Coach Kress

8th Degree Black Belt 40+ years teaching a variety of striking & grappling arts @Degerberg Academy Turning 70 this year. What if someone threatens me with a gun?

Fighting old age by continuing to teach and train in a variety of Martial Arts at the Degerberg Academy in Chicago. In January 1982 began training under Grand Master Fred Degerberg in aspects of dozens of martial arts, including Boxing, Muay Thai, Savage, Catch-Wrestling, BJJ, Kenpo Karate, Jeet Kune Do,and Kali. Teaching beginner and advanced Degerberg Blend classes, with the rank of 7th degree B

11/20/2023

This weekend I was honored to receive my 8th Degree Black Belt from Grand Master Fred Degerberg and 9th Degree Black Belt Dave Kovar.
Congratulations to everyone who received promotions at the event.

03/08/2023

Act in Self Defense is now Coach Kress!

You have probably noticed a shift in the type of posts being featured here. I have been providing more and more martial arts related videos and less about pure Self Defense. Some people confuse Martial Arts with Self Defense. They are not the same.

Yes, there can be any number of martial arts techniques used by someone trying to physically defend themselves, but when I teach Self Defense I spend more time on Personal and Situational awareness than on physical Self Defense. Identifying and AVOIDING potentially dangerous people, places and situations should be the main focus in any Self Defense Training, followed by some basic physical Self Defense techniques.

I am spending much more time teaching and coaching martial arts classes and private and semi private instruction in a wide variety of martial arts, and less time on self defense topics. This page has become the vehicle for teaching a variety of striking and grappling technique through videos and therefore the name change to better reflect where I am at in my teaching.

I will continue to address Personal Safety and Self Defense topics where appropriate

I hope that you will continue to follow this page and, when you feel it is appropriate, share the stories and videos with your friends and family. Thank you for following.

02/26/2023

Pictures from the recent seminar at the Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts.
It was a real pleasure to work with such a great group of practitioners. Thank you for participating
Coach Kress 😁

02/05/2023

I will be turning 70 this year. I don't know how many more of these I will be doing. Don't miss this one 😆

Photos from Warrior Evolution MMA's post

01/31/2023

I had a great time working with my former wrestler Sean Tazz Lau and training his students in Takedowns and Submissions and in MMA. Great energy and enthusiasm at Warrior Evolution MMA

Thank you for inviting me.