727.310.3083 phil@flnation.com

When The Storm Comes...

7/9/2019

Self Defense starts with your mindset. You either want to survive this life, for as long as you can, or you don’t.

Now, everyone who read that opening statement will undoubtedly say that they want to survive it for as long as they can, but are they really pushing themselves in that direction? There’s a harsh reality, out there. The reality that there are bad people who are only making themselves stronger, and more capable of harming you, is a very raw one. It’s inescapable. The next harsh reality is that there isn’t anyone in this world who can protect you but yourself. At least no one that you can truly rely on. When the cards are all on the table, and you are standing in the midst of the storm, there is no one who can help you fight your way through it, but you.

Let’s face the facts:

Violent crime is only on the rise; there is no sign of it slowing down.
You don’t hear about all of the violent crimes, because many do not get reported to news outlets.
Police response times vary from a minimum of 5 minutes, to a maximum of 15+minutes.

Now, what can we gather from these facts?

As violence rises, the chances of us avoiding it grow slimmer and slimmer
As violent crimes continue to go unreported, our scope remains cloudy, and we don’t know the whole truth. The chances that it could be lurking in our own back yards, and us not know it, are very high.
Even the police can’t help you, once the threat is at your door.

The best thing that we can do is train. Cross training is the key to elevating your chances for success, should you find yourself in the midst of a storm. Cardio and weight training will certainly put your body in the best possible condition, from a conventional perspective, but handling yourself against someone who is seasoned in violence is a different ball game. You need to understand the worlds of striking, grappling, weapon defenses, and weapon fighting; but are you doing anything to prepare yourself in all of these avenues? The answer, sadly, is likely not.

So, what’s your next step? It’s time to find yourself a school to train at. I’m sure there are countless schools all around that advertise some form of martial arts. In an article to come, I’m going to list some of the key elements necessary for a worthwhile martial arts and self defense school. Until then, though, if you’re in the Tampa/Odessa/New Port Richey areas, look us up. I am Head Instructor Philip M. Lopez, and we are FearLess Nation.

Keep Hands Out Of Your Pockets

4/2/2019

We spend so much time, trying to keep hands out of our pockets, from merchants to the IRS, but we never focus on some of the most dangerous hands - our own. It can be easily looked over, on a chilly night, or in a crowded place, but it is one of the most dangerous things someone can do, walking around. Let me explain.

It's easy, while you're under no real stress, to take your hands in and out of your pockets. It is easy to feel safe this way, because it keeps your hands clutched around your valuables. I understand that. However, I'm here to tell you that under extreme stress, it can be extraordinarily difficult to get your hands out of your pockets and up, to protect your face. You may not think so, and most don't. Most believe that they will always be able to get their hands out to do whatever they need to. In fact, I'm sure some of you have reached a hand or two into your pockets, while reading this, just to try. Yes, it's easy, but how scared are you, right now?

Imagine you're walking down a sidewalk, and perhaps you have on a nice new coat that was gifted to you over Christmas. Now, imagine that someone with undesirable intentions comes along and decides to attack you for it, but wait, you had your hands in your pockets, because it's cold. Now, with their aggressive shove or strike, you've fallen, unable to get your hands out in time, and with stuck hands, banged your head against the concrete. Where does that leave you? In a sticky, painful, and extremely dangerous position.

Imagine, however, you were aware of these dangers, and you kept your hands out of your pockets, and accessible. Now, even if you are pushed, or struck, to the ground, you have your hands to catch you, and to help you reengage with the assailant. Now, imagine further, that you have had some Self Defense training, and you could properly defend yourself in that situation. That's a powerful thought, and a powerful you.

At my school, FearLess Nation, we prepare our students with, not only the tools, but the mindset to support these tools. It is paramount that you prepare yourself for even the things you believe may not happen. It's always the thing that we don't see coming that gets us - be ready for it!

- Head Instructor Phil

Want To Have Fun?

