Women’s Only Back to School Seminar

August 3, 2013

10:00AM – 1:00PM

Check-In Begins at 9:15AM

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?

• Violence ranks as one of women’s top concerns worldwide.
• Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.
• College campuses are not immune to violent acts such as rape, assault, stalking or harassment.
• 1 in every 4 college women will be sexually assaulted by the time they graduate.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

• Focus is learning defenses against rape with an attacker in various positions (attacker is sitting on you, in-between your legs, on your stomach, onyour back, etc.).

WHO CAN ATTEND?

• Open to females 12 and up

 WHAT IS THE COST?

• Fee: $20
  Make checks payable to Dangerously Cute. No Refunds.
• All proceeds benefit the Rape Crisis Center

WHAT DO I BRING/WEAR?

• Attire: Long workout pants, t-shirt, sports bra, athletic shoes, no jewelry

STW’s programs and our work with non-profit organizations was recently highlighted on KCWX.

You can check out the story…

Click here to view the embedded video.

KCWX is the MyNetworkTV-affiliate for San Antonio, Texas, broadcasting on digital channel 5 and PSIP virtual channel 2. 

Pete Hardy…

It all started when he was 19…

Pete Hardy, owner of STW was featured in the June issue of MASuccess Magazine. MASuccess is the official magazine publication of the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA). Read about his success story and how he got started in the self-defense and fitness industry.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15907703/prev1

Making Heroes A Seminar at a Time!

by JAX

Click here to view the embedded video.

 The Second to None Texas Tour has ended with a literal— BANG! Make that several, actually, in five mock-up rooms with various active shooters simulating life and death threat situations. Our special guest and very knowledgeable, 6th Degree Black Belt and Chief U.S. Instructor, Darren Levine, toured the Texas State schools at the beginning of April starting in Houston teaching handgun, rifle, shotgun, and knife defense training which engaged members in anti-abduction and car-jacking scenarios. Then in May, the tour moved to Austin’s Fit and Fearless with active shooter training, concluding the grand finale in June, right here at our very own STW.

Participants put their skills to the test when placed in true-to-life venues. They were exposed to active shooter scenarios in a theater, concert hall, and mock bus. They also worked their way out of abduction situations in a 1400 square foot home, along with carjacking scenarios when placed in two suburbans and a sedan.

Although Mr. Levine initiated this tour with the intention to support his Texas Licensees and instructors for what they do, this seminar received a more meaningful and praiseworthy response from its participants. Based on some of the feedback we’ve gotten about this event, going through the simulated scenarios really helped to knock down barriers, released deep rooted fears and empowered many people who have been riddled with the ever present question: “WHAT IF? What if I was ever in a situation where my life depended on it? Would I fall apart… try to escape… or fend for my life?”

True to its model, Krav Maga places people in stressful situations to get them to RESPOND in ways the average person normally would not because they haven’t built the muscle memory or have the right mindset to do so. Darren Levine concurs, “The more you are forced to be in these conditions and under stressful situations, the better it will help you gauge where you are, testing not only the technique, but also the person. If there is a flaw in the technique, then the mindset of the person makes up for it. It also shows people how much more training they need to be able to do, to use it effectively. Everyone is different. Some people perform better under stress and some do not, but you will improve if you keep putting yourself in these situations more often and work on the technique. Bottom line is to train…train… TRAIN… in these situations so if something happens in the world, you are better prepared to react.” He also points out that these Krav Maga drills that are used to replicate reality, are also used to train our elite military units. Levine emphasized, “We know the Krav Maga defensive techniques are the best in the world (hence the seminar title, ‘Second to None’). What we don’t know is how the individual will perform once stress, fear, split second decision-making, exhaustion, etc., is introduced into the ‘defense equation’. Beyond the Krav Maga techniques, we must reach the inner being of the individual and improve their ability to defeat an adversary in real-life conditions. This seminar placed participants in conditions beyond their comfort zone…and that’s a very good thing!”

