A.C.W.A. Combatives - Independence

Tom Burt has been a martial artist for over 20 years. He runs the Independence, MO branch of A.C.W.A. Combatives—and he's not interested in teaching you forms, kata, or complicated techniques that take years to master.

• •What he teaches is different. A.C.W.A. focuses on instinctive skills using your entire body: hands, elbows, knees, feet. The philosophy is simple: what you learn in class today must work in the parking lot tonight. No exceptions.

Each lesson runs 1 hour and breaks down into three parts: - Body mechanics - Hands-on application - Self defense psychology

You train in street clothes (jeans and tennis shoes) for realism. There's a team member shirt that builds community. The environment is relaxed, safe, and friendly—people actually have fun learning and feel like part of a family.

• •Weekly group lessons for ages 14 and up
• •Private lessons for people with limited availability (schedules can be worked around)
• •Corporate seminars for wellness and team building

"Our A.C.W.A. Combatives Program is for anyone interested in becoming the best version of themselves they can be. From high school students to octogenarians, combat veterans to police officers—everyone can benefit."

The typical student roster includes high school and college students, working parents, professionals in their twenties through eighties, combat veterans, and law enforcement officers. Age and fitness level don't matter. Willingness to learn does.

Reality-based self defense means looking at real-world situations and applying tactics based on modern personal protection. You get a skill set that applies right away in today's environment—not next year, not after 100 hours of training. Now.