"Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it." ~David Star Jordan
Steve: thank you for having the virtue, passion and courage to help countless potential victims. You may never know how many lives you change, but do know that your impact is immeasurable and you're appreciated more than you know!! :)"
Angela Rose
Sexual assault survivor
Professional speaker
Founder, Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment. Steve! ,
It was such an honor to me you. I had an amazing and eye-opening day learning your techniques. If there was ever the perfect person to introduce me to self-defense, I must say it was you! You were an incredible instructor. You gave me confidence when I doubted myself, or felt emotional.
There are people you meet in life, who when you meet them, you know they are exceptional, special people in this world, and you are one of them, Steve. I mean it when I say it was an honor to me you :) You stand out of a crowd in a wonderful, positive way. The world needs more people like you :)
Warmest,
Eyes For Lies
Deception Expert Steve-
Thanks for a great course. I always knew you were a talented instructor but I was blown away with this course, your passion and the simplicity of the application of the techniques to the situations.. Thanks again.
Tony Gioffre
Attorney at Law
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Steve,
I wanted to send an email to thank you again for coming here and working with the students like you did. I am still hearing about it-about how great to was to hear some of the things that we would never have thought about. I firmly believe we are more vigilant than we were before - thank you for that. Enjoy the Holiday season-hopefully our paths will cross again.
Thank you
Josh Hart
ASWSU Director of Student Affairs
Washington State University Steve,
This weekend was an amazing experience for me and I've learned more about how to protect MYSELF (and teach other women) then I did in 6 years of my own martial arts training. Before a month ago I would never have thought I'd be taking a program like this but one event changed all that. I was put in a position where I was threatened (man followed me in car then approached me) but luckily two police cars pulled up to questioned him. In the few seconds/minute this incident occurred I remembered to "fight back" and "no matter what...don't let him get me in the car" but beyond that I didn't know what to do. I realized at that moment that any "fancy tae kwon do kicks" or any kickboxing techniques weren't going to be enough.
I feel and am passionate about becoming more comfortable with these techniques and teaching to enable more women to be able to "Fight Like a Girl".
Once again....thank you.
Dawn Zampino
Martial Arts Instructor
New Jersey Steve,
Regarding crimes against women:
I don't see how you could be a policeman for 30 years and deal with this day after day. I'm thankful for you and others like you, but I don't see how you did it. Do you know what impresses me about you? Your love of life. You remind me to have fun, be prepared, but then have fun. I'm doing research for the info part of teaching my classes. thanks for everything you do! I think you're right. This is going to be a great year. I am so glad I met you last year. You have really had a positive impact on my life. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Sexual Assault Survivor
Women’s self defense instructor.
Hi Steve
I would again like to say thank you again! The FLAG and Girls on Guard program was on the money! This is the way to go, you were right on with the way you presented the program and instructed us. The program gave me a true understanding, first hand, that anyone can learn and perform in this program, how powerful is a system that anyone can learn and be effective. I was very impressed with your knowledge and instruction. Thanks for allowing me to become an instructor in your program and be able to instruct others. I will work hard and pass on what you have shown me.
Wayne Loweth
Resident Manager
25 Sutton Place South
New York, NY Hey Steve,
It was so nice to finally meet you and your class was AWESOME!!! I really enjoyed learning the moves that you taught and seeing the way that you taught them. I know from having taught self-defense seminars in the past that many of the Jiu-Jitsu moves are too complex or require a lot of repetition to get it right-or to have the confidence to even try! Even knowing Jiu-Jitsu there is still the fear of freezing, or forgetting what to do, if I should ever get attacked....the "I Dream of Jeannie" and falling on my butt and "Kick! Kick! Kick!" are definitely stuck in my mind forever : )
Speaking of college...the videos you shared with us were great an very eye-opening! Thank you again for everything! I enjoyed meeting you and all of the other instructors-everyone was so nice!
Sincerely,
Debbie Hauff
Self-Defense Instructor
North Carolina Steve
You are the best to work with! I got great feedback. Inside Edition news segment on Hotel & Night Club attacks http://bit.ly/aQYVvz
Megan Alexander
Inside Edition Steve ,
You were great! We posted the show on our on demand section on www.SHOVIO.com. Everyone is talking about it and it's become very popular! You gave great insights on how to stay safe and avoid making yourself a target. We want to have you on again soon so you can demonstrate a few techniques to fend off an attack and survive
Joaquin Garcia (AKA Jack Falcone)
FBI Agent (ret)
New York Times Bestselling Author Hi Steve,
Recently, I took the instructor certification course held in Denver, Colorado. When I began to research various organizations that offered certification courses in the area of women’s safety and self-defense, I was drawn to the Rapeescape website. The site was a wealth of information and “they” weren’t afraid to share their knowledge. It was clear that they (Mr. Parker and Mr. Kardian) were dedicated to the cause of helping women.
