We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jesus Moya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jesus, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
From the beginning, my journey in martial arts and self-defense was never planned with the intention of achieving success. I didn’t have a business strategy or a roadmap to recognition; I simply followed my instincts, discipline, and the need to improve every day. I grew up in a difficult environment without family support, which forced me to make adult decisions at a very young age. That experience taught me to rely solely on my own efforts and to see martial arts as both a refuge and a tool to strengthen myself, not just physically, but mentally.
When I started teaching, it wasn’t because I was looking for students; it was because people came to me, searching for something different. They weren’t interested in decorative techniques or impractical theories, they needed real tools to handle real threats. What I taught made sense because it came from experience, from years of applying what I had learned in real-life situations as a bodyguard and security expert. I wasn’t just offering techniques; I was providing a mindset and an approach to self-defense that few were teaching in an authentic and effective way.
I knew it was worth it when I saw the impact it had on people’s lives, when students with no prior experience gained the confidence to defend themselves, when security professionals sought me out because they realized my system solved real problems that other methods ignored. It wasn’t just about fighting better or learning flashy moves, it was about surviving, protecting loved ones, and making decisions under pressure in real situations.
What excited me most about this journey was that I didn’t have to invent anything or sell something artificial. My system, my teaching, and my training methods are a reflection of my own story, everything I have lived and learned. It’s authentic because I have tested it in real situations. And in the end, that’s what people value most: honesty, effectiveness, and real results.
Jesus, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Jesús Moya: My Journey in Martial Arts and the Creation of the DEFCON System
Since childhood, martial arts have been a fundamental part of my life. I started practicing Taekwondo at the age of 9, but a traffic accident forced me to temporarily step away. However, my passion led me to explore various martial disciplines and contact sports. Over time, I found my true calling in Filipino Martial Arts and Jeet Kune Do under the guidance of Sifu Guro Manuel Noriega, one of the first students and instructors of Guro Dan Inosanto in Spain.
Thanks to Manuel Noriega, I had the opportunity to travel and train with great martial arts figures such as Marc Denny, Yori Nakamura, Erik Paulson, the late Larry Hartsell, and the Grand Guro Dan Inosanto. These experiences broadened my perspective on martial arts, allowing me to approach them in a more urban and realistic manner.
-The Creation of WARRIORS ACADEMY SPAIN and DEFCON System
In 2005, I founded WARRIORS ACADEMY SPAIN. Due to growing demand, I found it necessary to step away from my career as an Expert in Security and Protection to fully dedicate myself to my path as a Martial Arts Master. This transition happened almost inevitably, as time constraints prevented me from continuing both professions. Soon, practitioners from different disciplines, drawn to my practical and realistic approach, began seeking me out for training. In my very first class, I gathered over 40 students, quickly leading to a long waiting list for my sessions.
My martial arts career, combined with my experience as a protection expert and bodyguard for politicians during times of terrorism in Spain, allowed me to solidify my knowledge in security and defense, applying advanced techniques to high-risk scenarios.
Over the years, I refined my method, removing unnecessary elements and optimizing concepts to develop an effective self-defense system: DEFCON.
Designed for close-quarters combat in real-life situations, DEFCON has become an internationally recognized system for its effectiveness and applicability in various security environments.
-Recognitions and International Expansion
The impact of my work has not gone unnoticed. Throughout my career, I have received several awards for my contributions to martial arts and self-defense:
• Coach of the Year Award at the 2016 Sports Gala, presented by the Valencian Federation of Wrestling and Associated Disciplines in Spain.
• International Expansion Award at the 2018 Sports Gala, recognizing the global reach of the DEFCON system.
• Lifetime Achievement and Sports Career Award at the 2023 Sports Gala, highlighting my impact and contributions to the world of self-defense and martial arts.
Since the inception of my system, I have continued to teach seminars, masterclasses, and instructor training courses at martial arts academies worldwide. My expertise has also led me to work with law enforcement and military personnel in various countries, providing specialized defense and security training.
-A New Chapter in Miami
After two decades of teaching experience and establishing various academies for my system in Europe and South America, in September 2024, I arrived in Miami with my unwavering and beloved companion, Leticia, my wife.
My goal is to provide an opportunity for those interested in learning self-defense and enhancing their security, with the fundamental purpose of protecting what matters most: FAMILY.
With my arrival in the United States, my mission is to continue sharing my knowledge and expanding my system across the country, solidifying my position as a global reference in Security and Personal Defense.
After an extensive career marked by dedication, learning, and teaching, my objective remains the same: to keep contributing through my passion, supporting all individuals in need, regardless of age, gender, or experience
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Since childhood, the journey has not been easy. I never had my family’s support and grew up in an environment far from ideal. At a young age, I was forced to make decisions that no child should have to make, learning on my own the value of discipline and perseverance. I had no guarantees of success, only the conviction that giving up was not an option. Over time, and perhaps by luck or destiny, what started as a passion eventually became my life and profession. I never imagined I would be where I am today, but every obstacle I overcame proved that when you believe in what you do and work with determination, doors can open in unexpected ways. My story is proof that, even when the path seems uncertain, if you persist and have faith in yourself, you can go further than you ever imagined.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I never sought success or recognition; I simply focused on working, improving every day, and staying true to what I believe in. What has brought me here is dedication, consistency, and passion for what I do. I don’t sell something superficial or based on theory, I am my own product, my experience, and what I teach. It’s authentic because I’ve lived it firsthand, and I know exactly what I’m talking about. I believe people value that, the truth behind every lesson, the real effectiveness, and the transparency of someone who is not here for recognition but because they genuinely love what they do and share it with total honesty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.defconsystem.es
- Instagram: @jesusmoya_defcon
- Facebook: Jesus Moya
- Youtube: DEFCON System Channel
- Other: TikTok: @defcon_system