations.

As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, T4TCS would like to acknowledge the courage of our guest, Rob Leathen, a veteran firefighter, who shared his personal journey and emphasized the significance of normalizing discussions about mental health and suicide.

By creating a safe and open space for these conversations, we can challenge stigma and support those in need.

Let's continue to break down barriers and create a supportive community for everyone.

Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you, Rob, for your valuable insights.

#t4tcs #mentalhealthawareness #suicideprevention #leadership #livingworks #cmhatoronto #cmha #bootontheground