Protector 'Self-Defense' Workshops

Choosing a self-defense instructor is an important decision. Real self-defense training goes beyond just learning a few techniques; it involves sound judgment, practical skills, and guidance from someone with decades of real-world experience. Sensei JR Ayers, with over 45 years of martial arts training and instruction, has dedicated his career to developing people both physically and mentally, equipping them with personal safety skills that extend beyond the dojo. JR’s varied experience includes: 

- 6th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Shoubukan Karate  

- Former Sarasota County Beach Patrol Chief  

- Former Assistant Director of Recreation at New College of Florida  

- Former Assistant Director of Recreation at Florida Atlantic University  

- Former Director of Security for Marriott Corporation  

- Founder of Ayers Security Company  

- Former Strength and Performance Coach  

- American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer  

- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer  

- Author and educator  

This unique combination of leadership, emergency response, coaching, and martial arts experience provides participants with practical instruction tailored for real-world situations. Additionally, JR offers confidence building workshops to further support individuals in enhancing their self-defense techniques.

The Protector Workshop is not merely a tournament class, a fitness class, or a demonstration of flashy techniques. It is a practical training experience designed to enhance personal safety skills while fostering awareness, confidence, decision-making, and the ability to protect yourself and those you care about.

Participants in our confidence building workshops will learn:

- Situational awareness and threat recognition

- Avoidance and de-escalation strategies

- Effective defensive techniques

- Escapes from common attacks

- Confidence under pressure

- The mindset of a Protector

Every technique is taught with a focus on simplicity, realism, and safety. Whether you are completely new to self-defense training or have prior martial arts experience, the goal remains the same: you will leave with practical skills and greater confidence than when you arrived.

Our mission is straightforward: to help ordinary people become more capable, more confident, and better prepared to protect themselves and those they love.

This adult-only training focuses on building confidence through personal safety skills and self-defense training. With small class sizes limited to 12 participants, you will receive hands-on instruction in a safe and supportive learning environment. No experience is required, as the practical training is designed for real-world situations and is taught by an instructor with more than four decades of experience.