With decades of experience in real-world self-defense and tactical training, Shihan John Petrone is a 7th-degree black belt and a direct student of Grand Master Professor David B. James. Recognized as one of the top self-defense instructors in the country, he has been honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions, including Self-Defense Instructor of the Year and Military and Law Enforcement Tactical Instructor of the Year. 

As the developer of the DICTATE Program, his training methods have been implemented by over 100 law enforcement agencies and military special operations units worldwide. Beyond his extensive martial arts background, he has served as a bodyguard for athletes, celebrities, and executives, as well as head of security for multiple high-profile nightclubs in New York City. A former professional ice hockey player and master-level kettlebell instructor, his expertise in edged and impact weapons, along with his reputation for excellence in teaching, makes him a leader in reality-based self-defense training.