Real-World Self Defense That Actually Works
You don't rise to the occasion in a dangerous situation — you fall back on what you've trained. Most self-defense programs rely on complex techniques that break down under pressure. At Elevation650, we teach simple, effective, and legally sound methods designed for real-world situations. Our methods descend from a proven Canadian lineage — born in the Camp X era, carried by Bill Underwood's COMBATO and DEFENDO, and passed to us by our mentor, Robbie Cressman.
The Self-Agency Project
Our complete online self-defense program — the same system we teach in person, built into a step-by-step course you can do from anywhere. Videos, real-world scenarios, and a certificate when you finish. The first 5 lessons are free.
No payment needed to start · Works on any phone, tablet or computer
Most Self-Defense Training Fails When It Matters Most
In a real-world situation, you don't get time to think — you react. That's where most self-defense training fails. Complex techniques, athletic requirements, and unrealistic scenarios simply don't hold up under pressure. Most programs also ignore the emotional and legal reality of a confrontation — what happens after, and how to handle it.
The result? People feel prepared — but aren't. And when it matters most, confusion replaces confidence.
A Complete System — Not Just Techniques
Simple, Effective Movement
Learn practical techniques designed to work under pressure without relying on strength or athletic ability. Built for real-world situations where simplicity and execution matter most.
Avoid Violence Before It Starts
Understand how to recognize danger early and defuse situations before they escalate. Stay in control by using awareness and communication instead of force.
Think Clearly. Act Responsibly.
Prepare for the mental and legal realities that come with real-world encounters. Know how to respond, recover, and protect yourself beyond the moment.
Live Safe Without Constant Effort
Adopt simple habits that reduce risk and keep you out of dangerous situations. Build a lifestyle where safety becomes natural — not something you constantly think about.
A complete system designed not just to react — but to prevent, handle, and move forward with confidence.
A Craft With a Bloodline
Real credibility isn't claimed — it's inherited, trained, and tested. The physical skills inside our programs descend from one of Canada's most storied combatives traditions.
It begins with Bill Underwood, the Canadian pioneer who created COMBATO (1910) and later DEFENDO — and who trained Allied personnel during the Second World War, including at Camp X, the secret special-operations training school on the shore of Lake Ontario.
That knowledge was carried forward by a direct student of Underwood's system, and from him to Robbie Cressman — Underwood's official historian, creator of the Discrete Fighting system, author, and pastor. Robbie is our mentor. He taught our founder personally, and what we teach, we teach with his blessing and under his licence.
We honour that lineage by protecting it: the physical curriculum is taught only in person or inside our licensed programs, exactly as it was handed to us.
An homage to the Camp X era — the wartime roots of our craft.
Creates COMBATO, then DEFENDO. Trains Allied forces in WWII, including at Camp X.
Secret special training school near Whitby, Ontario — espionage, sabotage, and close combat.
Underwood's official historian, our mentor, and creator of Discrete Fighting.
Robbie's student carries the craft forward — simple, effective, legally sound.
Books by Robbie Cressman
Robbie writes the way he teaches — combatives history, faith, and stories for every age. If one calls to you, it's a click away on Amazon. We earn nothing from these links — this is pure homage.
Choose Your Training Path
Start where it makes sense for you. Everything we teach in person is also online.
Private Lessons
Learn in private or with people you know and trust. Pricing is per session so bring a friend or 5. No additional cost.
- ▸Physical Moves
- ▸Situational Awareness and Response
- ▸De-escalation Skills
- ▸The Law
- ▸Emotional Resilience
- ▸Personal Boundaries
- ▸Confidence
Online Training
Can you really train at home? ABSOLUTELY. Don't let distance or cost stop you. Easy-to-follow videos — the first 5 lessons are free.
- ▸Physical Moves
- ▸Situational Awareness and Response
- ▸De-escalation Skills
- ▸The Law
- ▸Emotional Resilience
- ▸Personal Boundaries
- ▸Confidence
Workshops & Seminars
From 1 to 4 hours depending on your needs. You'll learn more in one day than most people would in a year. We also help raise funds for community projects.
- ▸Physical Moves
- ▸Situational Awareness and Response
- ▸De-escalation Skills
- ▸The Law
- ▸Emotional Resilience
- ▸Personal Boundaries
- ▸Confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Real People. Real Confidence.
Confidence doesn't come from theory — it comes from knowing what to do when it matters.
“The experience was not what I expected it to be. It was better. It was practical and there was a balance between the learning of physical skills combined with the learning of the "soft skills" to help keep oneself sovereign or safe.”
“Amazing and friendly people, tactical responses taught is helpful. Andrew listens to questions and makes sure he answers it before moving on. Great job and thank you for teaching us.”
“We have some sketchy people that hang around our work. This is exactly what I needed.”
“Had an amazing experience. I didn't think that I would be able to pick up the skills as easily or as quickly as I did, but with Andrew's and Emily's help I was able to not only feel comfortable but feel that if I were in a situation that needed self defense I would be able to defend myself.”
“It was amazing! We had so much fun and learned a lot. It was inclusive, and talked not just about fighting but how to avoid them. 10/10 recommend.”
“I'm a Nurse, and anyone who knows what nurses go through knows what it means to feel afraid to simply go to work. The best thing about this is that I have the techniques but I don't even need to use them because all the other stuff works so well. Everybody needs this.”
Talk to a Human
Questions? Want to book a workshop or just not sure where to start? Call or text — or send a message and we'll get back to you.