“Fewer victims…
every day.”

“Fewer victims… every day.”

newington

deron

DeRon

“What I value most in my martial arts journey is being a part of clients’ and students’ journey as they build more confidence, improve their fitness and learn the tools to be safer. Clearly a win/win scenario.”

farmington

mike

Mike H

“I believe that a well-structured and taught self-defense program helps to improve community safety, which is something I value as a family man raising two young daughters.”

vernon

reese

Reese

“I am excited to be able share principles that will offer insight of personal safety and protection. My goal is to equip members with tools that will help them to feel confident so that they can better protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Defend Yourself Training

We believe that everyone
has the right to feel SAFE.

Our Defend Yourself program teaches you how to stay safe and protect yourself. It’s not just about fighting, it’s about awareness, and building the confidence to handle whatever life throws at you. We combine techniques from several different disciplines so you have practical tools in dangerous situations.

The best way to get out of trouble is to never get into it in the first place.

Our objective with Defend Yourself Training (or DYT as we call it) is to prevent violence from ever entering your life. However, should the unthinkable happen, we can help to better prepare you to defend yourself, and your loved ones.

Sifu DeRon has been training in martial arts for over 25 years. He started his training in Taekwondo, the Korean martial art which translates as the “art” or “way” of foot and fist fighting. Sifu DeRon earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt, competed on the Taekwondo sparring team and served as the instructor for the Inner-City Martial Arts Program in Hartford, CT.

He went on to train in Bruce Lee’s eclectic martial art of Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do (JKD). JKD is often referred to as the first mixed martial art. Although Bruce Lee was specific about not fussing over the name, Jeet Kune Do literally means the “Way of the Intercepting Fist”. Its’ principle is to embrace simplicity, effectiveness, directness and freedom in martial arts. Once the first phase is completed, it ultimately allows its practitioners to explore their own path in martial art while maintaining the principles of JKD. Sifu DeRon attained his Black Sash from Sifu Collin Lieberman under the direct lineage of Sijo Bruce Lee and Guro Dan Inosanto. He has also trained in Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Hapkido, Kali and Thai Boxing. Sifu DeRon was a 2022 Finalist for the Whistlekick Flashlight Award for “People who make a difference in the martial arts while quietly making an impact in their community”.

“What I value most in my martial arts journey is being a part of clients’ and students’ journey as they build more confidence, improve their fitness and learn the tools to be safer. Clearly a win/win scenario.”

DeRon

deron

Mike is a lifelong martial artist with twenty-eight years of Taekwon-Do training from the legendary Grand Master K.S. Hwang and numerous other masters. He is a 4th degree black belt, is due to ascend to 5th degree this year. Mike has been a Taekwon-Do instructor for fifteen years and is Certified Instructor and Referee in the Unified International Taekwon-Do Federation (UITF).

In 2009 Mike won the adult’s sparring Grand Championship, in a UITF regional Taekwon-Do competition, despite being a junior at the time! Moreover, one of his students came in second at the same event, which is a testimony to his training and teaching abilities. Currently, Mike is a USA team hopeful for the 2024 UITF world championships.

Mike has a love of Taekwondo and combat sports. His advanced sparring skill and experience give him uncommon insights in how to defend against attacks which aids his ability to teach self-defense. Mike firmly believes that everyone should learn how to defend themselves for their own safety and he is eager to share the knowledge gained through his years of training with anyone who wishes to learn.

Ultimately, Mike believes that a well-structured and taught self-defense program helps to improve community safety, which is something he values as a family man raising two young daughters.

Mike H

f50a9533-enhanced-nr

Reese is a multifaceted fitness professional of over 15 years. He has a martial arts background of nearly 25 years. He’s well known in the industry for teaching successful Zumba/dance fitness, Boot Camp, and HIIT style classes.

Reese joined Big Sky in 2023 as a Group Exercise Instructor, and now uses his passion for self-defense and martial arts as a Defend Yourself (DYT) Training Coach. He is excited to be able share principles that will offer insight of personal safety and protection. His goal is to equip members with tools that will help them to feel confident that they can better protect themselves and their loved ones.

Additionally, he’s also an award-winning artist, producer and advocate for at-risk youth and families living with special needs. He’s received multiple awards from the State of CT/Governor, local towns, and received a “Day of Dedication” from the City of Springfield, MA, and other recognitions for his various work with communities and artistry.

Reese is excited to contribute his talents to the amazing community of members and staff of Big Sky. He’s thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn from the best in the business and is grateful to be submerged by the incredible wealth of knowledge and experience this family has to offer!

Reese

img_5835

Stay Safe

Using some basic principles of Krav Maga, MMA, Kickboxing, and Boxing,
we’re able to help our clients have some fun and let out their “inner warriors”.

What we’ll work on together:

Techniques to keep you safe
Methods to help you protect your loved ones
Grabs and escapes
Footwork and striking

What you can expect:

Elevated safety awareness
Improved confidence
Better balance and coordination
Increased strength

bella_8

Stay Safe

Using some basic principles of Krav Maga, MMA, Kickboxing, and Boxing,
we’re able to help our clients have some fun and let out their “inner warriors”.

What we’ll work on together:

Techniques to keep you safe
Methods to help you protect your loved ones
Grabs and escapes
Footwork and striking

What you can expect:

Elevated safety awareness
Improved confidence
Better balance and coordination
Increased strength

bella_8

If something bad does come your way, know how to better defend yourself and the people around you.

marina-5image

“The closer I am to danger, the further I am from harm.”

Principles of Krav Maga

Always Forward

Simultaneously Attack & Defend

With our DYT coaches, you’ll gain confidence and feel empowered regardless of the situation you may find yourself in.

So, whether you just want to ‘hit stuff’ & get a great workout, or you’re ready to go “all-in”… we’ll have you feeling prepared for whatever comes next.

Contact Us

send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can !

Not readable? Change text. captcha txt

Start typing and press Enter to search