1. When and how did you start training in the self-defense / Martial Arts industry/ fitness industry? Tell us your story
I began training in the martial arts in the early 1970’s, my initial reason for training was to build confidence, self-esteem and physical fitness, however; my goal changed drastically when at age 16 a close childhood friend was brutally raped and murdered.
I took the tragic incident extremely hard and I made a vow to the spirit of my friend to train, study and pass on my self-defense knowledge to anyone that wanted to learn, especially the so called “soft-target” (women, children, elderly…)
Since that time, I opened a martial arts/self-defense business and became an accomplished self-defense instruction with a long list of certifications, degrees, and accolades. I received honors for working with at risk youths in the Philadelphia-Reading, PA. areas, teaching self-defense and educating them about the dangers of pedophiles, prevention of child abuse, molestation and anti-abduction techniques. I worked in the corrections field with juvenile and adults offenders for years helping to change lives by using the black belt attitude; respect, discipline, confidence and self-esteem. I continued to instruct and help teen boys while working in the foster care system in Florida for 8 years as a counselor in charge. The clients I helped often were abandoned, abused or neglected and were aging out of the foster care system. I instructed these youth in self-defense, conflict avoidance, verbal de-escalation techniques and social skills. I continued on my quest while working as a professional security for VIP clients and as a bank protection officer.
2. How has COBRA impacted you as a professional?
I have been researching C.O.B.R.A. since 2011 and decided to become a certified instructor. I was searching for a better more realistic and modern way to meet my clients needs and help me meet/honor my vow that I made 38 years earlier. C.O.B.R.A is a real eye opener for me and has changed the way that I teach and train for self-defense. C.O.B.R.A. is the missing link in my chain of self-defense knowledge.
3. What are your training/business goals for the next 3 years?
During the next 3 years I plan to continue to honor the promise/vow that I made to my
childhood friend and educate anyone about self-defense. I plan on using the C.O.B.R.A. defense systems to educate and train the masses via private, small groups and
corporate training.
4.What do you enjoy most about being a Self-Defense Instructor?
I enjoy most about being a self-defense instructor is the ability to give my client’s the best possible self-defense training both mentally and physically. The C.O.B.R.A. system makes me feel complete and confident that my vow will be met. When a client completes a course or academy I feel that I have given them the best information
and training.
5. If you only had 5 minutes to train someone what would be the most valuable survival skills you would teach them?
The most valuable survival skill that I would teach someone if I only had 5 minutes would be: It’s not a perfect world and bad things happen, violence will come at them in a seemingly random way from close quarters and often with a knife or gun. Self-defense is about avoiding or effectively ending an attack with minimum amount of damage to themselves and stopping the threat. Self-defense is situational awareness-and listening to their gut feelings. If they are left with no other option then to defend themselves, use techniques that dedicate to stun and run or disengage and withdraw. Use everyday items as weapons and SAE it (Scream, Attach, Escape). They should be a hard target not a soft target and remember TPM (Time, Place, Method) of attack.
6. Describe your school , it’s location and all the programs you/ your staff teach.
I am the owner of C.O.B.R.A. Defense Fort Lauderdale. I enjoy when my clients complete one of our programs and they feel empowered. I feel that I honored my vow by passing on valuable self-defense information that could save their lives.
7. If someone interested in joining as a Cobra Instructor / School what would you tell them?
If someone wanted to be a C.O.B.R.A. instructor I would definitely recommend C.O.B.R.A. because it is cutting edge information, a global brand and the training and customer support from the Headquarters is second to none. I am C.O.B.R.A. GOLD PROUD.
To Contact Tim Robertson For Training:
http://browardselfdefense.com/
