Find a clear starting point for Matt Pasquinilli’s self-defense and martial arts lessons. This guide connects the site’s cane training, bo staff, Kali, and other practice resources so you can choose one subject and follow it with purpose.
Self-defense begins with avoiding unnecessary conflict, recognizing when to leave, and seeking help. Physical practice is one part of that wider picture. A video can introduce a lesson; feedback from a qualified instructor helps you understand what you are actually doing.
Start with a free self-protection plan
The free 14-Day Self-Protection Workbook gives you a place to record awareness practice, boundary-setting, equipment checks, and questions for your next lesson. It includes scenario cards and a daily tracker. Download access asks for your name and email; the signup page explains the practice tips and occasional offers you may receive.
Practical self-defense after 50: try a free lesson
Want guided video lessons on awareness, clear boundaries and practical self-protection? Matt Pasquinilli’s Practical Self-Defense After 50 course includes 19 lessons for $29, one-time. Watch the free awareness preview to see Matt’s teaching approach before deciding.
Watch the free preview and explore the $29 course
Prefer to start with a short written exercise? Read Self-Defense After 50: A Five-Minute Awareness Practice, then use your free workbook to record what you notice.
What do I get for $29?
The complete course includes 19 short lessons, a four-page workbook and a 14-day practice routine. The price is a one-time payment with no recurring fee.
Do I need special equipment?
No special equipment is required for this practical self-defense course. The lessons focus on awareness, your voice, protective positioning and balanced movement. Choose a clear practice space and adapt the exercises to your abilities.
Can I try a lesson first?
Yes. The free awareness preview lets you watch Matt’s instruction before choosing the complete course. Thinkific asks you to create or sign into a student account to access the preview.
Open the free awareness preview · See the full curriculum and enroll for $29
Choose your starting point
| Training path | Start here | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Practical self-defense after 50 | Awareness, clear boundaries and responsible practice | Try the five-minute awareness practice |
| Cane self-defense | Orientation and beginner demonstrations | Explore the cane lesson collection |
| Bo staff | A separate martial arts skill using a long training staff | Browse bo staff training |
Cane self-defense lessons
New to cane training? Start with the free Cane Self-Protection After 50: Start Here lesson. It includes a safety orientation and seven-minute demonstration, so you can sample the instruction before choosing a paid course.
The Self Defense With a Cane collection brings together Matt’s video lessons, including material for beginners. Start with one lesson rather than trying to copy an entire collection in one session. For more of the site’s cane material, visit Cane Self Defense.
Prefer a guided sequence? Explore Matt’s paid Stronger & Safer After 50: Cane Self-Defense Fundamentals course, with organized lessons and a student workbook.
Bo staff training
Interested in the long martial arts stick? Visit Bo Staff: How to Train With the Long Martial Arts Stick. Treat staff practice as a distinct martial arts skill. Learning a sequence does not by itself demonstrate readiness for a real confrontation.
For a structured progression, see the paid Bo Staff Fundamentals: Spins, Strikes, and Kata course. The free videos above can help you choose where to begin.
Kali and stick training
Explore the Kali Martial Arts resources if you want to follow that branch of Matt’s teaching. Keep the focus on controlled learning and instructor feedback, especially before attempting any partner exercise.
Other practice interests
The site also includes Indian Clubs and How to Use Them and Sword Training at Home With Bokken. These are separate training subjects. Choose the one that fits your interest and available instruction instead of assuming every tool serves the same purpose.
A simple way to use an online lesson
- Choose one objective. Write down the question you want the lesson to answer.
- Watch before practicing. Notice the instructor’s explanation, pace, and cautions. Pause when something is unclear.
- Prepare your space. Keep people, pets, and breakable objects clear. Use appropriate practice equipment and leave enough room for the activity.
- Work within your current ability. Keep practice controlled. Do not turn a solo video demonstration into an unsupervised contact drill.
- Record a question. Note what you understood and what needs an instructor’s feedback before you progress.
If an exercise causes pain, stop. If balance, mobility, or a health condition affects your training, seek individual guidance before choosing exercises. An online lesson cannot assess those needs.
Keep a useful training record
A short record makes it easier to return to the right lesson. Copy these prompts into a notebook:
- Lesson title and link
- Today’s learning objective
- What I could explain clearly afterward
- What felt uncertain or needs feedback
- The question I will ask before the next session
Progress is easier to evaluate when you can describe what you are learning. Watching more videos is useful only when it improves your understanding and practice.
Training questions and further reading
Contact Matt with a question about the lessons or to ask about current instruction options. Include the lesson title so your question has context. You can also read about Matt Pasquinilli.
For organizational protection and campus preparedness, visit the School Security & Preparedness Resources page. For recent posts across both subjects, browse the latest articles.