Mike Snisky

My martial arts training began in 1972 when I was 14 years.  From 1978 through 1988 I taught the Taekwondo program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem PA.  My journey led me to open Eastern Defensive Arts Academy in 1988. 

Through the years, I've taught very many self-defense courses.  All relied on the old karate "kick-punch" paradigm.  One thing that bothered me was the sense that something was seriously lacking. Even in a technique filled 6 week program, this was not enough.  Something more was needed. 

My FAST Defense experience began at the 2000 NAPMA World Conference in Florida.  Watching Bill Kipp and Peyton Quinn demonstrate the bulletman scenarios left me with the overwhelming sense that "This was It!"

Teaching FAST Defense has turned out to be a very rewarding privilege.  Never before in my prior self-defense courses have participants written letters thanking us for the sense of empowerment. Seeing the profound changes in participants and knowing that you made a serious impact in their lives is tremendously rewarding.

Growing up in a family with an abusive father and seeing my mother in a helpless situation, makes the teaching of FAST Defense very personal to me.  Seeing participants come in and take the course, many of them abused themselves, and then leaving with a renewed enthusiasm and strength is extremely satisfying.

It is rewarding to see men take the course and develop the skills to deal with their fear and anger. The men also get a keen sensitivity to the different world of safety and awareness that women exist in.

Emerson once wrote that success was... "To leave the world a better place, whether by a healthy child... or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived."

By this measure, I feel fortunate to be so successful.

Michael D. Snisky