Our Story

Willard Bond, Chief Instructor

After training for nearly a decade in traditional Karate and other martial arts, Willard was accepted for a six-month training internship at Modern Warrior® Defensive Tactics Institute in New York . There he received several instructor certifications in defensive tactics for civilians and law enforcement professionals. His main focus since 1998 has been teaching women's self defense, and he’s been an active member of the American Women's Self Defense Association (AWSDA) ever since. (more)


Liz Springate, Senior Instructor has studied various martial arts around the world for a number of years, earning a black belt in Karate in 2003. A certified AWSDA rape prevention instructor, Liz has also begun more extensive training through Modern Warrior® (Tactical Jaw & Limb Control® certification) since her exposure through AWSDA seminars. Liz also enjoys Yoga and Qigong. Most recently she has been researching participatory media projects with self-defense practitioners and educators.



Kristy Chesworth trained with Safe & Sound in 2005 and was immediately hooked. She came out for advanced training and joined the team as an assistant instructor soon after. Kristy was certified by AWSDA in New York in 2006 and has been an enthusiastic trainer ever since.

Ophelia-Dawn Shona Power is an AWSDA Certified Rape Prevention Instructor, having joined the SASDT team in 2005. An Assaulted Women's and Children's Advocate, Ophelia is also the Director of Ophelia's Love and Assistant to filmmaker, Angela Shelton.

Harumi Inokuchi holds 2nd degree black belts in both Aikido and Karate. In addition, she is a co-founder of Toronto Niten-Kai - training in traditional Japanese sword techniques. She also trains in Kyudo (traditional Japanese archery). Harumi is nationally certified as a Karate coach (NCCP level 1), and as a SHARP (Sexual Harrassment and Rape Prevention) instructor.



History of Safe & Sound

Founder/Chief Instructor Willard Bond began formally training in traditional martial arts more than 20 years ago. It became his ambition and goal to offer a practical, real-world training program that would empower women in their own self-defense.

He undertook additional training and became certified through the American Women's Self Defense Association (AWSDA), PPCT Management Systems' SHARP program, and a six month internship at the Modern Warrior® Defensive Tactics Institute. He still trains and refines his techniques to this day. Like all great teachers, he continues to learn from his encounter with every student.

 





 

Photographs by Shu Ito, http://splitseconds.awardspace.com/