Meet the Coaches of NOVA Self Defense
Evan Dzierzynski- Owner and Lead Coach
Evan has been training in a variety of martial arts systems for over ten years. His formal training began in Raleigh, North Carolina an eclectic martial arts style called Cuong Nhu. Since moving to Arlington, Virginia Evan has been training in the S.P.E.A.R. System and Personal Defense Readiness for over seven years. He is a certified Personal Defense Readiness (PDR) Fundamentals Coach, and holds specialized PDR certifications in Ground-fighting and Weapons Protection. He has also delved into several other self defense training programs and continuously evolves how he teaches self-defense. He has been teaching self defense regularly since 2008 and also assists in teaching train-the-trainer certification courses for Blauer Tactical Systems.
Scott Vignon- Lead Coach
Scott has been training in SPEAR/PDR for over 5 years and has served as an assistant instructor for the past year. He previously trained in Shotokan Karate for 6 years, learning the principles of how to use the body to generate power and destroy your opponent. More recently he has studied and achieved the rank of black belt in Cuong Nhu, a hybrid style that combines elements of hard and soft martial arts, for over 6 years and helps instruct a class of mixed children and adults. The diversity of his training has taught Scott to always keep an open mind and find the right training and technique for a given situation. More importantly, that anyone can defend themselves with the proper knowledge.
Brendan King- Verbal Crisis Intervention Specialist
Brendan has an extensive background in verbal crisis intervention training. He lectures to companies around the country about strategies for crisis intervention, workplace violence prevention, and passive restraint. As a former Police officer, Marine, and current S.W.A.T. team member, Brendan has first-hand experience with weathering ambushes and knows the importance of being able to get back into the fight under the chaos of an attack. He is a PDR Certified Fundamentals instructor with several years PDR/SPEAR experience. He has an extensive background in defensive tactics, Hwal Moo, Muay Thai, and helps run a traditional martial arts school in Warrenton, Virginia. We are privileged to have Brendan as part of our training team.
