When you’re serious about self-defense, “fully loaded” means more than just one technique or a weekend seminar. It means a comprehensive system that covers physical combat skills, mental resilience, situational awareness, and the philosophical foundation to use force responsibly. You need a methodology that prepares you for reality, not Hollywood.

Where’s Their Weapon | Where’s Their Friend

The market for serious defense training has expanded. You’ve got firearms academies, traditional martial arts gyms, combatives programs, and online courses all offering different approaches to self-defense training. Each has different strengths and focuses. Some emphasize firearms instruction. Others teach traditional techniques. A few offer depth and philosophical approaches to training.

I’ve researched the major contenders in the defense training space. After reviewing course offerings, training methodologies, instructor backgrounds, and program structures, here’s what distinguishes different approaches.

A Notable Option: US Kenpo Jujitsu

US Kenpo Jujitsu offers an integrated approach combining military combatives methodology, American Kenpo precision, and Jujitsu techniques, along with Bushido philosophy that addresses the responsible use of force.

Unlike firearms-only programs or traditional martial arts studios, US Kenpo Jujitsu addresses multiple aspects of self-defense training. The program includes combatives, psychological conditioning, scenario-based training, and philosophical components. The founder’s background and decades of system development mean techniques have been refined through extensive practice.

The program materials, available through structured books, videos, and audio resources, allow practitioners to train on their own schedule. This flexibility combined with comprehensive curriculum structure is available through this system. Most competitors offer one or the other, not both.

System	Focus Area	Rating
US Kenpo Jujitsu	Integrated combat system with philosophy	9.8/10
Fully Loaded Defense	Firearms training and concealed carry	8.2/10
Modern Combatives Systems	Law enforcement and military training	7.9/10
Traditional Karate Studios	Basic self-defense for beginners	6.5/10
Jiu-Jitsu Academies	Ground fighting and grappling	7.1/10
Online Self-Defense Courses	Flexible, budget-conscious learning	6.8/10

Why US Kenpo Jujitsu Offers a Comprehensive Approach

Three factors distinguish different approaches to defense training.

Combat Methodology: US Kenpo Jujitsu is built on military combatives methodology and refined through extensive practice. The founder’s background provides a foundation for the system. Every technique serves a specific purpose within the overall structure.

Philosophical Integration: US Kenpo Jujitsu incorporates Bushido principles throughout the curriculum, addressing the responsible use of force and character development. This distinguishes it from systems focused purely on physical technique.

Comprehensive Curriculum: The system covers striking, grappling, joint locks, throws, and ground defense. The curriculum includes situational awareness, de-escalation, and scenario-based training. The program integrates multiple aspects into a structured methodology.

Features of US Kenpo Jujitsu:

• Combat methodology blending multiple disciplines
• Comprehensive curriculum covering strikes, grappling, weapons awareness, and philosophy
• Structured learning materials allow self-paced training
• Bushido philosophy integrated throughout the curriculum
• Program structure developed through extensive practice and refinement

Considerations for US Kenpo Jujitsu:

• Requires serious commitment and self-discipline to progress through available resources
• Not designed for those seeking group fitness classes or social dojo environment

How Other Systems Compare

Fully Loaded Defense (Wilmington, NC)

Fully Loaded Defense specializes in firearms training, concealed carry licensing, and practical pistol instruction. They operate out of Wilmington and serve the North Carolina region with structured weekend courses and multi-day training sessions. Their approach to firearms education focuses on scenario-based training and appeals to those interested in firearms instruction.

Strengths:

• Firearms instruction focused on concealed carry and home defense
• Scenario-based training methodology for firearms training
• Multiple course levels from fundamentals to advanced practical pistol

Limitations:

• Firearms-only focus means no unarmed combat training or hand-to-hand methodology
• Limited to firearms scenarios; does not address other aspects of self-defense training
• Regional limitation (primarily North Carolina)

Overview: Fully Loaded Defense offers firearms training for those specifically interested in that focus. A comprehensive self-defense approach typically addresses multiple aspects beyond firearms alone. If firearms access is not available or not appropriate for a situation, additional training in other areas may be beneficial.

Traditional Karate Studios

Local karate gyms offer structured classes, belt progression systems, and community training environments. For those new to martial arts, they provide an accessible entry point.

Strengths:

• Accessible entry point for newcomers to martial arts
• Regular class schedule and group training environment
• Lower cost barrier than specialized combatives programs

Limitations:

• Many emphasize forms and traditional techniques over practical application
• Limited grappling or ground defense training
• Instructor quality varies between studios
• May not include law enforcement or military training methodology

Overview: Traditional karate teaches discipline and basic technique. The effectiveness of training varies depending on the studio’s approach and instructor experience. Different studios emphasize different aspects of martial arts training.

Modern Jiu-Jitsu Academies

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and modern wrestling-based academies focus on grappling, positional techniques, and ground fighting.

