District Combatives

Tim Stroud _{on Google}

Feb 19th, 2020

Ben is an amazing instructor!! The course of instruction was well thought out, with prep materials provided in advance, ensuring training time was maximized. Fellow participants were prepared, motivated, and excited to learn more than a series of techniques. We were encouraged to express Combatives as our knowledge, skills, and abilities allowed. Would highly recommend!!
As fellow participant, Nico Frank attested in The Hill Rag article (see photos) "Ben knows what he is doing. He understands what I need and what my capacity is. He's good at reading people."

Brian Diaz _{on Google}

Jun 5th, 2019

I met Ben at a recent seminar he had hosted. My communication prior to this event with Ben was a no BS and straight to point one, which I appreciated. His style of teaching was no different.
There is a small demographic that would train with him, so these classes are probably not for you. You will be punched in the face and it will hurt. He will put you in difficult scenarios and you will feel uncomfortable and stressed. You will go home sore. But you will go home with your eyes wide open to what violence can be. It depends on what you want from your training. Most don’t want to be punched in the face.
I enjoyed myself. I left better than when I arrived, I couldn’t ask for more then that.

Marcos Rodriguez _{on Google}

May 23rd, 2019

I have enjoyed my multiple experiences with Ben Drader of District Combatives. He is an extremely motivated individual and provides the tools needed for students to succeed. He differs than most by making sure you are complete mentally and physically. He is generous with information that he shares through his social media profile and always encouraging. I credit him with giving me to mental and physical tools to help me with my own transformation. Thank you for everything, Ben!

HusamMusic _{on Google}

May 4th, 2019

Ben is a great instructor. He is always pushing your limit and has a sea of knowledge on all things combat. I came in knowing nothing about self-defense and he was both welcoming and humble. I appreciate his directness, he will tell it to you as it is. His foundational principles of self-defense are realistic, simplified and designed to work in all situations. I typically ask a lot of questions and he was always happy to answer them and was thorough with his responses, many times going in a lot of depth so I could gain an understanding.
What I love most is the method of teaching,
This class is not for someone looking to get some exercise and strike some pads. Ben believes that in order to learn, you must be put in the action. You have to know what a punch feels like. You have to know what it's like to be grabbed. To learn to cover your head, you have to get hit in the face a few times. The only way to really learn is to actually do it. Ben will simulate these fights, drills and exercises that are most realistic to a real fight. Before Ben, I have never been to a class where we punched each other in the face, in order to realize that you can take a punch. The more you do it, the more you gain confidence in your self-defense. Ben's style is very offensive, which I was new to as well. The programs I've seen are extremely defensive. Ben concludes that if you aren't hurting him, then he is going to hurt you and the only way to stop him from hurting you is to hurt him. One lucky hit and your defensive stance is rendered useless, Ben will teach you not to be afraid to strike and to follow up.
Being realistic is what really sold it for me. For example, unlike other more optimistic instructors, Ben won't tell you to try to disarm a person armed with a gun. If that person has any sense then you'd be dead, and if he wanted to kill you, you'd also be dead already. Ben says to give them what they want and get to safety instead. Ben will teach you some things you can do and last resort moves if you know this person is going to shoot anyway.
Another thing I really like is the fact that Ben always makes you think outside the box. All the other programs I've been in, they assume fighting and don't talk about anything outside of it. Instead, Ben stresses the legality behind self-defense, and to always try to walk away first. He teaches you how you can try to de-escalate the situation to avoid fighting, and how to remain calm when someone tries to provoke you. He will teach you how to use your surroundings to your advantage and when you should look to end the fight and escape. He also teaches you to plan your strategy is against an opponent and adjust it as you go. Ben will teach you to read the opponent's tendencies and to capitalize on their weaknesses.
All in all, a fantastic instructor, highly recommended, and the price is definitely worth it.

Gustavo Sudre _{on Google}

May 23rd, 2018

Ben's incredible knowledge of self defense, paired with his friendly demeanor and personalized style of instruction, makes District Combatives a great place to study martial arts in DC. Ben is also very knowledgeable of fitness and restorative routines, which is great to treat the occasional injury and overcome muscle imbalances. In addition, he provides outstanding personalized materials for us to study at home, or when we cannot attend class. I'd easily give more than five stars if I could!