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  • How Situational Awareness Keeps You Safe Before Violence Ever Starts

    Left of Danger: How Situational Awareness Keeps You Safe Before Violence Ever Starts Understanding the patterns that predict danger—and how to stay ahead of them. Most people think self-defense starts when someone grabs you, threatens you, or steps too close. But real safety begins long before that moment. The safest people in the world—Marines, protectors, covert operators—aren’t safe because they can fight. They’re safe because they can see danger forming before it reaches them. This type of early detection is called situational awareness, and it’s one of the most important skills we teach at California Defense Academy. It’s the skill ....

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  • Protecting the Gift: The Most Important Safety Lessons Every Parent Should Know

    Protecting the Gift: The Most Important Safety Lessons Every Parent Should Know A C.D.A. guide to raising confident, aware, safe kids — without fear. There’s a moment every parent knows well. Your child runs ahead in a parking lot. A new adult approaches them at a store. Someone offers “help” that doesn’t quite feel right. Your heart spikes. Your body stiffens. Your instincts flare. And here’s the truth: That instinct is the greatest parenting gift you will ever receive. In fact, one of the most powerful lessons we teach at California Defense Academy — and one of the core ideas behind the best child-safety research — is this: ✨ ....

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  • Understanding Violence: The Mindset That Saves Lives

    Understanding Violence: The Mindset That Saves Lives A C.D.A. guide to how real danger works—and how everyday people can stay safe. Most people imagine self-defense as punches, kicks, and complicated techniques. But anyone who has ever faced real violence knows the truth: physical skill is only half of survival. The other half—the part that determines whether you freeze, fight, or escape—is mindset. Not a movie mindset. Not a “tough guy” mindset. But a real, grounded understanding of how violence actually works in the real world. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we don’t just teach people how to defend themselves. We teach people ....

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  • Your Child’s Safety Is More Important Than Anyone’s Feelings

    Absolutely—here’s a heartfelt and powerful blog post designed to educate and equip parents to empower their children to trust their instincts, recognize red flags, and know when it’s okay to say “no”—even to an adult. This version reflects your values at California Defense Academy and keeps the tone practical, emotional, and protective. 🚫 Your Child’s Safety Is More Important Than Anyone’s Feelings Why It's Okay to Say "No"—Even to an Adult “Be polite.” “Respect your elders.” “Don’t talk back.” From an early age, kids are taught to listen to adults—and for the most part, ....

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  • What To Do If You're Being Followed in Your Car

    🚗 What To Do If You're Being Followed in Your Car Real-World Self-Defense Tips from a Personal Safety Expert You’re driving home from work. It’s dark. You make a few random turns. You check your mirror… That car is still behind you. Turn after turn. Street after street. Your gut tells you: something isn’t right. This moment is not the time to panic. It’s the time to get smart —fast. As a self-defense and personal safety expert, I’ve walked countless people through these moments—not just physically, but mentally. What you do next could protect your life. So let’s break it down clearly, calmly, and strategically. 🧠 MINDSET ....

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  • The Online Predator Trap: What Every Parent Needs to Know

    📱The Online Predator Trap: What Every Parent Needs to Know How Predators Lure Kids for Photos—And What You Can Do to Protect Them It can start with a friend request. A friendly DM. A shared interest in gaming, music, or a favorite show. They seem like a kid—maybe even the same age as your child. They ask normal questions. They joke. They’re kind. And then... They ask for a photo. Just one. And that’s where the trap is set. At California Defense Academy, we teach physical self-defense—but real-world safety now includes protecting your child from the threats they can’t see, hiding behind screens, usernames, and fake identities. This blog will walk ....

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  • Why We Should Stop Forcing Our Kids to Show Physical Affection—Even to Family

    🤗 “Give Grandma a Hug!” Why We Should Stop Forcing Our Kids to Show Physical Affection—Even to Family It happens at birthday parties, holidays, and family gatherings. An adult opens their arms and says, “Come here—give me a hug!” And the child freezes. Maybe they hesitate. Maybe they look uncomfortable. But they’re nudged forward anyway—because it’s Grandma. Or Uncle Joe. Or someone they “shouldn’t be rude to.” But here’s the truth: Just because it’s family doesn’t mean it’s okay. And just because it’s well-meaning doesn’t mean it’s harmless. At California Defense ....

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  • Why Krav Maga Is the #1 Self-Defense System for Real-World Safety

    Why Krav Maga Is the #1 Self-Defense System for Real-World Safety When it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones, not all martial arts are created equal. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we specialize in Krav Maga, the world’s most effective system for real-world self-defense. Unlike traditional martial arts that focus on competition or memorizing forms, Krav Maga was built for one purpose: to help everyday people go home safe. 🥋 What Is Krav Maga? Krav Maga is a practical and proven self-defense system developed for the Israeli Defense Forces in the mid-20th century. Unlike martial arts rooted in sport or tradition, Krav Maga was designed to protect ....

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  • Why Krav Maga Is the #1 Self-Defense System for Real-World Safety

    Why Krav Maga Is the #1 Self-Defense System for Real-World Safety When it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones, not all martial arts are created equal. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we specialize in Krav Maga, the world’s most effective system for real-world self-defense. Unlike traditional martial arts that focus on competition or memorizing forms, Krav Maga was built for one purpose: to help everyday people go home safe. 🥋 What Is Krav Maga? Krav Maga is a practical and proven self-defense system developed for the Israeli Defense Forces in the mid-20th century. Unlike martial arts rooted in sport or tradition, Krav Maga was designed to protect ....

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  • Why You Should Never Put Your Child’s Name on Their Backpack

    🎒 Why You Should Never Put Your Child’s Name on Their Backpack A Parent's Guide to One of the Most Overlooked Safety Hazards You want your child’s backpack to stand out. You want their water bottle to come home. So you write their name in big, bold letters—right where everyone can see it. It seems harmless. But for someone with bad intentions? It’s an open door. At California Defense Academy, we teach kids how to stay safe from physical threats. But one of the most important lessons we teach has nothing to do with striking or blocking—it’s about prevention. And few things are as easy to prevent—and as potentially dangerous—as a ....

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Character Development & Self-Defense for All Ages

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California Defense Academy Google five star review - Jeric Sorrell

Jeric Sorrell

I believe that California Defense Academy has some of the top talent in the self defense world. Ericka is a world class instructor who is sharp, aggressive, articulate, and highly educated in the field of self defense.

CDA is great for the experienced and inexperienced alike. They craft each instruction to match the skill level of their students and it's probably the most fun you can have burning calories and building muscle.

My problem with many martial arts is that they simply are not practical on the streets. CDA is highly practical. They give real world scenarios that you COULD find yourself in. This training is made to keep you and your family safe.

California Defense Academy Google five star review - ThisIs Me

ThisIs Me

Ms Erika is a quality instructor, life coach, and a true inspiration in life, family, and friendship. My husband, our two daughters and me, all trained with Ms. Erika for many years. Love her drive, her honesty, her character; she was, and still is, an excellent role model for our daughters growing up. She has helped shaped the young women they have developed into. I thank her for coming into our lives; it has been a blessing in so many ways.

California Defense Academy Google five star review - Chelle Chambliss

Chelle Chambliss

I enrolled my son in classes at California Defense Academy and I can not speak highly enough of this school. They offer a welcoming environment and knowledgeable instructors with a combination of martial arts backgrounds. They use real life situations and circumstances to teach practical self-defense while also actively working on character building. Ms Ericka and all the staff are engaging and make every student feel involved and my son is excited for every class!

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