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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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  • Lie to Survive: Kids Edition

    🕵️‍♀️ Lie to Survive: Kids Edition Why Sometimes, Telling the Truth Isn’t the Safest Option At California Defense Academy, we teach our students to stand tall, speak clearly, and be honest. But there’s one exception we make very clear: In a dangerous situation, lying can save your child’s life. It’s a tough concept—especially for parents raising kids to be truthful and kind. But the truth is, the world isn’t always safe. And when it’s not, your child needs to know that it’s okay to lie if it protects them or someone else from harm. In this post, we’re breaking down how to teach your child the difference between everyday ....

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  • What to Do If You’re Being Followed

    🚶‍♀️ What to Do If You’re Being Followed A Self-Defense Guide for Women Who Want to Feel Safe Before Anything Happens You’re walking to your car. Or out of the store. Or just heading home after a workout. And then— that feeling. Someone’s behind you. Close. Too close. They’ve turned when you turned. They’ve slowed when you’ve slowed. And your gut starts whispering: “You’re not alone.” At California Defense Academy, we train women to trust that voice. Because when it comes to personal safety, it’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being prepared. This blog will walk you through what to do step-by-step ....

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  • Why Krav Maga Works: It’s Not About Techniques—It’s About Principles

    🧭 Why Krav Maga Works: It’s Not About Techniques—It’s About Principles The Self-Defense System That Trains You to Think, React, and Survive If you’ve ever watched a self-defense video and thought, "There’s no way I’d remember all that in real life..." You're not alone. And you’re not wrong. In the chaos of an attack, your fine motor skills shut down. Your heart rate spikes. Your brain fogs up. And your body defaults to whatever’s simple, instinctive, and trained under pressure. That’s why Krav Maga isn’t built on memorizing techniques. It’s built on principles—so that no matter what comes your way, you have a ....

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  • Part 3: Teaching Kids About Social Boundaries

    🤝 Part 3: Teaching Kids About Social Boundaries A Krav Maga Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Navigate Friendships, Peer Pressure, and Personal Space At California Defense Academy, we believe self-defense goes beyond blocking punches—it includes teaching kids how to navigate the complicated world of friendships, peer pressure, and personal space with confidence and clarity. Social boundaries are where emotional and physical boundaries meet the real world. Whether it’s a friend who constantly teases them, someone pressuring them to do something they know is wrong, or simply needing time alone, kids need tools to recognize what feels right—and what doesn’t. ....

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  • Part 2: Teaching Kids About Physical Boundaries

    🛡️ Part 2: Teaching Kids About Physical Boundaries A Krav Maga Parent’s Guide to Raising Body-Aware, Confident Kids At California Defense Academy, self-defense isn’t just about reacting to danger—it’s about knowing your worth, protecting your space, and trusting your instincts before things ever get physical. That’s why physical boundaries are such a core part of what we teach. This month, in addition to strikes and drills, our students practiced body awareness, safe touch rules, and the power of saying “no” with confidence. These lessons aren’t just Krav Maga—they’re life skills. In Part 2 of our boundary series, we’re ....

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  • Why Self-Defense Is the Ultimate Form of Self-Care

    Why Self-Defense Is the Ultimate Form of Self-Care When you think of self-care, what comes to mind? A spa day? Meditation? Maybe a good workout? These are all great ways to relax and recharge—but there’s one form of self-care that most people overlook: self-defense training. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we believe self-care isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about being safe, confident, and in control of your life. Here’s why learning self-defense might be the most powerful investment you can make in yourself. Self-Care Starts with Feeling Safe You can light candles, drink green smoothies, and journal your goals—but if you ....

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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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