Urban Defense Martial Arts for the Streets
 
 
Master Lawrence Whitaker is the founder and head instructor of Urban Defense Fitness Center in Philadelphia.
 
The programs at the Urban Defense Fitness Center (UDFC) are tailored for the urban lifestyle.  Unlike traditional fitness centers, UDFC will combine a structured fitness program with practical skills for urban living.  At the foundation of UDFC is the philosophy of hard work, dedication, commitment, responsibility, and accountability.  Since 1996, Master Whitaker has developed a total martial arts program that helps individuals strengthen their minds, bodies, and awareness so they can achieve their personal best.  The UDFC also offers programs that encourage youth empowerment, leadership, and development.
Welcome
 
In addition to being the founder of the UDFC, Master Whitaker is also the National Instructor of the TAI-FIT Ultimate Workout Program.  Master Whitaker’s professional experience includes ten years as a personal protection specialist, personal trainer, and group fitness instructor, as well as over 25 years in a wide variety of self-defense styles.  He is a certified restraining arts instructor and holds a 6th-degree black belt in Mongolian Kempo and Naphtali martial arts systems.  
 
Master Whitaker gained leadership experience in the U.S. Army while stationed in Germany at the Primary Leadership/Development School.  He received intensive combat and survival training and participated in Operation Urgent Fury, an important student rescue mission in Grenada in 1983.  Military honors include the Army Achievement Medal, Merit of Service Award, Good Conduct Medal, and the Overseas Award.  
 
Master Whitaker is certified and registered with the Institute of Certified Martial Arts National/International Certification and Registration Board.  He also holds certifications in Urban Rebound and Reebok Coreboard.  
 
Master Whitaker is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Mongolian Kempo, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Pankration (Greek Martial Arts), a 2nd Degree Black Belt in AMEXEM Cultural Art Institute (Institute of African Martial Arts), and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Taming of the Great Power (African-American Martial Arts).  
 
About Urban Defense
Urban Defense was founded in 1996 at Pennsport Fitness Center in Philadelphia, PA.  Lawrence Whitaker is the founder and Chief Instructor.    Past instructors include Ronald Williams as Head Instructor and Jon Goldner as Lead Instructor.
 
Urban Self-Defense is comprised of several martial arts:
  1.  African Arts (Taming of the Great Power, Tiger System Temple, Ta Temaran, Zulu Impi)
  2.  African-American Arts (Street combat, boxing, stick fighting, Jail House Rock)
  3.  Korean Arts (Tae Kwon Do)
  4.  Japanese Arts (Jiu-Jutsu)
  5.  Mongolian Arts (Kempo)
  6.  Egyptian Arts (Kempo)
  7.  Greek Arts (Pankration)
  8.  Israeli Arts (Naphtali)
 
A Brief history of street combat training
Urban Defense Training is influenced by several styles of Martial Arts. (Israeli Naphtali, Mongolian Kempo, Greek Pankration, African Arts, Korean Tae Kwon Do, and Jiu-Jitsu. The primary focus of Urban Defense Training is self-defense, self-confidence, and self-awareness. You only have one life, so protect it!
Master Whitaker’s Urban Defense Training derives its practical applications from all six (6) of the aforementioned Arts. Urban Defense Training focuses on what works for street crime. Our training will enable one to protect one’s self from single or multiple attackers. This system has been proven very street effective and all adults (17 years & older) are encouraged to attend a free introductory lesson.
Most individuals, even black belts, have not been properly trained for a “live” or “street” altercations. Instructors of the Center for Urban Self-Defense studies are all certified by the Institute of Certified Martial Arts, an international organization. These highly qualified instructors have combined literally decades of martial arts experience with nearly an equal amount of “live” experience to form a program which has already reaped positive results for many people. 
This program offers both physical and mental benefits. The participants improve physical strength, muscular endurance, and total body conditioning. 
Take this simple test: Ask yourself, “What would I really do if someone came up to me and grabbed me from behind? … Would I take off like a scared rabbit? … Would I just stand there in a panic? Or, would I think to start kicking butt right away?”
Street crime is a terrible reality we all might face at least one time or another. So prepare yourself today before danger prepares you for tomorrow. 
“It’s better to have and not need it, than to need it and not have it!”
Thank you for your consideration of Urban Defense – Martial Science
 
Peace, 
Master Lawrence Whitaker
Head Instructor