Get to know me
Welcome to Mrs. Primed Defender!
I have a passion for all things self-defense! I started my martial arts journey at just nine years old. I instantly fell in love with training and it turned into a lifelong passion of mine. Of course, we all have our stories and our why behind the things that we are passionate about. Truthfully, I am most passionate about helping inspire and empower young ladies and women. The world can present threats at any moment that you may have never expected. My hope is that my work can help protect women if they ever find themselves in a situation where they need to defend themselves.
I have had a few experiences myself that I know would have turned out much worse if it wasn't for my training. My training allowed me to think clearly, stay calm, and make the best decision that I could in the moment. Once, when I was robbed at gun point while working, and once more, when no one was there to protect me but myself. Not to mention many other experiences throughout my life
Many of you know that I hold a black belt in Kenpo. I wanted to take a moment to share with you some history about the style that I trained in. Our dojo was primarily a Kenpo school that taught a variation of Ed Parker's American Kenpo, however the style we trained was modified and influenced by other styles along the way in the 1970's and 80's. Our chief instructor, Kevin Schaller, adapted our style a great deal in the 1990’s when he lived in the Bay Area. There was a culture of openness across multiple styles, and very senior leaders encouraged “cross-pollination” of styles. That’s where Muay Thai, Danzan Ryu JuJitsu, and small-circle jujitsu became incorporated in our program. Another fun fact about our dojo is that it was a Christian outreach program, Kirisuto Kyo Bushido (Christian Martial Arts) is the name of the program, which teaches a fundamental self-defense program with Christian principals of self-control, respect and service to others. Each class began and ended by taking a knee in prayer.
Our chief instructor, Kevin Schaller (5th dan. I believe he has been promoted since, I am waiting on confirmation of his current rank) was instructed by Professor Rich Arioto (7th Dan) who was a top student of Grand Master Ralph Castellanos (US Open grand champion in 1969) Sensei Kevin, also had the amazing privilege of training with Professors Sig Kufferath, Jon Bluming, Wally Jay, Lyle Ho, Russ Rhodes, Ernie Reyes, and a host of other amazing innovators. While teaching his Christian outreach program, Sensei Kevin continued his training under Soke Dave McNeill (Goju Shorei Weapons), GM Alexander Archie (Goju Shorei) , and Professor Clyde Zimmerman (Danzan Ryu Jujitsu).
I personally had the amazing honor of having Soke Dave McNeill, Grand Master Alexander Archie, Sensei Kevin Schaller, and 7 other well-known and respected martial artists on the board at my Black Belt (Shodan) test. I have looked up to Archie and McNeill for as long as I can remember, I'm grateful for the amazing honor that it was to have them attend my test and to receive their approval for Shodan. Cheif Instructor Kevin Schaller, Senior Instructor Gary Killgore, and Sensi Jim Rodriguez dedicated many years and hours to prepare me for success in earning my Black Belt.
I am continuing my martial arts training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and am currently a blue belt. I also plan to continue my training in other styles along the way.
Now that you know a bit more about me, I look forward to getting to know you! Reach out with any questions, or to share your concerns or hesitancy about getting started in self defense training, I am here as a guide and coach and truly want to set you up for success on this journey!
-Bailey Cassinelli