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  • Improvised Weapons: Everyday Objects That Can Help You Stay Safe

    When you think about self-defense, the first thing that comes to mind might be punches, kicks, or maybe a formal weapon like pepper spray or a baton. But in a real-life situation, you may not have time to grab a dedicated tool. That’s where improvised weapons come into play—everyday items you can use to protect yourself when you’re caught off guard. At California Defense Academy (C.D.A.), we believe that part of being prepared is learning how to think creatively. Knowing how to use what’s already in your environment as a self-defense tool can give you an edge when seconds count. Let’s explore some of the best improvised weapons and how they can help you go ....

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  • Beyond Self-Defense: How CDA Builds Character in Every Class

    Why CDA Focuses on Character Development Alongside Self-Defense At California Defense Academy (CDA), we get it—when most people hear "self-defense," they immediately picture punches flying, kicks landing, and someone confidently standing their ground. And while that’s a big part of what we teach, there’s another layer to what we do here, something that often goes unnoticed but is just as important— character development. You see, self-defense is about a lot more than just physical strength. Sure, it’s empowering to know you can protect yourself, but what really makes someone strong is who they are on the inside. That’s why we put such a huge focus ....

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  • Go Home Safe: Real-Life Self-Defense Skills Every Adult Should Know

    When was the last time you thought about your personal safety? Most of us go through life assuming that danger is something that happens to other people, in other places. But here’s the reality—no one is immune to unexpected situations. Whether it’s a late-night walk to your car or a routine grocery run, knowing how to protect yourself isn’t just a nice skill to have—it’s a game changer. At California Defense Academy (C.D.A.), we don’t just teach self-defense—we teach real-world skills that empower you to handle any situation. From staying aware of your surroundings to defending against a violent attack, our approach covers everything you ....

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  • More Than Just a Punch: How Training at CDA Builds Leadership Skills in Kids

    When most people think about martial arts like Krav Maga, karate, or self-defense training, they picture strikes, kicks, and cool techniques. But at California Defense Academy (CDA), it’s so much more than just learning how to throw a punch. Beyond self-defense, we focus on something equally important—building leadership skills in kids. In every class, our students aren’t just becoming stronger and faster; they’re becoming leaders. How? Let’s break it down. 1. Confidence Through Mastery Leadership starts with confidence. Kids need to believe in themselves before they can inspire others. As students practice and master new techniques—whether it’s ....

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  • Fitness with a Purpose: How Self-Defense Training Can Change Your Life

    When most people hear the word "fitness," they probably think of running on a treadmill, lifting weights, or maybe hitting a spin class. But what if your workout could do more than just improve your physical health? What if it could teach you real-world skills, build confidence, and even empower you to handle life’s challenges? That’s exactly what we’re all about at California Defense Academy (C.D.A.)— fitness with a purpose. At C.D.A., we don’t believe in workouts that only focus on burning calories or toning muscles. We believe in fitness that leaves you feeling stronger, safer, and more confident in every aspect of your life. Our self-defense training goes ....

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  • Building Confidence from the Inside Out: How Self-Defense Training Helps Your Child Overcome Bullying

    Building Confidence from the Inside Out: How Self-Defense Training Helps Your Child Overcome Bullying Hey there, parents! Let’s talk about something that can hit close to home: bullying. Whether it’s name-calling, physical intimidation, or online harassment, bullying can leave a lasting impact on a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there’s a powerful way to help your child not just cope with bullying but overcome it—self-defense training. Whether it’s Krav Maga, martial arts, or karate, self-defense classes can transform your child from the inside out. What Bullying Does to Confidence When a child is bullied, it chips away at their ....

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  • Traveling Alone: Staying Safe in Unfamiliar Locations

    Traveling Alone: Staying Safe in Unfamiliar Locations I’ve always loved traveling. There’s something about discovering a new place, meeting new people, and creating unforgettable memories that makes me feel alive. But here’s the thing—sometimes, I don’t have someone to travel with. Life doesn’t always align schedules, and I refuse to let that stop me from exploring the world. That’s where Krav Maga training comes in. Knowing how to protect myself gives me the confidence to take those solo trips. It’s not about fear or paranoia—it’s about freedom. When I step into a new city or country, I know I have the tools and awareness to ....

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  • How to Help Your Child Become More Aware of Their Surroundings: Fun Games and Practical Tips

    How to Help Your Child Become More Aware of Their Surroundings: Fun Games and Practical Tips In today’s fast-paced world, teaching your child situational awareness is not just a valuable life skill but a crucial one. Children who are more aware of their surroundings are better equipped to stay safe, make smart decisions, and respond to unexpected situations confidently. But how do you instill this skill without turning every outing into a lecture? Through fun and engaging activities, of course! Here are some practical tips and entertaining games to help your child sharpen their awareness skills while having fun. Why Situational Awareness Matters for Kids Situational awareness is ....

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  • What to Do If You Feel Like You Are Being Followed: Practical Steps for Personal Safety

    What to Do If You Feel Like You Are Being Followed: Practical Steps for Personal Safety The sensation of being followed can be unsettling and frightening. Whether you're walking home at night or notice someone lingering suspiciously nearby, knowing how to respond is crucial for your safety. Here are practical steps to take if you ever find yourself in such a situation, drawing from self-defense principles like those taught in Krav Maga. 1. Trust Your Instincts Your first line of defense is your instinct. If something feels off, trust that feeling. Awareness of your surroundings is a key component of self-defense taught in Krav Maga, and it applies directly here. Acknowledging the ....

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  • Krav Maga for Kids: Building Friendships, Learning Leadership, and Growing Together

    Krav Maga for Kids: Building Friendships, Learning Leadership, and Growing Together In the bustling world of after-school activities, Krav Maga stands out not just as a martial art but as a nurturing ground for developing life-long skills in children. While it's renowned for its practical self-defense techniques, its benefits extend far beyond physical prowess. Krav Maga offers a unique environment where kids build friendships, learn about goal setting and leadership, and become part of a vibrant community striving to reach their potential. Let’s explore how this dynamic program does more than teach kids how to defend themselves—it teaches them how to thrive. Fostering ....

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Character Development & Self-Defense for All Ages

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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.

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.

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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