Vistelar Training Group exists because of our anger.

For over 25 years we have equipped professionals -- police, corrections, security, military personnel -- with the training and non-lethal weapons to defend themselves.

Our focus has been and always will be on our client's safety and survival - period.

We know what works and what doesn't work -- on the streets in real life -- so we've always been appalled by the junk being taught and sold to the general public. In our opinion, most civilian self-defense programs are impractical, misguided, and downright dangerous and many of the products sold in the name of self-defense are worthless.

In 2010 we got so darn angry about this disgraceful situation we decided to do something about it by forming Vistelar Training Group.

Who are "we"?

Well, there are three of us:

• Dr. George Thompson, founder of the Verbal Judo Institute
• Dave Young, founder of Arma Training
• Gary Klugiewicz, founder of ACMi Systems

More than likely, our names aren't familiar to you because almost all of our work has been with law enforcement and the military.

You can learn more about each of us by visiting our individual websites (just click on a logo at the right) or reading our biographies on this site -- but all you really need to know is this:

• We have been on the streets for over 25 years so we know what works and what doesn't
  

• Our work is about life and death -- PERIOD

• We are crazy passionate about Our Mission (check it out)

Unlike many self-defense trainers, our work is NOT about establishing a sporting-competition record. The ONLY record that matters to us is having a ZERO in the loss column -- which means staying as safe as possible but, if attacked, winning the fight.

We have found that most people live according to two myths: "It won't happen to me" and "If attacked, I'll know what to do." Our goal is to blow up these myths so people do the right things to keep themselves, their families and their workplace safe -- and are able to defend themselves and their loved ones if attacked.

Beyond the three of us, we have formed partnerships with training institutions, other self-defense trainers, and self-defense product suppliers -- so you don't need to be looking elsewhere for help.

What we do

If it has to do with verbal, physical or situational self defense and safety for everyday folks like you, our goal is to provide it -- either through this site, our partners, or our referrals. That includes both training and products.

There are a lot of ways you can become involved with us: get our free self-defense tips, become a member, buy from our online store, or take one of our training programs. You can also sign up to get updates about the national conference we are planning for 2011.

Anyway, thanks for visiting and STAY SAFE.

Doc, Dave, and Gary