Betsy Bruce: Radio Personality, Billboard Magazine Morning Show of the Year Nominee, Writer: “Tucson Lifestyle”, Actress: Harriet Sheppard “Good Cop, Mom Cop” Elephant Scout Film 2018
Working with Krav Maga expert Jesse James Tucker was an invaluable experience to my bringing Harriet Sheppard, a female “Dirty Harry”, to life. As a 59 year old actress playing a no-nonsense, butt-kicking police detective, Jesse forged my innate athleticism into camera ready martial arts skills. Jesse taught me the fundamental moves and ideologies, essential to creating a believable martial arts practitioner. He was encouraging and relentless, not allowing any self doubt to creep into my training nor performance. His students were elegant and generous in accepting me, a novice, into their circle. Tucker choreographed the films pivotal fight scene in which I laid to waste six grapplers, each with a different martial arts move. It translated to one of the film’s best scenes for its realism and humor. Jesse’s dedication and acumen makes you want to do your best under his guidance.
I love this gym! The instructors are outstanding, the workouts are both fun and grueling, and I love being a member of such a friendly, supportive community. The training absolutely works – you are rewiring your brain and muscles to respond to danger efficiently and effectively, without hesitation.
I recently had to apply these skills when a stranger attempted to grab and lift my four year old child. Thanks to the training we receive at Rising Phoenix, my body responded before my cognitive brain even registered the threat. Like touching a hot stove and jerking away before we even notice the sensation of heat, the skills we learn become ingrained into muscle memory, our responses become reflexive. Flinch response and footwork drills meant I reached my child before he could establish a solid grip, even though he was closer and had a head start, even though we were on a wet surface. Aggressive vocalization, paired with speed and explosive power caused him to pause. Time we spend practicing “being the bad guy” paid off – my body automatically performed a “bear hug from the rear, arms free” on my own child as my third party defense, basing out so my weight was added to his, making him too heavy for the man to lift. My body readied itself to deliver elbow strikes, and to protect my child’s head and neck with my own. Playing shoulder tag makes us aware of space, people and obstacles around us – this meant I was aware that we were currently alone on that platform, that the other potential witnesses had moved to an upper deck, that they could see us, but couldn’t hear us. Blueprinting meant I had already noted that we didn’t have cell phone service and that there was only one viable exit, with slick surfaces and a loose handrail. Shoulder tag and multiple attacker drills translated into me being aware that our pathway to safety was clear and showed me the precise moment to retreat, carrying my child without turning my back on the man. Training different responses for different contexts, practicing leaving the scene, and disciplining ourselves to maintain control meant that my body automatically made an appropriate response for the specifics of this situation – I performed only what was necessary to resolve the immediate threat and get us to safety. Krav-Yoga drills trained my body and mind to quickly reset to a calm state, so that I could genuinely enjoy the rest of my day.
My child getting to watch me during classes meant that my actions seemed perfectly normal to him! He wasn’t harmed, frightened, or even affected, other than being mad at me for interrupting his fun.
Thank you Rising Phoenix!!!
Cheryl
My name is Joey Bendah. During my time as a senior at the University of Arizona, I decided to take classes from Jesse Tucker in krav maga as a means to get me into shape and give me a head-start for my future service in the Israel Defense Forces. After finishing at the UofA, I drafted to the Paratrooper Brigade as an infantryman in the IDF.
I began taking krav maga classes twice per week during my basic and advanced training. It is safe for me to say that the techniques that I learned from Jesse are the authentic techniques that are taught to all soldiers in the IDF. In fact, I learned more in-depth details and tactics that I did not have the time to learn in my IDF courses.
It is because of my lessons from Jesse in civilian krav maga that today, as a soldier, I have the confidence to use krav maga to my defense in life-or-death situations.
Joey Bendah
What hooked me is that there is no contract but what has made me stay are the incredible people! The trainers and staff are top-notch and make you feel welcome no matter your experience or skill level. I learn something new every time I go. This place rocks!
Jayne Levengood
I am a law enforcement officer and Army Reservist. I began training with Rising Phoenix shortly after having heart surgery. I wanted a fun way to get back in shape and learn self defense skills that will help me in both my personal life and as a law enforcement officer. After about a year of training at Rising Phoenix I felt like I was in the best shape of my life. I felt faster and stronger than I did when I was in my 20’s! The results really showed when I took my first physical fitness test with the Army Reserves and I got the highest score in my 12 year military career.
I also felt more confident when dealing with suspects at work. Krav Maga not only teaches their students how to protect themselves in the event of an attack, but also instils confidence and knowledge on how to avoid being attacked in the first place.
Jesse’s system incorporates real life scenarios to teach students not only how to execute the techniques but how to do it under stress. From how to respond to a simple mugging at the ATM to a bar fight to a mass shooting, Jesse will prepare you to protect yourself and family from danger. In addition, the other students make new comers feel welcome and help them understand the techniques.
This is a great gym with great instructors who foster a positive atmosphere for learning!
Charles Grimes
My name is Xiomara Marquez. During the summer after my high school graduation, I enlisted into the United States Navy. I was in no way prepared for the obstacles I would face in bootcamp so I started searching for a way to prepare myself mentally and physically. Before I shipped off to bootcamp, I met Jesse Tucker through a mutual friend and discovered that not only did he offer physical training but he offered self defense as well. I quickly set up a training regimen to surpass bootcamp standards and met with Jesse three times a week. Now, as a sailor, I’m able to meet all physical fitness standards which allows me to put all my focus into serving the Navy intelligence community to the best of my ability. I’m incredibly thankful that I decided to go to Rising Phoenix because it made my experience in bootcamp a breeze and I have learned so much about what my body is capable of and how to maintain my health.
Xiomara Marquez