The course was everything I had hoped it would be! There was SO MUCH INTERESTING INFORMATION presented and the techniques were simple enough to learn, yet effective, just as I was told they would be. Everyone who attended the class clearly enjoyed it and were eager to network and share their own ideas for reaching our respective communities. Steve is a great teacher!
Thank you Mr. Parker and Mr. Kardian for developing this system and for caring about the safety of women! I’m looking forward to building a long-lasting relationship with this organization.
Sincerely,
Susan Johnson, Thornton, Colorado
Legal Assistant Hey Steve,
Sorry for the delay. I just got back from VA Beach with Tony Blauer.
I thought the class was great. You are a great instructor, and the material was very applicable. As I mentioned, I was having difficulty finding a good training class for just women.
You are a great speaker, so I am trying to figure out the best was to deliver a presentation with the appropriate info for those groups that just want a lecture.
I'm looking forward to another class. I would like to organize a lecture portion of a women's safety class for some smaller groups, so I may be calling or emailing you for suggestions. I'd also be interested in attending one of your campus talks.
Thanks again, and let me know if you are upstate. I'll take you out for a drink.
Sergeant Todd Brinkerhoff
Assistant Unit Commander
SWAT Unit
Monroe County Sheriff's Office - Zone A
Blauer Tactical Instructor Steve,
Thanks again for great course it was interesting and very hands on which is always good. Your commitment and discipline to training & educating is testament to your great character. It was pleasure meeting and training with you and hopefully we can get some lunch in coming weeks when weather breaks. All the best for 2009.
Richard Mattson
New York State Police & SWAT Member (ret) Hey Steve,
Hope all is well with you. I would really like to sign up and take the class again.
I actually wanted to let you know - on August 13, 2008, I got grabbed by my hair by a very disturbed man who was screaming at me that he was going to kill me on the 125th street 4/5 subway platform. I got out of it and I completely credit your class for that. It was so surreal, but I think just having had the practice and having rehearsed it a bit helped a lot. It was quite scary, though, and I was upset and terrified for a while afterwards.
Cara Simonetti
NYC
Hi Steve,
I just wanted to Thank You again for such an amazing and truly empowering course. This is obviously very meaningful to me and I cannot wait to help spread your program across Ontario. I am really impressed with how many scenarios you covered and how many facts/research you provided throughout the course. I really enjoyed working with you and the other instructors. Thank you again and I wish you all the best of luck with the success of your program!
Avital Zeisler (level 2 Krav Maga instructor) Steve,
It is truly amazing the information that we learned. It all seemed like common sense when you talked about it but it’s really things we need to pay attention to. I had such great feedback from all the women that attended. I think it was a truly great topic and a new and fresh way to look at the subject. I think that because a lot of our women feel protected in the close knit community of CSU that they rarely think of how it can also be unsafe. Personally, it opened up my eyes in the little things that I do that make me unsafe and I feel that a lot of women had that same experience. I know that everyone in attendance loved hearing you speak and I am so glad we all got the opportunity to hear you! Thank you so much again for coming to our campus. I really think it was a valuable and great experience for the the Greek women. Thank you again for coming here, it was truly a pleasure to meet you.
Andrea Brock
Colorado State University Hi Steve,
Many thanks for the wonderful presentation!! You did an incredible job and we are all very grateful!! Thanks, also, for all the energy, effort and extra time you put into it today. It was all I hoped it would be, and more. Please keep us posted on your class schedule. Thanks again!
Cathy Lehman
Chappaqua, NY
Mother's Group Hi Steve,
I just wanted to thank you for everything last night. You were fantastic ... and your class blew us all away! I can't wait to take it myself. After last night, we'd really like to keep an "investigative" element for this story so we can use as much material as possible. It's just too good to waste on a short story.
Cindy Gali
Inside Edition Hi Steve,
The course was excellent and I just wanted to say that it was such a pleasure to meet you. I am really impressed with you, and your whole program. The class is fantastic, and you are extremely professional and knowledgeable. You also have great people in your program. I am so glad that I took this course and I am looking forward to getting the materials and to begin teaching. I am astonished at how much I remember. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Heidi Manwaring Steve
You were great today! It's obvious that you're an expert in your field. Your lures program was impressive, the camera crew and myself were taken back on how efective you were. You certainly know what the predator is thinking. Thanks for allowing us to watch the class. It was equally impressive. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Ralph Penza
NBC News I finally got back to cincinnati after an amazing weekend in Westchester NY. Steve Kardian is an amazing BJJ black belt as well as a fantastic trainer of trainers. In two days Steve was able to relay vital information that will help women escape dangerous situations when they are in the worst possible positions. Fight Like a Girl and Girls on Guard should be mandatory at every high school college and university across the nation.