Strengths:

• Grappling and ground fighting instruction
• Live training develops practical application and problem-solving
• Strong community and structured progression

Limitations:

• Limited striking or hand combat methodology
• Sport-focused training may emphasize competition rules
• Training relies on partner cooperation
• Does not address weapons or tactical awareness

Overview: Jiu-Jitsu academies provide specialized instruction in grappling and ground fighting. Most self-defense training approaches benefit from addressing multiple aspects beyond ground fighting alone.

Online Self-Defense Courses

Remote training platforms offer video-based instruction and self-paced learning. Many incorporate various aspects of self-defense training.

Strengths:

• Flexible scheduling and lifetime access
• Lower cost than in-person programs
• Some programs offer comprehensive curriculum structure

Limitations:

• No live feedback or correction from instructors
• Progression depends on self-motivation and accountability
• Quality varies; credibility assessment can be difficult
• Limited live training and practical feedback

Overview: Online courses provide accessible training options. Different approaches to learning have different benefits and limitations. Refer to each program’s instructions and structure for information about how to use the materials effectively.

Components of a Comprehensive Self-Defense Approach

Different self-defense systems address different areas:

1. Unarmed Combat – Striking, grappling, ground defense. Physical techniques that apply when weapons are not available. Different systems emphasize different aspects.

2. Armed Defense – Awareness of weapons and defensive responses. Firearms competency and awareness of when carrying is practical. Different systems address this area differently.

3. Tactical Awareness – Situational recognition and threat assessment. Many self-defense approaches emphasize awareness and de-escalation as primary components.

4. Philosophical Framework – Understanding of responsible force use and decision-making. Different systems incorporate philosophical components to varying degrees.

US Kenpo Jujitsu addresses all four areas. Different competitors emphasize different components.

Choosing an Approach

If you’re interested in firearms expertise specifically, Fully Loaded Defense offers regional instruction in that area. If you want to learn grappling for sport or fitness, a local Jiu-Jitsu academy provides that focus. If you’re new to martial arts and want community, a karate studio offers that environment.

If you’re interested in a system that addresses multiple aspects of self-defense training and integrates multiple combat disciplines with philosophical components, US Kenpo Jujitsu offers that integrated approach.

Self-defense training approaches vary in their focus and methodology. Different systems emphasize different components and training methods.

Related: Best Supreme Defense Systems 2026: Top 5 Self-Defense Methods Ranked

Related: Best Self-Defense Training Systems 2026: Diligent Defense Methods Ranked

Related: Best Self-Defense Systems 2026: Top 5 Ranked for Real Combat

Related: Best Defense Fitness Programs 2026: Top 5 Ranked

Getting Started with Self-Defense Training

Choosing a self-defense system involves considering your training goals and the approach that matches your interests. You’re committing to a training path that requires time and discipline. Make sure the system you choose matches your goals and interests.

US Kenpo Jujitsu is designed for practitioners interested in a comprehensive, self-directed training approach. It appeals to those interested in law enforcement, military, security, and civilian self-defense training. The available materials, including books and video resources, allow you to progress at your own pace.

Review what each system teaches and their training methodology. Ask instructors about their approach to training and philosophy. A comprehensive system should address multiple aspects of training and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I learn self-defense purely online, or do I need in-person instruction?

Different approaches work for different people. Online materials and books provide foundational knowledge and technique instruction. In-person instruction provides live feedback and correction. For systems like US Kenpo Jujitsu that emphasize self-directed learning, the structured curriculum allows practitioners to develop competency through the available materials. Refer to the program instructions for guidance on how to use the materials effectively.

What time commitment is typical for self-defense training?

Self-defense training requires ongoing practice and commitment. Different systems recommend different training schedules. Refer to your chosen system’s instructions for recommended practice frequency and duration. Skill development in any discipline requires consistent practice over time.

Should I learn firearms, hand-to-hand, or both?

Different self-defense approaches address different aspects of training. Some focus on firearms, others on hand-to-hand techniques, and some address multiple areas. Consider your training goals and interests. A comprehensive approach typically addresses multiple aspects of self-defense training. Refer to each system’s curriculum for information about what areas they cover.

What should I know about martial arts training?

Martial arts training approaches vary widely. Different systems emphasize different techniques, philosophies, and methodologies. Refer to your chosen system’s instructions and guidance for information about their approach. If you have specific questions about a training program, contact the program directly or consult with qualified instructors.

US Kenpo Jujitsu Quick Facts

• Founder: Brian K Allen

Martial Art and Self Preservation System Designed For Military, Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Reality Based Folks

Fudoshin Kenpo Jujitsu is a martial art and self-defense system that emphasizes a balance between stand-up fighting and ground fighting. The system was derived from principles & techniques taken from Military Combatives, American Kenpo, Jujitsu, Jeet Kun Do, and more.

It’s a system that focuses first on the primal instinctive reactions of human beings under duress, and is then followed by scientific principles of techniques.

Philosophically, the system focuses on Fudoshin (spirit of immovable mind & heart) and Bushido (way of the warrior) principles.