Training Edge Hosts Free Self-Defense Seminar | Local News

Now more than ever, you can never know for sure when danger may arise.

A new studio wants to help residents stay safe rather than heal.

The Training Edge KY actually opened in February 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic started. Now owners Stan and Mandy Moreland have revived at 15 Eury Lane (next to Somerset Shopping Centre) and are hosting a free women’s self-defense seminar this Saturday afternoon with guest constable Elgin Pettus of the Somerset Police Department .

Stan Moreland specializes in teaching Krav Maga, a defense system designed by the Israeli military that he says is particularly easy to learn and helps build cardio fitness.

“It’s actually a crossfit because it’s a military system,” Moreland said. “Most people don’t even realize how good they are until they get to a point where they have to do a really long test and they can do it straight.”

Moreland said Krav Maga is similar to martial arts – noting he first learned it when his son was studying karate in western New York. Instructor-owner Steve Spoth has also taught Krav.

“It was the type of system I wanted to learn,” he said. “It’s a principle-based system and it doesn’t take years. … It’s designed for self-defense, not for playing or getting in the ring.”

As Moreland trained towards black belt status, he became Spoth’s assistant trainer. The family eventually decided to leave New York – first looking to move to Tennessee from upstate New York when they found Somerset Christian School, which they loved for their son. The Morelands moved to this community two and a half years ago.

It was through a church friend expressing interest that Mr. Moreland realized he might be able to teach Krav Maga locally. Luckily, his former coach gave him permission to carry the name of his school and thus The Training Edge KY was born.

“The whole program that I have is actually always directly associated with him,” Moreland said of his decision to open in Somerset. “There was nothing like it here; it’s a great system to teach, and I’ve helped [at The Training Edge] so I knew the teaching system, and I have the responsibility and leadership of Master Spoth [behind the school]. He fits in pretty well.”

The Training Edge KY currently offers two classes each on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and one class each on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes are co-ed and for ages at least 13 years old. Participants are required to attend two sessions per week to stay on track with the belt system.

“It’s a great way to keep your New Year’s resolutions,” Moreland said, adding that Krav training has helped him prepare for 5K races. “You get in shape, but you learn things that you can take with you to get home safely.”

“Anyone can do it,” Ms Moreland added.

Saturday’s women-only seminar, from 4.30pm, is part of a series Morelands plans to offer quarterly. Participants are encouraged to wear modest training clothes and must be at least 13 years old. Registration is not required but welcome by emailing your name and contact details to [email protected].

Mr Moreland added that anyone unable to attend is welcome to attend a class during normal office hours. To learn more, call 485-4025 or check out their Facebook page by searching for “The Training Edge KY”. You can also visit kravmaga.com to learn more about the system in general.