The Modern Self-Defense Center was founded in 2002, with the purpose of bringing the most effective, up-to-date training methods in Martial Arts and Self-Defense to the greater Connecticut region.  The initial program focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in a time when BJJ schools were few and far between in New England, as well as the Israeli art of Krav Maga which was largely unknown at the time.  In August of 2005 MSDC opened a 7200 square foot facility in Middletown, CT and expanded its programming: now there were multiple daily classes offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu both with and without the gi (uniform), Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, and Mixed Martial Arts.  In addition to all this, MSDC began offering a free self-defense class for members of the community that met every Thursday night (this class ran from 2005 – 2012, every Thursday). MSDC began attracting notable expert guests:  annual visits from world-renowned Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Filipino Martial Arts, and Self-Defense expert Mr. Roy Harris, seminars from notable BJJ standout Mr. Roy Dean, workshops from movement expert Dr. Mark Cheng, rare training opportunities in the art of Kalis Ilustrisimo from Mr. Romy Macapagal, an MMA seminar with UFC veteran Mr. Jason Lambert, and a number of other workshops including Sayoc Kali, Boxe Francaise Savate, Aikido, Wing Chun, and more. During these years, MSDC flourished and provided training to hundreds of people in the greater Middletown Area.  Additional programs grew, including the Adaptive Movement Martial Arts program for kids, and the Boxe Francaise Savate French Kickboxing classes (including two trips to Montreal to train with Kickboxing legend Mr. Richard Sylla). In 2012, Chris Martell was offered a second chance at one of his major personal goals  (a return to the world of Professional Ballroom Dancing), so a team of MSDC’s top talent assumed direction of the facility.  MSDC soon moved to Meriden, CT, into a beautiful facility that was well-designed to accommodate the growing number of group and private classes.  MSDC began training more athletes, including its first Professional Mixed Martial Arts competitor.  A growing number of outside life changes for the management team members forced the team to close the official facility in 2014; however, MSDC’s programs live on. Group classes take place at Adaptive Movement Parkour’s gorgeous and sprawling facility at 60 Peter Court, New Britain, CT.