Hi everyone. As you may know, I have been practicing martial arts and self defense for quite some time now, more than 25 years actually, and I am regularly asked questions about such and such a discipline, such and such an expert. I like to talk about these subjects that I’m passionate about!
When I said I was going to train with Fred Mastro more than a year ago, I realized that some people only knew him slightly.
I advise you to read my previous article to have a full feedback from my “Level 1” MDS instructor training.
Now, I thought I could contribute to the promotion of this MDS method by explaining briefly what it consists of and why I immediately adopted it, as a great self defense enthusiast that I am!
Table of Contents
What’s the Mastro defence System?
The Mastro Defence System (MDS) is a self defense method created by Fred Mastro. It is neither a martial art nor a combat sport, although MDS draws its sources from these disciplines, especially from Silat. In fact, MDS represents the evolution of the Silat Defence System, the original self defense method also founded by Fred Mastro.
With more than 20 years of experience in the security industry (doorman, close protection), Fred wanted to develop a system that would meet the needs of both civilians and professionals.
Also accustomed to handling knives, Fred developed his technical panel to best fit the reality of street fighting and to understand it fully.
The result is an effective, explosive, straightforward and physical technical cocktail that reflects a thorough research process where no gesture is superfluous. This is a method meant to be operational in real situations.
Intended for both civilians and professionals, MDS is a self defense system in its own right, which certainly has its roots in Silat, but which has managed to detach itself from all its traditional aspects to retain only the operational aspect of this art.
Why did I choose MDS?
There are plenty of self defense methods available nowadays. Some people consider it’s a pity, others find it beneficial, but I won’t enter this debate today.
As you may know, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my practice and to develop my own method which is the Street Karate. To do so, I always keep myself informed and follow closely the different experts, most of the time the most recognized in the field.
Thanks to my own experience, I know how to “separate the wheat from the chaff”, which allows me to quickly spot the experts who, I believe, will be able to bring a real plus to my practice.
Fred Mastro is one of them. He is not the most visible, yet he is remarkable in his field, so much so that most insiders have even heard of him.
I personally don’t care about what the media says about experts, all I care about is his knowledge, and Fred has nothing left to prove.
As he likes to say: “The wise man seeks the truth, the fool has already found it”. That is so much in adequacy with my vision!
Indeed, how can one claim to be an expert if one stops learning?
I cannot imagine this…
I was quickly attracted to the MDS method, as I had the chance to participate in several seminars led by Fred Mastro himself. I was therefore able to “taste” the concept and appreciate it for what it’s worth. What I like the most is definitely the considerable amount of research to develop the best possible techniques.
The Mastro defence System indeed proposes new techniques, and I am completely in adequacy with the spirit of the method.
Fred Mastro offered a program that was 100% suitable for me, so it was only a matter of time before I got close to him.
What happened next?
As I told you previously, I’m a level 1 instructor in MDS since recently!
Of course, I will keep on training with the best, so it is quite natural that I will continue my trainings and seminars with Fred!
I’m happy to see that MDS is gaining visibility, especially thanks to Fred’s videos which are a well-deserved success. Check out his channel as soon as you get the chance!
I hope I also managed to spark the interest of those who didn’t know Fred Mastro yet.
Whether you are a civilian or a security professional, I encourage you to learn more about this demanding and very rich education. I myself have not regretted taking his course, which has given me some very interesting ideas for my own teaching!
MDS Official Website: https://mastrodefencesystem.com/
Fred Mastro’s Youtube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkAgTd8YQRSwPqzScsWs7nw
