Real-World Training for
Real-World Violence
We’ve all heard the term, “The best defense is a good offense.” For many athletic systems promoting self-defense, countless hours are spent comfortably dropping into a proper stance and endlessly internalizing offensive and defensive techniques. It’s often a great way to stay in shape, but that type of “best defense” has nothing to do with real-world violence.
This isn’t one of those systems.
Introducing S.H.I.E.L.D.™
At Frederick Tactical, we take a different approach to self-defense. All training with the SHIELD program is based on our fundamental principle about human safety: By understanding that real, street-level violence erupts in an instant, we’ve taken the first step in effectively guarding against it.

THE S.H.I.E.L.D. PHILOSOPHY
- Street
- Hand-to-hand
- Intuitive
- Engagement
- Lifesaving
- Defense
Our aim is to provide everyone the opportunity to improve defense capabilities against violent encounters, and we’re committed to effectively train people from all walks of life, regardless of skill, experience, fitness, age, or gender.
REALITY
The accompanying video provides examples of how violence operates in the real world. We realize that the brutality of street violence is often difficult to watch, but by addressing it head-on we have taken the first step in understanding the best strategies to defend against it.
Self-Defense is Not a Sport
The SHIELD method is for real-life situations. Violent encounters are sudden, intended to catch you unguarded or off balance. We believe the proper training to defend yourself and your loved ones should resemble exactly the things you want to protect them from.
Self-Defense is Not a Sport
The SHIELD method is for real-life situations. Violent encounters are sudden, intended to catch you unguarded or off balance. We believe the proper training to defend yourself and your loved ones should resemble exactly the things you want to protect them from.
Vision
Real self-defense is active, fast, and violent. It is not a sporting event. Contact us to learn why adopting the SHIELD program of self-defense can boost your everyday levels of confidence, ability, and situational awareness.

Frederick Tactical
Frederick Tactical was founded by John