SELF-DEFENSE, SAFETY AWARENESS, & COMBATIVES
What is self defense?
Self-defense is a set of awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontational skills, safety strategies and physical techniques that enable someone to successfully prevent, escape, resist & survive violent assault.
A good self-defense course provides psychological wellness and verbal skills, not just physical training.
Does self-defense work?
Yes! Self-defense training increases your options and helps you prepare responses to avoid, slow down, de-escalate, or interrupt an attack, and also empowers a person to prevent violence.
It is important that the strategies and skills used, deal with the potential violence from acquaintances and people you know, not only strangers.
Women usually know their attackers, therefore it is essential that a person is training in how to deal with the violence that can come from someone you know also.
Is self-defense training a guarantee that you will be safe?
No. There are no guarantees when it comes to self protection. Be aware of advertising ‘hype’, or exaggerated claims of success from makers of guns, alarms, devices, and self-defense training programs.
Be a smart consumer and find a self-defense training program that increases your choices, options and preparedness, and is committed to helping you develop a wide range of strategies.
Must I train for years to learn to defend myself?
No. A basic course can offer enough concepts and skills to help you develop self protection strategies that you can continue to build upon. Self-defense training is not karate, although some of the techniques are derived from the martial arts. The skills and techniques do not require years to perfect. Certainly, practice is important and investing the time to review and perfect your skills can build confidence and increase your abilities.
The key is to make a commitment to participate in your own safety and do what is necessary to reduce risk of not becoming empowered to act rather than to be acted upon.
Yes everybody needs self-defense – “Anytime/Anywhere”. So the skills you need are safety avoidance, verbal skills and a physical tactical plan.
Our key points we teach are Awareness. Assertiveness and Tactical training. Call for class times.
This school is recommended by an Army Ranger: Great place to train in self-defense. I drive all the way from Pismo Beach to train with this guy and would highly recommend him! He’s helped me with being able to verbally de-escalate the situation as well as Understanding body language. All of this at an affordable price. ~ John Shadwick"I’m just a basic woman who loves her freedom and simply wants to walk confidently down any street after dark, or return safely to my car at in a deserted mall parking lot. I decided it is a necessity in today’s world to be educated to protect myself. I felt comfortable and welcome from the start with Dana Charvet at MORRO BAY MARTIAL ARTS. It’s a very uplifting and healthily addictive experience because you will have the opportunity to develop new skills you never even knew existed. I always feel empowered after class and am already looking forward to next time as I walk out the door." ~ Corky Mason Summers
I was referred to Dana Charvet, owner of Morro Bay Martial Arts, by a health professional in another field. The suggestion was made based on the belief that learning self defense would empower me as an individual, build my independence as a woman, and replace feelings of fear with self confidence, defensive skills, and a new found feeling of independence. I have achieved that and so much more through the personalized training I receive from Dana Charvet. Before I committed to the program, I researched Dana’s credentials and found that he has mind blowing achievements in the USA and international martial arts scene as well as experience consulting and performing in televised fight shows and movies. He has coached professional athletes in many fields by integrating martial arts movements into their seemingly unrelated field such as professional skating or basketball. He is a coach to actors and pro sports teams in the arena of martial arts. I am astounded and appreciative that I am able to have personalized coaching from a 6 degree black belt martial artist who is an acclaimed teacher and do this at a price that I can afford to pay. I have been training with Dana for a year. I look at my sessions with him as a reward to myself for all the hard work and attention I give to others all week long in my own career as a spa owner. I have referred quite a few acquaintances to him who also love the experience. My long time friends comment that they have never seen me look so good! I feel great and am proud of myself for my personal growth and new skills. I’ve increased my mind and body benefits by stepping up my workouts from once a week to three times a week. My husband loves the fact that I come home “high” after a session with Dana. Most importantly, I love the fact that I have upped my personal bliss by pushing myself to new levels of fitness and confidence that make me feel great about myself and my life. I highly recommend Dana Charvet at Morro Bay Martial Arts as the coach who will custom tailor your training and enable you to achieve your personal growth goals! ~ Melissa Morton
KICKBOXING - LIGHT & ADVANCED CLASSES
Kickboxing is a group of stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate mixed with boxing. Kickboxing is practiced for self-defense, general fitness, or as a contact sport.