3/25/2019

Something that some people don’t understand about training in Self Defense is that it’s just plain fun! That indescribable feeling of empowerment, when you realize that you can actually stand up for yourself, against someone who’s much bigger, and much stronger, is seriously incredible. Why more people don’t do it may be hidden in their misunderstanding of it.
I want to tell you about a woman who came in, to train, and was certainly nervous. To save her some embarrassment, we’re going to call her Tilda. Tilda came in, oozing of uncertainty and uneasiness. She had never taken a Self Defense class before, but she was sure that she needed to, because of what the world has become. So, with great reluctance, she joined the training mat, and she jumped into a class. Seeing the apprehension, I asked one of our more senior female students to pair with her, for her training, that day. I knew full well that she wouldn’t shake the nerves that day, but that she would certainly shake the uncertainty for the people.
You see, when people join a martial arts training center, they’re not just joining an instructor; they’re joining a community, and our community is STRONG! Like one big family, we all lift each other up and support one another through everything! I could tell that Tilda was feeling the love, after that first class. She may not be too great throwing a kick after just her first class, but she was certainly smiling the whole time! Little by little, she continued to open up, and little by little she was able to see her skills improve. It wasn’t long before she was throwing around the big guys in class, and let me tell you, she isn’t very big, haha.
Not long into her training with us, we embarked on a school outing that we call Camp FearLess! Speaking of having fun, this is an incredible opportunity to get immersed into raw martial arts training. We take all participants on a camping trip, where we train from sun-up to sun-down, roast marshmallows, share some drinks, sing songs, and enjoy our fellowship. There, we really got an opportunity to know Tilda, and she truly grew as a member of our family! I couldn’t be more proud of her! I feel that we all need a family like ours - a family that stands out from your typical friendships, and the day-to-day. When we get together, it’s nothing but fun, even when we get serious, in our training.
I guess, the point is that we can’t take life too seriously, and we can’t just stay in our little bubbles, if we want to live. Is everyone else doing a “bootcamp”? Then don’t just do a bootcamp. Is everyone else doing crossfit? Then don’t just do crossfit. Is everyone else doing yoga? Then don’t just do yoga. Find something that separates you from the group, and find something new and exciting. Most are afraid to do Self Defense and Martial Arts, because they are afraid of something. Usually, they are afraid of not being good at it or being judged. I’m here to tell you that, at FearLess Nation, you won’t be judged, and we WILL make you good at it. Our promise is to empower you to protect yourself, no matter what.
Find some excitement in what you do; don’t just “get a workout.” ave fun getting a workout, while you learn to defend yourself!
Keep kicking ass, Tilda! We’re all very proud of you!
Head Instructor Phil

The World Needs Dangerous Men

1/18/2019

Today, we face a problem in our society. We are facing an era of an effort to demasculinize our men. We teach our boys to be less, well, like boys. They aren't allowed to go out and ride their bikes, for fear of what could happen. They aren't allowed to get into little scraps with their friends, for fear of what could happen. They aren't allowed to make mistakes, for fear of what could happen. I mean, we live in a society that screams the words, "toxic masculinity!" at the top of its lungs.

Well, I am here to tell you that we need our men to be masculine. We need our boys growing up knowing how to be a man. We need dangerous men! John Lovell, of Warrior Poet Society, writes, "The right kind of dangerous means they aren't feared by wives, children, or friends. They are not beating up the weaker, they are loving protectors, warrior poets." Ponder this for a moment. Without these dangerous men, who would be left to defend and protect?

We perish for lack of good men who are prepared to answer the call. Do we want to raise our boys to be boys for their entire lives, or do we want to raise our boys to be men? I can tell you that I am raising my young students to be men and women who can answer any call, when the time comes, because they can not only fight, should they need to, but they possess the spirit of a warrior who does not sit for evil.

Evil does exist in the world, ladies and gentlemen! Prepare our children to face it with strength, courage, and righteousness; or allow the world to turn them into the soft and the weak. As their leaders - parents, teachers, and other influencers - it is our responsibility to prepare them. With martial arts training and discipline through fellowship, they can become the Warrior Poets of tomorrow - prepared for whatever the world throws at them!

I'm Instructor Phil, and I believe that, together, we can help our young people be the leaders and defenders of this world, so let's stand TOGETHER!

You don’t know what you don’t know...

1/3/2019

Something that I’ve learned over the years is that “you don’t know what you don’t know.” In other words, there are things that we are certain of, things we know we are unsure or clueless of, and then there the things that we don’t even realize that we are unaware of. It’s like Mom’s secret recipe. You’re pretty sure you’ve got it down, and you set out to make those incredible cookies that you remember from your childhood, only to realize that they are nothing like what you remember. It wouldn’t be until you called Mom and found out that you were missing an ingredient, and you had the measurements written down incorrectly.

The same can be said about the many people who are simply unaware of the dangers of having no proper training under their belt. Some of us grew up needing to fight, and because of that, believe that we have things handled, should the time come. My question to you is, what if it’s Mike Tyson in his prime? Do you know what to do then? What about Marcelo Garcia? Do you know what to do then? Now, this isn’t to challenge anyone’s abilities, because I’m sure that someone reading this has an “off the hip” response for me (pun totally intended). What I am trying to challenge is your view on preparedness.

