1202 Monte Vista Ave suite # 9, Upland, CA 91786
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Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Advanced Self-Defense Concepts. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
This is the best place to learn all aspects of advanced self defense from boxing fundamentals, kali, libre knife practicum, defense lab concepts and more!! Stop in and meet Jarrad for more details! He’s knowledgeable and very humble!! Just want to update this review.... Jarrad is the best Martial Arts instructor that I know in SoCal. Surely there are other good ones, but Jarrad is really good. One of his specialties is "Defence Lab Concepts" self defense systems. If you REALLY want to learn how to defend yourself from thugs or even multiple attackers, you need to stop in and meet Jarrad. He will BLOW you away with the depth of defense knowledge he can share with you. He’s thrown out the flashy stuff, and teaches you what really matters in life or death defensive situations. I highly recommend stopping in for a free trial.
As a student of Jarrad at ASD Concepts, I can confidently say this studio is a game changer for anyone looking to learn practical and effective self-defense techniques. If you’re seeking skills that truly prepare you for real-world scenarios, this is the place to be. Jarrad‘s teaching style is exceptional - he combines simplicity with effectiveness, ensuring that what you learn is not only easy to execute, but also highly functional. The focus on “street” style techniques means you’re equipped to handle situation where quick thinking and decisive actions are critical. What sets ASD Concepts apart is its emphasis on practical, no-nonsense methods that can incapacitate physical offenders as the situation warrants. It’s not about flashy moves or complicated drills - it’s about empowering you to protect yourself in the real world. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have prior experience, Jarrad and the team create a welcoming and supportive environment where you can grow in confidence and capability. I can’t recommend ASD Concepts enough! If you’re serious about learning self-defense that works, do yourself a favor and check this place out. 💪
Having been a Student at Advanced Self-Defense Concepts for many years now all I can say is that there is no better place to learn and experience a much more advanced level of truly “devastating” Self Defense and Attack Techniques than most Martial Art Schools are able to offer you. Jarrad Arbuckle is the Owner/Instructor and is a “True Student of the Arts”. He is able to train virtually anyone to not only be able to fully defend themselves in any deadly situation but to also counter any physical attack with blinding speed, powerful blocks and crippling blows that can immediately disable any dangerous opponent…which might end up saving your life. These Advanced Self Defense Skills are so critical for Men and Women of all ages right now and ASD Concepts is the best place to train for these dangerous “real-life” situations.
Training with Jarrad and his school is time and money well spent; his unique approach, skillset training selection, and quality of service is why I recommend ASD Concepts. Be on the lookout for seminars hosted at his school as well as events that maybe local to you (I attended a seminar in San Jose, Ca last year). Jarrad’s hosts other instructors and events at his school but equally travels to teach at other schools. One powerful concept Jarrad taught me for knife defense/offense was “switches and timers”. Where your blade strikes can either turn off a body part/function/movement or apply a timer in which the strike initiates a “timer” on an assailants ability to continue (due to blood loss, pain, psychological, etc). In example, penetrating the front delt can turn off the ability to raise forward that arm, inflicting defensive wounds and slashing strikes can initiate timers. Classes are fun and insightful, the return on investment is beyond the cost of admission 💯
What I learned at ASDC saved me from what could have been one of the worst days of my life. I was working patrol with two detectives. We stumbled upon a gang squaring off with undercover officers. Not knowing who was who, I touched a person’s elbow with my hand to get his attention. This person turned out to be the gang leader. He spun around with a back fist to my face. At that point everything went black. When the light came on again, I was disoriented. I didn’t know where I was. There was no sound. And I couldn’t move my head. I could only look straight ahead. I was standing in a parking lot looking at pairs of men. I still didn’t know: who they were, why they were paired off, or why I was there. Everything was frozen. And still there was no sound. In trying to make sense of what I was seeing, I realized that all eyes were on me. This was disconcerting. Was there something wrong with me? Was I hurt? These questions were followed by a flood