Self Defense Instructor Training and Certification

Self Defense Instructor Course

We invite qualified candidates to join our team teaching full-force martial science using a heavily padded mock assailant.

We want to work with dedicated individuals committed to helping others find empowerment through teaching self-defense and personal safety. Teaching the Model Mugging Self Defense® system is challenging, educational, fun, and rewarding.

Founder of Model Mugging, Matt Thomas:

I analyzed attack patterns against women in the United States. Then, I synthesized the military science of asymmetrical warfare strategies and tactics with Western learning theories and martial arts to defeat these types of attacks committed against women. Women are at risk of sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence. I wanted to teach them effective self-defense in the shortest amount of time possible.

My first fighting system was “orphanage fu” in Japan, no rules, no mercy. Later, I fought bullies on the streets of the United States. When I was 13, I won a fight against three racist bullies at school but was suspended for two weeks. I won a battle but lost a war.

Fortunately, my English teacher, Beverly Kleinjan, inspired me to prove myself better than the bullies through academics and sports instead of violence. I was also introduced to the martial arts, so I would spar in the dojo instead of fighting on the streets. After I earned my black belt by 16, suddenly, my street fighting stopped because bullies were afraid to pick on me. I found peace by having power. This is the peace I taught my students.

In my 52 years studying various martial arts, I have been blessed with some amazing sensei, and I learned from thousands of students and hundreds of co-instructors. Before I go, as many of my sensei have gone, I must pass on our wisdom to the next generation of courageous instructors. We also need to teach them the principles of applying martial science and how to avoid making some of the mistakes I’ve made. When on the cutting edge of training, one can get cut. For example, I got knocked out 22 times before we figured out how to make a better protective helmet, so now, wearing the equipment, no one gets knocked out.

We seek skilled instructors willing to “lose” to their students so they can win on the street. We seek co-instructors willing to share the same path on the Hero’s Journey described by Joseph Campbell. All of the students who come to us are at various stages of their own hero’s journeys. As instructors, we are heroes who help others find their way toward empowerment. 

Matt Thomas has created numerous revolutionary concepts in personal safety and has provided life-changing experiences for students and instructors. Most notably, Model Mugging Self Defense courses have reduced victimization by providing research-based training in crime prevention and self-defense. The most common statement from Model Mugging Self Defense graduates is, “This course changed my life!”

As the original full-force scenario-based self-defense program began in 1971, Model Mugging seeks to pass on the highest quality in research-based Adrenaline Stress Training to other dedicated instructors. We share over four decades of scientifically proven instruction methods and strategies.

Female Model Mugging Instructor demonstrates techniques.

Model Mugging is a form of martial science, not a martial art. Model Mugging involves much more than using a padded assailant. While at Stanford University, the founder of Model Mugging, Matt Thomas, applied Albert Bandura’s concept of Role Model Mastery, drawing on examples such as overcoming the fear of snakes and flying to overcome the fear of combat. He integrated Dan Millman’s Peaceful Warrior coaching style, emphasizing humane teaching with inspiration, joy, and laughter. He utilized Colin Pittenridge’s Effective Animal Communication in conjunction with Karl Pribram’s Neurophysiology of Learning and Ernst Hilgard’s State Conditioned Learning, incorporating the application of adrenaline stress training. Then, he incorporated Phillip Zimbardo’s Cognitive Dissonance between how to be a peaceful human and a fierce warrior when appropriate. Klaus Bensch’s taught him rigorous applications of the Scientific Method for real world applications. He structured the course after Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey.

Later, while attending Harvard Medical School, he incorporated David Shapiro’s biofeedback learning process into the training. Building upon Matt Thomas’ initial research, Model Mugging provides an integrated approach to criminal analysis and personal protection, utilizing the Five Principles of Self Defense©.

Candidates will learn how to safely and properly teach using martial science methodologies. Although each candidate training team consists of one female instructor and one to two male instructors, do not be discouraged if you do not have a partner at this time.

Instructional testimonial from the Director of Model Mugging:

“Beginning in the 1980s, there were numerous copycat programs and breakaway groups that formed where realism was diluted, safety suffered, and content became distorted. I was one of these by default, having learned from someone who taught someone, who taught someone, and so on. When Founder Matt Thomas invited me to assist him in one of his women’s classes for the first time, I had been teaching Model Mugging for about seven years. Usually, this is the period when expertise is achieved, but it was humbling to learn that I didn’t know very much about the system I was teaching.

Following our learning from Matt Thomas, we have made further enhancements to the martial science aspects of the program, informed by extensive research. Even after teaching for over 35 years, it is rewarding to have helped thousands of people become safer. The greatest reward for instructors is hearing graduates tell us years later how the program positively changed their lives by assisting them to find their inner power!”

Instructor Certification

Male instructor candidate fighting back against the padded assailant.

We subsidize the costs of Instructor Training through donations, grants, and volunteer support. In addition, participants will be required to complete their training under the supervision of a certified instructor trainer. Personalized instructor training may be an option based on a case-by-case basis.

Model Mugging is the most advanced self-defense and crime prevention program available. Instructor Training is not a diluted curriculum designed to “crank out instructors” that covers only a few martial arts techniques, nor is it the accumulation of copied ideas. Instead, we offer a dynamic program grounded in primary source research. As the original developers of the padded assailant, we show you how to wear the equipment properly and safely. Each exercise and topic in the course is explained, and instructors are shown how the pieces fit together.

The first step is the application process. Instructor Candidates are required to fill out an application and provide references. Instructor Training Board will invite those selected to the next Instructor Certification Training.

There is a special feeling of accomplishment when concluding each basic course as you can see the transformation in your students from starting the class fearfully and nervous to leaving with smiles as empowered graduates.

SARAH – “I went into instructor training expecting to train in Model Mugging.  Little did I know that I would also be renovating my perception of life, healing wounds I didn’t know I had, and meeting some of the most genuine people.  Instructor training was a life-changing journey for me.  I am honored to be a part of this self-defense organization and working to teach others how to protect themselves.” 

TRACEE – “My husband and I attended the Basic Course and Instructor Training in January 2018. Based on my own seven years of research, I found Model Mugging to be the only women’s self-defense program that covers the Physical and Psychological requirements everyone needs for successful self-defense training (standing, ground, and verbal attacks).

Model Mugging provides a one-of-a-kind adrenaline rush and over 20 hours of instruction, including hands-on fighting and muscle memory training.  I overcame fears I didn’t know I had until I was put into specific positions of (personal) vulnerability.  I welcome the challenge for personal growth, and the instructors were so supportive.

Instructor training was very intense.  My husband and I are both military personnel and have received training in other defensive programs. Still, nothing compares to the depth and breadth of Model Mugging for its target audience.  I can’t wait to fulfill my dream/calling to help empower men, women, and children.

I was excited and curious to see the program’s content and operations.  The lead instructor trainers are a globally diverse team that continues to operate this program at a very reasonable cost.  Initially, I was concerned about the costs to attend instructor training, but I had to compare it to the $100 plus I would spend for a few minutes in the wind tunnel, the $25 an hour for an escape room, $80 plus two hours of zip lining per person; and the many yoga classes I have paid $15.00 per hour.

This program provides so much more on many levels of personal growth and safety.”

Instructor Certification Process

1. 1. Application: Application for Instructor Certification Training
   2. Level 1 Basic Instructor Training Course involves (1) completing the application, (2) and then take the Basic Self-Defense Course for mutual assessment. Third, background check, (4) and then complete the Level 1 Instructor Training Course.

   Contact us for the next instructor training dates.