The Science of Self-Defense

Practical, Realistic, Versatile, & Comprehensive Self-Defense

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Front Range Defensive Arts

Front Range Defensive Arts is dedicated to providing professional, safety-focused firearms training rooted in real-world defensive principles. Our approach to Defensive Arts emphasizes responsible decision-making, practical skills, and confident preparedness for everyday life. Whether you’re new to firearms or looking to advance your training, our instruction is built to help you develop safe, effective, and reliable defensive abilities.
The Professor and Head Instructor has trained in many different martial art styles that are all based on the same baseline (basic) concepts and principles, which makes it easy for a student to learn. The styles of martial arts include the following: Defensive Services International (Combat Hapkido, Taekwondo, Tactical Pressure Points, Ground Survival, and Defensive Weapon Programs), Hock Hochheim’s Survival Centric (Defensive Empty Hand, Knife, Stick, and Gun), and Kajukenbo (Japanese/Korean Karate, Judo/Jujitsu, Kenpo, and Chinese Boxing) – Goldade Method.

Real-world self-defense training for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience.

Based in Colorado Springs, CO. Train practical striking, control, and survival skills through structured classes that build calm under pressure, whether you’re brand new or experienced.
Throughout our program, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, but we also stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.
We are dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education, and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop, and succeed in their personal goals.
  • Safety-first coaching & progressive training
  • Welcoming environment for all to achieve, develop, and succeed
  • Practical, realistic, & versatile techniques you can apply immediately
Confrontation - Man and Woman Empty Hand
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Training Qualities

A self-defense class emphasizes practical, realistic training that builds confidence, awareness, and resilience. Instruction focuses on safe, progressive skill development, hands-on practice, and adaptability under pressure, while fostering discipline, control, and responsible use of techniques in real-world situations.

Training Qualities - Practical and Realistic Training

Practical & Realistic Training

Psychological & Emotional Conditioning
Joint Manipulation & Escorting
Trapping & Balance Disruption
Weapon Disarming / Avoidance
Integrated Tactical Pressure Points
Practical Ground Survival

Training Qualities - Clear Progression - Rank Level Structure

Clear Progression

Structured Learning (Basics to Advanced)
Extensive Rank Advancement Curriculum
Hapkido, TaeKwonDo, Survival Centric
Defensive Weapon (Knife, Stick, Gun)

Training Qualities - Small Group Focused Training

Small Group Focused Training

Focused Private & Small Group Training
Personalized Attention
Cost Effective
Motivation & Accountability
Individually Structured Training

Why Train Self-Defense?

Self-defense training prepares you for real life, builds confidence (changing how you move through the world), sharpens awareness, and gives you the proper set of tools to protect yourself and others when it truly matters

Safety & Awareness

Self-defense training teaches you how to recognize danger early, avoid risky situations, and respond effectively if avoidance isn’t possible. Awareness, positioning, and decision-making are often more important than physical strength.

Confidence

Knowing you can protect yourself reduces fear and panic. This confidence often carries over into work, relationships, and everyday interactions, helping you stay calm and assertive in stressful situations.

Real-World Skills

Unlike sport fighting, self-defense focuses on:

  • Common attacks and threats
  • Escaping grabs and holds
  • Defending against larger or stronger attackers
  • Using everyday movement and leverage

The goal is survival and escape, not winning a fight.

Mental Resilience

Training develops:

  • Stress management
  • Faster reaction time
  • Clear thinking under pressure

These mental skills are valuable in emergencies, conflict resolution, and high-stress environments.

Fitness & Coordination

Self-defense improves:

  • Balance and mobility
  • Strength and endurance
  • Coordination and reflexes

All while being more engaging.

Empowerment

Self-defense is not about aggression. It empowers people of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds to take responsibility for their own safety and boundaries.

Legal & Ethical

Good training also covers:

  • When force is justified
  • Proportional response
  • De-escalation strategies

This helps you protect yourself without creating legal trouble.

Safety & Awareness Confidence Real-World Skills Mental Resilience Fitness & Coordination Empowerment Legal & Ethical
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How Training Works

Training in a self-defense class is progressive and practical, starting with fundamental skills and building toward realistic application. Students learn techniques step by step, practice them safely with partners, and gradually apply them under increased pressure to develop confidence, awareness, and effective decision-making. Emphasis is placed on personal safety, adaptability, and using skills responsibly in real-world situations.

