Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Reeve Kirby.
Hi Diane, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began taking Karate because I heard it was good for stress relief. I was in nursing administration and I was not helping people, just getting frustrated. I began with one class per week, but the longer I trained the more excited about it I became.. I went from takiing 1 class per week then two, and 3 yeats later I was training 5 days per week! I was the first woman my instructor promoted to black belt- in 1989, and he’d been teaching for 20 years.
Finally it dawned on me that I loved karate alot more than nursing, so in 1995 I became one of the few women in the metroplex that was sole owner of a karate school. I then had the opportunity to help people – men, women and children, in a profound way and had the privelege of owning Vision Martial Arts Center for 27 years. It was so rewarding to empower my students and see them blossom with
courage,honesty,indomitable spirit.,and many valuable life skills. Along the way I earned black belts in 3 additional
styles and promoted over 220 students to black belt. Im still teaching a few privatley, and have a black belt candidate ready for a November test.
In addition, I created Action Self Defense in 2002, because many women
needed self defense skills but objected to the uniforms, fighting, and length of training that karate required
Action Self defense has grown into a multiply faceted company, offering a wide variety of programs .As one of a handful of 9th degree black belt females in Texas, I am uniquely qualified to teach self defense skills, particularly, but not exclusively to women and children. In 2022, after 27 years, I sold my school – but I just couldnt give ip the opportunity to help students be safer,
more confident, and empowered. So I plan to lcontinue teaching for a long time!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course any business has struggles.
Im 2008 when the economy crashed, some of my srudents were kind enough to help me through the lean years.
And we had to work around Covid for a couple of years as well. NutnI teach perseverence for living. It just wasnt possible for me to give up..
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Action Self Defensel?
Action Self Defense is unique in a number of ways. First, as a 9th degree black belt I offer women the opportunity to see a 5’ tall woman who knows what it feels like to be looking over her shoulder all the time- something that men have little or no experience with.. And can defense herself against a bigger and stronger assailant, as well!
We also offer a wide variety of choices for training. We offer private lessons, a one time two hour class with option for follow up, and corporate events, particurlaly during employee safely month or other events. We are the only self defense probider that I know of that offers self defense specifically for teens going to college for the first time..We also offer an ongoing class,called fearless and fit, and taught by myself and my husband, also a 9th degree black belt and well known for his multiple state and national championships.
Brand wise, I am proud to have been in
business for over 20 years with a perfect
5star google review score.
Our strenghts are our variety of options as well as the wealth of experience
we have. I also have a M.Ed., and have received a number of awards – including the 2020 BBC Inspirations Award,
And both my husband and I have been inductees into a number of Halls of Fame. You will not find a more accomplished or experienced couple im the Dallas area
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
My philosophy has always been that you make your own luck. I believe that if you do good things for people, you’ll be ok. And the harder I work, the luckier I get.
Pricing:
- Please see website for general pricing and call for special events, parties and private lessons
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theactionselfdefense.com
- Facebook: Action Self Defense
