Interview: Self-Defense and Krav Maga Expert, Lioness Tactical (aka Renee)
Author: “MB” (Dagger Defense)
16 September 2016
Obviously, having situational awareness of your surroundings is a key element to survival on the battlefield, but what about at home? Do you pay attention to the elements around you while walking home at dark, or going to your car by yourself at the grocery store? Sometimes we have a false sense of security when we feel the threat is low. “Low-threat mode” should be enjoyed by most of us while we go about our daily tasks, but unfortunately that’s not the world we live in.
I was made aware of Lioness Tactics (aka Renee) by a mutual colleague, and her passion for fitness and self-defense are truly amazing.
Renee is a self-defense instructor who holds a black belt in Krav Maga, she teaches Krav Maga, women’s self-defense seminars, and anti-bullying seminars for kids. She is also a Level 2 instructor with Krav Maga Force, the law enforcement training division of the Krav Maga Alliance, which recognizes the different needs civilians and law enforcement and military units have when it comes to defense.
In addition to her self-defense work, Renee also teaches a number of other fitness topics, including TRX, kickboxing, performance boot camps, MMA conditioning, women’s fitness, and resistance training. She holds certificates from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the TRX Team Camps. Highly qualified and constantly motivated to push herself and her students, she is known for her ability to initiate drastic improvement in physical fitness.
Renee is a dedicated teacher and a gifted communicator with a noted ability to transcend cultural barriers in order to get her lessons across clearly and help her students to make substantial progress in their own martial art practice.
I had a chance to ask a few questions about herself and some key issues we deal with daily.
LIONESS TACTICAL
Interview:
Dagger Defense –How did you first get into self defense/Krav Maga?
Lioness Tactics– I was going thru the police academy at the time. I wanted to get an advantage on training. Krav Maga was recommended to me. I love the intensity and that it focuses on defending yourself while quickly and effectively devastating your opponent.
DD–Who is your main demographic?
LT– Obviously the 2 amendment community. Law Enforcement, military and civilians. I also want to empower women and the younger generations.
DD–Do you find that your training gives your clients confidence in other aspects of life, if so, how?
LT–Absolutely. Students walk more confidently and are aware of their surroundings. A student who was once timid is not afraid to encounter a one on one situation. It’s been my experience with people who execute self confidence are less likely to be victimized by criminals.
DD–What do you tell your younger trainees who are getting bullied?
LT– It goes back to a self confident issue. No one has the right to put a hand on you.
DD–Do you think the world is becoming a more dangerous place?
LT– That’s tricky question. If you look at statistics crime has gone down, but if you look at media reports there are still people being victimize all the time. Now we have the worries of terrorist attacks and active shooters.
DD–If you could give anyone 3 bits of quick advice about self defense, what would they be?
LT–1. Pay attention to what’s going on around you
- Maintain a baseline of fitness.
- Train in some sort of self defense/ martial arts system.
DD–Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
LT– With my 2nd degree black belt, owning my own school, and traveling the world teaching Krav Maga Force
DD–Who inspires you and why? –
LT– The community inspires me. By allowing me to do what I love, helping people. Everyone goes through tough times. When you support people and encourage them through these times, you’ll be inspiring them to see the best in themselves. It’s a very rewarding job knowing you empowered them not to become a victim. Students walking out of my class are confident knowing they can make a split-second decision to defend themselves and their loved ones.
Please follow Renee on facebook, Instagram and her website lionesstactics.com!
