Undefeated boxer and kickboxer, Graciela is the first athlete male or female to hold 2 world championships in kickboxing and boxing at the same time. Graciela Casillas shares on Defending Against Blades and Guns.

Long-time advocate of self-defense training for women, Graciela has expertise beyond the ring as a certified NRA Weapons instructor, Kali FMA Master, and one of the first and few females to graduate the ESI Executive Protection Program. Today she is one of the most sought-after martial arts and tactical trainers in the world teaching self-defense programs with stick, blade, gun, and empty hand to civilian law enforcement and even military personnel around the world. She is also an adjunct professor at Oxnard College with two masters degrees.

Take us down the origin story of your relationship with firearms.

Early on, in my martial arts journey, I quickly grasped the importance of firearms training in an increasingly dangerous world. It all began at Dan Inosanto's Kali Academy, where I had the privilege of meeting Clifford Stewart—an executive protection specialist and the visionary behind Within Arms Reach (WAR), a program dedicated to Close Protection Specialists.

Stewart's mentorship extended far beyond the realm of physical techniques. His profound influence was rooted in a deep understanding of the distinctions between martial arts as art, sport, and the harsh realities of street self-defense. He challenged me to seek out practical training that addressed the most pressing self-defense needs of our time.

Another transformative experience during this period was being introduced to Massad Ayoob, the founder of the Lethal Force Institute. Ayoob's expertise was renowned not only for teaching firearm operation but also for delving into the intricate legal and civil implications surrounding the use of lethal force. To enhance my proficiency my training included many extensive firearms training courses and additional courses on the judicious use of lethal force under Ayoob's expert guidance. My commitment to ongoing training continues, occasionally returning to train with Ayoob to keep my skills sharp.

Traditionally, martial arts were designed to combat the weaponry of their respective eras —swords, tonfas, sickles, and staffs. However, in today's environment, martial arts must evolve to encompass modern weaponry, including guns. The alarming rise in crime rates underscores the urgency for individuals, especially women, to be proficient in both traditional self-defense techniques and dealing with threats posed by firearms.

As a certified NRA instructor, I am dedicated to training and teaching firearms skills. In the United States, the demand for concealed weapons permits has surged, with an increasing number of women seeking self-defense options due to the growing crime rates. According to a Harvard study, half of all guns in the U.S. were bought by women between 2019 and 2021. That number continues to rise with women making up a significant portion of permit holders. Regardless of personal beliefs about firearms for self-defense, there is an undeniable need for safe firearm handling and proficiency. That is just one reason I have taken the responsibility of teaching, ensuring their safety and competence in firearm use.

A comprehensive martial arts program, particularly for women, should encompass holistic training that includes firearm use and defense. Taking a holistic approach embraces the dynamic nature of self-defense needs in the contemporary world and empowers individuals, especially women, by endowing them with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to navigate an ever more complex and potentially dangerous environment.

You have a lot of knives and guns as part of your training, how important is that for you personally and do you think all women should have the same arsenal?

I believe it is essential for women, and individuals in general, to have a well-rounded martial arts skillset that includes training on how to use and defend against knives and firearms. Women, in particular, can benefit greatly from such training. The unfortunate reality is that women are disproportionately targeted in various situations, making it vital for them to be equipped with the tools to protect themselves effectively. Learning how to use weapons responsibly and defend against them can level the playing field and enhance personal safety.

Moreover, being a well-rounded martial artist goes beyond physical prowess; it cultivates mental resilience and determination. This mindset is often the most potent self-defense tool, enabling individuals to stay alert, make quick decisions, and respond appropriately in high-stress situations. Empowerment should go beyond the physical level, but also mentally, providing women with the confidence and ability to protect themselves effectively when faced with potential threats.

You are constantly growing your knowledge base even taking weekend classes in shooting and knife fighting, many masters in martial arts would be afraid to “start as a white belt” but you have done this over and over, what drives this appetite?

The relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement drives my insatiable appetite for continuous learning, even when it means starting anew as a white belt in various disciplines, including shooting and knife fighting. Many might wonder what fuels this unceasing hunger for growth.

Above all else, I view self-improvement as a personal and professional responsibility, not just for my benefit but also for the students I have the privilege of instructing. It's a commitment to offer the best guidance and knowledge to those who entrust me with their martial arts education.

One of my foundational lessons in this quest for growth came from Guru Dan Inosanto, a true martial arts luminary. He emphasized the significance of problem-solving and self-discovery, teaching that every problem has a solution, even when it may seem elusive. This mindset has been instrumental in shaping my approach to learning and teaching.

In life, we often encounter challenges that can leave us feeling stuck, whether in our personal or professional endeavors. Embracing new training and acquiring fresh skills propels me forward because I relish the journey itself. I recognize that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong endeavor, and I don't anticipate reaching the end of it in this lifetime.

The wisdom encapsulated in Bruce Lee's famous quote, "empty your cup," resonates deeply with me. To continue growing as both a student and an instructor, it's essential to let go of preconceived notions and remain open to new ideas and perspectives. This willingness to empty one's cup, to release the constraints of what one thinks they know, is pivotal in the journey of self-improvement.

Ultimately, my unceasing appetite for learning and growth is driven by a profound love for the process itself. It's the joy of discovering new insights, acquiring fresh skills, and evolving as an individual, martial artist, and teacher. This journey is not a destination but a lifelong odyssey, and I embrace it wholeheartedly, knowing that the pursuit of knowledge is an integral part of what makes me who I am.