The truth is that no one should walk around without training in 4 fundamental skill sets:

1. De-escalation - one’s ability to ease tension, particularly during confrontational situations.
2. Striking - one’s ability to use their body as a blunt force weapon safely, rendering little harm to themselves, while causing as much damage to their opponent as possible.
3. Grappling - one’s ability to handle extremely close range threats, where the use of blunt force is difficult.
4. Weapons - one’s ability to not only use conventional weapons, such as knives, sticks, guns, etc. but also improvised weapons based on one’s environment.

All of these things and more are possible to train, but you’ll never get better at any of them, if you don’t take the time to train it.

You don’t know what you don’t know.

New Year, New Me

12/27/2018

Every year, like clockwork, people post about the amazing new things they want to do this year. It's literally the first, and most important, step toward achieving any goal - letting yourself hear it, out loud. How awesome does it feel, to imagine all of the great things you're going to accomplish with your year? How incredible will it feel, once you've actually accomplished them?

Well, there's a problem. Most people never actually do complete their goals. We set them, we stay positive and motivated for a couple of weeks - the lucky ones - and then the motivation and focus fizzles out. Why is that? We live crazy lives! That's why! So, what can we do to fix this?

In my experience, we need accountability, but if you ask most, that's a scary word. It means that someone else is responsible for making sure you stay on track. Let's face it; we don't want someone else reminding of us of our lack of motivation. But, what if we didn't need an "accountability buddy"? What if we had a whole team of people, all trying to accomplish the same goal - growth!

Well, with Instructor Phil and his team, you can achieve your fitness and martial arts goals! We are dedicated to making sure you train in a fun, challenging, and familiar environment! Every class is designed to help you kill those calories, while you learn to protect yourself and laugh the whole way!

Learn to set reasonable goals for yourself, on your way to your big goals. Learn to properly protect yourself, and your family, from likely attackers. Get into excellent shape. Study a complete martial arts system derived from many arts of influence, such as Krav Maga, Escrima, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and more.

You won't have more fun anywhere else, in the Trinity area! Come give us a try for free :)

Just call us at (727) 312-3083

What are YOU worth?

5/24/2018

I have a simple question for all of you today. What are you worth? Click Here for my video.

What is your life, and the lives of those you care for, worth? Are they worth $5/day, $100/day, or maybe even $1,000/day? If you ask me, you are priceless – invaluable! To put a quantifiable value on your life means that you simply do not understand life. You are precious!

Now, what are you doing to protect this most precious gift? Most of you are doing nothing about it. This isn’t a stab at anyone; this is a WAKE UP CALL!!! It’s time to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones! The excuses of budget, fitness, and time need to go out the window. We are talking about the most valuable thing you have – life!

The way I see it, you have two options. A). You go hide in your room, lock the door, play your favorite Netflix show, eating a gallon of ice cream, while you cry yourself to sleep; because that’s EXACTLY what you’re going to do if you don’t start training to protect yourself and your loved ones. B). You get up off your butt, and you find the money (either through stopping your Starbucks and McDonalds, or by letting go of some luxuries), you MAKE the time, and you learn to train around your injuries. There are NO excuses!

You can NOT wait for the cops to get there; that could be TOO LATE! You can not hope and pray for a change of heart in the bad guy; it’s not coming! You need to STAND UP and arm yourself with the ability, knowledge, and courage to defend yourself! As I said, this is a WAKE UP CALL to the world! If you’re not preparing to protect yourself, your preparing to hand over yourself!

Show the people in your life that you care enough about them to do something with the responsibility to be the protector in a moment of need! You don’t know if that day is today, tomorrow, or ten years from now, but what you CAN know is that you’re ready – just start training!

Have a great day, guys!

Krav Maga Self Defense Martial Arts School in New Port Richey FL

5/23/2018

FearLess Nation is an elite family-oriented martial arts school that is located in Trinity FL. We are proud to service New Port Richey, Odessa, Lutz, Land O'Lakes, Holiday and Port Richey, along with the greater Tampa Bay region.

We offer personalized and tactically-oriented self defense programs to people of all ages. Our mission is to teach practical self defense techniques that are capable of getting results when they are needed most.

FearLess Nation offers classes for all skill levels and age levels. Our Adult Self Defense classes are designed for teens on up and are very hands on, every step of the way. We also teach advanced CQC and Combat Kali Weapons classes for those who want to push themselves to the limit.

