Welcome to the S.M.A.A.

The Defensive Tactics (Self-Defense) & Firearms Experts

The SMAA understands the importance of providing professional defensive tactics and firearms training with the purpose of providing law abiding citizens with the necessary training tools needed to efficiently and effectibly defend themselves. We use the word "tactical" a lot with our classes. Why? Because tactical means "the most efficient means to an end." We train you in the most efficient and effective techniques around proven effective by law enforcement and correctional officers in their field.

      The SMAA’s team of instructors have provided professional training to not just private individuals seeking to expand their knowledge but to Law Enforcement, Corrections, and private security agencies alike and have been contracted by universities, colleges, private corporations, and government agencies to develop specialized training programs and provide professional training in defensive tactics, firearms, use of force, chemical agents, and more.

      All Classes are taught and or supervised by State Certified Instructor "Rico" Arnaldo Lugo, SMAA Tactical Training Director. Arnaldo Lugo holds instructor certifications from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission (CJSTC), National Rifle Association (NRA), Smith & Wesson, and the SMAA to name a few.

What are martial arts?

      Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development.

      The term martial art has become heavily associated with the fighting arts of eastern Asia, but was originally used in regard to the combat systems of Europe as early as the 1550s. An English fencing manual of 1639 used the term in reference specifically to the "Science and Art" of swordplay. The term is ultimately derived from Latin, martial arts being the "Arts of Mars," the Roman god of war.

       Some martial arts are considered 'traditional' and tied to an ethnic, cultural or religious background, while others are modern systems developed either by a founder or an association.

      Weapons used are not limited to melee or bladed weapons. Some traditional martial concepts have seen new use within modern military and law enforcement training. Perhaps the most recent example of this is point shooting which relies on muscle memory to more effectively utilize a firearm in a variety of awkward situations, much the way an iaidoka would master movements with their sword.

      The Southeastern Martial Arts Association, LLC (SMAA) was founded in 2005 by Arnaldo Lugo, Soell Lugo, and Wayne G. Lyles with the vision of building individuals who are strong in body, mind, and spirit by providing an educational, positive, and productive training experience in a safe environment. What started as an organization focusing on the local community has grown into an international organization with members worldwide. The SMAA became an LLC in 2011.

      The SMAA’s team of instructors have provided professional training to not just private individuals seeking to expand their knowledge but to Law Enforcement Officers, Correctional Officers, and private security agencies alike and have been contracted by universities, colleges, private corporations, and government agencies to develop specialized training programs and provide professional training in defensive tactics, firearms, use of force, chemical agents, and more.

      The SMAA has numerous societies under the S.M.A.A. umbrella that focus on individual disciplines in order to better serve our members. Furthermore, the SMAA continues to grow by developing friendships and partnerships with other organizations that share its vision. The SMAA is very selective on the organizations it supports. In order for the organization to be posted in our site it must be registered in their state as either a Corporation, LLC, Non-Profit Organization, or sanctioned by one.