About Self Defense Academy in Colorado Springs

Discover inner courage at Self Defense Academy. Learn jiu-jitsu (jujutsu) for street self-defense in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, taught through the Valente Brothers Method — techniques tailored to your abilities, from complete beginners to advanced students, youth to adults. Start your journey to self-empowerment today. YOU are Worth Defending!

Book Your Free Trial Class

d64440_4dcaa76df6a74b5395f74e2da2d230ac~mv2

Our Story

Before founding Self Defense Academy, Flip Aguilera visited close to a dozen martial arts schools around Colorado Springs. What he found was no shortage of sport-oriented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — but nothing built specifically around real-world self-defense. Trained directly at Valente Brothers headquarters in Miami and encouraged by the Valente Brothers themselves, Flip moved to Colorado Springs with his wife, Maritza, to build exactly that: an academy focused on practical, street-ready jujutsu rather than competition.

d64440_1cbb8416b1e3410899849777cfa67036~mv2

The Valente Brothers Method We Teach

Our curriculum traces back to Grandmaster Helio Gracie through Dr. Pedro Valente Sr. and the Valente Brothers — a structured system covering striking defense, distance management, and ground control, taught in a set order rather than a random technique each night.

We’re the only Colorado Springs academy authorized to teach it, including the 27-lesson Fighting Foundations™ curriculum.

e7e973_c8b11ac665e8448a9342f9835abc68b6~mv2

Meet Our Instructor

Classes are led by Flip Aguilera, our founder and head instructor, authorized by the Valente Brothers to teach their Method and the Fighting Foundations curriculum.

The academy is kept small enough that he personally corrects everyone in the room.

Spirit, Body, and Mind

Everything we teach connects back to the 753 Code: seven virtues, five values for the body, three principles of mind. It’s the philosophy that separates training here from a typical martial arts class — read more about our full vision.

d64440_1717f1db258648bc90ed93de6b5ede2c~mv2

Why Students Choose Our Academy

Street self-defense, not sport — no points, no rulesets, no competition team
The only Colorado Springs academy authorized to teach the Valente Brothers Method and Fighting Foundations™
Small classes, hands-on correction, no ego
Grounded in the 753 Code, not just technique
A genuine community — what our students call “Framily”

What Our Students Say

Real reviews from Self Defense Academy’s students.

“I can’t recommend the Self Defense Academy highly enough! From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by the knowledgeable instructors who genuinely care about their students’ progress… The positive atmosphere and sense of community make every session enjoyable.”

— Birb

“They are really good people who are willing to work with you and your ability level. They know their stuff. Very encouraging and supportive to help you understand how to take care of yourself.”

— daniel duffield

“A wonderful experience with a very kind and patient instructor. Flip has made getting back into martial arts a smooth transition for me. 10/10 would recommend.”

— Cam Ryan

See all reviews on Google

FAQs About Our Academy

What makes your academy different from other martial arts schools?2026-09-24T20:09:20+00:00

What makes your academy different from other martial arts schools?

We teach jujutsu for street self-defense rather than sport, which changes what gets drilled and why. Classes follow a fixed curriculum in the Valente Brothers lineage instead of a different technique every night, with a strict standard on hygiene, etiquette, and how students treat each other.

What is the Valente Brothers Method?2026-09-24T20:12:01+00:00

What is the Valente Brothers Method?

A structured jujutsu system passed down from Helio Gracie through Dr. Pedro Valente Sr. and the Valente Brothers in Miami. It covers striking defense, distance management, and ground control in a set order rather than as isolated moves. Our head instructor is authorized to teach this system and does so as it was handed down.

Do you teach sport competition or self-defense?2026-09-24T20:12:11+00:00

Ready to Visit Our Colorado Springs Academy?

YOU Are Worth Defending! Come see what real self-defense training looks like.