FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW IS SEAN STRIDER DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TRAINERS?

First off, I have a strong understanding of the learning process.  I have my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, and if Martial Arts wasn't my passion, I'd be back in the classroom teaching children. 
Secondly, I meet my students where they are.  Some instructors teach their students by continuously hammering them with top level performance expectations.  While being slammed on one's head over and over may work for some, I find that type of instruction to be inefficient.  Instead, I continuously assess my students and adjust training to challenge them at their current level.  I find that this not only makes progress quicker, but is simply better at fostering a long-lasting love for Martial Arts.
Third, I have no ego involved in my practice.  I train what I train simply because it's my favorite and it gives me peace of mind.  Some instructors claim that their art is "the one true art" and all others are inferior.  I view all arts as having something to offer.  I highly encourage all of my students to continuously expand their toolkit wherever they can so they can get a more comprehensive fight game.  My ideal student sees me as but one part of lifelong journey in the Martial Arts.  
Finally, sure, I charge for my services to pay the bills, but my true passion is passing on these skills to others.  I truly believe that the world would be a better place if every single person was trained in self defense.  If everyone knew self defense, they would be more resistant to their "lizard-brain, panic response" when altercations arise.  Cool heads and better ideas would prevail more often because everyone would know just how high the stakes can be.  Martial Arts has saved me in more than just physical altercations. It's an honor to give those gifts of knowledge to others and a joy to see them understand.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING MARTIAL ARTS?

I have been training Martial Arts for 20 years.  13 of those years have been in Kali.

DO I NEED TO BE AT A CERTAIN ATHLETIC LEVEL TO TRAIN WITH STRIDER SELF DEFENSE?

Absolutely not.  Martial Arts would not exist if techniques depended solely on physical prowess.  The human body does not work that way.  If it did, then I'd simply be offering you yet another workout program.  The simple nature of training will get you burning some calories, but martial arts were invented for the small to counter the large.  One can workout biceps, abs, legs and other muscles, but one cannot workout their groin, joints, solar plexus, eye sockets, and other target areas.

WHERE WILL WE TRAIN?

The world is our dojo.  Part of the benefit of Strider Self Defense training is that the instructor comes to you.  We can train in your home gym, garage, backyard, or any other location you deem fit.  Sessions have also been known to take place in a nearby park, beach, or other location when deemed necessary.  Altercations can occur anywhere, that's why we train everywhere.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

Anything you want!  Although sportswear is the regular attire, altercations can happen in any clothes possible.  The instructor may ask you to remove rings, watches, or other jewelry to keep you and others safe while training.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

Need?  None.  Your instructor has enough equipment to run a comprehensive session without you bringing anything.  That being said, it can be nice to have your own equipment to practice with between sessions.  Recommended equipment includes rattan sticks, a rubber knife, and some MMA gloves.  If you have extra equipment in your home gym, training will incorporate all that applies.

WILL I HAVE TO REMEMBER FORMS/KATAS?

Forms are reserved for my Lil' Defenders Program, age 5-8.  I find forms/katas are a great learning tool for children, but they are not required.  If you want to learn them, let me know!

WILL THERE BE FORMAL TESTING TO GO UP IN RANK?

No.  No ranks.  No belts.  No anxiety.  The continuous reflection during your training is testing enough.  Each student progresses at their own rate.  The curriculum advances each class instead of each couple of months.  Think of it like going to a gym.  You are challenged not on some formal event, but continuously as your abilities improve.

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However, there is a belt program for children enrolled in the Lil' Defenders Program.

DO WE BREAK BOARDS?

Breaking boards are a reward for kids enrolled in the Lil' Defenders Program.

WHAT IS KALI?

Kali is a Filipino Martial Art that involves stick, knife, and unarmed fighting.  Depending on the region, Kali can also be referred to as Escrima or Arnis.  Kali was developed by the Filipino people when their islands were invaded by the Spanish.  My favorite thing about Kali is that it starts all of its students with a weapon (or two) in hand at the lowest skill level.  Most other arts are the other way around.  The thinking of this practice is that combat is much easier while wielding a weapon than it is without one.  History has shown this to be true.  Another great thing about Kali is that its base movements are transferable between each weapon.  While you train double stick, you are also training single stick and single knife.  Movements are universal while each weapon's special attributes are highlighted.  For some extra fun, check out the Bourne series starring Matt Damon.  The fight choreographer for those movies used Kali.  This is the main Martial Art that Strider Self Defense pulls from, accounting for the entirety of our Weapons Discipline framework and about half of that of our Escapes Discipline.

WHAT IS KRAV MAGA?

Krav Maga is a Martial Art taught to the Israeli military.  Since it is born out of modern wartime experiences, it is known to be very effective as a self defense system for civilians.   Krav Maga is in no ways tied to sport martial arts, thus it's "no rules, do anything to survive" mindset aligns with the philosophy of Strider Self Defense.  Krav Maga provides about half of the techniques and inspiration of our Escapes Discipline.