My journey began simply with a desire to get into shape. As dreams have a tendency to do, mine expanded. Regular exercise was beneficial, but it didn't quite fill the void; it didn't fulfill a deeper need. Then, upon attending a Trans' Martial Arts Black Belt Spectacular in 1998, a new path began to unfold before me. The power, control, physical prowess, discipline, and respect demonstrated at this event were qualities and skills I wanted for myself. So, with dedication and determination in my heart and many years of experience under my belt, in 2004 I earned my first-degree black belt. Thus I began a journey.

Along this path of self renewal I was invited to join a team of Tae Kwon Do instructors. It was this opportunity to help other students, to guide them along their own similar paths that brought my journey near full circle. More profound than that, my martial arts training and experience as an instructor has given me the power to distance myself from an identity of victim of domestic violence that had for so long entrapped and deceived me. My life experience and hard work had laid the groundwork for the next step in my evolution as a trainer.

In January of 2005 I became a certified RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) system instructor. Having prepared myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually I stand ready to empower other women, men and children to move beyond their own fears and into lives of their choosing – into worlds of their own creation.

Everyone deserves a life of dignity and grace. I can help you back onto the right path, one leading toward a life of your own design. I invite you to shed the ties that bind you to fear, self-doubt, and complacency and come for a walk with me toward self-confidence, physical health, and inner peace.

Jeff Stoehr is a graduate of Purdue University who divides his time between his family, martial arts and novel writing. He holds a Black belt in Tai Kwon Do, a Purple belt in Tae Kickboxing, and is currently an instructor at Tran’s Martial Arts in Longmont, Colorado. Jeff brings his knowledge of martial arts and his passion for helping others to Active 1 Self-Defense LLC, a Boulder based company focused on personal safety through self-empowerment, and looks forward to helping Active 1 founder Monica Hall spread self-confidence and safety skills through education.