Institute of Modern Defence

07/03/2026

07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day from everyone at the Institute of Modern Defence. Hope you get a proper day off, enjoy the people around you, and maybe blow something up safely. Have a great one.

05/27/2026

No matter what you want to learn, we have a coach for that! Get a hold of us today to start training or join us at our open house June 13th! Dm for details!

05/20/2026

Have you got your classes booked yet?
IMD’s training director is an internationally published author and recognized expert on self defense who has taught in over 14 countries and 80 cities. He works with people recovering from trauma all the way up to the highest levels of law enforcement and is currently on contract with Ramsey County SWAT.
This is not someone who did something 15 years ago and has been coasting on it since. This is someone actively doing the work in the real world right now and bringing that directly into the gym.
If you are looking for self defense that is grounded in reality, taught by someone who lives it, this is the place.
Grab your copy of The Timeline of Self-Defense and come check out a class. The two go together better than you think.

04/12/2026

Our instructors are in high demand!

Would be a shame if you didn’t take advantage of having an amazing coach like Tim in your city!

Our next seminar will feature!!

Tim Mercer

Intro to Krabi Krabong Double Sword

Tim Mercer knows sticks and swords as he's been hit by a lot over the years. Hes the weapons coach at The Institute of Modern Defense, an active Dog Brothers, and first Krabi Krabong coach between Vancouver and Ottawa.

A firm believer in the ethos, "if its taught, its fought", you will learn something both practical and interesting.

04/10/2026

We have so many events coming up at IMD over the next few months!

Gabriel Varga
Jeff Chan

A book signing with Common sense self defense tips

Plus Prairie Rose Fight Lab annual sparBQ
And a piper and urban foraging course!
And a Muay Boran seminar!

Plus June 13th we are having an open house!!

Come down and join us for all these amazing events!
Why are you training anywhere else?

03/31/2026

AI in security industry 2026. Most dangerous transition for security guards from screen to site. How artificial intelligence is changing physical security roles. When AI handles detection and deterrence the only time humans get called is for the most dangerous situations. Security guard training for high risk intervention. Future of security guards and AI automation. Screen to site transition security risk. Why security guards need better defensive tactics training now. Human factor in security will never go away. AI cannot replace humans in physical security response. Security industry trends 2026. What happens when AI sends guards into dangerous situations with no warning. Physical security strategy keynote speaker. Violence prevention and restraint training for security professionals. Security consultant Edmonton. ASIS keynote speaker self defence instructor.

03/30/2026

Muay Thai is now at IMD and .muaythai is leading it.

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Full body conditioning,
all 8 limbs,
safe sparring,
and more power than you were expecting.

Classes run 6:30 to 7:30 pm with a Saturday afternoon option at 12:00 to 1:00.

Register at instituteofmoderndefence.com or DM us today

03/27/2026

Most security models are built around numbers, not skill. Put enough people on cameras, access control, and patrol and the gaps become manageable. Overwhelming force covers a lot of weaknesses.
AI is about to remove that safety net.
When access control and overwatch get automated, the single officer walking the floor becomes your entire physical security response. And the skill level of that person, which we have been able to paper over with staffing numbers for years, suddenly becomes the most important variable in your security model.
This is not a theoretical problem. It is a strategic gap that organizations need to address before the transition happens rather than after.
I spoke about this recently and the conversation in the room shifted immediately. Security directors, HR leaders, and risk managers all recognized the same thing. We have been hiring for presence. We need to start training for capability.
If your organization is navigating the intersection of AI integration and physical security strategy, this is a conversation worth having before it becomes a crisis.
Link in comments.

03/11/2026

Our weapons coach Tim Mercer made the front page of the Edmonton Journal today. If that is not a sign you should be training with him, we are not sure what is.
Tim is the only Krabbi-Krabong coach between Vancouver and Ottawa, and he runs those classes right here at the Institute of Modern Defence every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 PM. Krabbi-Krabong is a Thai weapons-based martial art, and if you have never seen it in person, you are missing out.
We are proud to have Tim and Prairie Rose Fight Lab ( )calling IMD home. Come check it out.