It certainly is, Mr. Levine, and that’s what the seminar did that day. In addition and sadly, due to our very litigious culture, we live in a world devoid of heroes. Plainly put, some simply do not act because they don’t want to get sued. Therefore, we are very proud of our members and THANK them for valiantly participating and for taking the BRAVE first step in CHOOSING to be HEROES by learning the skill sets needed to prepare them for survival.

Here’s what some had to say about our event:

I rarely go to the movies…tonight I looked up at the back row and decided I didn’t need to sit up there. In fact, the entrance/exit was behind me from where I chose to sit. I didn’t know who was coming and going but did know where the emergency exit was because that’s just responsible. I actually watched the movie and even talked to the people sitting next to me before the movie began. Watching the movie, talking to strangers…I know, right?! When I say that everyone should attend seminars at STW Krav Maga, this is why. I’ve never seen the world as a safe place, but now I’m letting my guard down a tiny bit at a time and am even letting people in a little. My world is becoming safe and I’m learning to relax. Thank you so much to all the people who made today possible, you’re helping my whole world expand. ~Janine

As anyone that knows me well knows that I trained seriously in Krav Maga years ago when I was in LA and I’ve started training again here in Austin. Yesterday, I spent the day with other people putting all those skills to the test in live-action simulations at an awesome seminar in San Antonio… People argue that they don’t like aggression or like to fight. Neither do I. I’m all for meditation and yoga. It’s great. But it’s not going to prepare you if someone is trying to kidnap or rape you (or your kids). If someone brings a fight to me, I know I have it in me to finish it! I’ll be back for more, achy body and all… Thank you, Darren Levine, Jeff Levine and STW San Antonio! ~ Robin

I just want to thank Pete Hardy and all the STW Krav Maga staff for hosting an amazing seminar on Saturday. Thanks for your dedication, discipline and effort to always give us 100% on everything. Glad to be part of it. Thanks Again. ~Francisco

It was a very positive experience. You get some excellent training on practical and applicable skills, especially in this day and age. These skills are given from two of the top instructors in Krav Maga, Pete Hardy and Darren Levine. Mr Levine is THE guy who embodies Krav Maga in the US. In fact, Mr. Hardy has said on many occasions, “I can train with anyone, but it’s with Darren that I get the best training.” To top it all off, after all the skills were taught, and demonstrated, you actually get to USE them and what’s more, in realistic scenarios! I don’t know how it went by so smoothly, but there was a concert, a movie theater, car-jackings and apartment invasions. All to show the attendee that indeed this “stuff” works. It was a great honor and pleasure to be able to help and be a part of this event. ~ Charles

One hell of a seminar at STW Krav Maga! The real life scenarios were an eye opener! Dealing with post event blues now ~ Vinayak

I had an awesome day at Krav Maga’s Second None Tour. They went all out! I feel honored to have been a part of it. So much fun! ~ Danielle

This tour was the first of its kind and it took a team effort to make it happen. Once again, we want to thank all the participants who traveled near and far for making safety and awareness in today’s world a priority, especially Mr. Darren Levine for taking time off your incredibly busy schedule to teach at this seminar. Thank you to all the Texas Krav Maga Worldwide Training Centers and their volunteers who worked the long hours to make this one of the biggest events of 2013.

True to the motto of everything being BIG in Texas, we look forward to making the next tour even GREATER… LOUDER… and BIGGER!

STW is taking it back old school…

Think back to a time in the weight room where you were told, “defeat is not an option”.

Think back to a time when the coach told you, “When you step into the weight room, you own the weights! Become the Boss because “Winners never Quit: Quitters never Win”.

Now step into the present and think about how STW trains…in order to be the Boss you have to train like a Boss, the rest will follow.

Welcome to the STW weight room…

Our latest evolution in fitness training is T-Boss Lifting (Train Like a Boss Lifting). This class is meant to build strength and muscle. Each class will focus on 1-2 muscle groups per session using Olympic bars, heavy dumbbells, squat racks, and benches.

