Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Panarelli.
Hi Dave, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my martial arts journey in 1991. I was 24 years old. I earned my 1st degree black belt in three years at an accelerated rate because I was attending classes 5 days a week. I dove in and loved every minute of it. My style is Hen San Ryu. Later on I became the senior instructor at the school. I am currently a 4th degree black belt under my instructor and mentor, Shihan Ken Walsh of Waterville Maine.
Upon moving to Utah in 2004, I was hired as a special Education Teacher for Mild Moderate learning disabilities in the Wasatch School Dept. Heber City. During the first year I implemented a martial art program for “At Risk” kids at Rocky Mountain Middle School, which operated as a regular credited class each day. It expanded into the Jr. High and I had roughly 35 students in that program. Students were referred to me through the guidance offices of both schools. This program was wonderful and helped so many students that suffered from a huge lack of self confidence and the ability to feel successes. The deficit came form experiencing so much failure over their young lives. Many of these kids did not have learning disabilities but were considered “at risk” from other circumstances. This was a successful program that ran for 5 years straight until funding and time forced the program to come to an end.
After that it was 2017 when I started Progressive Defense Tactics LLC as a mobile self defense business. I would travel and train people privately in their own homes. I also conducted many women’s self defense workshops. This was great but then it got to the point that I needed a space to open for classes. Four and a half years ago I opened a school in Heber City. Last October I moved locations to where I am currently located inside Iron Backs Gym, 2211 W 3000 S are. A, Heber City, Ut. Justin and Katie Fuchs were amazing letting me set up shop and teach out of their gym.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A business is never really a smooth road. But the progression of where it is now and what Im teaching has been interesting how it has morphed from a more traditional martial art to a strictly self defense program to a full MMA school that it is now, i have had two people I’ve trained into fighters and have taught with Steel Fist, Utah’s premiere MMA and kickboxing fight organization. Having a substantial number of students has been to the point of being able to teach on a full time basis has been a struggle and also advertising. I’m awful at social media and advertising. Martial arts has a small niche and not many people get into it, however it is growing in popularity.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I spent fifteen years as a Special Educator in the public school systems. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about people, personalities and capabilities. It ran it’s course and I eventually burned out from the work and emotional efforts that you have to put into the work. I felt compelled to get back to teaching martial arts and thats when I started the mobile teaching and left education. Now I teach in a different capacity and it’s pretty fulfilling.
I am also a professional touring drummer with a tribute band. We are an international act and have traveled to several other countries to perform. The band is George Michael Reborn. This has also been an amazing creative platform for me as I’ve been drumming since fifth grade. I first went to college for music and have a music degree. That was before becoming a Sped teacher with those credentials, So I have an Associates of Science in Jazz and Contemporary Music, Bachlors degree in Special Education and a Masters degree in Education.
Music has always been my first passion and martial arts second. I’m fortunate enough to be able to do both at this present time. We’ll see how the future continues.
With my martial arts training, I am currently a fourth degree black belt. I have studied Kali, the Milesian weapons system. I absolutely love this style of martial arts. it consists of stick and knife, knife and knife, two sticks, stick and sword, knife and sword and sword and sword. It’s a pretty complete and brutal style. So with what I teach now, my style of Hen San Ryu consists of four pillars. Kickboxing, Judo and Jujitsu, Kali and street wise self defense. Stand up fighting, takedowns and ground fighting, weapons and escaping various scenario based street and domestic attacks.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Well those that know me as a drummer are surprised to learn about the martial art background and the sped background. the same goes for each of those, vice versa. It’s always funny seeing someone’s expressions when they learn about the other tings i do or have done. For instance I also spent ten years racing sprint and olympic distance triathlon. What a blast that was. you certainly learn a lot about yourself when training for endurance sports.
Pricing:
- youth MMA classes are $125/month with three hour long classes each week
- Adult MMA classes are $150/month with three 1.5 hour classes each week
- Women’s Self Defense classes are $125/month with two 1.5 hour classes each week
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pdtmma.com
- Instagram: progressivedefensetactics
- Facebook: progressivedefensetactics
