About FSD

FunctionalSelfDefense.org (formerly Hertao.com) is here to provide you with an easy to navigate, comprehensive resource on functional self defense.

Real self defense may not be what you think it is. It's not what's taught in most martial arts, or what you see in the movies. Real, comprehensive self defense skills require an understanding of violence, awareness, and prevention, effective techniques, a variety of training methods, and a solid strategy for both unarmed and armed attacks. The majority of martial arts and self defense courses focus on only one or two of those areas, and often badly at that.

FunctionalSelfDefense.org is here to remedy that.

What Is FSD?

Functional Self Defense is a comprehensive combination of strategies, training methods, and techniques designed to provide practitioners with highly efficient and effective self defense skills. It covers all ranges (stand up, clinch, and ground) and areas of self defense, from awareness and non-physical prevention to the use of weapons and multiple opponents.

Is There An FSD Curriculum?

Yes. You can download the overview version here.

Where Did It Come From?

FSD was created by David Erath, after many years of researching, training, experimenting, and teaching.

Who Is David Erath?

David was born and raised in New Orleans. He ran a self defense school there full time for 10 years, before becoming a nomad in 2007. Due at least partly to the environment he was raised in, he's been rather obsessed with self defense and martial arts from an early age. As a child he made homemade pepper spray (a mixture of gasoline and Raid...roach spray...in a bottle attached to his bike) to defend against the ever present bike robbers in his neighborhood. As an adult he lived across the street from drug dealers, and witnessed numerous shootings from distances closer than he would have liked. David has black belts in a couple of styles, but generally dislikes the idea of rank and formality. He's studied lots of martial arts, but because he felt none of them sufficiently and comprehensively dealt with self defense, he created FSD. You can learn more about FSD (formerly Hertao) and why David created it in this post.

Where Can I Take Classes?

There are currently no public FSD classes on offer. Seminars are possible based on availability, a book is soon to be released, and DVDs are also in the works. If you'd like to be notified when FSD training material or classes become available, please leave your name and email address in the form below:

I Have Questions

You're welcome to leave any questions or comments here.