I have known Joe Saunders for several years and have always found him to be honest and hard working in all that he does.
Joe has a passion for helping people in their personal safety and security and has had training in this area by many well respected trainers and instructors from around the world.
Joe now imparts this knowledge in a methodical and sound way, so that the participants of his courses and worshops always walk away with new found knowledge.
Shane Cassidy
Chief Instructor - Military Combatives
Chief Consultant - TDi Consultancy
As a full time professional MMA and Defensive Tactics Coach, I'm both proud and excited to count Joe Saunders amongst my peers. Joe's tireless efforts to improve his services and research new developments in the field of Personal Protection are second to none. Joe's personable nature combined with his excellent level of knowledge make him the perfect instructor and coach. If you live near Joe's Academy I highly recommend you check it out - you won't be disappointed.
Ash Sinclair
Head Coach - Millennia MMA, Adelaide
MILTAC - Millennia Tactical Training Programs
I have trained with, trained under and taught along side Joe Saunders in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. He is an excellent instructor, has a very giving nature and possess allot of technical knowledge in his chosen field. Because of this I highly recommend him to anyone considering his services.
James Douglas
Garra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
Instructor Redcliffe & Bray Park Academies
I am more then happy to highly recommend Joe to anyone searching for Self Protection/Defence tuition and training. Joe not only posses a vast knowledge and understanding of real world self protection, but also the ability to pass it on to people from all walks of wife.
Joe was already an accomplished Martial Artist prior to entering the world of Reality Based Self Defence, his successful affiliation with Richard Dimitri's Senshido, one of the premier self protection systems in the world, reflects the high standard of instruction that Joe provides.
There is simply no one in the Brisbane area that I could, or would, more highly recommend for self protection instruction.
Drew Guest
Founder and Chief Instructor
Bushi Dojos Self Protection
Toowoomba Self Defence
Joe Saunders is one of the most knowledgeable instructors I have had the opportunity to work with. He is a determined and accomplished competitor in the grappling world and his ability to control situations in the real world is commendable. He has a wealth of experience and I would encourage anybody to take advantage of any opportunity to learn from this man.
Drew Weeks
President of the Gold Coast Sumo Team
Director of the S.U.M.O Martial Arts and Combat Centre
As an MMA coach, promoter and former competitor I have trained with and seen alot of competent fighters. Having trained with Joe I can sincerely vouch for his combat ability. If I was in a street situation I would like someone of his calibre to back me up, I know that I'd be safe on the blind side with Joe at my back.
Terry Williams
Head Coach of Southern MMA
Australian FILA Pankration Organiser
Training with Joe made me completely re-evaluate what I was doing. I was training really hard to make sure I would win any fight I got into. Joe showed me ways to avoid getting into fights. Other martial arts instructors told me not to fight, but never showed me ways to actually get out of a punch up if someone wanted one. Joe filled that gap for me. My girlfriend was pretty pleased.
- Tim Popovic, 24, Krav Maga/Muay Thai student
I wasn’t expecting much when my boyfriend told me to take a self defence class with this guy. I’d done classes before and really thought I was just too little to make any of the stuff work. I’m only 48kg so the guys would just pick me up and throw me around. I told Joe I only wanted two lessons since I was going overseas and didn’t have time to do regular training. Well, he showed me the Shredder and taught me so much in those 2 private lessons that I was blown away. When I get back I will train with him again for sure!
- Angela Tomlinson, 25, Executive Assistant
Joe’s material is top notch. He understands use of force considerations and public perception better than any civilian trainer I’ve trained with.
- Aaron Jackson, 31, Police Officer
I had a lot of fun at the seminar I went to! Joe is a great presenter and it wasn’t scary at all!
- Sharron Devereux, 55, Customer Service Rep
It was so interesting learning about the psychology of violence and all the things your body does when you’re scared. I learned a lot! I will go back next time!
- Annie St Claire, 42, Social Worker