personal protection

Damon Ballard has been training in Gracie Jiu-jitsu or what is nationally known as Brazilian Jiu-jitsu for twenty years. He received his black belt from Alliance jiu-jitsu black belt Humberto Borges who received his black belt from world-renown jiu-jitsu Master Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti. Damon competed in jiu-jitsu until 2006, and he has taught as an instructor since 2004. Damon teaches traditional Gracie style jiu-jitsu with a strong emphasis on self-defense, the main strengths of the art. 

Damon is currently a Cobb County Police Lieutenant with over twenty years in law enforcement. Damon is also one of the head defensive tactics instructors for the Cobb County Police Department. Damon has served the Cobb Police Department as a senior/lead training instructor in the following disciplines: defensive tactics, firearms as the Range Master, Interactive Use of Force training, emergency vehicle operations, pursuit termination techniques, shoot house training, chemical aerosol projection devices, officer survival, and taser. In 2004, Damon created a martial arts course for the state of Georgia through Peace Officer Standard Training Council for law enforcement. In 2005, Damon co-created a women’s self defense and personal safety course for Cobb resident during the holiday season. 

Damon is also certified as nutritional therapist, advanced sports and exercise nutritional advisor, certified personal trainer, and certified strength and conditioning coach.

Damon is a patient and detailed oriented instructor for people of all ages that are willing learn. He looks forward to seeing you on the mat or safely shooting behind a firearm. 

This course is designed to teach you how to protect yourself when faced with eminent danger or how to train your personal protection dog to have your back.  Protection training with your dog will be facilitated by OTCK9 Academy trainers once your dog is proofed for obedience and mental capacity.