Reality Based Defense - practical self defense the pros use

I started my martial arts training at the age of 12. I studied Taekwondo with the now famous
(or infamous depending on your view) Billy Blanks (founder of Tae Bo and 7 time world karate
champion). That was an interesting experience, and Billy certainly threw me around like a rag
doll more than once. However, when training in Taekwondo I felt something was missing. I
didn't know why we had to stand in lines and endlessly do the same punch or kick for hours. I
also didn't know whether it was practical to gain belt status by learning and executing a series
of fixed positions or techniques. Was that what self defense was all about? It seemed to "artsy"
to me. I hungered for something more practical.

Unfortunately, it took me years to find the kind of reality-based and practical self defense I
was looking for. Someone I bumped into told me about a fellow by the name of Chris Fernandes
of Behavioral Defense Solutions. Chris was great, and I trained and became certified in the
system of Rapid Assault Tactics (RAT) that we now teach at Reality Based Defense. This is the
same system created for the US Navy Seals and used by members of many military and law
enforcement groups. These groups need real self defense, and don't have years to learn it. The
RAT was created by martial arts legend Paul Vunak who was the #1 student of Bruce Lee's #1
student. The RAT was really the first reality-based system of self defense, created back in the
80's. Unfortunately, the system has been copied by several others claiming to have reality
based self defense systems which really rehash the RAT. I really feel that the RAT was exactly
the practical self defense I had always sought after. It was real self defense, not sport or
"artsy" martial arts. I also loved the fact that it was largely based on Bruce Lee's philosophy of
Jeet Kune Do - which focuses only on what works, not what doesn't. The RAT also incorporates
Filipino martial arts, western boxing, Wing Chun and other influences.

After my first certification I continued to train with Chris to become instructor certified in
Rapid Assault Tactics. I now truly enjoy teaching individuals and groups the fundamental life
skill of self defense. It makes one feel wonderful to be able to pass on real peace of mind, that
works.

Best Regards,
Jeff Brown