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  • 3 Body Language Cues Every Kid Should Know

    3 Body Language Cues Every Kid Should Know Kids don’t need to be mind-readers—but teaching them how to interpret simple body language cues can be a game-changer for their safety. Why? Because most dangerous situations don’t start with words—they start with signals. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we teach kids Krav Maga and self-defense skills, but we also teach something even more important: how to recognize warning signs before something bad happens. When kids can spot these cues, they have time to act—whether that means walking away, finding a trusted adult, or using their voice to set a boundary. Here are three body language cues every ....

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  • The Psychology of Predators: How Criminals Pick Their Targets

    The Psychology of Predators: How Criminals Pick Their Targets Most people think attacks happen at random—wrong place, wrong time. But the truth is, predators rarely choose their victims by chance. In most cases, criminals look for easy targets. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we teach our adult Krav Maga students that self-defense starts long before a punch is thrown. It begins with understanding how predators think—because when you know what makes someone a target, you can make yourself harder to pick. Criminals Want the Path of Least Resistance A predator’s goal is simple: get what they want with the least risk possible. That could be money, ....

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  • From Playground to Real World: Why Conflict Resolution Matters for Kids

    From Playground to Real World: Why Conflict Resolution Matters for Kids It starts small: Two kids argue over a toy. Someone cuts in line at the slide. A game of tag ends in tears because someone thinks the rules weren’t fair. To a parent, these moments might seem like typical childhood drama. But here’s the truth: how kids learn to handle these small conflicts shapes how they handle big ones later in life. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, where we teach Krav Maga and self-defense for kids, we believe conflict resolution is just as important as learning to kick and punch—maybe even more. Why? Because most problems in life won’t be solved with force, ....

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  • 3 Ways to De-Escalate a Dangerous Situation Before It Turns Physical

    3 Ways to De-Escalate a Dangerous Situation Before It Turns Physical When most people think about self-defense, they imagine fighting back—throwing punches, kicking hard, and walking away victorious. But here’s the truth: the best fight is the one you never have to fight at all. In fact, the first step of real self-defense isn’t striking—it’s stopping a situation from becoming violent in the first place. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we teach that prevention and de-escalation are just as critical as physical skills. Because when you know how to calm tension and create an exit plan, you reduce your risk and stay safe without ever throwing a ....

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  • How to Teach Your Child About ‘Tricky People’ Without Scaring Them

    How to Teach Your Child About ‘Tricky People’ Without Scaring Them “Don’t talk to strangers.” Most of us grew up hearing that rule. And while it sounds simple, here’s the truth: it doesn’t work anymore. Why? Because in real life, kids often need to talk to strangers—teachers, store clerks, coaches. And sometimes, dangerous people aren’t strangers at all—they could be someone familiar. That’s why safety experts now recommend replacing “stranger danger” with something far more practical: teaching kids about “tricky people.” At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, where we teach Krav Maga and ....

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  • Freeze, Flight, or Fight: Understanding Your Stress Response in a Real Attack

    Freeze, Flight, or Fight: Understanding Your Stress Response in a Real Attack Imagine this: You’re walking to your car late at night. The parking lot is quiet, the air feels tense, and suddenly—someone grabs your arm. What happens next isn’t about what you think you’d do. It’s about what your body decides in a split second. That decision comes down to one of the most primal reactions we have: freeze, flight, or fight. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we don’t just teach punches and kicks. We teach people how to understand—and overcome—their body’s natural stress response. Because in a real-life attack, your mind and ....

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  • Stop, Drop, and Think: Teaching Young Kids the Power of Self-Control

    Stop, Drop, and Think: Teaching Young Kids the Power of Self-Control If you’ve ever seen your child snatch a toy, blurt out a response, or throw a tantrum when something doesn’t go their way, you know this truth: self-control isn’t automatic. It’s a learned skill—just like reading or tying shoes. The good news? With the right tools and practice, kids as young as three can start building the ability to pause before they act—and that skill doesn’t just help them at home or school. It’s one of the most powerful safety tools they’ll ever have. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, where we teach Krav Maga and self-defense for ....

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  • How to Use Everyday Objects for Self-Defense

    How to Use Everyday Objects for Self-Defense If you ever found yourself in danger, would you know what to do? Most people assume self-defense means fighting empty-handed or needing a weapon, but here’s the reality: you already carry potential tools every single day. The key is knowing how to use them. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we teach that self-defense isn’t about being the strongest—it’s about being resourceful, prepared, and quick-thinking. Here’s how everyday objects can become lifesavers when seconds count. Why Improvised Weapons Matter In real-life situations, you won’t have time to grab pepper spray or a stick. Threats ....

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  • How Krav Maga Builds Confidence in Shy Kids

    How Krav Maga Builds Confidence in Shy Kids Every parent wants their child to feel confident—whether that’s raising their hand in class, making a new friend, or standing up for themselves when it matters. But what if your child is shy, quiet, or struggles with self-esteem? At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we see shy kids transform every single day through Krav Maga training. And it’s not because they suddenly become “fighters.” It’s because self-defense teaches something deeper: confidence that comes from capability. Why Shyness Isn’t a Problem to “Fix” First, let’s be clear: shyness isn’t a flaw. Many shy ....

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  • The One Skill That Could Save Your Life (And It’s Not What You Think)

    The One Skill That Could Save Your Life (And It’s Not What You Think) When most people think about self-defense, their mind jumps to punches, kicks, or maybe that famous movie scene where someone takes down the bad guy with a single, epic move. But here’s the truth: the one skill that can save your life isn’t flashy. It’s not about strength, speed, or even knowing the perfect choke escape. It’s awareness. Why Awareness Matters More Than Any Kick or Punch Most attacks don’t happen the way Hollywood makes us believe. There’s no dramatic music or warning before trouble strikes. Real-life violence is fast, messy, and often over in seconds. The ....

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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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