JOHN GRADEN

Choose Your 

Battles Wisely

Colleges and High Schools

College can be stressful and isolating for new students out on their own for the first time. 

I will teach them situational awareness, verbal defense, strategic decision making, self-defense and confidence building exercises.

Associations and Businesses

Improve cooperation, deal with complaints, think on your feet, learn to be assertive not aggressive and other skills that will help you and your team create a happier and healthier work enviroment.

Churches & Non-Profits

These workshops are ideal for church security, non-profit teams, volunteers, and employees, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle difficult scenarios with confidence and tact to turn conflict into cooperation.

John Graden teaches public speaking skills training for Pasco County convention

Teaching Presentation Skills at 2024 Grow Pasco Convention

John Graden teaching real estate agent safety seminar

Real Estate Self-Defense Lombardo Real Estate Team

John Graden being interviewed on TV in New York Citry

Safe Student Seminar for Carrollwood Day School

“John is a fantastic speaker, and his sessions are NOT your typical boring PowerPoint presentation.

I highly recommend him for any size organization.”

-Dan Mitchell, Pasco Economic Development Council

Past Clients

Pasco County leadership speaker
Pasco County professional speaker at Allstate insurance
PINELLAS PARK HIGH SCHOOL
college orientation speaker
high school success speaker
EAST LAKE HIGH SCHOOL
Pasco County leadership speaker
college motivational speaker
leadership speaker for high schools and colleges
college leadership speaker
the chapel
the chapel

  • If you're lucky enough to get the chance to secure John Graden as a speaker, DO IT! He brings a unique perspective and skill set that will impact your... read more

    Dr. Judy Flury Avatar Dr. Judy Flury
    April 8, 2024

    John does a terrific job of providing a myriad of examples to support his insights and principals into making the most impactful and effective presentations. The examples provide a... read more

    Don Anderson Avatar Don Anderson
    April 8, 2024

    One of the best I have been to. Great speaker and motivator!

    Gary Tweten Avatar Gary Tweten
    April 6, 2024
  • I’ve known John Graden for many years. He was the first in my industry to help others develop and deliver a great experience. His knowledge for people and business ideas... read more

    MrGonosen Avatar MrGonosen
    April 6, 2024

    John Graden's years of martial arts experience allows him to cut-through the confusion and focus on saving lives...yours. He trained my team on self-defense and active-shooter safety and... read more

    Bill Cronin Avatar Bill Cronin
    April 6, 2024

    John is a really kind and great man. Knows so much about business and is always keeping up with what is going on now to make sure that he is... read more

    Payton Donnell Avatar Payton Donnell
    April 6, 2024
  • Wow! I've been to a lot of seminars but I can't remember one better than this John Graden seminar. The way he incorporates stories and strategies from his champion martial... read more

    Rick Bell Avatar Rick Bell
    April 6, 2024

    John Graden was one of our highest rated speakers at the national conference. Our team was both impressed and eager for more. The content was relevant, actionable and delivered... read more

    John Nottingham Avatar John Nottingham
    April 6, 2024

    John Graden is one of the most knowledgable self defense instructors in America. John’s insights wisdom and practical advice is second to none.

    Don Warrener Avatar Don Warrener
    April 6, 2024
  • John Gradens Presentations are very educational and rather than a PowerPoint he has ann interactive workshop! I would recommend him to anyone!

    Ashlee Underdown Avatar Ashlee Underdown
    April 6, 2024

    One idea. That was all it took. Just one idea. I learned a method for crafting an after-school program at a local private school. It seemed silly to me... but... read more

    Scot Conway Avatar Scot Conway
    April 5, 2024

    Great instruction

    Turner Arbour Avatar Turner Arbour
    April 9, 2022

Student Safety & Self-Defense Classes

The Safe Student Project combines strategic decision-making with self-defense skills to stay safe. Students will develop a ‘Mental Fight Plan’ to increase awareness and control of their own lives.

They will learn how to develop rock-solid confidence through powerful communication skills, heightened mental awareness, and the self-defense skills to stay safe. 

Rapid Confidence Course

Step into every social situation with confidence and ease.

Our “Rapid Confidence” training teaches young adults to develop the skills needed to communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and handle social interactions with poise.

Whether you’re applying for a new job, making new friends, or want to feel more comfortable in social settings, this training offers practical strategies to enhance your verbal and non-verbal communication, overcome social anxiety, and project self-assurance.

VERBAL DEFENSE

Equip yourself with the skills to navigate challenging conversations and defuse conflicts with confidence.

Our “Verbal Defense” training is designed specifically for young adults who want to learn how to assertively protect their boundaries, communicate effectively under pressure, and handle verbal confrontations with ease.

This course will empower you with techniques to stay calm, think clearly, and respond strategically in difficult situations—whether it’s dealing with peer pressure, standing up to bullies, or managing disagreements in personal and professional settings.

Public Speaking Classes

75% of adults have a fear of public speaking. These exciting public speaking classes will give you the confidence and tools to deliver a knockout presentation and have fun instead of nervous fumbling.

Presenting with confidence in front of an audience of 1 to 10,000 will have a powerfully positive impact on your life and career.

Imagine if you and your team were all on the same page with the same training on delivering powerful presentations. Do you think that might be helpful?

Fear of public speaking doesn’t have to be a permanent affliction.

This fun and interactive workshop offers solutions, activities, and the skills to overcome the anxiety and fear of public speaking.

Training is available for 1-on-1 or in groups.

Custom Self-Defense Classes

John Graden offers customizable classes. Whether you seek personal empowerment or organizational safety, we’ve got you covered.

Benefit from our flexible options and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to protect yourself and others. Take charge of your safety with our personalized self-defense classes.

Active Shooter Response

Prepare for the unexpected with our life-saving Active Shooter Response Seminar.

Gain the vital knowledge and skills needed to respond swiftly and effectively during high-stress situations.

Learn crisis communication, evacuation strategies, and self-defense techniques.

Real Estate Agent Safety & Self-Defense

When part of your job description is meeting strangers in an empty property, you MUST be equipped mentally and physically to protect yourself.

No safety app or dialing 911 is going to help you in the critical first 15 seconds of danger.