The Founders
Joseph Gleed
Self-Defense Expert, LCSW
For more than two decades, Joseph Gleed has been a self-defense and security expert that has trained and taught worldwide for groups such as the Wingate Institute in Israel, private security for Coca-Cola executives in Mexico, law enforcement departments, SWAT teams, military, American Express, civilians, and more. He is a former undercover operative with extensive experience saving children involved in trafficking around the world with groups such as Operation Underground Railroad and the Child Liberation Foundation. Joseph has even been awarded the Diplomat for the Comisión Internacional De Derechos Humanos for his work rescuing trafficked children in Mexico, including the largest operation in Mexican history. He holds a 7th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga, Kru in Muay Thai, Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu and holds several black belts in other martial arts.
Joseph is also a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of trauma. He graduated from Utah Valley University with a BS in Psychology and his MSW (Master in Social Work) from the University of Utah. He is currently pursuing his DSW at the University of Kentucky. Joseph is creator of a program (The Victor Course) for those who have experienced trauma in its many forms utilizing self-defense training in combination with individual and group therapy designed specifically to rebuild the sense of strength, confidence, safety, resiliency, self-control, and self-efficacy lost after a traumatic event through an integrated mind-body approach to treatment.
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Joseph is passionate about supporting others in their safety and security, believing everyone should be able “to walk in peace.” With his work around the world, he also sees the need to help others as they improve their mental health and develop solution-focused strategies to live a more meaningful and valued life, especially following trauma. With decades of experience in teaching self-defense, with real-world experience, his expertise in mental health, and his unique teaching style he is considered to be one of the world’s foremost experts in real-world violence and self-defense.
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Brittany Badger Gleed
Educator, MCHES, PhD
Brittany has nearly 15 years of experience working in the field of health and well-being as an educator, program developer, director, trainer, researcher, advocate, and instructor. She has a BS in Psychology, MS in Health Promotion and Education, and a PhD in Health and Kinesiology from the University of Utah. She has a specialized focus on supporting women navigating substance use disorders, eating disorders, and body image. Her extended research has utilized a social justice framework and the impacts of oppressive systems on well-being and safety. She has developed and implemented health and wellness programs for several community populations including adults, teens, college students, women in substance use disorder treatment, corrections, and more. She is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist, 40-Hour Sexual Assault Counselor trained, and a Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Over the last several years, she has specifically overseen and developed programs and services that provide direct services to survivors of relationship, sexual, and family violence. These programs are integral in supporting individuals as they seek healing, justice, and safety. Additionally, she oversees the development of prevention and education programs that address violence and mental wellness for broad communities. She serves as a board member and consultant for various departments and agencies that aim to reduce violence, support survivors, and improve safety.
Brittany is dedicated to serving others as they heal and build skills to support their well-being. She uses a strengths-based approach with a strong understanding of power-based systems and dynamics to support individuals in navigating their journeys.
She is a certified trauma-informed Krav Maga instructor (Brown Belt) with years of teaching experience and an amazing understanding of real-world violence.