Studies have shown that the more lean muscle mass you carry, the more efficiently you burn fat and calories. In the aging process, if you don’t replace the lean muscle mass you lose; you increase the percentage of body fat. Who wants that?

According to the CDC, there are many benefits to strength training. It can assist in reducing the signs and symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, back pain, and depression.

The other bonus to this type of training is injury prevention. According to the American College of Sport Medicine, “resistance training is beneficial for increasing bone strength, and muscular strength…as strength levels increase, the incidence of stress fracture is reduced.” Keeping your muscles well balanced reduces the risk of injuries that result when a muscle is weaker than its opposing muscle group.

Additionally, if you participate in other sports or activities, strength training is a great supplement to your exercise regime. It can take your sport or activity to the next level.

Why not feel great and look great! Nothing is more satisfying than the feeling of a great workout. If you want to “Train Like a Boss” and develop iron strength, this class is for you.

T-Boss is held in our APES Room on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 4:30PM. Starting Jul 10, there will be an early morning class on Wednesdays at 5:30AM.

 ”We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” -Aristotle

JUNE – AUGUST LIFTING SCHEDULE

Revved Up…Determined… and Most Improved!

By JAX

I’m proud to announce May’s Member of the Month, our very own sales adviser and Phase A partner, Trae Volpe. His dedication and determination recently earned him STW’s Most Improved Award in the Employee Self Defense department, and I am honored to write about him today.

I first met Trae about a year ago when he waltzed into the staff office, whistling and belting out loud to the tune of Chili Peppers’, Other Side. I could hear the microwave door crack open as something was being shoved into it, then shut. The low hum of the rotating tray released a sweet aroma of garlic and spices. This, of course rose my curiosity, and I just HAD to peek my head out of my office door to see…first of all… who was walking in so chipper…and secondly…what was cooking?

“Hi! I’m Trae!” he beamed. “Didn’t mean to interrupt… just heating up my meal,” he continued.

“What are you cooking?” I asked.

“Oh, just some recipe I’m following to help me trim down,” he answered.

“Good luck with that,” I said sincerely, having been there myself, I know it’s challenging to start a diet to trim down, only to have it crash and you begin to balloon back up again. But that wasn’t the case for Trae. I was impressed by the fact that not only did he stick to the diet, I began to see positive changes that worked for him as each day he would pop in with what I like to call, his “Lunch Serenade,” always eager to greet and exchange recipe ideas.

Fast forward a year later, not only had he trimmed down like he said was going to, but he was also one of our top sales advisers in our center and working towards his Phase A (Level 1 Instructor) certification. Here’s his story:

In high school, I was pretty athletic, so I never had any trouble with my weight. At 5’6”, I weighed about 175 lbs. I participated in various sports such as football, track, and power lifting, so I was constantly training. After I graduated, the motivation to work out just wasn’t there anymore. I no longer had a coach or teammates to motivate me and push me to train. I was naive to think I would work out here and there and still keep the same physique. I kept telling myself that I would hit it hard but never really did. I signed up for cheap gym memberships and only went once in a blue moon. I suppose it was boredom from using the same exercise equipment that caused the lack of motivation.

By 2006, exactly two years after I graduated, I finally moved to San Antonio from Laredo, and I remember weighing myself. I FREAKED out! I was at 206 lbs. My eating, drinking, and smoking habits got worse and worse, because I was constantly eating fast food and smoking a pack every other day. My weight gradually increased until finally I was weighing over 220 lbs. My girlfriend, family members, and friends would give me little hints about gaining weight, and I would simply shrug them off. When my mom or girlfriend would try to have a serious conversation about my eating habits, or working out, I would get mad or just dismiss it completely. I was always “thinking” about doing it, but I never really did anything about it.

