Alessandro Padovani’s self-defense class was truly life-changing. It prepares not only the body, but also the mind, for situations in which self-defense may be necessary. The psychological aspect of the class really sets it apart from other self-defense courses, as many others leave this crucial part out. The physical moves and techniques flow so fluidly from natural reactions that I will never forget them; they have become, in essence, natural reactions themselves. Alessandro’s wide-ranging skill set, including hand-to-hand combat, knife fighting and shooting, makes working with him perfect for any level. I am now more aware and confident in my everyday life and I feel that I learned the skills I need to keep myself and the people I love safe. Plus, I had so much fun! I would strongly recommend this class to my family, friends and anyone who is considering learning self-defense.
–Erika Shimada, Biologist.
Alessandro is a gifted teacher – he not only clearly communicates expectations but provides patient reinforcement until the skills are learned. It helps that the lessons are premised in human instinct and that Alessandro explains the reason behind every required skill. You can’t help but learn so much! But the course not only teaches basic skills to use in the event of a home invasion or other attack, the course provides the peace of mind that comes with having those skills. You don’t have to love guns to take this course – I’m a pencil pusher who brought a brand new pistol to class and left feeling very comfortable with it. I’d encourage everyone to take the training!
–Collen Rice, Attorney.
Alessandro,
I would just like to express my gratitude for the amazing training you have provided for my family and me. You introduced a fresh, cutting-edge, yet common sense approach to my shooting as well as self-defense practice. Usually an instructor says “this is the way I do it so you should do it too” or the” this is how Special Forces does it so you should do it too”. Your approach is based on evidence, on the science of what the human animal naturally does.
My biggest take away from the class was definitely the mindset training. I constantly continue to think about what things are possible, what is probable, and what is plausible. So I don’t waste time training to engage airborne zombies from hell. As you know I’m currently deployed in Afghanistan and I continue applying the “what is plausible” question every day. During our pre-combat briefs it seems as though everyone brings up a million possibilities, when I say “Okay, now let’s look at what is plausible.” It simplifies the entire process.
During the Personal Defense Readiness class, the instruction on “Cycle of Behavior” was profound. Like you said I have been using it in all parts of my life, whether it is dealing with subordinates, superiors, or the enemy. Now when face with a situation I ask myself if I am challenged or threatened. By simplifying this process it has helped me to realize my strengths and weaknesses. When I feel threatened in a training environment I do what is necessary to get challenged, whether that means run more, shoot more, or even learn breathing techniques to help with nerves. These things I never would have learned without meeting and taking classes from you.
When I first heard about your training I was like “yeah right just another karate dude that taught girl scouts how to shoot pellet guns.” When I actually met you and took classes from you I realized that I was dealing with a true professional. Like me you are constantly looking for the best tactics, techniques, methods, and procedures. You leave your ego out of training, stay open to new ideas, and are extremely knowledgeable in all the material you teach. Combat Focus Shooting and Personal Defense Readiness are extremely lucky to have an instructor of your caliber representing them. During class you kept learning comfortable, by that I mean it wasn’t too fast, slow, or deep in theory unless we asked or it was specifically important to that iteration. Your personality makes it very easy for anyone to like you, the Italian accent helps My wife and my sister’s family all enjoyed you very much and felt totally comfortable asking questions and being engaged in class.
I asked what my family liked most or remembered most about the class. My wife simply said “extend, touch, press” the simplicity of using a gun in what could be a very dangerous situation. My nephews and niece liked going full contact while you were in your High Gear suit. Making the attack emotional and then giving full force strikes develops confidence for what could be a very real situation. I enjoyed watching my family as they looked around after the mock attack and were amazed at what they had just done, stopped the attack.
Lastly, I would like to say thank you again for volunteering to train my unit prior to our mobilizing. Many of my troops continue to ask me questions about CFS and PDR. Many questions I can’t answer. Fortunately for me we have developed a relationship as two friends and professionals, training for a moment that may only last seconds or never happen.Your Friend and Student
–SSG Robert Owens, US Army.
