We train civilians, corporate teams, law enforcement agencies, and private security firms. We also offer a dedicated women's self-defense program with weekly classes in the Greater New Orleans area.

Do I need any equipment or prior experience?

No. We provide all equipment including protective gear and striking pads. No prior martial arts or self-defense experience is required for any of our programs.

Are you a minority-owned business?

Yes. Incendiary Training Services is NMSDC-certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and is woman-owned. We qualify for supplier diversity programs and government procurement set-asides.

Incendiary Training Services defensive tactics instruction

Self-Defense& Defensive TacticsTraining

Certified instruction for law enforcement, security firms, corporate teams, and civilians.

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10+

Years Instructing

100%

Women-Owned Business

MBE

NMSDC Certified

Incendiary Training Services is a certified defensive tactics and self-defense training provider serving New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Harvey, Chalmette, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Hammond, Destrehan, LaPlace, Gonzales, and Violet. We train law enforcement agencies, private security firms, corporate teams, and civilians. Instruction is delivered by certified instructors. NMSDC-certified Minority Business Enterprise, woman-owned.

NMSDC Minority Business Enterprise Certification

What We Train

Training Programs

Women's Self-Defense

Ongoing women-only class in Metairie, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Your first class is a free evaluation class.

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Defensive Tactics

Certified MDTS training for law enforcement and security. Biomechanically sound techniques that reduce injury and liability.

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Self-Defense

Practical self-defense training for civilians, community groups, and organizations. No prior experience required.

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De-Escalation Training

Resolve volatile situations verbally before force is required. For security, law enforcement, and corporate teams.

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Corporate Safety

On-site personal safety training for corporate teams. Reduces liability and improves employee confidence.

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Law Enforcement & Security

Baton, OC spray, and defensive tactics certification for agencies and private security firms.

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Certified instructor leading a defensive tactics class

Who We Are

Real Training.Real Readiness.

We deliver certified defensive tactics training, self-defense training, and non-lethal weapons defense training.

Our instruction is practical, accessible, and evidence-based. We equip our clients with the skills necessary to respond to threats, reduce risk, and maintain peak readiness.

/ Monadnock Defensive Tactics System (MDTS) certified
/ Baton Certified (MEB & PR-24)
/ Krav Maga Instructors, Israeli Krav International
/ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Certified Personal Training, Mobility Experts
/ NMSDC-Certified MBE, Woman-Owned, SAM.gov registered

Meet the Team

Our Instructors

Led By Experts

Afton Johnson

Founder & Self-Defense Instructor

The only African American female IKI-certified Krav Maga instructor in Louisiana. Over a decade of instruction across self-defense training with different demographics, specializing in women's self-defense programs. Passionate about empowering women through practical, confidence-building training and committed to creating a safer community across every demographic ITS serves.

Jabari Walker

Lead Instructor | Defensive Tactics & Mobility

Lead instructor and mobility specialist who directly shapes the ITS curriculum. Certified in defensive tactics and non-lethal weapons with deep expertise in functional movement, self-defense, and mobility. Works across all program areas with law enforcement agencies, corporate teams, civilian groups, and community organizations.

Nik Thomas

Defensive Tactics Instructor & Personal Trainer

Defensive tactics instructor and certified personal trainer who integrates physical fitness, overall health, and well-being into every program. Brings a strength and conditioning perspective to practical self-defense, helping clients build confidence, resilience, and long-term physical readiness.

Client Feedback

Read what people are saying

yesmeen salehh c:

Amazing role model ! Puts you in the mode of real life scenarios and makes sure you got everything down

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Victoria Oatis

Training with teach Afton and Professors Jabari has been a great experience. I do private sessions, her attention to person centered training is top tier. She is passionate and patient. I have a knee injury and teach would listen and adjust instead of making me feel bad. I learn but you also feel a sense of safety and confidence after leaving every session. When I'm hard on myself she provides reassurance. I started training because I was in a hard transition in my life but I continue training because I love it. 10/10 highly recommend

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Ala Abukhadrah

She's an amazing instructor. She helped my daughter and trained her well! My daughter is happy with her and she loves her too

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Ahlam Awadallah

Great class my daughter loved it

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Lionel Johnson

The TASER class was legit. Everything was explained step by step, and there was a strong focus on safety and decision-making. I appreciated how the instructor emphasized how to avoid using force unless it's absolutely necessary. I feel better trained because of it.

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Just 4 Kidz Productions

Outstanding commitment to their students. They worked with me through my knee problems now I move freely with out my brace. I can't thank them enough.

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