The A.C.W.A. Combatives program takes a progressive, modern approach to self‑defense, dealing with real conflict and violence in today's urban environment. We're looking for open‑minded individuals who want to learn, challenge their limits, and help others do the same.
If that's you, we should talk.
The Responsibility Is Bigger Than Teaching Techniques
Anyone can memorize drills. Very few people can prepare another human being for one of the worst moments of their life. That responsibility demands far more than physical skill.
An A.C.W.A. Instructor understands human behavior, threat recognition, conflict management, verbal skills, decision making under pressure, and reality‑based combatives. More importantly, they understand how to develop those qualities in others.
Our Instructor Development Program is not designed for everyone. It is designed for disciplined individuals who are willing to be challenged, held accountable, and trained to a professional standard.
Throughout the program you'll develop:
We accept only a limited number of instructor candidates each year because quality matters more than quantity.
If you're ready to pursue mastery, lead with integrity, and help others get home safe, submit your application below.
The A.C.W.A. Combatives Instructor Training Program is a two‑day, hands‑on certification event for people who want to teach real‑world self‑defense, not just train in it. You'll be pushed to sharpen your own skills while learning how to break down complex material and pass it on to students of every age and fitness level. It's built for open‑minded people willing to challenge their limits and take on the responsibility of helping others get home safe.
Certified A.C.W.A. Combatives instructors enjoy the following benefits:
Our comprehensive training curriculum includes:
Follow these three easy steps:
Step 1: Apply
Fill out the application above and submit it. We only take so many candidates each year in order to keep the quality high, so we're particular about who we work with. A member of our team will call you after you submit your form to answer any questions and find out if we're a good fit. Tell us anything you want us to know about you, your experience, and why you're interested — we don't accept everyone, so let us know about your goals and passions.
Step 2: Get Accepted & Prepare
If you're accepted, you'll register for a training date and receive your information package. We send instructor guides, training outlines, and a range of business materials to get you going fast, so you're working on the material and learning from the moment you're accepted into the program.
Step 3: Train
Show up, work hard, and amazing things will result.
Absolutely not. Paper is just paper unless you have the skills and teaching ability to back it up. You will earn your "Instructor in Training" license after the two days, but with it you also assume the responsibility to train to this level and beyond. We test you again when you return for your next level to make sure you have the skills and understanding necessary to move to the next phase.
Yes, it's possible make a great income teaching self‑defense, but that's just one part of it. Ultimately it's about helping others and serving. It's about helping people achieve levels of confidence and real‑world ability they never dreamed possible. It's about doing something you're called to do!
A look inside real A.C.W.A. Instructor Training events — from multiple‑attacker drills and weapon defense to hands‑on coaching between candidates.
No. You'll receive an "Instructor in Training" license after the two‑day event, but you must have the skills and teaching ability to back it up. We test you again when you return for your next level to confirm you have the skills and understanding necessary to move forward.
We look for open‑minded individuals willing to learn, challenge their limits, and help others do the same, regardless of starting experience level. Tell us about your background on the application, and our team will follow up to determine fit.
A member of our team will call you to answer any questions and confirm fit, since we only accept a limited number of candidates each year to keep quality high. If accepted, you'll register for a training date and receive an information package with instructor guides, training outlines, and business materials.
Awareness training, the psychology of violence, verbal and physical de‑escalation, hand‑to‑hand combatives, counter grappling, escapes from real street attacks, weapon use and disarms, take‑downs, improvised weapons, stress training, and scenario‑based drills.
Certified instructors teach a cutting‑edge combative system, help others get home safe, receive a comprehensive training curriculum, can build a strong income, and get ongoing support and instructor material updates — with low startup costs and no politics or micromanagement.
"A very welcoming feel and safe environment that helps you to overcome any doubts you have about self‑protection and ability. Very glad I joined this group of people and look forward to more training."
"Having never taken a self‑defense class before I had no idea what to expect, but Justin Everman and his staff are incredibly welcoming, patient, and professional. I highly encourage you to check out A.C.W.A! You'll be glad you did."
"The immediate family‑like atmosphere will support you in any walk of life you are in, and will adhere to any needs that you have in regards to self‑defense."