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Self-Defense and Your Health: A Tactical Approach to Living Well

Is it better to die slowly by your own neglect or quickly at someone else’s hands?
 
As a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer with over 30 years of boots-on-the-ground experience, I’ve spent my career teaching people to protect themselves. I was a certified Defensive Tactics and Firearms Instructor, trained at the Federal Law Enforcement Academy, and even taught other instructors. I’ve led countless self-defense and concealed carry classes. But here’s what fascinates me: people eager to learn self-defense to save their lives often overlook the biggest threat—lifestyle and metabolic health.
 
What if you could tackle both? Get fit and learn to defend yourself—two birds, one stone. I train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at American Top Team in Portland, Oregon. Of all the martial arts and tactics I’ve mastered, BJJ stands out. It’s transformed my fitness and made me a force to reckon with. Plus, in a world where loneliness plagues Western society, a BJJ gym offers more than sweat—it’s where you find your tribe.
 
But here’s the catch: health isn’t just about strength. When did you last see a primary care provider for a check-up? After retiring from DHS, I joined our family-owned Pohala Clinic (https://www.pohalaclinic.com) in SE Portland as Practice Administrator. Before diving into an intense program like BJJ, consult a medical professional—your Nurse Practitioner or Naturopathic Doctor. At Pohala, we’re welcoming new patients as soon as next week, accepting top commercial plans like PacificSource, United Healthcare, Providence, and Moda. We offer holistic, compassionate care with the Aloha Spirit for all ages, including same-day visits.
Defend your life—inside and out.
 
Book with us today and join the Pohala Ohana. Mahalo Nui!
 
Author
Profile picture Michael Foster Practice Administrator at Pohala Clinic Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer & Practice Administrator at Pohala Clinic

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