Meet Aj Tucker | Self Defense Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aj Tucker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AJ, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been in martial arts for years. I love the training. The training is great, but I realized that there is a large group of people who (even if they take martial arts) need a Real World self defense experience.

Instead of having a set location, I wanted to be 100% mobile so I could bring self defense to them. I go to schools to work with seniors going into college, businesses on their lunch break or after hours, and any group.

I wanted to create an environment where the group could train amongst friends, family and peers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started thinking about self defense when I was 5 years old from witnessing my mother in an abusive relationship. Then again when I served in the military. I started teaching real world self defense in 2006 to small groups of people who were interested. The business grew through word of mouth and the next thing I knew I was teaching in private schools, real estate events, continuing education events, and much more.

The thing that sets me apart is that I am 100% mobile. I love this and I will go anywhere in the world. I have been as far as California, but I do most of my classes at schools & Businesses in Dallas.

What also sets me apart is that the training focuses on real world scenarios. Everything is based on common attacks from standing, to the ground, and even how to prevent attacks before they happen.

It was not easy to get to where I am. My class requires me to play the role of an attacker. In the beginning, it was challenging for me to talk like an attacker when I do the simulated attacks. Mentally it was draining, but I became more comfortable in the role. It was physically taxing. I had to find a balance between giving people as much work as possible, and keeping people safe during the trainings.

I relied heavily on my Jiu Jitsu training to control the simulated attacks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to the area we will definitely be hitting the gym in the morning or going on a walk.

For lunch one of my favorite places to go to is Liberty Burger.

There are many places to visit in Dallas. Outside of the morning workouts we would wing it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to credit those who were a part of my self defense journey.

Orlando Waugh was my 1st Jiu Jitsu Coach and gave me the green light and encourage to teach a real world self defense class.

Dan Alvarez was my 2nd Jiu Jitsu coach, where I received my belt black. He let me use his facility to conduct classes, and I learned to push people harder through his style of training.

Meg Hinkley with Athena’s Strategies Self Defense. I feel that no one has researched the topic of women’s self defense more than her. I have had the opportunity to assist in her seminars and workshops since 2006.

Pinaroc TKD with Jeff & Heather Pinaroc. For really believing in what I do and letting me use their facility to conduct large classes.

Website: https://www.gamefaceent212.com/

Instagram: @ajtucker00

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gbj1Kz5RL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gameface212?si=ifPvWXrLkKiy4NFL

Other: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH_uprnyG1DkBnQu8D428QiXPRvy5fqGX&si=ieeM4JbvqRhma8oy