“Matthew is an incredibly talented individual. In the nearly 20 years that I’ve known him, he has always excelled at his chosen endeavors. From his work in commercial radio, to his many achievements in the self defense and security industries; Matthew has continuously found it easy to help and teach other people. His determination and integrity maintain strong at all times.”
Sandeep Lota, Sr Internetwork & VoIP Consultant, Digital Mousetrap Corp – Calgary, AB
“Thanks for organizing this; I thought it was a great idea and great session.”
” Matthew and Brian did a great job in creating a fun environment while delivering a very effective message about personal safety and protection. They presented a lot of really good information that was actually practical. The ability for us to actually try some of it out with them watching over was really beneficial. They know their stuff and make you want to learn more techniques through their programs…”
“Thanks so much again for organizing this class – there isn’t a more relevant time than now with everything happening in our community.”
“The comments I would like to give Matthew are that it was refreshing to hear someone advise us to “fight back”. I also found his theory that “everything is a weapon” is so true and should be communicated to ALL women. ALSO – I have heard many great things about the book “The Gift of Fear” and was glad to hear that he was promoting it for everyone to read.”
“Once again, thanks so much for organizing this class – I really found it useful and a great investment!”
SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts – Vancouver, BC
I am extremely proud to have Matthew Dyck as my West Coast representative. Beyond being exceedingly experienced in a diverse martial background, he is a man of exceptional character and honor, combined with a genuine passion for growth and a clarity of vision for his own path and the path of his students. Anyone, regardless of their background or expectations, will benefit massively from training with him.”
Kevin Secours B. Ed - Founder of Combat Systema
“Matthew is a man of integrity and vision, when I’ve trained with him I always left with something I didn’t have before we started. Matthew has spent his time on the mats learning his craft, perfecting his ability and understanding of the dynamics of personal combat. The bottom line is what Matthew is about, preparing people for life or death encounters is a deadly serious business and not to be taken lightly; Matthew understands this and endeavors to provide the most effective training possible. Matthew is a stand up person and a good friend; he will deliver what he promises”.
Detective Steven E. Hayden – NYPD/ESU/US Army Rangers
“Adhering to an old saying “blood is thicker than water”, the most valuable thing anyone can have in their life is their family. To this day, in my experience from my travels around the world and the instructors I have come across, there are only a handful of instructors I would commend on their teaching abilities. And these select few I would recommend and entrust my friends and family to. Matthew is one of those instructors.”
Rick A. – Federal L.E.O/S.R.T./Military/SWAT D.T. Instructor (Las Vegas)
“Matthew Dyck taught us easy to execute and effective techniques to de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation and if the need arose to disable an attacker. As world-travelling seniors we spend four or more months each year immersing ourselves in other cultures, and although we hope the need never arises to use these skills, our confidence to handle such a situation has risen to a new level.”
Irene & Rick Butler Travel Journalist/Photographer
“Before I began training with Matthew I didn’t realize how unprepared I was to deal with a violent situation should one arise. I would never drive my car without insurance, nor would I leave my door unlocked when I leave the house, so why was I heading out into the big city each day without even the most basic knowledge of how to protect myself or my family? Matthew assessed my natural strengths and showed me some real no-nonsense cut-to-the-chase ways to give myself a fighting chance if ever it comes to that, but thanks to my increased awareness I’m also less likely to find myself in those sorts of situations in the first place!”
Nick .M – Air Force
“I took 11 girlfriends to Matthew’s class to introduce them to women’s self defense, and did we ever love it! Matthew was a very knowledgeable instructor who kept the evening moving along with his humorous and entertaining personality, along with his trusty & professional “side-kicks”. Not only did we all have a great time together, but we learned a good foundation on how to be aware, be proactive in keeping alert & protected, and how to defend ourselves should we ever be put in a dangerous situation. The theory he taught us opened all of our eyes. We can’t thank him enough & look forward to learning more self defense.”
B. Mackenzie – Vancouver, BC
“Just wanted to drop a line and say thanks for the great training! I am so impressed by the quality of your program and the awesome people I was fortunate to train with.”
Anna Wong – Richmond, BC
“I was only able to train with Matt for a couple months, but even in that short of time I learned many useful techniques and ideas that have stuck with me since (key word: useful). In fact, when I found myself in a very unfriendly situation a few months ago I credit several simple things that he taught me with preventing me from sustaining any more serious injuries. It was unfortunate that Matt moved as his training sessions were very informative and most importantly fun.”
Matt Pronk - Calgary, AB
“Because of Matthew’s training, I have greater awareness and confidence no matter what I do or where I go.”
Eileen Williams – Calgary, AB
“If someone needs to learn self-protection skills in a quick, safe and effective manner – I would recommend Matthew Dyck with no reservations. Matthew taught me environmental awareness and de-escalation skills so a physical confrontation could be avoided. If a physical confrontation occurred, Matthew ingrained in me the skills to respond to an attack in a manner which minimized possible injuries to myself and within the confines of the law. I have trained with Matthew in both group and individual sessions. In the group lessons we were all at different skill levels, yet Matthew was able to adapt his training techniques so we were all engaged in the training sessions.”
Brian Guanzon – Surrey, BC
“I think this is a great program that I wish I had learned about a long time ago. All I can say is, I will try to drag every woman that I care about into one of your classes.”
