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Being Prepared

Self-defense expert Ramey
pens book on protecting self

Ramey has a sixth-degree
black belt in martial arts

CRESTWOOD, Ky. (March 2013) – Physical fitness has always been important to martial arts expert Sean Ramey. He is a firm believer in self defense as well, and has set forth his successful techniques for self protection in a new book.

Defend Yourself Book Cover

“Defend Yourself (No Experience Necessary)” is about “basic awareness tips,” said Ramey. Whether you’re traveling, at home or on the job, it sets forth seven basic tips for self defense for anyone ever “caught in a life-threatening situation.”
The book was actually released before Christmas. Ramey, a member of the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame, holds a sixth degree black belt. He is the owner and operator of Kentucky Tae Kwon Do & Fitness Academy in Crestwood.
The Kentucky Tae Kwon Do & Fitness Academy gained national attention when featured on Good Morning America. Ramey is a FAST Defense (Mugging and Rape Prevention) Instructor and a CDT (Non Deadly Force) Tactical Master Instructor.
His parents enrolled Ramey in martial arts classes at the age of nine because “I was small and shy,” said the Prospect, Ky., resident. The No. 1 thing he learned from martial arts was how to gain confidence. “If you learn to believe in yourself, it will carry you a lot further in life.”

Sean Ramey
Ramey

Ramey is certified by the Korean Tae Kwon Do headquarters in Seoul, Korea. Tae Kwon Do is a Korean Martial Art that was developed more than 2,000 years ago and is the most popular marital art form today. Students of Tae Kwon Do have discovered it to be an excellent way to lose weight, gain flexibility and learn how to defend themselves, all while having fun, he said.
“Defend Yourself (No Experience Necessary)” is geared toward anyone wanting to learn basic defense survival skills, including stay-at-home moms, college students and business professionals. “There is a violent crime committed every 55 seconds in the United States,” Ramey said. “You don’t have to live in Los Angeles or New York; it can happen anywhere.”
Ramey’s goal with the book is to empower readers with the skills he teaches daily. Many may not have the desire or time to learn martial arts or practice it weekly but can take the time to read his book. It is based on the Defend Yourself program he developed to help those regardless of age, gender, size or athletic ability to defend themselves.
“The average person can achieve success with these self defense techniques. It’s simple; that’s the key,” said colleague Cindy Wathen. Wathen began taking classes at the Fitness Academy 12 years ago and has since become an instructor there.
The Fitness Academy has instructed children as young as 4 years old to 70 years old, Wathen said. Individuals take classes for a wide range of reasons, many older individuals taking them to learn self-defense.
Students learn to focus, persevere and have self control, said Wathen. Ramey’s classes “are unique. They’re not boring or old school. He makes them interesting.”
Ramey differs in his approach to martial arts in that he, “brings a whole new look to martial arts,” Wathen said. “He walks the walk, has been in national tournaments, and not only teaches, but does what he teaches. He’s always looking for a way to improve.”
Ramey has dedicated his life to fitness because,” I think we tend to get caught up and distracted with our daily grind. We forget that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.”
Born and raised in Louisville, Ramey’s family moved to Oldham County when he was 16. He is a 13-time state champion and has won more medals in collegiate, state, national and international championships than any other instructor in Kentucky. Ramey was recently awarded his Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu by the Gracie Academy in California.
During his career in martial arts, Ramey has appeared in two martial arts movies, “Winner Take All” and “Extreme Force.” He may best be remembered by some as appearing on the fourth season of the reality TV series, The Bachelorette. He made an impressionable mark on viewers when he kicked a lemon off the head of the eventual winner, Jesse Csinscsak, while blindfolded.
Ramey hopes to hold future book signings in the area. He has also released a second book titled, “Defend Yourself in a Zombie Apocalypse.”
“This second book is a lighthearted spoof of the first,” he said, but it is almost outselling his first, more serious book.
“Defend Yourself (No Experience Necessary)” will be published in print and digital formats. Ramey said he will donate 20 percent of all proceeds from the book to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, an organization that helps children whose parents lost their lives in wars overseas.

• To learn more about Sean Ramey or to purchase his book, visit: www.DefendSystem.com.

 

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