The Defense Training Institute

The Defense Training Institute Est. 1998 DTI is a Martial Arts training center that specializes in Hapkido, Guazabara Stick & Knife and Force Combatives.

No matter what system of fighting you practice or teach, Carlson Gracie’s Method of Structural Fighting provides an exce...
08/12/2026

No matter what system of fighting you practice or teach, Carlson Gracie’s Method of Structural Fighting provides an excellent framework for developing effective combat grappling and street combatives.

Carlson understood the realities of fighting and, more importantly, what was necessary to win. His approach emphasized developing a complete fighter: striking, takedowns, control, ground fighting, physical conditioning, and the ability to pressure-test those skills against a resisting opponent.

This material comes from Robert Drysdale’s excellent book, The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Chapter 5: “As Real as It Gets.” Robert Drysdale

If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend picking up a copy. There is a tremendous amount of history, philosophy, and practical insight for anyone serious about understanding the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and combat grappling.
Study the past. Understand the fight. Train for reality.

A week of Mount Control, escapes and submissions. A big thanks to all my awesome students who pushed themselves. ...
07/31/2026

A week of Mount Control, escapes and submissions. A big thanks to all my awesome students who pushed themselves.

Back to training! A little stand-up, maybe clinching, a takedown or two, topped by some ugly groundwork. It won't be pre...
07/20/2026

Back to training! A little stand-up, maybe clinching, a takedown or two, topped by some ugly groundwork. It won't be pretty but you might learn something.

A big Thank you to all those who attended Hugo Duerte's Luta Livre Seminar. We went almost 3 hours on Friday and another...
07/13/2026

A big Thank you to all those who attended Hugo Duerte's Luta Livre Seminar. We went almost 3 hours on Friday and another 2 hours on Saturday. It was fantastic, from beginning to end, non-stop techniques. Thank you Mestre Hugo Duarte and Manuela for an amazing event and sharing the mat with us. .pbduarte #

DTI welcomes to Aurora. It'll be great to have him join us this weekend!!
07/10/2026

DTI welcomes to Aurora. It'll be great to have him join us this weekend!!

You've been training. You've developed skills. But what's your plan when violence suddenly finds you?What's your first l...
07/07/2026

You've been training. You've developed skills. But what's your plan when violence suddenly finds you?
What's your first line of defense? How will you respond under pressure? Are you prepared to stand in defense of someone who cannot defend themselves?
Skill alone is not enough. Technique without strategy is a dangerous illusion. The time to think is before the confrontation, not during it.
While you've been treating training as a game, your opponent's been preparing for war.
Train your body, sharpen your mind and develop your plan.
Because in a moment of crisis, you won't rise to the occasion, you'll fall to the level of your preparation. Just say'in.

God Bless America, Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
07/04/2026

God Bless America, Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Being skilled in the martial arts means little if you fail in life or treat others with disrespect. That is not the true...
07/01/2026

Being skilled in the martial arts means little if you fail in life or treat others with disrespect. That is not the true spirit of Budo. Train to defend yourself. Train to fight when necessary. But above all, strive to become a better human being.

Maybe I'm old and I don't think the way so many do, but I still believe true martial arts are not measured by physical ability alone, but by the strength of one's character, integrity, humility, and compassion toward others.

For those coming in tonight, we will be working on Kotegaeshi Throws from various positions. We will then follow up with...
06/30/2026

For those coming in tonight, we will be working on Kotegaeshi Throws from various positions. We will then follow up with some weapons training. On the menu, mixing it up with Eskrima SInawali as well as Guazábara Mano Duro attack defense. The Masters Class will consist of standing chokes and their ground equivalents followed by fifty-fifty sparring

Address

2116 W. Galena Boulevard
Aurora, IL
60506

Opening Hours

Monday 4pm - 8pm
Tuesday 1pm - 9pm
Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
Thursday 1pm - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+16302341631

Website

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