Helen Kwan – Richmond, BC
“I have been trained in the art of Jeet Kune Do, and have had the privilege in the past, of learning from an exceptional Sifu and lineage. When I moved to BC, I had a difficult time finding a new Sifu that not only was well trained in the martial art from a proper lineage, but more importantly, also ingrained in and practices the true philosophy of the art. When I found Matthew, what immediately struck me was his comprehension of the martial art in its entirety – not just the technical aspects of it, but also, the philosophy and mindset behind it – along with the integration of his other martial backgrounds. That is a true master, and that is Matthew Dyck. I have thoroughly enjoyed continuing my training with Matthew. Like all true masters, he takes his time to not just teach the technique, but also, the ‘whys’ behind it, to give you the full body, mind and spirit training. I look forward to each session, and feel confident when I am training with him. Thank you Matthew!”
Sonia Tan – Canada
“It was a pleasure to be taught martial arts by Matthew. He was able to grasp my attention right away and made every lesson fun. After my first lesson with him, it was clear to me that he really cared about each of his clients. Instead of treating his students as understudies, we were his friends. I went to Matthew Dyck in hopes of learning a new martial art; however, instead of learning how to defend myself, I gained a life experience that would not have been possible without crossing paths with Matthew.”
Vincent Lau – Vancouver, BC
“Taking martial arts lessons with Matthew is a very beneficial experience in self defense. Matthew centralizes his philosophy of teaching around self defense. Techniques from wide range of other martial arts were taught. His proficiency in several styles and his ability to apply them to different situations demonstrate his openness and good adaptation to other martial arts. After taking lessons from Matthew, I felt more secure and comfortable in defending myself on the street.”
Edward Chow – Vancouver, BC
“I took martial art lessons under Matthew Dyck’s instruction for a month, and was impressed with his ability to teach effectively in a practical, engaging manner, and his passion for what he does/teaches is both motivating and infectious. As a person, Matt is creative, full of energy, easy-going and impresses me as someone who likes a constructive challenge. I am pleased to know Matt and count him as a friend, and wish him all the best in his endeavors.”
Catherine M. Huang – Richmond, BC
“Matthew is a great martial arts instructor. His hands on approach to martial arts, allows even the novice to feel un-intimidated and well prepared in real life situations. Through martial arts, Matthew also teaches life philosophy and how to avoid violence all together.”
Thomas Chan – Edmonton, AB
“Matthew Dyck, is a great instructor with whom I have had instruct me over the last summer. He is very patient and insightful. Mr. Dyck is very professional and takes his training very seriously. That is not to say that he does not allow any fun during training. Prior to this summer I had no experience with any type of martial arts or fighting techniques. Mr. Dyck has exposed me to a variety of martial arts and fighting techniques. What I liked about Matthew’s methods was the initial broad overview of the situation, followed by a general response to the situation, with enough room to examine different approaches to the situation. “
Don Fairholm – Richmond, BC
“I’ve known Matthew for 3 years now, and I’m very glad that we’ve managed to cross paths and allowed me to become a student of such a knowledgeable and dedicated teacher. He’s given me a lot of valuable lessons that has opened my mind up and wanting more.I have high confidence that Matthew is the type of person that will keep an ongoing development towards his satisfaction of more knowledge for himself and others. All the skills and knowledge that he possesses is all very efficient and his ideas will allow him to connect with others very easily. Matthew is definitely a rare individual that is very unselfish to sharing his ideas and skill with others.”
Winson Ho – Richmond, BC
“I am very fortunate to have Matthew as my instructor. Unlike many others, Matthew focuses on teaching only the most functional of techniques. Everything he taught was so much more practical and realistic than any of the other martial arts I have learned. His deep knowledge and variety of skills comes from his own interest and affection for the art, which he naturally transfers towards his students during teaching. Every time I asked him a question, I would always receive a more than sufficient answer (sometimes a history lesson). However, the most remarkable attribute of Matthew is his genuine care for his students. For example, I attend Matthew’s sessions with several of my friends. As we are all full-time students, Matthew understood our financial status and charged us a much discounted price, well below what he deserves. Furthermore, Matthew is an extremely sociable person. On every Sunday, he sets up a free social gathering for all of his students, where we practice, and discuss martial arts, and just have a good time. Up to this day, I still consider it a great honor and experience to be his student and friend.”
David Yuen – Vancouver, BC
“If you have a chance to work with Matthew Dyck, I would certainly do so. His attention to detail and his pure knowledge of the combative arts are reason enough. But more importantly in my opinion, is the care and real interest he displays for his students. There are many pretenders out there that propose to teach Self Defense. Matthew is one that has real experience and real credentials to back them up. Go train with him, you’ll be glad you did!! I don’t usually hand out endorsements, but for Matthew I have no problem doing so!
John E. Lacy Owner/Senior Instructor Public Guardian Self Defense, LLC - Madison, Wisconsin
“Matthew is an amazing instructor and friend. He motivates and excites during his sessions and if he continued to live in Calgary I would of continued working with him. Anyone that has an interest and wants to learn from an amazing and talented person they wouldn’t go wrong with Matt.”
Ken DeKlerk – Calgary, AB