Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts & Self-Defense Training in Middlebury, CT
At East Coast Training Systems, we treat our students as an extension of our family, guiding them toward personal growth through martial arts and self-defense training. Founded in 2010, our studio specializes in American-Filipino Kun Tao, blending striking, grappling, and weapon techniques to foster physical and mental resilience. Our Escape Alive Survival Skills program, developed in partnership with Jane Doe No More, has empowered over 5,000 individuals across Connecticut and beyond with practical self-defense strategies.We emphasize character development, leadership, and community safety through martial arts, fitness classes, and school presentations. With decades of combined experience, our instructorsrecognized champions and certified professionalsdeliver tailored training for all ages, from youth programs to adult self-defense workshops. Our philosophy centers on creating a supportive environment where students build confidence, discipline, and real-world skills to thrive in any challenge.
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Self-Defense Workshops
Fitness Training
Escape Alive Program
Leadership Presentations
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of combined martial arts expertise with world-champion instructors.
- Our Escape Alive program provides proven self-defense techniques for real-world scenarios.
- Family-oriented environment fosters personal growth, discipline, and community connection.
- Customized training includes fitness, leadership development, and school safety initiatives.
- Certified instructors with law enforcement and competitive breaking experience ensure practical skill development.
What people say
Second family atmosphere
Excellent instructors
Empowering self-defense skills
Life-changing confidence growth
Supportive community
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Our American-Filipino Kun Tao classes teach striking, grappling, and weapon techniques for ages 5+. Students develop discipline, physical fitness, and self-defense skills through structured belt progression. World-champion instructors emphasize character development and real-world application.
Escape Alive Program
This Connecticut-leading program teaches practical self-defense strategies for women and teens. Participants learn situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and physical defense techniques in interactive workshops. Over 5,000 individuals have gained confidence since 2009 through this Jane Doe No More partnership.
Fitness Training
Our fitness programs combine martial arts conditioning with functional training for all ages. Ladies-only classes focus on strength building and self-defense drills, while family sessions offer customized workouts. Training emphasizes mental focus and physical endurance in a supportive environment.
Leadership Presentations
We deliver interactive school presentations on character development, safety, and leadership. Programs like 'Character Foundations' teach children self-discipline and confidence through martial arts demonstrations. Academic Guardian Initiative trains educators in active-shooter response strategies aligned with FEMA guidelines.
Private Instruction
Personalized training sessions focus on individual goals, whether self-defense mastery, competition preparation, or fitness improvement. Certified instructors provide tailored feedback in private or small-group settings. Sessions accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advanced martial artists.
People
Grand Master Drew Serrano
President, Head Instructor
8th-degree black belt in American-Filipino Kun Tao with 45+ years experience. Co-founder of USBA/WBA, featured on ESPN and The David Letterman Show. Recognized martial arts breaking authority and competition judge.
Daniele Serrano
Vice-President, Lead Instructor
3rd-degree black belt with expertise in self-defense and breaking competitions. Co-creator of Escape Alive program and award-winning instructor. Holds 5th-degree black belt in Kar-Do-Jitsu Ryu Federation.
Daniel Padin
Instructor
3rd-degree black belt in American-Filipino Kun Tao with additional training in Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do. World champion breaker and former Connecticut correctional officer applying real-world experience to self-defense instruction.
Azaleah Majarocon
Instructor
3rd-degree black belt with 15+ years teaching experience. Specializes in women's self-defense programs and youth instruction. Dedicated to community safety through practical martial arts application and Escape Alive workshops.
Tracy DiGiovancarlo
Instructor
2nd-degree black belt and lead Escape Alive instructor. Began martial arts journey organizing self-defense classes for friends in 2009. Focuses on practical techniques and empowering women through hands-on training programs.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in American-Filipino Kun Tao, combining striking, grappling, and weapon techniques. Our curriculum also includes elements of Kar-Do-Jitsu and traditional self-defense methods.
Is prior experience required for self-defense classes?
No prior experience is needed. Our Escape Alive workshops and Friday Night Fight Club welcome all skill levels, focusing on practical techniques for real-world scenarios.
Do you offer family training options?
Yes, we provide family martial arts classes and small-group sessions. Our programs accommodate multiple generations, emphasizing teamwork and mutual skill development in a supportive environment.
What safety certifications do your instructors hold?
Our instructors include world-champion breakers, certified self-defense experts, and former law enforcement professionals. Many hold advanced black belts and participate in ongoing safety protocol development.
Are there programs for school-aged children?
We offer youth martial arts classes starting at age 5, Character Foundations presentations, and Safety For ME! workshops. All programs focus on discipline, confidence, and age-appropriate self-defense skills.
How do you accommodate different fitness levels?
Our classes emphasize individual progress with scalable techniques. Instructors provide personalized modifications to ensure safe, effective training for all physical abilities and experience levels.
