A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan, James Tudtuds’ extensive Martial Arts training as well as his military background provide him with unique insights that he brings to Empower Gym Tampa. James has become a lifetime student of professional martial arts and reality self-defense training, philosophy, and continuous education. James trained in numerous Traditional Martial Art systems and Mixed Martial Arts over the past 25 years earning multiple ranks.
As much as he enjoys the martial arts, once he started research to open this school, he quickly realized that most people want the results of martial arts and boxing without the rituals, belts, and bowing.
Most of all they want results with out getting hit. James feels the Empower Gym is squarely in the “sweet spot” of what people want and is excited to help his fellow residents of the Tampa area to enjoy the benefits of fitness, self-defense and the confidence they bring.
Let’s meet this months Self-Defense Professional featured instructor – James Tudtud.
- When and how did you start training in the self-defense / Martial Arts
industry/ fitness industry
I started training in the martial arts at the age of 10 years old.
- How has Cobra added value to your training/business?
COBRA has added value by giving me a great Law Enforcement Based System for teaching the public.
3. What are your training/business goals for the next 3 years?
My business goals for the next 3 years would be to double our student count and open up a second location.
4.What do you enjoy most about being a Self-Defense Instructor?
I enjoy giving people the confidence and skills to be able to defend themselves in a life or death situation.
5. If you only had 5 minutes to train someone what would be the most
valuable survival skills you would teach them?
– I would teach the 3’A’s of Self-Defense, Awareness, Alarm, Action.
– Always run away from a potential threatening situation if possible.
– If forced to protect yourself or your loved ones, Attack the Attacker!
– Targets to hit – Eyes, Throat, Groin & Knees. Attacking anything else might not injure the attacker when adrenaline is high.
– SAE IT! Scream, Attack, Escape – Screaming gives you tremendous power and gets you moving when you are literally frozen with fear.
- Describe your school, it’s location and all the programs you/ your
staff teach.
Empower Gym Tampa is located at 5638 W. Waters, Ave, Tampa, FL 33634. Empower Gym offers group classes and private training in Kickboxing, Strength Training and Self-Defense.
- If someone is interested in joining as a Cobra Instructor / School what
would you tell them?
I would tell them to attend one of my 5 Week Academies/Seminars and then contact Chris Sutton for details on attending the next 2 day Cobra instructor Certification Course at the Cobra International Headquarters located in Clearwater, FL.
Summary of Professional Experience:
-Certified C.O.B.R.A. Self Defense Instructor, Under Chris Sutton
-Certified C.O.B.R.A. Fighting Systems Black Belt, Under Chris Sutton
-Certified Rapid Assault Tactics Instructor, Under Paul Vunak
For More Information on self-defense training – Active Shooter Seminars – Anti- Bully Training Contact The Tampa COBRA Self-Defense / Empower Gym center :
