The only person who is with you in every emergency of your life is you. You are your own first responder - so you should have the skills to keep yourself and the people you care about safe.
When the world feels unstable, and official responders can’t always be counted on, the strength of your community becomes your lifeline. Families, friends, and neighbors who are trained, prepared, and capable form the foundation of real safety.
Strong individuals build strong communities. Active Response Cross-training (ARX) gives you and your community the tools, mindset, and confidence to respond effectively - because everyone deserves to feel safe, no matter where they live.
You're part of a community that has been targeted
You want to learn how to protect yourself and others
You want your training to include multiple aspects of self-reliance and self-protection.
You care about your community and want to be a resource, not just a bystander
You want a space that values compassion and growth
"There's something truly magical about Sifu Mitchell, in his ability to hold space, to maintain complete professionalism, and to meet a person exactly where they are and customize training to their needs."
~ Jen Butler, content creator
ARX—Active Response Cross-training—is a community-centered safety and self-protection training initiative developed by David Mitchell, a certified instructor with the Civilian Tactical Training Association (CTTA). This isn’t one-size-fits-all training. ARX blends martial arts fundamentals with a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach to real-world safety. You’ll learn how to:
Spot and avoid danger with strong situational awareness
De-escalate conflict using verbal and nonverbal communication
Understand your rights and responsibilities through legal self-defense education
Defend yourself and others with reasonable force and practical techniques
Keep your family and community members safe, whether at home or in public
Build confidence, resilience, and connection—not fear
The name ARX was inspired by my background as a student of the Latin language. Meaning 'stronghold, citadel, refuge,' it seemed like the ideal term for the community-oriented program I wanted to build.
✅ Inclusive & Trauma-Informed
We recognize that everyone comes with different experiences and boundaries. Our instructors create a respectful, affirming environment where all bodies, identities, and backgrounds are honored.
✅ Community Over Competition
This is not about who hits harder. It’s about building trust, confidence, and mutual responsibility. We train together to grow together.
✅ Customizable & Real-World Focused
Workshops are designed around your lived experiences and your needs. Whether you're preparing for street safety, workplace risks, or protecting loved ones, the training adapts to you—not the other way around.
✅ Rooted in Real Skills
ARX combines principles from the CTTA system, including integrated firearms training, practical grappling, family protection strategies, and more—taught accessibly, clearly, and responsibly.
We partner with:
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ advocacy groups
🏫 Schools and youth centers
🏘️ Neighborhood watch and mutual aid networks
🏢 Workplaces and DEI teams
🛐 Faith-based and cultural organizations
Let’s build something stronger together.
You just need the right mindset, skills, and support.
ARX is here to give you all three.
👊 Learn. Grow. Protect. Together.
Serving the metro Atlanta area and surrounding communities.
Questions? Ready to book? Want to know more? Reach out today—let’s talk.