Applied Defense Concepts

5000 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508

5.0 (33 reviews)

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Effective Self Defense, Firearms, and Edged Weapons training and goods for prepared citizens, law enforcement, and military.

Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Applied Defense Concepts. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.

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S. Mike Bruce

I had an absolutely phenomenal experience at ADC taking the "Combative Edge 1" class and, after others' methods, I have my first experience in knife defense in which I can have confidence. Mr. Tomas and his team trained my son and myself in knife defense in an "as real as it can get" environment to build true combative and survival skills. You walk away with both a skillset and a mindset for when a knife-armed predator targets you. There is no romanticism with stale martial art kata, only what works and what does not. Mr. Tomas has applied his experience real-life in combatives from law enforcement and other arenas and combined this with in-depth research and experimentation to provide a skill that borrows what works and discards the rest - "any martial craft for any fight." Combative Edge 1 is not a stylized martial art, nor one focused on winning points on the mat. It is a survival skill system and mindset that is empirically tested and refined, and which allows on-the-spot tailoring to individuals based on sound principles. E.g., Mr. Tomas identified how some of my reflexes from jiu-jitsu (wide leg sprawl, not using momentum and mass) work against me in a knife defense scenario. Taking this course was worth traveling across half of the state and I will look for opportunities to do this again.

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Posted 1 year ago
Tsark Highvale

A welcoming and homely environment to engage in some heated combat! An excellent workout. Staff is motivating and positive, not demeaning and gives constructive advice based on what they observe and their own experiences

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Michelle Ventura

I just took the Concealed Handgun course last night with instructor Matt. The class size was a little bit larger than what the room dictated but nonetheless, the information that was delivered was detailed, in depth and the course time flew by. I like how the class was engaging and not death by power point. Coming into the class as a true beginner of handguns, I learned a lot of information and am more confident in understanding my rights as a Concealed Handgun Citizen.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
DAVID EDGE

The wife is loving the self defense classes here. The instructors are very knowledgeable and even take extra time to breakdown the steps and scenarios. Also the small knife and tomahawk fighting seminars are super fun!

Instructors Classes
Posted 1 year ago
Amy Edge

I've absolutely enjoyed all of the classes I have taken at ADC. I specifically enjoy the Women's Self Defense programs. These classes provide actual and tactical skills that I am able to use if needed. Not only do we go over skills, and how to react, protect ourselves, but the education and tips that are provided in the class are items that stick with me. Whenever I am walking alone, through the Sam's Club parking lot, leaving work when its dark, a walk in my very safe neighborhood, I am now more alert than I have ever been before. But more than that, I have the CONFIDENCE to react if I ever need to.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
tj fields

Very professional very helpful and informative overall great business it was a pleasure to have trained there.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jeremy S.

Awesome and informative class! Very interactive and educational!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Milo Farnsworth

I recently attended the Conceal Carry course offed by ADC. I would highly recommend this course for anyone seeking to obtain a CCP. Kevin, our instructor and owner of ADC , was a font of knowledge. The course consisted of scenario based lessons which prompted much discussion among the students and instructor leading to a greater understanding of the legalities of CCP, situational awareness, and firearm safety. The cost of the course was $75, which is very competitive. ADC also offers a wide array of classes in firearm safety, defensive use, reality based classes in self defense and edged weapons use. Located on Colley Ave in Norfolk, their studios are convenient to all of the Southside and Peninsula.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Kojo Willie

Kevin was great. I have not shot a rifle in YEARS, and he gave an entrenched lesson on rifle safety and procedures. Great instructions overall. Highly recommend.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Eric Kieffer

Attended Reactive Handgun Foundation and was an awesome class, just what I was looking for. Went over concealed carry, holster draws, firing drills including while moving, and best of all live scenarios to put training into action.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Myles White

Extremely informative Well paced Offer a ton of great classes I’ve taken other cc classes those felt rushed this one was informative and the price was unmatched

Instructors Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Lenny Vassquez-Buret

THE standard for concealed weapons courses. Absolutely amazing class. Covered above and beyond the necessary for responsible ownership. Highly recommend!!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
From The Womb Ministry

Kevin was awesome. I left the class feeling better prepared and more knowledgeable about the dos and donts to concealed carry. They also offer an array of follow up courses that I will definitely be taking along with my team!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Chris Maher

Fantastic and practical training!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Rachel Brockavich

I can't recommend them more! Their class is so thorough, clear, and full of resources. I feel confidently informed and will definitely be taking their other classes for even further education. If you are not sure where to start or where to go, Go Here!

