About Us

To help you know a little more about us, let us first introduce you to our training philosophy:

The Philosophy of Gendai Goshin Jitsu (Modern Self-Defense Art)

A scientifically researched and tested unique blend of mixed martial arts techniques and principles from numerous martial arts combined with physiological and psychological facts and concepts.

How one trains is how one will react! So, if you wish to be prepared for real attacks, then you must train against real attacks. You can’t hope to ever be a great basketball player without having actually played basketball. Running lay ups is not enough. Our philosophy and resulting approach to teaching and training in self-defense is that a careful eye must be on both aspects: teaching and training. Then, from that, it is not enough to teach techniques alone or even combinations of techniques against specific, realistic scenarios. Life, more specifically, adversarial violence is complex and dynamic. One must learn the principles that govern adversarial physiology and psychology along with those core techniques. It’s like learning how to repair an automobile…

It’s not enough to be given a cabinet or garage full of tools. It’s not enough to understand how to use those tools. One must first understand how the automobile works and is used. Then, one must understand all of the components. Then, understand what various symptoms are as they relate to malfunctions and how to troubleshoot them. And, by understanding these things, one will understand what results are obtained when you loosen or tighten specific components on the automobile. Then, and only then, can a person understand and be able to repair the automobile.

So, kicks, punches, joint locks, etc. are not enough! Furthermore, techniques for the most part are similar if not the same across most martial arts styles. We differ in how we expose each student to a carefully selected mix of martial arts principles and techniques from a variety of martial arts (mixed martial arts). By a simple systematization of these principles and by building on a student’s natural tendencies (as supported by scientific studies and research), student individuality is fostered and not hindered in order to maximize each person’s chances for survival.

A viable self-defense system or art must address the physiological and psychological concepts or principles surrounding adversarial encounters. In doing so, the limitations of technique based training are eliminated. By understanding the concepts surrounding street encounters, one can better adapt to the actual complexities verses trying to memorize a specific set of responses to given attacks. Memorization too often results in doubt or second guessing whether one is responding as taught verses simply applying a set of principles that exist naturally. Too often, self-defense is taught as a given response to a specific attack. True violence does not occur as a ‘single attack’. It occurs as a criminal intent that is only achieved as a result of an effort on the part of the attacker. The effort is a dynamic, non-cooperative interaction with YOU, the intended victim! The attacker is probably going to throw numerous punches, kicks, grabs, take downs, etc. at you as his experience determines is necessary to achieve his/her predetermined objective. So, to train to defend against a sucker punch alone is not enough. One must train to disrupt his intent and change the attacker’s mind with regards to committing violence against you. And, as long as you survive, there are NO WRONG responses.

That being said, often new students enroll who have a background in a specific art. Rather than spending enormous amounts of time trying to break the habits they have developed, it’s better to make use of what they already know that will get the basic job done. Even if theirs isn’t the sharpest ax, if it will chop the tree down, then use it. Our goal isn’t to have them throw kicks exactly like I do. Our goal is to enable them to defend themselves as quickly as possible. Time and training correctly will sharpen their ax. Most martial arts applied correctly in realistic street context will most likely work. Unfortunately, very few schools have time beyond that spent training in their traditional teachings and repeated scripted practice scenarios to devote to real street self-defense applying Jigoro Kano’s randori (live practice).

More importantly, we hope by reading this book you will develop a better understanding of violence as it is typically perpetrated on people and how to prevent it from happening to you. As he old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So, although much of this book covers how to survive the encounter once the assault has become physical, we prefer that you learn to stop it before it happens.

