Why Strata exists
Strata Defensive Strategies was created by Vince Doxbeck after more than 30 years in law enforcement and security, to help people take responsibility for their own protection and to keep them from becoming victims.
Why Vince teaches
“This entire concept comes from a deep desire to keep people from becoming victims.”
“My experiences and my love for others are what drive me to teach this program.”
In Vince’s words
I created this program with you in mind: the law-abiding citizen who appreciates their freedoms and would prefer not to be added to the national crime statistics.
In my more than 30 years of law enforcement and security experience, my biggest frustration was responding to crime after the fact. So I decided to create a program that teaches and guides citizens in the local community how to develop simple and effective layers of security that they can integrate into their daily routines, which allows them to take responsibility for their own personal protection and safety.
SDS is an investment in you, your family and those you care most about. Because I believe preparation is your best line of defense against crime.
How classes work
Classes use several teaching styles to suit different ways of learning. Class sizes are intentionally kept small, with a laid-back yet respectful atmosphere.
Participants are challenged to realistically analyze their own personal safety practices and how to improve them. Through information sharing, demonstration, participation and discussion, students evaluate their current level of safety and add layers of security that fit their own lives: at home, at work, while traveling, or just out in the local community.
In Vince’s words
Why did you start SDS?
I started SDS to promote personal safety. After working with so many crime victims as a law enforcement officer, I saw the need for citizens to be able to protect themselves.
My goal and desire is to get people to take responsibility for their own personal protection, which can also be expanded to protecting their loved ones as well. With proper and simple training, there is a lot a person can do to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.
What drives you to teach it?
In a law enforcement career, you get to meet a lot of wonderful people. But we also spend time with the criminal element of the local population. I witnessed firsthand how the criminal mind often works. Many criminals see citizens as targets and look for ways to exploit kindness, openness and well-meaning gestures.
Criminals often have no remorse for their victims and will look for "easy" prey or targets. I believe I can derail that for potential victims with the SDS training program.
Who is this class really for?
Adults in the local community who would like to take responsibility for their own personal protection and safety.
- Citizens who would prefer not to become a crime statistic
- Husbands and wives who would like to protect their home and families
- Those whose occupations can place them in harm’s way on occasion
- Students who are away from home and unfamiliar with their new surroundings
- Teens who have ever been put in an unhealthy or risky situation
- Anyone who feels they could use some basic personal protection training
SDS was designed for the local community who would like to live at peace and not have to worry about what to do when a predator invades their personal space, home, workplace or leisure time.
Wisdom and strength
- Wisdom
- Knowledge, preparation, experience and good decision making.
- Strength
- Fitness, attitude, training, courage and self-discipline.
Together they help each student reach their greatest potential for safety and security. In this we find freedom.
A story from Vince
A class I’ll never forget
“Having the opportunity to pray with my missionary students as they completed the program was an experience I will never forget.”
Several years ago, I was asked to design and present a personal protection self-defense class for young missionaries who were preparing to go overseas on their first missions trip. What a wonderful privilege and experience that was.
The class was very much like the Strata Defensive Strategies class I teach today. We focused heavily on the four pillars of SDS: heightened awareness, because they would be going into areas that were unknown to them; avoidance strategies they could use if and when they felt unsafe or uncomfortable; communication skills, focusing on countering and deflecting negative verbal interactions; and, for their physical response training, escape and evade concepts and quick-release techniques against various controlling grabs.
Being able to tailor a program for such a unique situation was truly exciting and meaningful. Each of the missionary students responded and adapted very well to the training. Their personal concerns and questions allowed us to explore several different concepts and scenarios, which led to an even more personalized training than originally planned. I’ve always been interested in student learning styles and how individuals require various teaching styles to more firmly grasp the concepts I am sharing.
And then having the opportunity to pray with my missionary students as they completed the program was an experience I will never forget.
Vince Doxbeck
Scripture that guides Strata
Joshua 1:9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Romans 12:17-18Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Proverbs 3:13Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.
Experience behind the instruction
- 30+
- years of law-enforcement and security experience
- 40+
- years of martial arts training and teaching
Law enforcement
- 25 years in law enforcement
- Senior Officer, City of Raleigh, NC Police Department
- Auxiliary Officer, City of Tonawanda, NY
- NC Criminal Justice Training & Standards Advanced Law Enforcement Certification
- NC Retired Law Enforcement Officers Firearms Qualification Certification
Martial arts
- 40+ years of martial arts training and teaching
- Black Belt Certified Martial Arts Instructor
- Bushido Kai Karate, 3rd degree
- Kempo Kung Fu, 2nd degree
- Moo Duk Kwon Karate, 1st degree
- 1993 Queen City Full Contact Kumite Challenge, 1st place, heavyweight division
- Team Captain, Warriors of the Sword Christian Martial Arts Demo Team
Security and communication
- Lenovo Center / Carolina Hurricanes Venue Security Team
- NC Security Officer Training; previously an NC Certified Private Protective Services Instructor
- Tactical Communications (Verbal Judo) Certification
Teaching and education
- Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Certified Instructor, 17 years teaching
- Bachelor of Science in Exceptional/Elementary Education, State University of New York at Buffalo
- Introduction to Police Science Diploma, Raleigh Police Academy
- Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, Niagara County Community College