We have a huge core group of kids attending any or all five of our Kids Self Defense classes offered throughout the week. We see our kids advancing very quickly and building self confidence and enhancing their abilities.

If you are looking to take your game to the next level, you might want to consider our advanced striking and kickboxing classes or even our grappling classes where we teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).

Self defense skills are critically important to building self confidence and self awareness. FearLess Nation is committed to providing you with the best training coupled with the most personalized instruction that will change your life for the better!

Contact us today for your FREE classes!

Are you paranoid?

5/23/2018

“Are you paranoid or something?”

This is a question I often get from people. Before I address the question, let’s understand where it’s coming from. As you allknow, I am a Self Defense Instructor. My focus is in Krav Maga, but I also teach Firearms, Kali, and MMA. At my school, FearLess Nation, we focus on “by any means necessary” quite a bit. We understand that some threats are too great for just our hands and our feet. Some threats call for an equalizer to be deployed.

What am I driving at? The only thing that stops a bad guy is a good guy willing to do worse than the bad guy is. We’ve all heard that “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Well, that is true, isn’t it? Take our most recent travesty at Orlando’s Pulse Shooting as an example. Ask yourself what ensured the finality of the situation? A SWAT officer managed to take out the shooter…a good man with a gun stopped a bad man with a gun.

Now, this is not a gun advocacy post. Rather, this is a post to address that question, “Are you paranoid or something?” The answer is NO, I am not paranoid. I am prepared. I know that I am the only thing standing between my life and the reaper. In some cases, I am the only thing standing between the lives of others and the reaper, as sad as that is. People who don’t train themselves are no better off than an infant. Look at the graphic below and think about it for a minute before continuing.

Let me ask you, do you have insurance on your vehicle? How about your home? Yes? Are you paranoid? No? Well, neither am I. I train in Self Defense on all levels, not because I am paranoid, but as my insurance for survival. I train in hand-to-hand combat in my Krav Maga and CQC programs. I train with Edged and Impact Weapons in my Kali program. I train in firearms every other weekend. I don’t do this because I am expecting to get attacked – I’m a pretty nice guy. I don’t have enemies, at least none that I know personally. However, I do this for the possibility that it can happen.

You drive, not expecting to get T-Boned, but knowing that it is a possibility. Therefore you have insurance. There really is no difference. Should my life, or the lives of those around me, be threatened, I am there to protect it. Unfortunately, waiting on police to arrive and handle the situation is a bad idea that often renders you even more a victim – just ask the police themselves.

Now, I told you that this is not a gun advocacy post, and it isn’t. However, what it most certainly is, is an advocacy post for Self-Action. Knowing how to protect yourself and your family is PARAMOUNT! How could you not be prepared for that. I ask my students often, but probably less often than I should, “Close your eyes and envision just one person, more if you’d like, that you could not fathom leaving without you here to be their support.” We all have that person. It can be a significant other, a parent, a child, a best friend, etc. “Now, open your eyes and ask yourself what you’re doing to ensure that you’ll be there for them. A diet is great, and staying fit is fantastic, but none of that matters if you get attacked and have no idea what to do.”

I hope you understand what I’m saying. I’m not condemning anyone, but I don’t know how else to get the point across. We need to be preparing ourselves for the likely potential that we could be next. Everyone thinks, “It’ll never happen to me.” until it happens to them. Please share this post with your friends and ask them if they’re paranoid like you and me.

Be safe, everyone! Walk in peace!

Instructor Phil

To see my video on this subject, click below:

The Six Undeniable Facts of Life

5/2/2018

The 6 Undeniable Facts of Life by FearLess Nation

There are facts of life that make a difference in enhancing everything we do. We thought to share what, we believe, to be the six undeniable facts of life...

1. Don't educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy, so when they grow up they will know the value of things, and not just their price.

2. "Eat your food as your medicines, otherwise you have to eat medicines as your food."

3. The one who loves you will never leave you for another, because, even if there are 100 reasons to give up, he, or she, will find that one reason to hold on.

4. There is a big difference between a human being and being human.

5. You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between, only YOU are in charge of your life.

6. If you just want to walk fast, then walk alone. However, if you want to walk far, then walk together.

The Seven Best Doctors:
1. GOD
2. Sunlight
3. Rest
4. Exercise
5. Diet
6. Self Confidence
7. Friends

About Us

We are the premier self defense school teaching Krav Maga techniques in Trinity, New Port Richey, Odessa, Lutz, Land O'Lakes and the Greater Tampa Bay region.

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