Roka Arms

Roka Arms

Share

This page is dedicated to continuing education for the self-defense practitioner and responsibly armed citizens.

Beginner Level I Class:

Beginner Level II Class:

Intermediate Class:

Advanced Class:

03/10/2022

Folks! Stay tuned...after a hiatus, I will be posting some new, fun content here and on my YouTube channel!
More to come!

03/30/2021

Hello everyone! TacCon 2021 is in the books! What an event. More to come about the topic I presented and how it could apply to you!
Also, stay tuned as I revamp my website and carve out more time to post more content!
Be safe and shoot straight, all!

05/06/2020

Annette Evans asked me to contribute to her On Her Own project. Here are my responses to her questions. Enjoy!

It's the return of When She's On Her Own, this time with Eve's experience.

Remember: this is a space for you to share YOUR unique story. All of us have different experiences and it's my hope to help you teach and learn from each other.

Want to add your story? Contact me through the page!

---

𝑇𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑠 π‘Žπ‘π‘œπ‘’π‘‘ π‘Ž π‘‘π‘–π‘šπ‘’ π‘€β„Žπ‘’π‘› π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑑 π‘™π‘–π‘˜π‘’ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘€π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘œπ‘› π‘¦π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘œπ‘€π‘›.

In 2009/2010, I ended a toxic, ten year relationship with my live-in boyfriend. I was in college when he and I met. I lived alone for a short time while attending university, but I was not financially independent. We moved in together while I was still in college and lived together nearly the entire time we dated. Things that occurred during the relationship caused me to distance myself from my family. When I ended the relationship, I was truly on my own emotionally and financially.

π‘Šβ„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘€π‘Žπ‘  π‘Ž 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 π‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘™π‘™π‘’π‘›π‘”π‘’ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘“π‘Žπ‘π‘’π‘‘ 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘‘π‘–π‘šπ‘’?

I had to learn a new way of navigating the world. My thoughts and speech were always negative. I did not understand how to be independent.

π»π‘œπ‘€ 𝑑𝑖𝑑 π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘“π‘Žπ‘π‘’ 𝑖𝑑?

I was blessed to have friends at the time who helped me identify that the relationship was unhealthy. I was so entrenched in the negativity of that relationship, I could not see the dysfunction in my thinking or my emotions. Those friends were supportive and helped me change the course of my life.

π·π‘œ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘£π‘’ π‘Ž π‘™π‘’π‘ π‘ π‘œπ‘›π‘  π‘™π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘›π‘’π‘‘ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘› π‘ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘€π‘–π‘‘β„Ž π‘œπ‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘€π‘œπ‘šπ‘’π‘› 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘ π‘Žπ‘šπ‘’ π‘ π‘–π‘‘π‘’π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›?

The biggest lesson I learned from those friends was to think positively. It sounds trite and simplistic. But, I cannot overemphasize the importance of positive thoughts! It is common place for women to tell each other, β€œYou’re worth it!” And, β€œYou deserve better!” And, β€œYou are good enough!” Those things are all true. But the reality is when someone is stuck in a pattern of negative thoughts, telling someone those β€˜big ticket items’ [of positive thinking/mental health] and wanting them to believe and internalize it is akin to wanting them to jump straight to the top of a mountain. Forget using a helicopter, forget taking a car, forget walking, use your own two feet and just jump really high! That’s the essence of the message for someone who has habituated a negative outlook. It is an unrealistic expectation to think the Big Ticket positive thoughts will become normal without practicing positive thinking with the small things.

Women are good at telling each other we are β€œworthy”…but we fail to help each other habituate positive thoughts. When I was first truly on my own, I began to shift my thinking starting with the little things – meaning, the really little things. For me, this meant changing my language and even my internal dialogue. I removed ALL negative words from my vocabulary. Can’t, don’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, NOT, these no longer had a place in my head or speech.

Instead of thinking, β€œI can’t have ice cream today.” I trained myself to think, β€œI CAN have banana bread.” Instead of, β€œI don’t want to go for a run,” it was, β€œI DO want to ride my bike.” Rather than, β€œThese words aren’t acceptable,” it became, β€œThese words ARE okay.” I call this the β€˜Low Hanging Mental Fruit.’ Changing these thoughts first leads to successfully changing thoughts about more significant things.

β€œI’ll never shoot that well,” became, β€œIf I DO practice this drill, I’ll become better at….” For my career, β€œI can’t make that project deadline,” became, β€œI CAN accomplish these tasks to complete 80% of the project goal by the deadline.”

In this way, little by little, my inner monologue became positive. That shaped my outlook on my future, my capabilities and my goals. If I can share one message, this would be it.

