Local martial artist shares knowledge, talents to instruct others in self-defense

For Daryl Tate, martial arts is not only a passion — it’s a way of life.  
 
He began taking Tae Kwon Do and Tang So Do at the age of 9 (he has black belts in both), and was later introduced to Muay Thai, which Tate says he “fell in love with,” so he became an instructor.
 
“I have trained boxers, Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts fighters, and have trained countless police officers and civilians in self-defense,” Tate says.
 
And he’s done so for more than 20 years.
 
His level of engagement in martial arts as a hobby extends to Guided Chaos, which is a close-combat form of self-defense where the goal is to train the body and mind to survive in real-world situations. Tate is one of the few first-degree black belts in Guided Chaos who lives outside of New York.
 
But Tate’s engagement in martial arts is far more than a hobby. He has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement — serving as everything from a member of the Mayor’s Executive Protection Unit in Atlanta to Defense Tactics and Use of Force Coordinator for the state of Oregon.
 
Now he’s finding ways to involve himself in the community so others can learn the principles of what has both influenced and guided his life up to this point.
 
“I believe everyone should be equipped with the basic knowledge and skill to prevent any harm that may come to them through the hands of another,” Tate says. “It's unfortunate — but true — that we are living in times when terrible incidents can happen at any moment.”
 
Tate and his family experienced the unexpected, as they were victims of a home invasion last year.
 
“Thank God we were not injured in the assault, but I'm convinced that the reason we came out fine was because we were prepared,” Tate says. “Believe it or not, even my daughter, who was 6 years old at the time, was amazing during this scary incident.”
 
Preparedness, which Tate says requires a basic level of knowledge and skill, is key; and that’s what he hopes to instill among those he instructs.
 
“Self defense is taking the first opportunity you have to leave a dangerous situation,” Tate says. “Once your counter strike starts, and you're able to stop the attacker, you put as much distance as possible between you.”

Tate will be teaching a Communiversity class through the University of Cincinnati entitled "Personal Safety and Survival: What's Your Plan?" Classes begin July 16.

Do Good: 

•    Sign up for Tate's class online, or by calling 513-556-6932.

•    Can't attend Communiversity's upcoming session of classes? Contact Tate if you have questions or are interested in pursuing individual learning or training opportunities. 

•    Keep up with Tate on Facebook by connecting and liking his page.