I am always hesitant to attend new schools….I have been to some that have a “throw you to the wolves” mentality, and I have been to schools where I was essentially a punching bag for the black belts in the class. I also despise the egos you encounter in some martial arts schools, so I am very cautious before laying down my money for training.All this to say that if you are anything like me, you will find the Texas Defense Academy to be NOTHING like those types of schools. From the first day, Edwin, Bryan, Michael and Terry made me feel very welcome. There are absolutely no egos among the trainers or the students. Everyone is there to learn, and to have a good time doing it. Some of my training partners have become very good friends to me, as have the instructors themselves.As for the CSW program itself, I can absolutely say that the training does not disappoint. The program is top-notch, and I have learned a great deal about grappling in the last year and a half. I enjoy the fact that the program is street oriented….while it can certainly be modified or used for competition, the FOCUS at the TDA is on using your skills in a real-life, violent encounter. Since coming on board, I have also added Pekiti Tersia Kali to my training schedule, which is another system I have always wanted to study, due to the focus on blade work.Regardless of your reason for being there, or the type of training you are seeking, there is likely a program for you at the TDA. The B3 class is very popular, with a great emphasis on close quarter striking. CSW is an excellent grappling program, and PTK-SMF is a premier weapons art. Also, Bryan runs a great fitness class twice a week, and will be happy to make you sweat and burn off some calories if that’s what you would like to focus on.Lastly, I have been exposed to a lot of different schools over the years. The TDA is the one that has provided me the best opportunity to train real world skills, with like minded people, in a positive environment. I would not have stayed had it been otherwise, and I encourage you to check it out.