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FULL CIRCLE DEFENSE TRAINING CORPORATION

NEED/PROBLEM

In order for self-defense training to be useful a person must be trained in functional techniques, self-defense philosophy, strategy and tactics, and have a working knowledge of a person's rights and obligations under the law.

The overwhelming majority of martial arts schools fail on all counts because their main purpose is profit. Their focus is on anything that increases profit such as sport and tournament karate, most often at the expense of serious self-defense training.

Secondly, there has been an alarming increase in both tuition and belt test fees. It is not uncommon for a student to spend $100.00 per month in tuition and anywhere from $50.00 to $1,500.00 in test fees depending on the belt rank. This puts training out of reach for lower income students and families who are, statistically, more likely to need self-defense skills than those with higher incomes. For this reason the focus of Full Circle Defense Training will be to serve those individuals and families that would otherwise not seek, would find it difficult, or would not complete and receive training.

Commercial karate schools charge between $50 and $100/month per student. The most successful commercial schools charge closer to the $100/month mark. Our tuition is currently $30/month per student. Additional family members are billed at 1/2 price. Our goal is to hold tuition at the $50/month mark in order to keep our training affordable for lower income students.

In the future we would like to set up a scholarship program that will help pay tuition and equipment costs of deserving students who are unable to afford the regular fees.

Given the number of students we have currently and the number of instructors the school operates close to costs. Our goal is for the school to make enough money to provide premium service with regard to instruction, facility and equipment. This is possible at the $50/month tuition rate.

Karate doesn't appeal to everyone, but nearly everyone is interested in some kind of self-defense training. This has given rise to the seminar self-defense industry. However, many self-defense programs overlook self-defense philosophy, strategy, tactics, conditioning and legal issues while teaching techniques that can put the student at great disadvantage when called upon to answer for their actions in court. The results are students unprepared for the physical, mental and psychological rigors of self-defense and its aftermath.

There is also the problem of practice. In order for a student to develop their self-defense skills, they must practice. A one time seminar is of little practical use when someone is facing a violent attacker. Further, a significant number of programs that teach pain compliance techniques - often referred to as non-violent - never address tactics to be used when pain compliance isn't enough. Thus, many students believe they are capable of defending themselves, and their loved ones, in any situation when they are not.

We believe a non-profit self-defense organization can serve a public good through dedication to complete self-defense and karate training that is accessible to everyone.

MISSION

We offer life enhancing opportunities by providing exceptional training and superior service. Through innovation and positive reinforcement we help people achieve their potential in spirit, mind and body.

VISION

Full Circle Defense Training Corporation, d/b/a Full Circle Karate and d/b/a Progressive Self-Defense Solutions, will become the community's first choice for complete self-defense training.

GUIDING VALUES

1. LIFE HAS VALUE. Innocent life has value and meaning. Therefore the defense of innocent life and health is imperative.

2. FOCUS OF SELF-DEFENSE. The focus of self-defense is the preservation of innocent life and health. The preservation of innocent life and health is a higher ethic than the preservation of the life and health of a predator.

3. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY. Each person is personally responsible for his or her own self-defense. A person can be proactive the police can only be reactive.

4. PREVENTION. The ultimate goal of self-defense is to prevent violent encounters. The ultimate result of a good self-defense strategy is when nothing happens.

5. WORLD VIEW. Some people are non-violent all of the time. Some people are violent some of the time. Some people are predators. A person needs to have functional self-defense strategies to deal with people in the last two categories.

6. LEGAL JUSTIFICATION. Use of force is justified when a person reasonably believes that it is necessary for the defense of oneself or another against the immediate use of unlawful force. However, a person must use no more force than appears reasonably necessary in the circumstances.

7. NATURAL LAW JUSTIFICATION. Self-defense is a component of natural law. For example: when a predator in the wild attacks an animal, the attacked animal defends itself, it's offspring, it's mate and other members of it's social order.

8. SELF-DEFENSE TOOLS. The greatest tool for self-defense is the mind. A person must be aware of their surroundings, aware of people's moods and body language. Action must be taken at an early stage to prevent a violent confrontation.

The second most important tool for self-defense is words. Words are used to calm an aggressive person. A well-placed apology, regardless of fault, can go a long way to preventing a violent confrontation.

The third most important tool for self-defense is the feet. Use them to clear the danger zone.

The fourth tool, and last resort, is a person's physical capacity to defend themselves and the will to use force, if necessary. Force is employed to create an opportunity to leave the danger zone.

9. ONGOING PROCESS. Self-defense is not a one-time class, a book or a program on videotape. It is an ongoing process and lifestyle component that requires regular practice, evaluation and consideration.

GOALS

Our students will have a clear understanding of the legal and liability issues surrounding self-defense. They will have a clearly articulated philosophy of self-defense and a set of functional techniques in case they are called upon to defend themselves.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our board consists of people from diverse backgrounds who bring with them vast experience in martial arts, and in life. We look forward to adding additional board members from the community to further enhance our diversity and experience.