I remember constantly seeing the commercials for STW Krav Maga during my many and many hours of staying in and watching T.V. and got interested in the concept of learning self defense techniques and getting a workout. I finally signed up for a free trial late one night and got a call the next morning. I set an appointment for a bag class for that evening. After taking the class I knew I was hooked. I came out of it dripping with sweat. My heart was pounding; I was huffing and puffing for air, and somehow still managed to crack a smile. After taking fitness and bag classes for a couple of weeks, I began taking Krav Maga. Balancing my full time classes at Texas A & M San Antonio, my previous job, fitness classes, and self defense was somewhat of a challenge at first. However, the weight was falling off, and my energy level was increasing. I began to see real muscle definition, and most of all, I was having fun! So I MADE time. I finally found a program that I could be dedicated to. I lost at least 30 lbs within my first 5 months, so I wanted to encourage others to reach their fitness goals too. My confidence level also increased not only because of my fitness results, but because of the progress I was making in my Krav Maga training.

I eventually applied for a membership adviser position and got the job. I was a believer in STW Krav Maga, the fitness and the fighting system, and I wanted to make believers out of other people. I wanted to change lives just like STW changed mine. I wanted to have an impact on people’s lives by teaching them how to defend themselves as well, since I am a firm believer that no one should live in constant fear of being attacked.

In one year, I am now at 172 lbs, and in better shape than I was in high school. I recently passed my Krav Maga Instructor certification test. It was challenging and fun, a great experience, and I was honored to have shared that with my Krav brothers and sisters. I hope I can continue to help change the lives of our members. This is truly Stuff That Works. I will always be grateful to the STW instructors and staff for changing my life forever. THANK YOU so much from the bottom of my heart!

You are most certainly welcome, Trae! It was an honor having you as a partner at the Phase A test. You never ceased to stop motivating others, even when you were dog-tired yourself. Your selfless and positive attitude will continue to inspire others to make changes in their lives, and this is why the STW family is proud to honor you as May’s Member of the Month.

We will debut our Breakfast of Champs Early Morning Classes in July! Classes will begin the July  10th at our Blanco location.

We will hold two fitness classes a week at 5:30AM. Wednesdays will be our new T-Boss and Thursdays will be MixFit.

Classes are limited to 30 people per class; therefore, you must register online or at our Blanco location.

Wed, 5:30 AM – T-Boss: This class is meant to build strength and muscle. The more lean muscle mass you carry, the more efficiently you burn fat and calories. Studies have shown if you don’t replace the lean muscle mass you lose in the aging process, you will increase the percentage of fat in our body. If you want to “Train Like a Boss” and develop iron strength, this class is for you. This class will be taught in our special APES room.

Thurs, 5:30AM MixFit: A rigorous 60 minutes of interval training. Twenty (20) minutes of explosive, varied movements incorporated with heavy weights, and twenty (20) minutes of heightened cardio work with minimal rest between each set, fifteen (15) minutes of abdominal work at the end. Be prepared for anything from sprints to punching on bags or shields, so bring fingerless MMA gloves.

NOTE: You must have Blanco privileges to attend these classes.

STW will be hosting the grand finale of the Krav Maga Wordlwide Texas Tour, “Second to None.” We will still be holding classes at our Blanco and Crossroads locations. There are no changes to the Blanco schedule; however, the below is the Crossroads schedule.

The schedule for Saturday, June 1 is as follows:

8:15AM – Fitness Cycling

10:15AM – MixFit with KettleBell and Cardio Bag (Bring your gloves)

10:30AM – Combined KM – All Levels

11:30AM – MixFit with Cardio Bag (Bring your gloves)

By Jax

150 people attended the “Second to None Texas Tour” seminar at Houston’s Krav Maga Worldwide North April 20th and 21st. Chief Instructor Darren Levine, a 6th degree Krav Maga Black Belt and Deputy District Attorney of LA county led the seminar, teaching applicable life-savings skills to help counter act against threats with rifle, knife, and gun assaults.

In light of recent shootings and knife attacks, Mr. Levine knows first-hand and declares openly that the “system of Krav Maga helps people prepare against modern day threats.” It is becoming increasingly evident that we are living in a world that requires not only situational awareness of the space others occupy as we go out and about our daily lives, but there is also a need to formulate a plan in the unexpected event that we would come face-to-face with such threats. Which is why I asked him what his experience about being a deputy district attorney in LA taught him about the need for people to be more proactive about their safety?

