Nate has been involved in Martial Arts for over 25 years and a Police Officer for the last 17 years including 15 years on the ERU. While Nate has numerous years training in Budokai Karate, American Tae kwon do, Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Police Defensive Tactics (including becoming a Police Training Instructor for his department), Nate is most proud of his Gracie Jiu Jitsu blue belt and Gracie Combatives Instructor certification, given to him, personally, by Ryron and Rener Gracie, the eldest Grandsons of Gracie / Brazilian Jiu Jitsu founder Grandmaster Helio Gracie.
Nate is no stranger to needing self-defense and anti-bullying strategies: In grade school and high school Nate was the victim of intense bullying. As a police officer Nate has been in numerous use of force situations. He knows what works and what doesn't.
"Through my numerous years of experience both as a Police Officer and a Martial Arts practitioner, Gracie Combatives and Gracie Bullyproof are the most effective self-defense systems I've been involved in."
Nate is a personable, energetic and enthusiastic instructor who loves teaching both children and adults. Living up to the strict Gracie instructor standards, Nate believes in teaching in a clear, easy-to-learn style and positive reinforcement environment.
Nate is married to his assistant instructor, Tricia, and together they have 5 children. Nate prides himself on running a family business where families of all sizes are completely welcome.
Nate and Tricia's goal is, through Gracie Jiu Jitsu, to teach everyone you have worth, dignity and are worthy of respect, that is, "Your Life is Worth Defending!"
These guys are the real deal. All the training and knowledge they have is second to none. And they’re able to craft it in an easy to learn way that anyone can pick up on. Do yourself a favor and visit them today.
Great hands-on experience with a group of people who make you feel welcome while gradually perfecting a variety of techniques rather you're young or old and in shape or not...something for everyone and definitely family-oriented.
This experience was informative, memorable (important when you are talking about your personal safety!), and FUN! The Stevens family knows their stuff (ask them about their background in martial arts, Nate's experience as a police officer and Tricia's background as an ER nurse), and their dedication to the protection of all life (the logo on their shirts is "Your life is worth defending"!) is something worth experiencing with them.
I was blessed to participate in a week of classes for adults and by watching my children learn in a week of classes dedicated to kids. Nate and his family tailored their teaching to the abilities and learning levels for each class. The kids' level especially included great memory techniques ("Spider-kid" and "snake bite" are some of the ones the kids loved). Each person was able to participate and practice - and I mean this very seriously as I was able to do just about all of it - while seven months pregnant!
Both the kids' and adult classes included important talks about personal and family safety, again at an age-appropriate level. These classes encouraged talking with your family at home and having a plan for more than just your typical "fire escape route." In this day and age, we can have less fear of fires due to prevention and fire alarms, but not those same protections/warnings for our own personal safety - UNLESS we get informed and have experiences like the Stevens Defense Academy provides.
Finally, the Stevens Defense Academy is committed to making this experience one that goes beyond the classes - by encouraging participants to ask questions during class and following. It's amazing to have them as a lifelong resource for any questions about personal safety that I or my family might have at any point in time. In other words, if you have the opportunity to be a part of what they offer, it will be well worth your money and time. After all, what is more important than life??