
I’d like you to meet one of our SDTS Elite Members Kurt. Kurt’s a 66 yer old grandpa who’s not letting up any time soon. Every week I get messages from people telling me they’re too old, injured or otherwise to do this and then I think of people like Kurt – who inspire people like me to keep pushing…
Kurt Mattison
- Married to HS (Cedar Falls, IA ’72) sweetheart Denise – Two daughters and 4 grandkids
- Currently Director of Sport Performance (founder and former owner) at Momentum Sport Fitness, Eau Claire, WI. www.momentumsport.com
- Played HS FB and wrestling, and collegiate wrestling
- Member of 1975 Hall-of-Fame University of Northern Iowa NCAA Wrestling Team Champions.
- HS head wrestling coach and psychology teacher (17 years).
- M.S. Sport Science, U.S. Sports Academy 1987
- B.A. University of Northern Iowa, Sociology/Coaching 1976
- CSCS with the NSCA for 29 years
- Certified CrossFit Coach
- Certified USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach
- Licensed Senior Chaplain, current volunteer with the Eau Claire FD and ECPD
- Certified Youth Minister, Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque
- Concealed carry advocate
- Provided County SWAT team with fitness and team building training, and lead fitness and obstacle course training for MW Tactical Teams at Ft. McCoy.

I’ve enjoyed being around physically demanding sports and training all my life. I’ve never been one of the best athletes on my teams, never all-conference or all-state, but was always the grinder who loved to train and practice – the harder the better. I was blessed to have HOF coaches and teammates who were state and national champions.
I’ve been involved in wrestling for over 50 years, and have been training and coaching athletes for over 40 years. I’ve studied and practiced martial arts and self-defense for many years, but have never been motivated by belts and trophies, etc. I’ve always preferred learning practical, real techniques as opposed to fancy, unnatural movements that will not happen in a real life. One of my favorite instructors once told me “keep your friends close and your enemies closer” which fits well with my tendencies and wrestling background, and my age.
I’m more comfortable once I get my hands on someone. I think maybe because of my age and diminished speed and mobility I’ve developed a BE FIRST – BE FURIOUS attitude for self-defense. That’s why I appreciate the SDTS approach – no BS and lots of sensible aggression.
Look – I know what some of you are thinking…OK, this guy’s not you’re average 66 year old and I will

100% agree with you. But Kurt’s an example of what can be done….but you don’t need to reach the levels that Kurt does…however you can do better than you’re doing now – all it takes is a first step and consistency.
I’ll tell you this right now…I know Kurt has had injuries and set backs and many things that derailed his training. But I know one thing he’s always done…COME BACK AND START OVER.
It’s an honor to have Kurt as an SDTS Elite Member and I share his story to inspire you.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
From time to time I share SDTS Member stories and I want to hear yours….
Email your story to: customerserivce@theselfdefenseco.com
Subject line: MY STORY
It can be about anything that relates to your SDTS experience and what brought you here.
Remember it must be factual – if you’re in the military, law enforcement, please provide proof of service.
If you received a martial arts rank or certification, please provide that as well.
Now you don’t need to be a black belt, soldier or elite athlete – but if you claim those things, we need to verify them.
Look, don’t think you need to compete with everyone on the spot light – your decision to do take active steps to protecting yourself and your loved ones to the best of your ability is ALL YOU NEED.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope to hear from you soon.
Train Honestly,
Damian
Hi Damian,
Many thanks for publishing Kurts story he is very inspirational…….
Stay safe
Best regards,
Steve (Italy)
Hey Kurt, as fellow 60 something, thanks for the great example you set! Shows that we don’t have to age poorly. May you keep on keepin on!
Great motivational story….
Hi Damian,
Thanks for sharing the story and help us strive more in our goal.
Thank you, Damian for publishing Kurt’s inspirational story. I’m right there at 64 years of age, and though I am nothing in comparison to Kurt, I still have some things in my favor. I still have healthy joints, I still have a healthy cardiovascular system, I am not overweight, and I can still train, both for strength and physical fitness and for self defense. Also, you are SO RIGHT about what you said in your closing remarks! By nature, I am a mild and passive person. I never have been the aggressive type at all, and in many respects that is a liability, BUT I CAN STILL WORK AT IMPROVING MYSELF! I know that regular, consistent training will work in my favor, and put me in a more confident position the next time some smart-mouthed punk tries to take advantage of me in some way. You are in the business of helping the little guy, and I am the little guy who needs help, and I am going to listen and learn from you and your program. Thanks again for helping little guys like me.