“I’ve been doing some very big cases in LA county for almost 24 yrs now. I’ve handled many murder cases, gang cases, murders that occurred during a robbery, murders that occurred during a rape, murders that are domestic related, and I specialize in murders of police officers. So I’m looking at what gangs are doing. I’m looking at the reality at how attacks start, precursors to the attack, what happens just before, what happens when it’s sudden, when people fail, and how people get themselves killed, understanding the tactics and mindset of an attacker. To defeat someone who is going to kill you, rob you or rape you, you have to have a lot of experience with what happens during these incidences, not in a martial arts studio, but in the context of what is happening on the street. So when I’m doing a murder case for example, I put on experts, eyewitnesses, surviving victims of crimes, and I know what happened and what they went through. I’ll ask questions that no one else would think about asking because of my Krav Maga experience, but also my DA experience comes to help me with Krav Maga, because it makes everything streetwise and everything real, and I’m able to bring that to people when I teach.”

He’s certainly bringing it with the “Second to None Texas Tour” well on its way to the Grand finale, and Mr. Levine hopes to inspire others to take action when it comes to protecting themselves or their loved ones. According to Mr. Levine, the premise behind the tour was meant to support the Krav Maga Worldwide Texas instructors.

“I have a lot of respect for the Texas instructors,” he said, “They’re the real deal; they know what they’re doing; they’re highly trained; highly reputable, and the idea of this tour was to go to Texas to make sure everyone knew who these top instructors were, because they are the top in the world, and that’s why I’m doing the Second to None tour, to support people like Pete Hardy, CJ Kirk, while they are at the very top of their game and so people could know what real Krav Maga is like.”

People are certainly finding out what Krav Maga is all about, and here is what some of them had to say about the seminar:

“One of my coworkers was Jim Kilroy, and around 1982 his son Mark Kilroy was abducted in Matamoros, Mexico….he was sacrificed in a Santeria ritual, and it made me want to know more about how to defend myself in this type of situation and know what to do.” ~ Paul Waites

“We came to the seminar because with car jackings and people with guns out there, we wanted to know how to formulate a plan in case we were ever in that type of situation.”~ Armando and Melodie

“This was my first time doing Krav Maga. The class was awesome; instructors were great and fun to learn. I carry a weapon, so I wanted to learn how to disarm someone with it if one was ever pulled on me, and I didn’t have the time to draw mine. Darren Levine knows what he is doing.” ~Trey Cunningham

“Good level of content and Darren Levine puts across the techniques in a simple and memorable manner.  (I) am glad to have come over from the UK and will (go) away with some new KM skills and new friends!” ~Colin Marshall (non-student, traveled to Houston from UK solely for seminars)

“The seminar was great. The information given was useful and practical. The constant application and repetition made it well above other “practical” seminars. If I forgot what to do, I honestly believe my muscle memory would activate and do what needed to be done. The scenarios made the defenses more applicable and easier to understand.” –Neil Zozobrado (KMH)

With a 6th degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, Mr. Levine is more than a qualified expert. We look forward to having him here at STW for the Grand Finale on June 1st. If you are interested in taking prep classes for the seminar, please see the link below for a list of dates and registration:

http://krav-maga-san-antonio.com/uncategorized/texas-tour-prep-classes/

Get ready to learn the following:

1. At our 30,000 sq ft facility you will be placed in real life scenarios to help you formulate a plan for a home invasion, abductions, car-jackings in and out of vehicles, and active shooter scenarios in public settings such as a bus, airplane, concert and movie theater.

2. Put into practice all the techniques you learn in true-to-life venues like our 1400 square foot house, 2 suburban’s, mock airplane/bus and theater.

3. Train using a Glock-17 with UTM marking rounds and shock knives.

Take a proactive stance for your safety and don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from two of the best Krav Maga Black Belt experts in the nation. Register now to attend this seminar and don’t forget to sign up for the prep classes to fully prepare you for this event.