Pj Pauljames Bekanich
Renzo Gracie Purple Belt Steve,
You simply have a gift for teaching. You made everyone feel comfortable and made the material easy to learn. I have over 22 years of training under some of the most legendary names (Guy Mezger, Eric Paulson, Dan Inosanto, Machados Bros, Royce Gracie, Ricco Chiapparrelli, Vladimir Matyeushenku, Willie Thompson) in the martial arts, and have won many titles and championship medals during this time. I have never aspired to be average at anything. I am certainly not going to start now. That's why when I decided I wanted to teach women's self defense I went to Steve Kardian. I went to Steve for many reasons. He has 30 years of law enforcement experience that you can't read in a book, he surrounds himself with a network of people with high integrity, and he has a genuine care and concern for the safety of others.
Kathy Brothers
2nd degree Black Belt under Carlos Machado
Black Belt under "MMA Legend" Guy Mezger
**What really separates you from other "good teachers" though is that a good teacher will make something easy to learn. A GREAT teacher will inspire you to go out and use that knowledge to make the world a better place ;) Steve:
I just wanted to thank you for an excellent course. I really enjoyed your insights and your love of teaching was obvious. It was an honor to train with you and I look forward to working with you in the future!
Regards
Ken Solosky NYPD Lieutenant (ret) Chief Aviation Pilot Steve,
Thanks for the outstanding weekend of information!
PJ Bekanich -
Ohio Renzo Gracie Purple Belt Hi Steve:
Great course - Stephanie & Allie really enjoyed it (they said it far exceeded their expectations!) If you can expand your resources I know there would be a lot of schools and PTAs (Stephanie's was) that would be interested in the course (especially for girls in their senior year).
Chris Creed (Parent prepairing his girls for freshman Year College)
New Jersey Since I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Steve Kardian, I've gotten stronger, my endurance has jumped, and I'm seeing my body fat just melt away. The best part is that it's so much fun to go to class - I've been to gyms where you use the treadmills or the ellipticals, and 30 minutes there can seem like a lifetime. I spend an hour in class, half an hour rolling afterward, and I don't even notice the time going by! Twenty minutes of rolling is like an hour of running in the gym, but you don't get the knee and foot injuries like you do with running, you never get bored, and believe me, I see the results in the mirror!
Steve is just an incredible instructor - there's no phony formality like you get with a lot of other martial art schools. Everyone is on a first name basis, every one is there to learn, and Steve makes you feel like your education and progress is the most important thing to him. He's a real role model to his students, and when you're there, it feels like family. The stuff he teaches is practical, it makes sense, and you can see yourself using it in the real world in a matter of months. I should know - I came in with nearly 18 years of Tae Kwon Do experience, was a 3rd Dan Black Belt, and found myself getting tapped by folks (guys and gals) 30 lbs lighter than me, and with only 6 months of experience. That was more than two years ago, and I've been hooked since.
Dr. Lee Wei-Nchih M.D. Dear Mr. Kardian,
I greatly enjoyed your self-defense demonstration today at Bronxville High School where you showed our graduating class different techniques. The students, male and female, loved the classes and rated your presentation very highly. I would highly recommend your presentation and any classes you might offer not only to any graduating seniors but to anyone. I will certainly be talking to our high school principal, Mr. Terence Barton, about this class and hope that the school will find the means to have you back again. This information is invaluable and your class outstanding.
Sincerely, Dr. Carney Hi Steve,
I am finally back home and hope that you are still doing fine. Had to make a stopover in Holland and meet some Muay Thai Friends. Thank you very much for your outstanding instructions on women self defense’s am really proud that i chose the right place and got the right stuff. And it was said go ye in the world and spread the word, that’s what I am going to do in order to save women here on earth by empowering them. Looking forward in receiving my certificate soon cause that would allow me to move and start the work cause our laws are very strict on certification. Anyway, looking forward on learning more from you in the near future and maybe having you here in Kenya for a Seminar and going on Safari in our National Parks.
Regards,
Kamau James Kenya
Men's & Women's National kickboxing coach As a professional in the field of victim services for nearly 10 years, I took a different, unimpressive self-defense course a few years ago. This is a well-meaning, thoroughly researched program with easy-to-apply techniques. When clients of mine inquire about taking this type of course, the Rape Escape program is one that I can confidently refer them to.
