Daniel Sampson, former Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, and Land) is committed not only to help the women who take his class to become fit and trim, but also to be empowered and confident in self-protection. Daniel works together with a former investigator of violent crimes with the Albuquerque Police Department to train women to use both mental and physical self defense techniques. According to Sampson, self preservation starts with how we think when we are in different situations.

“Learning to be mindful of one’s surroundings is the beginning of self defense. Simple things like remembering to lock your car door or doors at home are extremely important in deterring a predator. Taking note of where you are, what part of town you are in, watching for people who may be predators is paramount. The best defense is to run if you can. If you can’t run, there still things you can do to get away from a predator.”

Daniel explains that if you are in a situation where someone is trying to choke you, it is possible to free yourself by using a “sweeping arm motion to turn the predator’s weight against them.” Strike and flee, grappling, anti-carjacking moves, and basic self-defense techniques are all taught in Daniel’s self defense class.

Daniel has been in numerous situations where he has been forced to utilize these techniques personally, so this training is not merely from theory. His “hands on” experience in protecting himself from danger is part of what makes him an expert in training others in the art of self defense.

“Staying fit builds confidence, physical strength, and mental well being,” he says, adding, “Women can protect themselves much better if they are in good physical shape to begin with.” Besides teaching self defense classes, Daniel also holds fitness classes in the training style of the Navy SEAL. Each 75-minute workout is comprehensive and includes body weight exercises, push ups, abs work, and running. The class is offered three times a week for a 12-week period. Certificates are issued in the middle of the class schedule, and graduation certificates are presented at the end of the 12-week sessions. Daniel also suggests being involved in physical exercise outside of class. Besides teaching fitness and self defense classes, he enjoys playing handball to supplement his own regimented fitness workout.

When asked for a fitness success story, Daniel gave an example of a woman who was getting married and wanted to start her new life in shape. Two months after she began the fitness course in the Navy SEAL style, she was feeling much better and stronger physically, and after three months, she had lost 20 pounds. Two of Daniel’s female students have run marathons. One woman ran a half a marathon (12 miles) and the other ran the complete marathon (24 miles). These women are in their forties.

When asked about how long it takes to become physically fit, Daniel replies: “If you can get past the first two weeks of soreness you will begin to feel stronger and your strength will improve as time goes on.” According to Daniel, getting fit can also be fun. Soon, he will be holding his fitness classes outdoors, which adds an extra bit of enjoyment to the task.

“Being fit works. The people who come to me are the people who can’t discipline themselves to go to the gym and work on their own. It helps to work out with other people. I’m selling a way of life. If you are in good physical shape you look better, think better, your emotions are balanced. It is amazing to watch people get stronger, shrink down their size, and develop a huge amount of self confidence.”

Along with being completely dedicated to fitness, Daniel Sampson is adamant about stopping the cycle of domestic violence. In fact, he is so committed that he is offering self defense courses free of charge to women who are victims of domestic violence. This free self defense training can be scheduled by contacting Daniel by telephone. A brief interview will take place before training can begin. Some involvement with the family may be required as well. For more information, check out Daniel’s website at www.navysealinstruction.com.

Daniel offers class instruction at both beginner and higher levels. At this point, 70 percent of his clientele are women. He has a frequent quote he likes to use from the Navy SEALs: If the mind says “go,” the body can’t say “no.” Who can say “no” to that?

Connie Thompson is a writer, director, and producer of creative, corporate, and motivational video scripts, articles, and press releases. Contact her at (505) 994-1977 or at multimediasavvy@aol.com.