Self-Defense and Self-Reliance Training

Integrated self-defense and self-reliance, or overall preparedness, consists of three facets: self defense, survival (both wilderness and urban), and firearms training.

This series of self reliance courses was started in 1985 as the "Way of the Warrior Workshops," designed to promote physical mastery and presented by the Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society (DTMMS). DTMMS was founded in 1986 by Harley SwiftDeer Reagan; he and his wife Dianne Reagan are the chief instructors. [Note to SMSD apprentices: this corresponds to the Black Lodge program.]

Currently, we offer an annual intensive training in self-defense and the safe and effective handling of firearms.

All of our courses are taught in or near Scottsdale, Arizona, just outside Phoenix. These programs are designed for men and women, of all ages and abilities. No prior experience is required.

Additional firearms training is available through Thunder Strikes Productions NRA courses and SwiftCare courses, and also through NRA-approved instructors and courses, in many locations in the US. Wilderness and Urban survival are available through several schools, such as Tom Brown's Tracker School.