About Us
John Gonzalez (Owner and Lead Operator)
John is a greater Rochester area native and Infantry Machine Gunner veteran of the United States Marine Corps during Operation Enduring Freedom. He has dedicated his post military career to practical self defense and a variety of security operations.
John's 17 years of martial arts credentials include:
-Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)
-Israeli Defensive Tactics
-Muay Thai
-Juijitsu
John has found his passion in teaching real world self defense and training security personnel. While he believes in always being a student, he holds himself to a standard of constant growth. John remains a student at his host company, Rochester Top Team, continuing to train in Muay Thai and Juijitsu. He continues to extend his education in security tactics and self defense through companies like Orion Training Group and Sheepdog Response.
John's security experience crosses a variety of thresholds. From security team leader/trainer, to director of security operations. His security experience includes:
-Small team training
-Armed and unarmed experience
-Writing security/business standard operating procedures
-Leadership training
-Third party protection
John's goal with Protectors Initiative is to empower Rochesters first responders, security personnel, healthcare workers, and civilians with the proper skills to protect and preserve human life. Making Rochester a safer city one student at a time.
About Our Host
Rochester Top Team is the pinnacle for martial arts in the Rochester area. Under the leadership of Danny Waters, their team provides elite training in striking, wrestling, and juijitsu. Danny has taken on a mentorship role to the owner of Protectors Initiative. While maintaining a healthy and welcoming training environment, the team sets a high standard for hard work and consistent growth. A commitment to this gym in tandem with Protectors Initiative provides the most effective training to protect and preserve human life.