The Self Defense Academy is not just a place to train; it's an academy in the truest sense of the word—reminiscent of what higher education was once meant to be. In ancient times, spaces like the Roman forum were dedicated to the free exchange of ideas, debate, and intellectual growth. These were places where knowledge wasn’t locked in the mind of one authority figure, but shared, tested, and evolved. At Self Defense Academy COS, we embrace that same spirit of open learning and dialogue.
There are martial arts schools that adopt a top-down authoritarian approach, where the master’s word is final and unquestionable. While this might create a rigid structure, it often limits innovation. When techniques aren’t challenged or tested against new ideas, they stagnate. In contrast, at our academy, we believe in the growth and evolution of techniques through dialogue and inquiry. This doesn’t mean a lack of respect for authority or tradition; it means that learning is a living, breathing process.
A Forum for Growth
At Self Defense Academy COS, we teach using the Valente brothers’ method, where students are encouraged to ask questions and think critically about their techniques. Why do we do this? Because martial arts, much like any form of knowledge, evolves when ideas are allowed to spread and be tested. The Roman forum wasn’t just a place to hear speeches; it was where ideas clashed and innovation was born. That’s the kind of environment we foster.
Students at our academy aren’t just passive recipients of knowledge—they are active participants in their learning journey. We create a forum where ideas are shared, discussed, and honed through practical experience. When a student asks, "What if I try this move differently?" they aren’t met with dismissal. Instead, the question is explored, tested, and either validated or improved upon. This approach ensures that every technique is grounded in reality, not dogma.
Innovation Through Openness
In a martial art like jujutsu, innovation is vital. The techniques we use today are the result of hundreds of years of adaptation, evolution, and refinement. Without the openness to question and test, this evolution would halt. Just imagine if someone had once said, "This is how it’s always been done," and no one had dared to challenge that. We would never have the advanced systems of self-defense we benefit from today.
By teaching the Valente brothers’ method, we encourage our students to see martial arts not as something static, but as a dynamic form of knowledge—one that changes as we change, one that evolves as society evolves. Our students don’t just learn techniques; they learn how to think about techniques, how to adapt them, and how to improve them.
Respect and Humility in Learning
This freedom to ask questions and evolve doesn’t come at the cost of respect. In fact, respect and humility are cornerstones of our academy. The 753 Code, which forms the philosophical foundation of our teachings, emphasizes values like respect, humility, courage, and loyalty. These values guide how we approach learning. While we encourage questions, we also teach our students the importance of recognizing the wisdom and experience of those who came before us.
In other words, just because students are allowed to ask questions doesn’t mean there’s chaos. The structure is built on a foundation of mutual respect, and questions are asked not to defy authority but to deepen understanding.
The Power of Choice and Personal Agency
By fostering this open environment, we’re giving our students something invaluable: personal agency. At Self Defense Academy COS, our students are empowered to take control of their learning. They aren’t just going through the motions of memorizing techniques; they are deeply engaged in understanding why they work and how to apply them effectively in real-world situations.
Through this engagement, we create not just skilled martial artists, but critical thinkers—people who can defend themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally in any situation.
An Invitation to Learn and Grow
We invite you to come experience this for yourself at Self Defense Academy COS. Whether you're interested in self-defense for personal safety, fitness, or simply the joy of learning something new, our academy is a place where you can grow—both as a martial artist and as a person. Here, you'll find a community that values learning, innovation, and respect for tradition. You'll be part of a living, breathing academy where your voice matters, your questions are welcome, and your growth is our mission.
Come join us, and see how the spirit of the Roman forum lives on in every class we teach. At Self Defense Academy COS, learning is not just about mastering techniques—it’s about mastering yourself. YOU Are Worth Defending!
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Thought of the Moment: "Agency is a divine gift to you. You are free to choose what you will be and what you will do." - Russell M Nelson
Self Defense Academy: A Modern Academy of Learning, Rooted in Tradition
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