I had the opportunity to train with Gus on two occasions.

The first was a series of private lessons to attain a greater sense of safety as a woman working in complex security environments. During these sessions I acquired a solid foundation of techniques that I could instinctually draw upon if necessary. Gus crafted his lessons to ensure the training was tailored to my needs, and to ensure we programmed muscle memory so that techniques would be immediately available and effective.

Gus will not teach you Hollywood flair. Gus WILL teach you what works. Because he knows. And because he is deeply committed to ensuring that you do not become a victim. Decades of training and teaching have made Gus a master of his craft and a formidable instructor.

When I was asked to recommend self-defense training for a teenage family member preparing for college, I referred the student to Gus without hesitation. On this occasion Gus provided his six course “Essentials” program. Both the teen and her mother had no prior experience in self-defense, and I witnessed them evolve from timid and hesitant to confident and very capable. Knowing that both women have the skills to escape a dangerous encounter and to fight back, if necessary, provides immeasurable comfort and confidence to all family members, for which we are grateful.

Instructor qualities include patience, attentiveness, calmness, commitment to safety and an awareness of individual student needs. The “Essentials” course builds progressively, and Gus prepares students physically and mentally for each evolution. Gus is dedicated to providing real world training rather than theory. He subjected himself to frequent strikes from students, leading me to conclude that he was made of steel. The realism in these experiences, coupled with effective drills and discussions, form an excellent program that I would enthusiastically recommend to any age, gender, profession, or level of experience.