of memories: the gang fight about to erupt; touching the elbow; the spinning back fist to the face. Suddenly, sound returned and I could move. I looked down and saw the gang leader squirming like a fish, as I held him in an arm bar. Without any effort, I could have snapped his arm. I could hear police sirens converging on our location, as the senior detective ran up to me and cuffed the suspect. Officers swarmed the parking lot and I was being congratulated. There was no gang fight that night. The gang members, seeing how I handled their leader, no longer wanted to fight. They were arrested. And no one got hurt. If there was a casualty that night, it was me. I couldn’t make sense of what happened. It was all so confusing and unreal. A few months later, I attended Homicide School. There I learned that committing suicide can be quite difficult, because your body won’t let you. It takes over and stops you. A couple of years later, I spoke with a psychologist who explained what happened. As that spinning back fist was coming to my face, my body pushed my consciousness out of the way and took control. Without my consciousness to slow it down, my mind was operating many times faster than normal. (Police officers who have experienced this call it tunnel vision.) My ASDC training kicked in as pure reflex. After subduing the gang leader, the threat being over, my body returned control to my consciousness. My mind was still racing as I was becoming conscious. From my conscious perspective, everything was in super slow motion: everything frozen and no sound. In conclusion, even though I acted out of pure muscle memory, I know that the quality of the ASDC instruction that I received saved me from what could have been one of the worst days of my life.
Advanced Self Defense Concepts was my first self-defense class, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. Jarred was an amazing instructor—he worked at my pace, ensuring I felt comfortable every step of the way. As a young woman, gaining confidence in my ability to protect myself was life-changing. I learned techniques that I know will stick with me and could make a real difference in my safety. The environment was so welcoming, patient, and encouraging, which made it easy to push myself and grow.
Master Jarrad Arbuckle is the perfect instructor for those students studying the structure and zen philosophy under a martial art curriculum. He respects people with disabilities and the personal background of any human being, plus, finds the means and method of the "arts" to fit individual body structures. The class curriculum is of the highest quality available in the fifty states. His knowledge is all- encompassing, six M.A. styles, and he has done extensive research on the warrior based arts, too. Master J.A. trained for twenty- six years under the wonderful and incredible Grandmaster Bill Lasiter of Gung Fu San Soo fame
I walked into ASD on Christmas Eve 2023 and received such a warm welcome. Jarrad is a great teacher and fighter, but moreover he has been a truly great friend. I have found a home at Advanced Self-Defense Concepts. I’m excited to see what the new year will bring! Thank you for everything Jarrad!
I have known Jarrad for the last fourteen (14) years studying San Soo, martial art. Jarrad has such talents, which are not limited to San Soo, but DL(DEFENSE lab), boxing, Jujitsu, Judo, stick fighting, knife defense techniques, graplings and etc. Jarrad relates well to students and takes an interest in the students who wishes to learn seriously.
ASD is a great place of the way to learn, train and grow in self-defense and weaponizing body mechanics. This is not your typical dojo, Jarrad is an excellent instructor with a wide range of knowledge and skills. A great value for the price, I highly recommend training here, and look forward to more.
Advanced Self-Defense Concepts is a second home for me. Jarrad Arbuckle is one hell of a martial artist and one hell of an instructor. His commitment to pushing himself and sharpening his knowledge transcends to all of his students and I am proud to be one of his students and a part of the school. If you live close enough, this is the place that you want to be training and if it is a drive for you, it will be worth every mile to train here. You won't be disappointed.
One of my favorite places to train. Jarrad communicates well, is knowledgeable, approachable and has all the traits one would want in an instructor. The multidisciplinary focus of the school allows students to explore various styles in training blocks. Well rounded martial artists is what ASD Concepts is all about. Highly recommended.
Excellent instruction, I take the Libre class on Sunday and Jarrad is always willing to answer any student questions and pushes us to master concepts and reflect on our learning.
Jared is extremely knowledgeable and a fantastic instructor. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or looking to learn new skills, this is the place.