How Training Works - Introduction Class

Introduction Class

The Basics & Get Oriented
Basic Situational Awareness

How Training Works - Build Fundamentals

Build Fundamentals

Stances, Balance, Footwork, & Striking
Control, Escapes, Safety Principles
Boundaries, Confidence, & Legal/Ethical Considerations

How Training Works - Pressure Test

Pressure Test

Scenario Drills & Progressive Resistance
Decision-Making & Adaptability
Emotional Control, Resilience, & Recovery

Self-Defense Programs

The following Age-Appropriate Programs are available for study:

  • The Lil’ Dragons Program (ages 3-6) is an introduction to martial arts in a basic, fun manner, reaching out to early childhood Instruction includes fundamental life skills, safety skills, basic martial arts training, and exercise.
  • The Youth Programs (ages 6-12) [Youth Hapkido and TaeKwonDo] teach children respect, responsibility, honesty, self-defense, teamwork, self-discipline, academic achievement, safety, leadership, goal setting, perseverance, and other life skills that students should benefit from their entire lives!
  • The Adult/Teen Programs (ages 13+) [Combat Hapkido and TaeKwonDo] It is a terrific way to learn practical self-defense, relieve stress, get in better shape, feel healthier, and make new friends!
  • The Survival Centric Programs (ages 14+) [Survival Centric: Hand (Unarmed), Impact Weapons (Stick), Knife, Gun/Counter-Gun, Close Quarters Concepts (CQC), Essential Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), and Pacific Archipelago Concepts (PAC)] It is a terrific way to learn ‘seamless applications’ of all weapons and tactics in all ranges, standing, kneeling, sitting, and on the ground!
  • The Kajukenbo Goldade Method Program (ages 14+) [Survival Centric: Hand (Unarmed) plus Kajukenbo specific requirements] It is a terrific way to learn and incorporate an added blend of striking, kicking, throwing, takedowns, joint locks, and weapon disarmament!

What You Will Learn

In a self-defense class, you will learn awareness and prevention strategies to recognize danger early and avoid confrontation, striking and movement skills to create space and protect yourself, flow and control techniques to maintain balance and adapt under pressure, and escapes and scenario-based training to respond effectively to common real-world situations with confidence and control.
Awareness and Prevention is about recognizing danger before it escalates and taking proactive steps to stay safe. It emphasizes understanding your surroundings, identifying potential threats, setting boundaries, and making informed decisions to avoid, escape, or de-escalate situations whenever possible.
Striking and Movement focuses on using simple, effective strikes combined with purposeful footwork to create space, maintain balance, and escape danger. Training emphasizes efficiency, control, and adaptability, allowing you to respond under stress while staying mobile and protecting yourself.
Flow and Control emphasizes staying balanced, calm, and adaptable during dynamic situations. It focuses on smoothly transitioning between movements and techniques, managing distance and pressure, and maintaining composure so you can respond effectively and safely as situations change.
Escapes and Scenarios focuses on breaking free from common holds, grabs, and disadvantaged positions while prioritizing safety and awareness. Training uses realistic scenarios to practice decision-making, movement, and control under pressure, preparing you to respond effectively and disengage in real-world situations.

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Professor Brian Harper

Professor Brian Harper

Professor's Purpose

Front Range Defensive Arts, training is practical, progressive, and respectful. You’ll get clear instruction, coaching that meets you where you are, and drills designed to help you perform under stress – without reckless sparring or ego.
The focus is to enhance the students’ choice of developing personal power, discipline, and respect through the teaching process. Front Range Defensive Arts’ shall master dynamic, fun, and empowering classes to become a well-rounded, versatile, open-minded, and excellent self-defense focused individual that is motivated, educated, and inspired to train for self-improvement and self-enhancement.
  • Progressive intensity—learn technique before resistance
  • Scenario-based learning with clear safety rules
  • Confidence, conditioning, and community
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Class Calendar

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Services / Memberships Offered

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Services

Seminars / Conferences
Service Options
  • 2-4 Hour Seminar
  • One Day Seminar
  • Two Day Conference
  • Private Lessons (General)
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Classes

Tuesdays / Thursdays
Fee Options
  • Single Class Drop-In
  • One-Night A Week
  • Two-Night A Week
  • Private Lessons (Program)
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Other

Organization / Test Fees
Program Options
  • ICHF: Membership / Belt Test Fees
  • ITA: Membership / Belt Test Fees
  • Survival Centric: Level Test Fees
  •  
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Ready To Train?

Build confidence, awareness, and real-world skills through practical training designed to help you stay safe, stay in control, and respond effectively under pressure. Start your journey today!

No prior experience is required. Our self-defense training is designed for all levels, starting with the basics and progressing at a safe, supportive pace so anyone can learn, build confidence, and develop effective skills.

Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Training is typically done in workout attire or a martial arts uniform. No special gear is required to get started.
Yes. Safety is a top priority in every self-defense class. Training is carefully structured, supervised, and progressive, with controlled drills and clear guidelines to ensure a supportive environment while building effective, real-world skills.
Getting started is easy. Simply sign up for a class, show up with comfortable workout clothes, and an open mindset. The instructor will guide you step by step, ensuring you feel welcomed, supported, and confident from your first session.

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The First Class is Free!!

Handcrafted & professional defensive tactics training.
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Prefer to call/text the Professor?
(719) 660-6901

Real-world self-defense training for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience.

Small Group Focused Training that is Practical and Realistic.

Confrontation - Man and Woman Empty Hand

The First Class is Free!!

Handcrafted & professional defensive tactics training.
Book Your Free Class!
Book It!
Contact The Professor!
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