KRISTIE KILGORE

Kristie began teaching self protection three years ago. Unable to find the type of comprehensive instruction that she desired for herself as an independent businesswoman, she realized that a new approach was needed to serve the lifestyles of members of the modern business community and their teenagers. To develop her knowledge base, Kristie consulted and studied with many different experts in fields such as security and bodyguard work, firearms, weapons, criminal law, and defensive tactics. This book is the end result of her efforts to improve and protect her own quality of life, and raise the standard of the information offered to her students.

At the request of Soroptomist International, Kristie created a special self-esteem class which she has offered to pre-teen girls for several years. The class has consistently received positive reviews by her young audience. Her teaching style has been described as captivating, not only holding the attention of her young audience for more than an hour at a time, but creating both enthusiasm and confidence. Kristie encourages young girls to strive for their dreams, to value wellbeing, to make daily choices based on safety considerations, and, to protect each other.

Kristie Kilgore grew up in a large family in Phoenix, Arizona. The daughter of a minister, she and her 8 siblings were taught the importance of community service and making the world a better place to live. Her life has focused on many aspects of protection, including protecting the health and welfare of people and the environment. She is a martial artist, a businesswoman in the field of environmental protection, a certified Reiki Master Instructor, and, a certified Divemaster, responsible for the underwater safety of scuba divers. Kristie has worked in the environmental protection field for more than 15 years, including managing Superfund projects, and has won awards for excellence in environmental consulting and writing. She is known in her business field for her innovative approaches to assessing, remedying and preventing possible environmental “threats”. Now, she applies those same concepts and her unique, positive, gentle approach to the field of personal protection.

Over the course of 20 years as a martial artist, Kristie has enjoyed learning about many different martial arts, including Tae Kwon Do, Go Jyu Ryu, Kenpo, Aikido, Bagua, Aikijiujitsu, and Tenchi Shiki. She is currently a half black belt in Hwarang Do, an ancient Korean martial and healing art. The art of Hwarang Do includes kicking and punching techniques, choke holds, throws, joint locks, 108 weapons, and has been taught to US Special Forces for hand-to-hand combat. Her Hwarang Do studies have included intensive military-style training, known as sulsa, under the tutelage of Master Instructor Ken Corona. While in Hwarang Do and Tae Kwon Do, she has successfully competed in tournaments in both weapons and forms divisions.

In addition to Hwarang Do, Kristie is ranked as a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a ground fighting system. She considers herself fortunate to have trained with both the legendary world champion from Brazil, Jean Jacques Machado, and his student, world champion Ricco Rodriguez.