Self-Defense
Effective, hands-on training for everyone from absolute beginners to black belts
Chris Wright-Martell
|
|
MSDC Owner & Head Instructor: Chris Wright-Martell
Since founding the Modern Self-Defense Center in 2002, my goal has been to create the kind of training environment that the student in me desires: the highest level of instruction, the most effective training methods, friendly and welcoming training partners, and service that is both personal and professional. I don't believe that ranks and accolades are the most accurate way to judge the effectiveness of a coach or instructor, but I do acknowledge that many people use them as a way of confirming the legitimacy of one's credentials. For that reason, my own background appears below. I also continue to actively train in many of the styles and disciplines listed. On a personal note, thank you for your interest in Modern Self-Defense. Our mission is to provide a training experience that enriches your life, and develops useful skills if you ever need to protect it. |
Author
Books
Martial Arts
- Kenpo Karate - 4th Degree Black Belt, 23 Years experience under Professor Lee Lowery
- Modern Arnis - Lakan (Black Belt) under the late Professor Remy Presas, founder of Modern Arnis
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Brown Belt & Certified Associate Level Grappling Instructor under Mr. Roy Harris (9 years)
- Budoshin Ju-jitsu - 1st Degree Black Belt under Professor George Kirby, 10th Dan
- Jeet Kune Do Concepts - Certified Level 2 JKD/FFI Instructor under Mr. Roy Harris (7 years)
- Boxe Francaise Savate - Green Glove, North Carolina Savate Association, Moniteur Armando Basulto
- Filipino Martial Arts - Certified Level 1 FMA instructor under Mr. Roy Harris
- Krav Maga - Instructor training under Mr. Rhon Mizrachi
- Other Arts Studied: Aikido, Fencing, Kendo, Judo, Judo, Tai Chi, Qigong, Kyusho (Pressure Points), Capoeira, American Jujitsu, Small-Circle Jujitsu, Kalis Ilustrisimo, and many more
Teaching Experience
- 4 years of assistant instructorship.
- 16 years of instructorship.
- 8+ years as school owner/head instructor.
- Assistant Instructor training beginning at age 11.
- 3 years as a Middle School Teacher (7th & 8th grade Math)
- 2 years as Director of Summer Programs at the Independent Day School (A program that offers a rich blend of Academics, Arts, and Athletics)
Modern Self-Defense Center
- Founded in November, 2002. Owner/Head Instructor.
- Numerous self-defense seminars taught publicly and at universities, as well as the weekly FREE self-defense class at MSDC
- 2003 – 2005, 2009 - present: Coach of Wesleyan University’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club
- 2004 - 2008: Self-Defense Phys. Ed. Course taught through Wesleyan University
- Featured on NBC News (TV), ABC News (Nationwide Print), Middletown Press (Front Page with Picture), and more!
Education
- BA in Philosophy
- Completed in 3 1/2 years (cum laude), at UMass-Amherst
- Concentrations in Ethics, Metaphysics, and Epistemology. Minor in Japanese (language & literature)
Hobbies & Interests
- Ballroom Dance - Competitive Ballroom Dancer. One of UMass' first Open Level Latin Dancers. Teaching experience at UMass and professionally.
- Classical French Literature