What do shooting competitions and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have in common? According to Kenny Florian—more than you might think. In this blog, Kenny shares how stepping into USPSA as a beginner again reignited his passion for learning and mastery, and how the same principles that guide martial arts also sharpen performance under pressure.

So many battles on the mat are decided from half guard. Kenny Florian breaks down why—and how you can start turning this challenging position into one of your strongest weapons.

Step onto the mats with UFC legend Kenny Florian and explore the principle-based truths of Jiu Jitsu. His No-Gi classes at A+R Tactics go beyond technique—focusing on timing, structure, and efficiency for long-term growth. Train smarter, not harder.

In a world where threats evolve rapidly and unpredictably, security professionals, first responders, and protectors of all kinds need more than just initial certifications—they need consistent, relevant, and realistic training.

That’s why we created the Guardian Network—an exclusive, online training community developed by A+R Tactics to support those who take their role in safety and protection seriously. This initiative is designed to offer continued education, direct access to professionals in the field, and a space where protectors can grow their skills and their network.

Most of us cater our martial arts skills to create offense. I remember early on taking the approach of being so offense-oriented that my strategy would often lead to 2 paths. 1. My opponent would be forced to play defense which would never allow them into the match. 2. They would ultimately succumb to the pressure and would give up a submission. Of course the very skilled and great opponents would find a way to defend, nullify and/or counter my offense.

Excerpt from Coming Face to Face with Yourself by Kenny Florian

Growth isn’t just about skill—it’s about confronting the hardest opponent of all: yourself. In the pursuit of mastery, the ego sneaks in, clouding our vision and convincing us to protect an illusion rather than embrace the reality of endless improvement. It resists change, rationalizes mistakes, and shields us from the discomfort of self-reflection. But the truth is, we are built to adapt, to evolve, and to push past limitations—if we’re willing to silence the ego and embrace the lessons that failure brings. The path forward isn’t about preserving an image, but about becoming the best version of ourselves, no matter how uncomfortable that process may be.