Self-Defense for the
Mind, Body and Spirit
Private Self-Defense Classes available now at Cycleward Studio.
This is the moment to begin.
Unique, Individualized Private Instruction.
Protect Your Life - Mind, Body and Spirit.
Self Empowerment through Self Defense Instruction.
Private Instruction
This unique pursuit of thorough self-defense will transform your lifestyle with confidence, serenity and emotional balance through a powerful skill set to approach adversity. Private self-defense training with a skilled instructor allows you to explore philosophical concepts and execute physical techniques efficiently and safely. Many parents, professionals and mature students choose private training in order to learn self-defense using the safest and most personalized method. Your private instructor can tailor your learning experience to your specific goals and needs. Religious customs and physical concerns can be accommodated.
Private Lessons or
Semi-Private Group Classes
Fort Lauderdale Self-Defense is located at Cycleward Studio 6161 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33303
Private Self-Defense lessons are available by appointment only. Call or text 954-951-5310.
Training kimonos are worn to provide optimal protection and are provided for your first class. Two sessions a week is recommended.
Book Now
All five elements of self-defense are presented with a proven curriculum based on the teachings of Grandmasters Helio Gracie and Pedro Valente, Sr. that continue to evolve through Professors Pedro, Gui and Joaquim Valente.
“Evolution with tradition.”
Elemental Self-Defense
The Five Elements
Striking Techniques
(Atemi Waza)
Techniques to influence a struggle, neutralize an attacker or finish a fight with strikes to vital organs using your hands, elbows, head, legs, knees, and feet. Includes distance management, defense against strikes, and footwork.
Self-Defense Against Surprise Attacks
(Goshin Waza)
Immediate responses to common unexpected street attacks. Includes headlocks, chokes, grabs, bearhugs, strikes, swinging weapon, knife, and gun attacks.
Grappling Techniques
(Katame Waza)
Techniques to protect yourself if you and your attacker are engaged in a struggle. Includes defense techniques, techniques to improve your position, immobilization techniques, joint locks and choking techniques.
文武両道
Bun Bu Ryō Dō
Intellectual arts and martial arts combined.
Throwing Techniques
(Nage Waza)
Techniques for subduing an attacker by throwing them to the ground to knock them out or control them. Includes hip throws, leg throws, arm throws and sacrifice throws.
Philosophy
(Bushidō)
Techniques to help you live a more balanced life, physically, emotionally and mentally, based upon the 7 virtues of the spirit, 5 pillars of physical wellness, and 3 components of the warrior mindset.
Instructor
Christine L. Fingado, Private Instructor
Valente Brothers Black Belt
Professors Pedro, Gui and Joaquim Valente, Valente Brothers®
I am your instructor, Christine Fingado. I am pleased to offer private and semi-private lesson self-defense training at Cycleward Studio in Fort Lauderdale or at Valente Brothers International Headquarters in North Miami Beach. In 2005 my family was the victim of a home invasion. Two armed men held us at gun point, separated my husband and I, and took everything. Our children were 3 and 5 years old. I did not expect to survive that night.
Since 2007, I have devoted myself completely to the study of self-defense, and specifically to teaching others the most effective methods of self-defense. There are very few places where one can train safely. I seek to empower anyone who might not be comfortable, or feel safe with such personal training, to develop the skill set to protect their mind and body in all of their day-to-day endeavors.
I have trained martial arts for over fifteen years with Black Belt degrees in multiple disciplines. I train self-defense regularly at Valente Brothers Headquarters and VB Tactical in North Miami Beach to continue to learn and refine new concepts to share with my students. I have extensive experience with helping new students begin their journey and am highly skilled in all five elements of self defense: 1. Stand-up Self-defense Against Surprise Attacks 2. Striking and Clinching Techniques 3. Throwing Techniques 4. Self-Defense on the Ground and 5. Philosophy. I bring contagious enthusiasm to my instruction with the patience and dedication to help you achieve excellent technique.
I attended Boston College Law School and have been a member of The Florida Bar for over twenty years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, home-schooled my two children, and participate robustly in charity work with the Charity Guild of Fort Lauderdale in support of Kids in Distress, and Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center.
I bring a unique perspective to the mat and I have a passion for helping my students evolve in their practice of self defense for both mind and body. I am skilled in working with men, women and children of all ages.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Valente Brothers Jūjutsu International Headquarters: VB Tactical Survival and Wellness Course 2022, Shoshin Black Belt Conference 2022, Black Belt Blue Bar 2021, VB Jūjutsu History Course 2021, VB University Full 753 Code Online Course 2020, American Safety & Health Institute Basic First Aid/CPR and AED for Adult/Child/Infant 2020, Third Annual Self-Defense Workshop 2020, VB Tactical Foundations of Handgun 2020, Black Belt 2019, Shokunin Black Belt Conference 2019, Second Annual Self-Defense Workshop 2019, 753 Code Conference 2019, Goshin Waza Conference 2018, First Annual Self-Defense Workshop 2018, Shokunin Black Belt Conference 2017, Helio Gracie Self-Defense Challenge Finalist 2017 and 2015.
Elite Force Martial Arts: First Degree Black Belt 2011, Second Degree Black Belt 2013
Martial Arts University International: Matt Hughes Cage Fitness Instructor Certification 2011, WJJU No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu 2011, MMA Jiu-Jitsu Combatives 2010, Burns with Kearns MMA Conditioning Coach Core Certification 2010
World Survival Hisardut International Israeli Instinctive Shooting: Personal Protection Inside The Home 2009, Close Quarters Attack & Response 2009, Family VQC Protection Strategies 2009, Shooting Basics and Family Protection In Urban Environments 2010
Private Lesson Pricing
1 Private Lesson
$150
Recommended for your first lesson.
9 Private Lessons
$1035
Recommended for regular training.
36 Private Lessons
$3960
Recommended for long-term training.
I look forward to discussing your training goals.