Such. A. Good. Workout! "I absolutely love taking this class Dana is a great instructor. Kickboxing is such a great work out! But this is more than a work out, you really learn more than just kicks and punches. Dana teaches self-defense moves, breathing technique and more. I definitely recommend this class to anyone who not only wants to lose weight, but be more mentally focused as well as gain some self defense knowledge and moves. Not to mention it’s a wonderful stress relief. Thanks Dana!" - Lanster, Jan 2019
I can't believe how much time and money I spent training with the inexperienced instructors at the Paragon & Budo Ryu Kickboxing classes. There is a big difference in the techniques, but most importantly its how Dana Danger Charvet gets you to think, not only are you trained in the correct 'basic' techniques, but how to breathe, focus, and handle stress. His footwork is amazing! After training with the X Pro fighter and world champion 'Danger' I was also able to shorten the time I train and double the benefits. It's a shame that these other schools charge more then he does and offer less. I met UFC Hall of Fame MMA champions Randy Couture and 'Rampage' Jackson & they said They trained with Dana & highly recommended him as the Best. I have so much fun- the guy is hilarious and deadly. I highly recommend this school. ~ SassyGirl
TAI CHI & QI GONG - ADVANCED & BEGINNER
Tai chi has been recommended by doctors and health organizations such as the American heart, lung, and arthritis associations, just to name a few, for its numerous benefits.
But what is Tai chi?
Tai chi is an ancient form of meditative exercise which originated in China, and is easily recognized by it’s slow, captivating movements. Originally Tai chi was developed as a martial art but it is now practiced by millions of people around the world to improve and maintain good health.
According to Chinese history Tai chi began at the Shaolin Temple, famous for its kung fu. Tai chi follows the principles of Yin and Yang, the two opposing forces of life such as night and day, positive and negative, open and closed, expansion and contraction. Today we might call it standard and dynamic, or isometric and kinetic movements.
The Chinese believe we all have an internal energy called chi, which exists within our body. It is stored in the lower abdomen in an area known as the “Dan Tien” and runs through channels called meridians. Chi gives us our vitality and allows us to grow and develop. When we are firstborn we have an abundance of Chi but by the time we reach an old age it is declining, with the regular practice of tai chi we are able to replenish some of this energy. Interruptions to the flow of Chi can cause ill health. One of the many benefits of Tai chi is that it enhances the flow of Chi throughout the body and discourages blockages.
There’s more to the body than just the anatomical and physiological aspects. There is the “functionality” of the body, that’s the way the body works and functions on every level. Tai chi is being in a state of alert rest while moving, which is the “functionality” of the bodies systems: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, endocrine, exocrine, immune and lymphatic, renal and urinary, reproductive, and respiratory. Tai chi can trigger positive “functionality” in our body. It can enhance and sustain the functionality of all of our systems by the way we breathe feel and move, along with focusing on soothing harmonizing and balancing thoughts. That functionality is our main process of life.
These mind body and energetic practices developed so many years ago have amazing influences on all areas of the body through what the “Ancients” called Chi.
The delight of Tai chi is that anyone can practice it, anytime, anywhere in almost any state of health. There is no age limit.
The many reasons for practicing Tai chi include: To improve health. To reduce stress levels. To increase your energy. To improve concentration. To have a better quality of sleep. Strengthen bones muscles and joints. Increase flexibility. Improve digestion. Improve heart and lung function. Prevent age related health issues. To become a moving meditation to quiet and focused the mind. To use as self-defense.
Tai chi’s slow movements provide the opportunity to relax and strengthen your body, without risk of strain or injury. It is also particularly suitable for the elderly, as it improves balance and strength, preventing injury from falls. Many people begin Tai chi with injuries or bad health and their primary focus is to aid their recovery. Correct breathing and posture during Tai chi is essential for the flow of chi and to avoid unnecessary strain.
The first noticeable benefit is usually a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Becoming aware of your breathing & which parts of your body are tense and how to relax them, result in a calmer mind and body. The benefits of Tai chi quickly flow into other areas of your life, allowing for a more relaxed and healthy approach to daily activities. After a period of time you should begin to sense your own energy or chi. Regular practice is the key to progress and with repetition the movements will become automatic, allowing your tai chi to be relaxed and flowing.
There is an ancient Chinese proverb which states that even the longest journey starts with the first step. Tai chi can be a lifelong study, with the benefits and rewards relative to the amount of time and effort you put into it. With regular practice your tai chi will become more relaxed reducing your stress and tension levels. This will enable you to gain the full benefit of this graceful art.
Qi Gong is much more than merely a physical fitness experience. It is a mind, body, and spiritual practice that encompasses posture, movement, meditation, breathing, and some martial arts training. Traditionally, people who have practiced Qi Gong value it for its positive affects on their mental and physical health and their spirituality. In fact, some studies suggest that Qi Gong can benefit people who are suffering from a wide array of health conditions.
Very talented instructor/mentor: "Dana Charvet has taught me a variety of martial arts and so much more. I really like the personalized Tai Chi classes. He is helping me feel and see more light and tap into universal energy. I feel closer to my goals after each class. Good stuff. . Dana is a expert in martial arts and can assist you in reaching your goals." - Starwalker, June 2017
I LOVE THIS PLACE! "The techniques and shortcuts he has are great. I move, breathe and think better. Thanks to Danger. You need to come in and train with this guy he's the Best! Great classes and Great prices!" - Kelly
