SD-I Self-Defense Instructor Certification Class

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PRE-REQUISITE TO PARTICIPATE:  You must have successfully completed all classes (SD-1, SD-2, SD-3, SD-4, SD-5, and SD-6) and you must successfully complete an Instructor Orientation course to request formal CPS/CCOP Self-Defense Instructor Certification.

Castro Community On Patrol (CCOP) in association with our safety partner Community Patrol Service (CPS) provides this training as an opportunity for those who wish to teach these self-defense techniques, concepts, and skills to others.  The pre-requisites are quite intensive and time consuming, however the rewards of being able to confidently lead any of the Self-Defense classes and answer any attendee questions raised is considerable.

Once you have completed all SD classes in the course, you will attend a 2-hours Instructor Orientation course designed to offer you tips, techniques, and concepts to consider for your own individual teaching style.  You will then be required to lead a minimum of TWO (2) self-defense classes in full in order to qualify for the final Instructor Certification Class.  The class will be both practical and verbal, testing your overall knowledge of the Self-Defense class content, you ability to answer likely attendee questions carefully and thoroughly, and your capacity to handle any unexpected issues or concerns that may arise.

CPS/CCOP Instructor Certification is not formally recognized by any external agency or entity, but rather it is intended to offer you all of the information, confidence, and support to organize and lead self-defense training for your community, your neighborhood, and your constituents.

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The full series of self-defense of classes are as follows:

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CLASS INSTRUCTOR

Grand Master Ken Craig is a 9th Degree Black Belt in the Korean Arts of HapMoosaKi-Do and YongChul-Do and an 8th Degree Black Belt in the Korean Art of TaeKwon-Do. He is Secretary on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Gay and Lesbian Martial Artists (IAGLMA) and serves on the Sports Committee of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG). 

Grand Master Craig started his martial arts training with the British Royal Military Police before emigrating to the USA. He is the Chief of patrol with Community Patrol Service (CPS) which provides training and assistance to safety organizations worldwide. He is a member of the International Police Association (IPA) and is one of the original founding members of Castro Community On Patrol (CCOP) where he still serves as Assistant Chief of patrol and director of training. He currently serves as the Community Co-Chair on the SFPD LGBTQ+  Advisory Forum and previously helped to found and lead the SFPD Auxiliary Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) for eight years.

Grand Master Craig founded and led the nonprofit Triangle Martial Arts Association (TMAA) in 1998 following the horrific murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard, providing free and low cost traditional martial arts training and self-defense classes for the LGBTQ+ community in the Castro, throughout San Francisco, and beyond.  TMAA trained hundreds of students during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and saw more than thirty rise to 1st Degree Black Belt rank and a few going beyond this to Master level during this time.  TMAA was the crucible in which the Self-Defense series of classes was developed. Realizing that most people don’t have the time or commitment to devote to regular martial arts training, offering self-defense classes and information to members of the public was an invaluable alternative. Grand Master Craig led quarterly self-defense classes annually from 1990 until now, first under TMAA and later under CCOP.  He has also provided private self-defense training classes to numerous businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community entities to help meet their unique situation and requirements. 

Chief and Grand Master Craig has extensive experience in the public safety and disaster response areas, and is recognized as a leader and community activist in this area within San Francisco and the Castro neighborhood. Chief and Grand Master Craig has been recognized by the State of California and the City and County of San Francisco on multiple occasions for this work, and most recently was recognized and presented a certificate by former FBI Director Christopher Wray at the FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C. in 2024. 

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AWARD WINNING TRAINING

Our training and service to the Castro neighborhood has been recognized and honored by the City and County of San Francisco in a ceremony attended by Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, and Chief Bill Scott of the San Francisco Police Department. Also present was Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp of the FBI San Francisco Office. Chief Craig of Community Patrol Service and Chief Carey of Castro Community On Patrol were each presented with a Certificate of Honor in the March 2014 ceremony at City Hall.

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CLASS COSTS

COMMUNITY focused classes will take place in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, partnering with various suitable training spaces.  These classes are promoted through our website and social media platforms and cost $30/attendee (accommodations can be made for low-income individuals upon request.)

NONPROFIT organizations may book a private training class at their own facility on a mutually agreed date and time.  Audio-visual capacity and a large open floorspace is required for the class. Private nonprofit classes are $60/attendee with an initial non refundable deposit of $600 required to secure the training date.

FOR PROFIT organizations may book a private training class at their own facility on a mutually agreed date and time. Audio-visual capacity and a large open floorspace is required for the class. Private for profit classes are $100/attendee with an initial non refundable deposit of $1000 required to secure the training date.

“SAFETY is a COMMUNITY EFFORT”

Castro Community On Patrol (Castro Patrol / CCOP) is a California nonprofit volunteer safety patrol and education corporation that focuses on enhancing safety and security of the Castro neighborhood in San Francisco for residents, businesses, employees, and visitors.

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Castro Community On Patrol, 584 Castro Street #731, San Francisco, CA 94114

Federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation Tax ID: 99-1829349