Guro Edwin Rodriguez
Guro Edwin Rodriguez
Edwin is the driving force behind Texas Defense Academy and one of our most dedicated lead instructors. With an unwavering passion for self-defense and martial arts, he has committed his life to mastering and teaching effective, real-world combat techniques. His extensive experience and deep knowledge make him an invaluable asset to both TDA and the students who train under him.
Edwin holds a high rank in the Keysi Fighting Method (KFM) and is a Level 2 CSW (Combat Submission Wrestling) student, demonstrating his expertise in striking, grappling, and close-quarters combat. He is a former ACWA Combatives instructor, trained in practical and tactical defense strategies. Additionally, he serves as the lead instructor for the Pekiti Tirsia Kali program at TDA under the guidance of the esteemed Tuhon Tim Waid, reinforcing his mastery of edged and impact weapons-based combat.
Beyond his roles at TDA, Edwin is one of the four visionary creators of Ballistic3 – The Study of Motion, a cutting-edge approach to movement, strategy, and adaptability in combat. His ability to integrate multiple disciplines allows students to develop well-rounded skills, making them more effective and confident in self-defense scenarios.
Never settling for complacency, Edwin actively seeks knowledge beyond TDA, training with top instructors and exploring new methodologies to refine his own abilities. His dedication to continuous learning is driven by a desire not just to improve himself but to elevate the training experience for every TDA member.
More than just an instructor, Edwin is a mentor and a true “people person.” His commitment to his students extends far beyond the mats—he takes a personal interest in their progress, pushing them to become the best versions of themselves. Whether it’s guiding a beginner through their first lesson or helping an advanced student reach new heights, Edwin’s patience, energy, and leadership make a lasting impact on everyone who walks through TDA’s doors.
At Texas Defense Academy, we take pride in the quality of our instruction, and Edwin exemplifies that standard. His passion, experience, and dedication make him not only the backbone of our school but also an inspiration to all who train with him.
Training
- Keysi Fighting Method
- A.C.W.A. Combatives
- Pekiti Tirsia Kali
- Jeet Kune Do
- Keysi by Justo Dieguez
- Combat Submission Wrestling
- Catch As Catch Can Wrestling
- Defence Lab
- Tae Kwon Do
- Fitness
Projects
What students are saying about Edwin
- Guro Edwin pushes everyone to be their best with the goal of them becoming as good or better than he is. – Joe Millar
- Edwin was on the phone with me for almost an hour talking with me about what the classes were about and that helped me feel really comfortable showing up to class that first day. – Karissa Jones
- Edwin is a top-quality instructor and truly adjusts to the needs of each student. Generous with his time and knowledge. -Anna Queza
- My daughter has been taking weekly self-defense classes with Edwin for almost a year. In addition to learning the basics of self-defense, her self confidence, especially her confidence in her ability to defend herself, has increased significantly. It has been a wonderful experience for her and given her important tools heading into her teen years! – Adair Taulbee
- The self-defense workshop was great! Edwin blew away a lot of false ideas and gave great techniques we can practice at home! – Chelsey Hatman