Laura Bagnarol,
MSW New York Victims Assistance Dear Steve,
Mitch and I, as well as the Social Action committee at our temple, want to thank you for the great presentation. It was so informative and I'm know, through feedback, that you got through to everyone who was there. Thanks again for a terrific seminar! Good luck in your next endeavor and keep us posted!
Regards,
Karen Brand I am writing this letter in favor of Steve Kardian, who has been my teacher and mentor for a self –defense class in reducing the odds of attack on women and girls. I met Mr. Kardian at a Physical Education conference in November of 2003 where he presented his self defense course called “Fight like a Girl”. Mr. Kardian was so knowledgeable and engaging I was blown away by the amount of resources given I signed up for the full course. Mr. Kardian has volunteered to come into my classes for demonstrations. He was dynamic, professional and his lessons were invaluable. It is my pleasure to know him. I think that he would be a credit to "any" organization.
Sincerely,
Mary Sireci
Physical Education and Health
North Salem Middle/High School Hi,
I wanted to say thanks to Steve Kardian for coming to Balance studios yesterday and teaching an awesome class! We did a really cool heel hook, a cool police style foot lock and a great triangle set up. I particularly like the triangle set up because I use the same set up, and he taught some cool details and answers to what ifs that I didn't know about. Great material, really nice guy and great instruction!
Regards,
Josh Student,
Balance Studios. great guy, great detailed instruction - thanks steve
F00tL0cker
Team Balance Student Philadelphia Truly great teachers are a rarity in any field. Steve Kardian is a truly great teacher. He communicates the art of Gracie jiu-jitsu with exceptional clarity and precision and is deeply committed to his students. When I began training with Steve, I had no martial arts experience and was in the worst shape of my life, having spent the prior six years in law school and as a junior associate at a large law firm. At 125 pounds, I was also the smallest guy in the class. Through Steve's patient instruction and constant encouragement, I was soon able to hold my own and have since reached the point where I feel very confident in my ability to defend myself. I enthusiastically recommend Westchester Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Thornwood) to anyone of any background interested in learning this fascinating and highly effective martial art.
James Bliss
Partner, Major International Law Firm Steve,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for a great class and a well spent weekend. Emily and I are very excited about the FLAG program and are beginning to put together our presentation and instruction for our first classes. Simple word of mouth has created a swell of interest and we are almost ready to start getting this great information into the hands of young ladies at several of the local college campuses.
Ben King Steve,
Thanks for a great class this weekend. I learned lots of “stuff” that I’m looking forward to incorporating into my programs.
Thanks,
Deb Deb Sorgman “kick ass and look good doing it!” Wanted to thank you for a great session..The girls really felt it informative and eye opening. I have passed along your info to Marlene Furtick at Youth Bureau and Blanche Kruk of conference committee..
Thanks!! Marie Rossi Sergeant Kardian,
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise in self defense. I felt that the workshop was very informative and would like to see more information concerning your classes.
Marlene E. Furtick
Executive Director Westchester County Youth Bureau Stephen Kardian at my request has trained my tactical team in use of force techniques on several occasions over the span of the past ten years. Each and every time Stephen has assisted us my operators give me outstanding reviews on Stephen techniques and presentation. It is very apparent Stephen has put a lot of time into his training program and has also taken some lessons from his own experience working in law enforcement. I would recommend to anyone without reservation to utilize Stephen and his training practices for any use of force training.
Semper Fidelis,
Lieutenant Andrew Esposito
#44 Regional Rescue, Entry, and Counter-Terrorism Team
Rockland County Sheriff Hi Steve,
The girls were very impressed with yesterday's session. Thanks a lot. I'll give Lauren your information and she'll book future sessions.
Thanks again, Brendan Dear Steve,
I really enjoyed your seminar. It was practical, fun, and very thought-provoking. I believe the simplicity of the moves can be effectively taught to anyone and easy for them to practice and remember. I look forward to developing a program for my fitness studio and working with Lonnie through the Dragon Gym. I look forward to returning to your class this spring. Please come out and train with us at the Dragon Gym some time.
Sincerely, Carolyn Steve,
Just wanted to thank you once again for the course this past weekend. I enjoyed it and look forward to being able to take your other certifications courses and or just training with you. If you ever come to the Myrtle Beach area, look me up. I hope to be able to develop the rape escape program down here and know that your seminar was the first step. Please keep in touch and look forward to seeing you again in the future.
James Steve,
Thanks a lot for everything this weekend. I really had a great time meeting you and my classmates. The curriculum was perfect and effective and I can't wait to make it available to the women in my community. I would like to keep the lines off communication and friendship open between us. I know you are busy but maybe when things slow down we would love to have you down in Philly for a seminar and maybe even train BJJ with us.