10/10 would recommend. ASD has seemingly endless knowledge in the world of self defense. He also pushes his skillet and continues to learn and apply that new learning to his instructions. Gym as a great community also! Don't wait. Sign up
The most welcoming with the most diverse selection of martial arts I've ever seen in a gym. Having everything from boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, catch wrestling, Brazilian jujitsu, self-desfence concerts, Kung Fu San Soo and knife training and techniques. They will also do seminars covering basic field first-aid and urban survival. Highly recommend if looking for a home gym, looking to dapple in a few fields or looking to hangout and meet some new people.
I have been going to ASD for over a year now. The things I have learned, epically as a woman have been priceless. From skills like learning how to fall properly without hurting yourself, knife fighting, how to get out of zip ties, to proper ways to protect myself in situations where I could be attacked. I could go on and on. I hope I am never in a situation where I need to use any of these skills but having the knowledge just in case is everything. Jarrad is patient, extremely knowledgeable. He pushes you to the best of your abilities. The love he has for teaching is apparent and his enthusiasm is infectious. I encourage everyone woman and man to learn from him. You won't ever regret it.
I had the chance to take a two day run the blade/ stop the bleed course a couple of months ago and I am so glad I did! The instructors were very knowledgeable and well trained and more importantly knew how to teach what they know in a way that was easy to understand with plenty of practice and feedback. I would recommend them to anyone looking for training.
Coming from a background where I am learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jarrad's wrestling and standup techniques have been super helpful in helping me gain confidence taking people down. He is a super nice guy who will work with you on anything you ask him about in the realms of self-defense and martial arts.
Jarrad is an exceptional instructor of multiple disciples who cares about his students and his craft. If you want to learn effective strategies to protect yourself and loved ones, then take a class. You will not regret it.
This studio is unlike any place you will find for self-defense. Jarrad is truly an eternal student and the depth of his knowledge spanning various martial arts/self defense forms is unmatched. I have always been impressed that all skill levels, body shapes, ages, fitness levels, ages, genders, etc. are welcomed at his classes. Also, Jarrad is a very thoughtful, specific and encouraging instructor and the self-defense concepts he teaches are reality-based and safety is always emphasized. Check out the classes he offers throughout the week and you would be hard pressed to only limit yourself to one class because his curriculum is so special. I always leave classes feeling like I learned something while having fun.
I have taken training classes at ASD on Libre Sundays and it is always a good time. Very informative. I was welcomed in right away and felt very comfortable, everyone was willing to help. No ego. Awesome place, I have recommended to many friends.
This is not your run of the mill martial arts studio. The variety of classes is ridiculous, especially for the price. Jarrad is very down to earth and very humble. I'm glad I found this place as anyone else knows that goes here, everyone treats each other with respect and like family. There's some cool extra curricular classes from medical, Libre and counter custody. If you think you know it all and or have an ego don't even bother stepping through the door.
Jarrad is an amazing teacher. I highly reccomend ASD Concepts for anyone who wants to get serious about their hand to hand self defense. A thoughtful master of techniques who really can simplify and explain so even beginners can understand and develop. Jarrad brings the real world to his martial arts/combatives training. This isn't MCdojo nonsense. ASD has an amazing menu of training, he even offers Defense Lab. Ever wonder what martial art Batman was using in the Nolan movies, that was it! Very reasonable pricing and quality instruction. Give ASD Concepts a look!
Jarrad is a great teacher not only of martial arts (which he does plenty of), but of the other important aspects of self defense. His approach to personal defense covers far more than just techniques and styles. Jarrad often talks about the mindset behind being able to defend yourself, how real danger changes the way a fight plays out, and how to handle that. Not only is his approach to self defense very practical and grounded, but he's a great teacher who really takes the time to make sure his students are understanding what we're doing, why we're doing it, and how to do it right. His knowledge base on martial arts and self defense is also HUGE, and he's constantly adding to it. If you're looking for a practical self defense school, I highly recommend ASD. I've only had great experiences here.
