I'm John Festa, the founder. I've been training since 1975. I've taught seminars in the U.S. and Europe and every level of physical ability. I know this stuff works because my instructors actually used what they taught me. So have a few of my students.

• My first jujutsu teacher trained the U.S. Secret Service (presidential detail), federal and state law enforcement, and created the self-defense curriculum for the U.S. Marshals.
• My eskrima instructor came from a family that trained the Philippine Marines. He built his personal reputation as a professional fighter in live-blade bolo matches.
• My second jujutsu teacher was Bruce Lee's grappling instructor.
• I learned to box training one-on-one with a former NY State Golden Gloves fighter.
• My karate instructor fundamentally changed Western understanding of this Eastern martial art. He was also a sparring partner of Muhammad Ali.