Thanks a lot
Lonnie http://www.dragongym.com/ Steve Kardian's academy has prepared me mentally and physically to serve in my career. My training with Steve has given me a lot more confidence and self awareness when working on the street and dealing with people everyday. Going to Steve's academy is an experience that I will always value. I look forward to each it and every time I can attend. I am very happy that I decided to join Steve Kardian's acedemy. Not only does it train and teach self defense which is an invaluable skill for my career, but it is also fun and easy to learn. I would recommend this academy to anyone of any age who would like to learn a very effective and practical method of self-defense.
-Deputy U.S. Marshal Hey Steve:
Great class on Saturday. I am looking forward to teaching it, again. I'll be looking to supplement my TKD training with BJJ once I find a good school in Jersey.
Thanks again,
Bob Kyosah-Nim,
Robert Schneider Taekwon-Do Center Steve
Thank you for your email. You have a very good way of extending the personal touch to your students. I want to thank you for the wonderful experience of being one of your students. My son and I left more enthusiasm then we arrived with. Joel, Brad and I are putting together a team plan for teaching. We are all very excited to get the first class scheduled. Joel will be contacting you for information on purchasing the FIST suit. Brad and I look forward to attending your Jiu-Jitsu classes when we can fit it in. He is off to Brazil for 4 weeks starting tomorrow, so it won't be in the month of July.
Thank you,
Kitty Visconti
Martial Arts Instructor Hi Steve...
this is "Freddy's" assistant, Nicole...you know from the fields of Albany. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your class. It was SUPER informative and I had a lot of fun. I can see where Ryan gets his teaching skills from....you were an excellent teacher (and since I deal with teachers ALLLLLLLLL day, CONGRATS!) I am very excited to start our programs, and hopefully I will get to see you soon! Hope you have a nice summer!
~Nicole Susser
H.S. School Guidance Counselor Steve
Thank you again for a truly informative, motivating workshop. Everyone who attended was truly impressed and couldn’t talk about much else all of yesterday.
Isabell Lynch
Pepsi Corp,
Valhalla, NY Steve
The Physical Education staff at John Jay High School would like to thank you for being our guest instructor in our women’s self defense class. Over the past two year you have been a welcome and knowledgeable resource for our staff and students. The “Reduce the Odds” presentation is full of great information on sexual assault, rape escape techniques and date rape drugs. As our students become more mature, it’s important that they learn to prevent possible assaults and to protect themselves.
Missi Lazelere
John Jay High School Steve,
Thank you so much for such great instruction. I always enjoy all of the new things that I learn and absolutely love the time I spend there. It was a great weekend and I'm chomping at the bit to share all of this with the students! I absolutely had a blast both at the classes and at our after class gathering! Absolutely let me know if you come up this way. I will be the one to buy dinner and drinks this time if you do! Even if you're passing through on your way to another destination, let me know. Also I'd like to see about having you speak at SUNY here in Binghamton sometime in the future. Thanks again.
Lynn Bataille
Medical Student My name is Tina Nicodemo. I am a physical education teacher for the Mount Pleasant School District. I came across “The Fight Like a Girl” program while I was student teaching at North Salem High School. My cooperating teacher taught the class and I was instantly intrigued by the course. I was certified by Steve Kardian the following year and this year I had the opportunity to introduce the program to my school district and the response was amazing. The course is very unique in that is something specifically for females. It was so rewarding to see some of my shyer, timid students excel in the course and see their self-esteem and confidence rise throughout the program. Steve donated some of his time and came in at the beginning of the course and showed the girls some great eye opening videos that enabled them to get a good grasp on how important and valuable the course was going to be for them. I feel very fortunate to be able to teach these self defense tactics to my female students. It is an extremely empowering course and I would like to thank Steve for making this program available for all females.
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“I’m doing what I can to change what it means to fight like a girl. I’m teaching women how to fight back, and how to make smarter choices that will help prevent them being singled out as a potential target by a predator.”
Click here to learn more about Steve Kardian
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu / Muay Thai  Looking for a martial arts school? Steve Kardian is the only 1st degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in the Hudson Valley and he is certified under Relson Gracie Black Belt Phil Migliarese. He is also of the co-founders of the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the region. Classes include: Women's Self Defense, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Gracie Beginner, Children, Gracie Intermediate/Advanced. Private lessons available. Click here to visit Steve Kardian MMA and Fitness
Contact Info 53 Kensico Road
Thornwood, NY 10594
(914)760-8246
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