SCOT COMBS

Education: Brown College - ('78-'79) - Broadcasting; Bethel College - ('77-'78) - Communications; Washburn University - ('76-'77) Philosophy; Graduated Washburn Rural HS Topeka, Kansas - ('76); Edina, Minnesota public schools - ('63-'75).

Affiliations/Volunteer Work: Member, Centennial United Methodist Church. ('78-'80) - Young Life leader/cell master for Kellogg HS Roseville, Minnesota. ('00-'03) - Board member Minnesota Amateur Rugby Foundation.

Martial Arts Background: Head Instructor - ('01-Present) - NW YMCA Shoreview, MN. 2nd Dan (black belt) rank in karate and third kyu (brown belt) rank in kobudo (weapons). Junan Shorin Ryu - ('90-Present). Additional study in Judo, Ju Jitsu, Aiki Ju Jitsu, Jeet Kun Do, Tae Kwon Do, and pressure point. Western wrestling - ('69-'76).

Extensive study in self-defense including technique, philosophy, use of force, tactics, legal parameters, physiological response and liability issues.

Licenses/Certifications: Certified by the Red Cross in First Aid, CPR and AED. Trained for and, following extensive background check, granted a permit to carry in the state of Minnesota.

KEVIN GRUBER
Education: Dunwoody Industrial Institute - ('82-'84) - Electrical Construction and Maintenance; Graduated from Tartan HS ( '82) ranked 65 of 465 students. St. Paul Schools ("70-'82)
Affiliations/Volunteer Work: Boy Scout Leader - 5 years. Confirmation Guide, Como Park Lutheran Church - 4 years. Pre-kindergarden to 3rd grade music teacher, Como Park Lutheran Church - 3 years.
Martial Arts Background: ('99 - Present) Junan Shorin Ryu. 3rd degree brown belt in Shorin Ryu. Additional training in pressure point and self-defense.
Licenses/Certifications: Certified by the Red Cross in First Aid, CPR and AED.

MICHAEL KLINEPIER
Education: Minnesota School of Business - AAS - Computer Graphics/Multimedia ('00); University of Minnesota - BA - History ("99); Anoka Ramsey Community College - AA - Liberal Arts - ('95); Blaine High School ("95).

Martial Arts Background: Began Tae Kwon Do at 12yrs. Became assistant instructor upon advancement to black stripe at 15. Promoted to Instructor upon achieving Black Belt at 16. At 19 became head instructor of school of approx. 250 students. Hold rank of 3rd degree. Additional training in Judo, Ju jitsu, Aikido, and full contact kickboxing. Intensive training in non-violent self-defense.

Licenses/Certifications: Certified Master Instructor for CDT, a national self-defense training organization. Certified by the Red Cross in First Aid, CPR and AED.

FACILITY

Full Circle Karate and Progressive Defense Solutions will teach classes at the Moundsview Community Center in Moundsview, Minnesota.

CURRICULUM

Full Circle Karate curriculum will focus on classical Shorin-Ryu style karate. Shorin-Ryu is one of the great styles from Okinawa that incorporates Okinawin self-defense techniques with influences from Shaolin and White Crane Kung Fu.

Beginning students will be trained in typical blocking, punching, kicking,
throwing and escape techniques. Advanced students will study joint locking, grappling, pressure point and defense against weapons techniques.

Throughout, students will be exposed to the 9 principles of self-defense, martial philosophy that holds discipline, self-control and social harmony as virtues to aspire to and a person's rights and obligations under the law.

Students in the black belt ranks will be exposed to great thinkers from many cultures as a way to develop a thoughtful and contemplative approach to life. They will read books by these authors and submit papers as part of their test requirements. These lessons will help students make good decisions even when under extreme stress.

Progressive Defense Solutions curriculum will consist of regular seminars focusing on self-defense techniques, strategies, tactics, philosophy and a citizen's rights and obligations under the law.

Regular classes will be held to give students a place to practice their skills and improve their conditioning. Goals will be set on an individual basis so that students and instructors can measure progress. Students will be exposed to case studies of self-defense events that will be examined for strategy, tactics, philosophy, technique and the rights and obligations of a citizen.

Self-defense seminars will be scheduled at least once a month at the Moundsview Community Center, area YMCAs, and other facilities.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Monday:

6 - 6:45pm Parent/Child (6-12yrs) Karate
7 - 8pm Adult Kobudo (weapons)
8 - 9pm Adult Karate

Tuesday:

6 - 6:45pm Parent/Child (6-12yrs) Karate
7 - 8pm Adult Karate
8 - 9pm Sparring

Thursday:

6 - 6:45pm Parent/Child (6-12yrs) Karate
7 - 8pm Adult Kobudo (weapons)
8 - 9pm Adult Karate