ABOUT THE FORGE
Although a lot of what we do as self-defense instructors involves firearms, at our core we’re about self defense in general. Most people treat self defense and concealed-carry separately in their training approach.
We realized they needed to be integrated, so we set about making that happen. It turns out someone was already doing it: Integrative Defense Strategies. We became and affiliate, and brought the IDS approach and methodology to the Black Hills.
In all our endeavors our goal is to serve our families and community by providing education, training, inspiration, and lots of practice.
STAY HUMBLE
SERVE OTHERS
DO THE WORK
Our Self-Defense Coaches
Kyle earned a black belt in Hawaii Kenpo, and is a Level 4 IDS APEX Certified Instructor, including force-on-force scenario training. As an APEX Instructor, Kyle is able to pursue his passion for making his community a safer place by training as many people as possible in self defense.
Coree believes everyone has a right to dignity, and to defend themselves. From coaching at The Forge, to her work in the medical field and animal rescue, she’s made it her mission to help others. She earned a black belt in Hawaii Kenpo and is an IDS APEX Level 1 Certified Instructor.
Ryan is an IDS APEX Level 1 Certified Instructor, has extensive professional firearms experience, and trains in Hawaii Kenpo. He has a passion for protecting others and making his community safer. Training and coaching at The Forge is another way he chooses to fulfill his mission.
Kent is a Citizen Defender at heart, always looking out for others. Having spent his entire life around firearms, teaching people self-defense with a firearm was a natural fit. He currently holds an IDS APEX Level 1 Instructor Certification, and continues to train hard at The Forge.
As a Citizen Defender, Leonard has personal protection is in his blood. Training at The Forge, teaching others how to defend themselves, how to train, and inspiring them to put in the effort is an important part of his mission. He is an IDS APEX Level 1 Certified Instructor.
