Praxis Tactics

Praxis teaches self-defense and personal protection workshops in Tacoma since 2010. Most classes are private—scheduled for small businesses, non-profits, and families—though they offer a few open-enrollment courses annually.

Their philosophy is straightforward: make it simple, effective, and easy to learn, because this might be your only chance to practice. Every workshop emphasizes prevention, avoidance, de-escalation, and escape before physical contact.

A four-hour course split into three phases:

Phase 1: Detection & Deterrence - Threat awareness beyond basic situational awareness - Predator psychology and victim selection - Intuition, instinct, and intellect - Avoidance and escape strategies

Phase 2: De-escalation & Defusing - Verbal boundary setting and engagement - Understanding the "interview phase" predators use - Fear management and personal motivation - Positioning and physical boundaries

Phase 3: Physical Defense - Simple, effective techniques - Fight-or-flight psychology - Legal and moral aspects of self-defense - Flashlight use and common defensive tools

Three-phase course covering: - Vehicle security, parking lots, and street crime awareness - Pre-travel intelligence and in-transit threat mitigation - Hotel/housing security at destinations - Anti-kidnapping protocols and counter-custody escape methods

Three-phase digital security course: - Data privacy and breach protocols - Secure voice, email, and text communications - Cell phone and laptop hardening - Applications and services for protecting data

Classes taught at their Proctor district studio, privately with individuals/families, or on-site at your location. All content adjusts to group needs. Longer, in-depth versions of any course available.

Format: Presentations, discussions, role-playing scenarios, and physical training with staff in protective gear. Participants must be 14+. Wear comfortable clothing that may get stretched or damaged.

Instructor: Butch Trail is a retired Marine with a Masters in Business and Security Management, BS in Social Psychology, and 30+ years in security and business continuity planning. He's been the planner, responder, and survivor.