Instructors Classes
Posted 2 years ago
Austin Patrick

Taylor was my instructor for the class and not only made it super easy to understand but we all had a great time learning the nitty and gritty laws that are incorporated with Conceal Carry. We went over great scenarios and as well showing the class many different holsters for different types of carry. I HIGHLY recommend this class to anyone who is looking to learn and be prepared. Thank you ADC for having an amazing instructor teach me the proper methods. I will be sending everyone I know without a CHP to definitely go with this company for the class. Can’t give 6 stars so I guess 5 will do 😂

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Latonia Williams

Today, concealed carry training was amazing. I was able to asked questions, and I was able to answer all the quiz questions without hesitating. Both instructors were awesome!!!

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Posted 2 years ago
reaper man

Liern som really practical nife defense and combative they where awsome. And treated me like family really fun and eye opening experience.🙂

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Posted 3 years ago
jamie torres

I had a great experience and I learned so much in the class! Kevin and the rest of the team were outstanding! Thank you 😊

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Just Teddy bear

Motivated and focused instructors and role players. dedicated instruction based in knowledge and experience in the subject matter taught.

Instructors
Posted 3 years ago
Paul Smith

Applied Defense Concepts is the place where one can really dive into self defense from fighting theories that are stress tested, to physical fitness challenges of self defense, to debunking self defense myths and misinformed theories about self defense. If you are someone looking for good direction and instructors in an uncertain world; looking to sharpen your already building block of skills from unarmed to firearms; or looking for a good educational and physical challenge for yourself. Check out classes offered by Applied Defense Concepts.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Juan Ramirez

The Combative Edge Level 1 course provided by Applied Defense Concepts was an absolute eye-opener. The course changed my perception about knife attacks with how quickly they can actually happen, and provided me the knowledge to be able to defend myself in such a scenario. The staff had great attention to detail in applying the techniques and worked patiently with everyone to ensure there was a complete understanding of the movements throughout the course as well as pushing all of us past our limits. I highly recommend for people to enroll in their courses because such applications in a self-defense scenario could one day save your life.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Godfather Doot

Fantastic company to both work with as well as learn from. The instructors are incredibly helpful and always willing to teach or provide resources for a variety of topics. The students are also fantastic in their positivity and support that they provide one another. Overall, this company has done a great job of establishing a community of like minded individuals who all share the goal of learning to be more effective at defending themselves and others.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Katie Stewart

Amazing classes empowering women and others to be their strongest most powerful selves!! Love the classes they provide and the team, they are dedicated, hard working, certified instructors who are awesome to work with 10/10

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Ruben Espinoza

Excellent training!! Great for beginners and with the experience these instructors have if your more experienced they can match you skill level and push you out of you comfort zone for the maximum effect. The force on force training is where the real value lies in these classes , come see how you will react in real situations against experienced role player that are trying to get you to make a lethal mistake. It’s a real mental workout!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Joey Peisher

10 stars out of 5 I have been training with this group for about 2 years. Their core concepts are training without consequences is useless and we go over very real scenarios that give me a very good level of confidence that I can make sure who ever I I'm with won't have to worry on personal safety Only downside is they make me so tired every class

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Bryan Moroney

Excellent company, intelligent and well experienced instructors who can meet anyones needs. Affordable classes, realistic classroom teachings about laws, tactics, gear/weapon choices etc. and practical hands-on training. Can’t recommend them enough, I like them so much I volunteer for them. GET AFTER IT.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Jorge Del Valle

I've been training with the founding members of ADC for almost a decade. In my experience, their training is disciplined, practical, and taylored to the needs of each person, whatever their profession or lifestyle may be. Be it to hone in on basic hand-to-hand techniques or test survivability in a full-on scenario based training, Applied Defense Concepts is my go-to for practical self-defense training. Train for yourself.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Edgar Cruz-Senga

Took many classes from this training group affordable training with a wealth of knowledge. Clear concise knowledge to keep you wanting learn to protect your self and others.

Instructors Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Brittney McGuinness

The instructors for this company are very knowledgeable. They teach you the appropriate information while making sure you're comfortable with what you're doing and the knowledge you're retaining.

Instructors
Posted 4 years ago
Taylor Helm

Knowledgeable instructors who let you go at your own pace but will challenge you as you progress. I'm a big fan of the 'real life' approach and the humble and approachable crew. Thanks! See you at training!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago