The Best Defence Program
Meet the team
The Best Defense Program Counter-Violence & Advocacy Training is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Dedicated to equipping you with the tools to detect, prevent, deter, and ultimately repel interpersonal violence, The Best Defence Program Counter-Violence & Advocacy Training directs focus away from the actions of potential victims and onto empowering communities against violence, person by person. Counter-Violence & Advocacy Training is about making safer decisions informed by environmental, cultural, and self-awareness, as well as verbal & physical tools for dealing with a variety of situations at various levels of escalation. Counter-Violence & Advocacy Training is not only about what to do when confronted with violence, but also about how to affect the social landscape, addressing popular mythologies in order to not propagate hyper-vigilance and victim-blaming, while increasing personal as well as community safety.
Our instructors have dedicated a certain portion of our lives to researching crime, power-differentials, violence and self-defence on numerous levels. We aren't law-enforcement officers, world-famous martial artists or undefeated martial sport/mma champions, nor are we brawlers looking for a fight. We incorporate relevant aspects of psychology, sociology, anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, martial arts & martial sports, conflict resolution, and medicine/paramedicine into our programs, and continue to study new methods as they are developed in order to bring you the very best and latest in training.
Gary (Gaz) Black began his experience with violence at a young age, growing up in a physical household. Exposure to the martial arts laid a foundation for studying physical conflict, and a lifelong passion was discovered.
While Gaz continues training in traditional arts - most recently wingchun and kalaripayattu - his focus is primarily on application.
Gaz is a former paramedic, instructor of first aid & CPR, maintains numerous certifications and is highly dedicated to his role as instructor.
Gaz is the founder of The Best Defence Program and the creative mind behind Counter-Violence & Advocacy Training.
An outspoken member of their generation, Chantal Black has been participating in The Best Defense Program training from the age of eight.
As the youngest member of the instruction team, Chantal has made invaluable contributions to curriculum development and company direction.
Chantal is an artist and student of dance, and has an educational history including both arts and sciences.
Together, Gaz and Chantal have appeared on radio (CJOB and CBC Radio One), television (CTV and CKND), as well as in print (Winnipeg Free Press) to discuss self-defence, victim-blaming, and harassment.
Additional instruction is provided by members of the Applications Class as required.
Testimonials
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Excellent. Wow. I have to say it wasn’t only good for the self-defence part, but also for making me more aware of the emotional well being side of things as well. Thanks.”
Richard, 28 -
All of the instruction and demonstration were clear, and additional information was always available.”
Liz, 25 -
I enjoyed the day. All the techniques were practical and seem flexible enough to be used in the real world.”
Ryan, paramedic -
I just finished taking part in the Basic class for the second time and was surprised at how easy it was to get through it! My goal is to become a full-fledged instructor some day because I believe nobody should be without this!”
Barb, 33 -
This is the best violence prevention training I have done in more than 25 years working in healthcare.
Nurse, Emergency Department, "Establishing and Maintaining Safety During an Acute Behavioural Disturbance"
2011-12-17 at 10:14
This looks great! I love how you guys are incorporating the philosophy of assertiveness and effective communication into something that can speak to alot of people, and how involving those principals throughout their daily routines and interactions can keep them safe from violent situations! Might i suggest bringing these programs into college/uni/high school communications classes, maybe as a workshop you guys could offer, to help students understand there really is an interesting reason why we should pay attention to these philosophies of assertiveness, and clear communication principals. anyways, just wanted to let you know someone appreciates your views and practices! peace ~Krista King~
2011-12-17 at 10:34
Thank you, Krista!
We actually get into high schools throughout the school year, though we are always on the lookout for more schools to work with. We’ve been in Women’s Studies classes, but not Communications classes – we’re going to have to check into that.
Thanks for the feedback and support, from all of us at TBDP!
2013-03-24 at 17:00
2024-09-19 at 01:46
Your program focus on empowering individuals and communities, rather than placing blame on potential victims, is refreshing. In martial arts, we often teach that awareness and de-escalation are the first lines of defense, much like your emphasis on environmental and cultural factors. A comprehensive approach that combines both mental and physical tools is essential for navigating real-world conflicts where violence is unpredictable, and avoiding it is often the best option.