Force 5 Training Center: Self-defense, fitness and personal development

Force 5 Training Center, a mixed martial arts studio, has recently opened at 20601 Highway 202, Suite 102, in Tehachapi. The studio features classes in fitness, firearms and self-defense; one-stop shopping for personal protection. According to Professor Bob Anderson, the style taught at Force 5 is called Kajukenbo, which is an American hybrid combination of karate, judo and jiu-jitsu, kempo and Chinese kung fu. He holds black belts in all five disciplines and incorporates them all in his classes. He says that his students will usually find a "go to" style that they are comfortable with. He adds that what he teaches is more self defense for the streets, rather than for competition.

The studio has a warm, cozy feel. When you walk through the door it is more like walking into a living room than a gym and is set up so parents can watch their child's class through a glass wall. Monday through Friday mornings there are three Boot Camp sessions that incorporate workouts on equipment in the workout room, kickboxing and resistance training, with Anderson as personal trainer, life coach and nutrition counselor. Mixed Martial Arts and Self Defense classes for kids and adults are available most afternoons and evenings. Anti-bullying is also addressed in his self-defense classes. Weekends are currently reserved for firearms classes. Anderson is a certified NRA instructor.

Anderson and his family recently moved to Tehachapi from the Antelope Valley where he was chief instructor for a studio there. He is a nationally recognized self-defense specialist with over five decades as a martial artist. His experience and knowledge of self defense has been sought out by agencies like the F.B.I., Secret Service, Law Enforcement and Special Forces groups, both foreign and domestic.

He is an honor graduate of Executive Security International, the highest rated body-guard academy in the U.S., and has been their representative since 1984. He has worked as a bodyguard in the United States, Canada and in Europe protecting the likes of Harrison Ford and Plácido Domingo. He also works with a firm that supplies red carpet security for Hollywood events.

In addition to those impressive qualifications, Anderson is a member of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors, certified armorer for Glock and Mossberg, Glock firearms instructor and certified firearms instructor for the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission. He has also authored two books on self defense and fitness.

Be sure to drop by and check out Force 5 for yourself or call (661) 823-4607. You can also check out their website at http://www.Force5Training.com.