Jarrad is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to self defense. He teaches everything from wrestling to martial arts, and also weapon’s based self defense. Jarrad continues to surprise me on what he knows and is very willing to teach all levels. What I really love about him (apart from his eyes), is the mother cat like patience he has in instructing. I highly recommend Jarred for all your self defense needs.
I trained with Jarrad for 4 years all the way up to when I moved. I highly recommend learning from Jarrad. A very humble Man and a Instructor with a massive wealth of knowledge. Also what was what had me start there is there is no ego at ASD. Everyone there treats you like family.
In the short time I’ve trained with Jarrad at Advanced Self-Defense Concepts, I’ve acquired extremely useful and efficient moves for my personal defense. I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn how to scan my environment for potential threats, wield a weapon if needed, and most importantly, how to avoid a confrontation in the first place. Jarrad is thorough, patient, generous, and extraordinarily knowledgeable in all things defense. There’s plenty of witty repartee as an added bonus. I recommend this studio to everybody, especially women. Thanks!
Jarrad is an extremely extremely gifted instructor! It’s rare to run across someone who has the ability to teach AND be a talented fighter! His calm demeanor makes it easy to learn from him!
Great class! No matter what level you are I feel like the classes are easy to keep up with and so much fun. The environment makes you feel like this is somewhere you’d just like to be after a stressful day, it never feels like a chore like some other gyms I’ve been to
Jarrad is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to all things pertaining to martial arts. He will sharpen your body, mind, and confidence when it comes to enhancing your self defense abilities.
To know a skill is good, but to be able to teach that skill is greatness. Jarrad Arbuckle, the knife fighting instructor, exemplifies his proficiency by not only teaching what to do but why. He is also an encyclopedia of pop culture references. Get learned.
Taken several classes with Jarrad of ASD Concepts as a teacher. Learning is an incredibly intuitive and interactive experience with him, exploring questions you may have and being supportive of your training goals is something he does very well. Would recommend to anyone looking to learn self defense or martial arts
I had the opportunity to take a 3 day course in Boise, ID called Cerberus Skill Set. Jarrad (ASD Concepts) helped facilitate and took us through targeting soft tissue with edged weapons. Jarrad is not only super skilled when it comes to working with edged weapons, but he also teaches other advanced self defense techniques and practices martial arts...and probably a million other things. The man's full of surprises and skills and I am sure I only got a glimpse of them over the course of the class. I had never used a knife for anything other than opening boxes and packages. The idea of using something like this to defend myself if the situation came about, was terrifying to me. Jarrad's calm and collected demeanor as he took us through this section of the course definitely helped instill a confidence in me when handling this type of tool. They had a saying, "the knife is not the weapon", which is true...they help teach you how to be the weapon and use this tool during that process. I have a much deeper understanding and appreciate for things like edged weapons. And also a better understanding of myself as a person. Things that push me out of my comfort zone and things I can continue to work on and explore within to become a better, more independent and confident individual. The things Jarrad taught are invaluable, if you have the opportunity to take any classes from him, do so and do so often. You will learn new things each time. I look forward to taking more in the future.
ASD is extraordinary in that it transcends the idea of single superior martial art. Instead, the variety of classes offered demonstrates the benefit of understanding multiple practices as a means towards self-preservation. Those who are already experienced with martial arts will likely feel inspired by Jarrad’s knowledge across a multitude of disciplines, and those who are completely inexperienced will no doubt feel empowered by his humble attitude and enthusiasm for learning.
Jarrad is an amazing teacher. If you are one of the rare few people in this country that take personal responsibility for your family's safety, ASD will teach you a ton! I'm his camera man and have been following him around for months. He's a great dude that loves to teach. Can't beat that!
Jarrad is an awesome mentor and trainer. Hes encouraging and humble. Anyone interested in learning to workout and martial arts should come check it out.
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