The image of the tree with the expressions around it represents a way to start changing negative thinking. To climb the tree, you have to start at the bottom. The Rosie the Riveter β€˜RAH RAH we can do it!’ speech is great. But, the Low Hanging Mental Fruit is the tangible path to walk, the real steps to take to actually get, do and feel better.

11/06/2019

Be careful with believing your pistol is a magic talisman that will instantly stop someone else intending to hurt you. Know how to work your trigger and know when you need to change your point of aim. Generally, chest hits in the vital zone are the preferred POA. However, when those don’t work, it’s time to change the strategy. Also, this is an example of why β€œcenter mass” is a misnomer as far as a target zone.
Caution, graphic video.

The 21-foot β€œrule” is back in the news! 09/27/2019

Check out this FANTASTIC article by Force Science! Very worth reading, very worth your time.

The 21-foot β€œrule” is back in the news! Understanding police use-of-force decision-making requires a sophisticated understanding of laws, policies, tactics and human factors

The Long Game: Maintaining Your Progress Over The Years – Growing up Guns 04/08/2019

Growing Up Guns nails it...again. For me, I got injured and haven’t been lifting like I was. Great timing on this since I’m back at the gym this week! If you haven’t yet, stop by Mark’s page for some quality information and give his page a like while you’re there!

The Long Game: Maintaining Your Progress Over The Years – Growing up Guns The Long Game: Maintaining Your Progress Over The Years Everyone has resolutions and goals. Some people want to lose weight, get stronger, start a new hobby or sport, get better at shooting, or whatever. So you pick a diet plan, a hobby, a sport, a goal, and you do the work. You realize your goals.....

21-Foot Principle Clarified by Dennis Tueller and Ken Wallentine 03/21/2019

Excellent reminder of the origins of the Tueller principle. Dennis Tueller himself explains this and clarifies the idea of the 21 foot reactionary gap was never meant to be a rule. It’s a concept to help identify the distance at which an assailant holding a knife or club is too close.
H/T to Lee Weems for sharing the video. If you haven’t done so yet, find and like his page: First Person Safety. He’s good people.

21-Foot Principle Clarified by Dennis Tueller and Ken Wallentine The 21 Foot Drill is re-evaluated and put in perspective from the source himself, the creator, Dennis Tueller who discusses this HIGHLY contested concept wit...

Scammers at My Door 12/24/2018

Merry Christmas everyone! Remember not everyone is full of good cheer and good intentions. Watch thisβ€”smart words from a smart man!

Scammers at My Door Do you think I handled this correctly? A little sport MUC incident involving two scammers at my front door.

Photos from Roka Arms's post 10/29/2018

Hey All! I am trying to raise some money. My little dog, Petey, fell last week and broke his jaw in two places. I have a stock of my OC Grab Tabs and would like to move the inventory to help raise money for his vet bill. Check out my website for information on them:
http://rokaarms.com/oc-grab-tabs/

They are very affordable at $10.00 each. Check out my web page (http://rokaarms.com/oc-grab-tabs/) or e-mail me at [email protected] to order!

This is a perfect time to order with Christmas right around the corner. These are great stocking stuffersβ€”think of your wife, girlfriend, sister, mother, anyone you know who carries a bag of any kind or even drives a car (for the center console). At $10/ea they are really affordable! Place your orders now, help a poor pup and stay safe all at once!

I have the following textures and colors:

Black synthetic leather (vinyl/pleather)
Tan/beige synthetic leather
Black canvas
Dark brown canvas
Light grey canvas

The value of a college degree 09/27/2018

Another excellent article by The Tactical Professor. If you haven’t liked his page, do so now!

The value of a college degree A Facebook friend commented about the fact that some major corporations had dropped the requirement for a college degree. She agreed with the change because her experience was that her education ha…

ep 47 Eve Kulcsar - Out of Order James Kaleda 08/08/2018

Hey all, check out this podcastβ€”Out of Order. James Kaleda was kind enough to have me as a guest. If you haven’t already, add the podcast to your regular listening list!

ep 47 Eve Kulcsar - Out of Order James Kaleda Eve Kulcsar Owner of Roka Arms Get the latest 2A stuff! I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information ) Hey, we all know it's just a matter of time before the all the social media platforms put the kabosh on gun talk of any kind. So subscribe now, and … Continu...

When was the last time you tried something new? 07/05/2018

Thank you to the awesome Shelley Hill for the article! Check out The Complete Combatant for other great info!

For ordering the OC Grab Tab, email me at [email protected]

When was the last time you tried something new? Hi guys its Shelley! Brian presented a good question in our The Complete Combatant Alumni Facebook Group and it inspired me to ask you all the same thing. Brian asked β€œIn the self-protection area, …

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Chicago?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Category

Address


Chicago, IL
60088