Now, meet our instructors:

About the Founder – Doug Cobb

Education: East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Bachelor of Science Professional Degree in Chemistry, 1982

Scientific Experience:

v Working Professionally as a Chromatographer Since 1982

v Personally researched numerous scientific studies, papers & articles that related to human nature physiologically or psychologically that may improve what and how self-defense is taught in our system

Martial Arts Experience:

Gendai Goshin Jitsu - Founder

Raleigh, NC

In May 2004, we officially announced the introduction of Gendai Goshin Jitsu. Master David Riddle, Sensei Vance Taylor and students held a belt ceremony formerly recognizing the new system and me as its founder. With the support and blessing of many of my instructors including Master Carl Mangione, Master David Riddle and Professor Ernie Cates, this decision was made with the utmost respect of all martial arts. Promoted to 8^th Dan by the AMAA in 2006 as the Head of Gendai Goshin Jitsu.

Isshinryu Karate-Do & Kobudo

Burlington, NC (with some study in Jacksonville, NC & Tarboro, NC)

I began my study in September 1975 and currently hold the rank of Roku-Dan or sixth degree black belt. For several years, I have been teaching students in private, semiprivate and group programs. Isshin-ryu is unlike many of the more common arts in that it incorporates more natural stances and hand positions. This facilitates learning and usefulness.

Jiu Jitsu (Ju Jitsu)

In order that I may better understand, apply and teach traditional grappling techniques based on the science of the human anatomy, I began my study of Hakkoryu jiu jitsu in 1983. My ju jitsu was further enhanced by the teachings of Soke ‘Skip’ Koepke of Seki Ryu Ju Jitsu. I currently hold Roku-dan (6^th degree black belt) Seki Ryu Ju Jitsu.

Judo

At the same time my study of jiu jitsu began, judo was part of the teachings by those instructors. With background in both the Hakkoryu and Kodakan systems, I have found each possess its unique and advantageous elements as taught by my instructors. My Kodakan instructor is Professor Ernie Cates.

Kodokan Goshin Jitsu

Burlington, NC

My rank is Ni-Dan or second degree black belt under Professor Ernie Cates. This art’s focus is solely on street self-defense techniques. Under my instructor, at the heart of this art is its use of the natural elements of adversarial physiology and psychology.

Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu

Burlington, NC & Seattle, WA

Under the instruction of Professor Ernie Cates, my appreciation and knowledge of the principles surrounding the martial arts was tremendously enhanced. The importance of teaching from that premise is one of the many benefits received from studying in his style of Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu. My most recent promotion was to Go-dan (5^th degree black belt).

Other Arts Studied & Recognition Received: International Combative Arts (Mix Martial Art Combining Soft Chinese Styles w/ Small Circle Ju Jitsu & Silat), Weapons of the Philippines: Arnis/Escrima/Kali, Pikiti Tirsia Knife Fighting, Aikido & Executive Protection Defensive Tactics; 2004 Inductee into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Soke of the Year; 2006 Inductee into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Founder of the Year; 2006 Inductee into the AMAA Hall of Fame as Grandmaster of the Year; Promoted to 8^th Dan by the AMAA in 2006 as the Head of Gendai Goshin Jitsu; Re-inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2008) as an alumni and Self-Defense Grand Master of the Year; Awarded a Ph.D./Ma.D.Sc, Doctorate of Martial Arts Philosophy & Martial Arts Science by the University of Asian Martial Arts Study (2008)

Membership:

Life Member of the United States Judo Association

Soke ‘Skip’ Koepke – Head of the Seki-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu System

Sensei Bob Garmany

Sensei Stephen Cobb

Education: Currently attending Wake Technical Community College

Martial Arts Experience:

Gendai Goshin Jitsu

Raleigh, NC

In August 2006, Stephen Cobb successfully passed his Sho-Dan test and earned his 1^st Degree Black Belt Rank. Stephen is the son of the founder and has been training with his father since he was 4 years of age and has therefore been through the majority of changes along the development of Gendai Goshin Jitsu.

Isshinryu Karate-Do & Kobudo

Stephen holds an Orange belt in the art of Isshinryu Karate & Kobudo. He started his training under his father, Doug Cobb, in this art.

Wrestling

4 Year Varsity High School Wrestler, Conference Champion his senior year, State Qualifier his senior year.

Level 1 Assistant Instructor, Richard Hill

Level 1 Assistant Instructor, Allan Potter