Protective Body Armor

The “padded assailant” is the most revolutionary development in women’s self-defense, second to studying what and how criminals commit their crimes. The “padded assailant,” is a term used to describe the transformation of the male instructor into a mugger who dons protective body armor and then models various types of criminals attacking each student in a realistic but safe manner. The male instructor wears 50 to 60 pounds of padded protective equipment protecting him from incapacitating strikes, such as eye strikes and kicks to the head while fighting on the ground. Women learn to strike the “padded assailant” with full power and without limitations or rules—just like on the “streets.”

The “padded assailant” was developed by Matt Thomas and is used by Model Mugging programs throughout the world. It is the most advanced and safest body armor manufactured. Developed in the early 1970’s, the Model Mugging padded assailant or martial protective body armor has been copied by numerous other self-defense groups and self-defense equipment manufacturers. There are numerous variations out on the market used by other self-defense programs and police departments. However, no other body armor equipment will stand up to the patented protection Model Mugging equipment offers. The wearers of other products would be injured in the first fight of the first Model Mugging class.

If the suit is used rashly equipment of this nature is not only physically dangerous to an inexperienced wearer, but if used rashly can be emotionally and physically dangerous to students. This is the reason it has never been sold in mass production. During the development of the protective armor, Matt Thomas was injured over 40 times and knocked unconscious 22 times.

How to wear the equipment effectively and becoming aware of the various dangers requires training and respect in its application. The suit is a tool; lack of training in its use can be injurious to students as well as the instructor wearing the equipment.

Learning how to wear the protective body armor is just as important as what instructors put on. Male instructors are NOT a moving punching bag. Male instructors are teaching the women how to fight during the fighting scenarios. During instructor training, we teach male instructors how to dance with the students; a “dance of empowerment.”

Suits are made to each instructor’s individual body size. Suites should last well over ten years with only minor wear repairs and maintenance needed. Top of the line materials are purchased not only for the wearer’s safety but also for equipment longevity. Suits are also built to be aesthetically appealing and intimidating. Some items are doubled up in the event you had to teach back-to-back and don’t have the time to launder those items.

We have NOT had any injuries to any of our male instructors wearing the Model Mugging protective body armor.