RANDY KING
Keynote Speaker | Author | Self-Defense EducatorÂ
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Long Bio (250 words)
Randy King has spent over two decades studying and practicing personal protection from both sides of the equation. He trained across multiple martial arts and earned multiple black belts. Then he spent over a decade working as a professional bouncer and bodyguard. That combination, dedicated study plus real-world experience, gives him something most instructors never get: a full understanding of violence from every angle. Today, Randy speaks at conferences, corporate events, professional associations, and community organizations. He has stood in front of audiences across 14 countries and 80+ cities, from First Nations communities to national industry events. He brings the same thing every time: honest information, practical tools, and no wasted time. His book, The Timeline of Self-Defense: Before, During, After, published by YMAA Publication Center, is a clear, practical guide to personal safety at every stage of a threat. It is one of the few self-defense books written by someone who has actually been there. Randy is Co-Owner of the Institute of Modern Defense and CTSS (Control Tactics and Survival Skills), an Alberta government-approved defensive tactics program, where he serves as Lead Instructor and Program Designer and Director. He is also a Licensed Instructor with 500 Rising Women's Self-Defense and has been featured in Black Belt Magazine and CEO Times. No matter the room, no matter the audience, Randy delivers one thing: information people can actually use. He is based in Alberta, Canada, and speaks worldwide.
Medium Bio (100 words)
Randy King is a keynote speaker, self-defense educator, and published author with over 20 years of experience in personal protection. A former professional bouncer and bodyguard with multiple black belts, he has spoken at conferences, corporate events, professional associations, and community organizations across 14 countries and 80+ cities. His book, The Timeline of Self-Defense: Before, During, After, is published by YMAA Publication Center. Randy is CoOwner of the Institute of Modern Defense and CTSS (Control Tactics and Survival Skills), an Alberta government-approved defensive tactics program, and a Licensed Instructor with 500 Rising Women's Self-Defense. He has been featured in Black Belt Magazine and CEO Times.
Short Bio (50 words)
Randy King is a keynote speaker, published author, and self-defense educator with 20+ years of experience. A former professional bouncer and bodyguard with multiple black belts, he has spoken to conferences, corporations, and communities across 14 countries and 80+ cities. His book, The Timeline of Self-Defense: Before, During, After, is published by YMAA.
Emcee Introduction
Our next speaker has spent over two decades studying and practicing personal protection from both sides of the equation. He trained across multiple martial arts and earned multiple black belts. Then he spent over a decade as a professional bouncer and bodyguard. That combination gives him something rare: a full understanding of violence from every angle. He has spoken at conferences, corporate events, professional associations, and community organizations across 14 countries and more than 80 cities, including First Nations communities and national industry events. He is Co-Owner of the Institute of Modern Defense and CTSS (Control Tactics and Survival Skills), an Alberta government-approved defensive tactics program, where he serves as Lead Instructor and Program Designer and Director. He is also a Licensed Instructor with 500 Rising Women's Self-Defense and the author of The Timeline of Self-Defense: Before, During, After, published by YMAA Publication Center. His work has been featured in Black Belt Magazine and CEO Times. He does not teach theory. He teaches what actually works, and he makes sure you leave with something you can use. Please welcome Randy King.
SPEAKING TOPICS
The Timeline of Self-Defense
Flagship Keynote
Most people think self-defense starts when something goes wrong. It doesn't. It starts long before that. In this keynote, Randy King breaks down the full arc of a threat: what to watch for before danger arrives, how to respond when things escalate, and what to do when the dust settles. Built on over 20 years of real-world experience and field-tested with audiences from boardrooms to community centers, this talk gives people a clear, practical framework they can start using the same day.
Before It Escalates
Threat Assessment and Strategic De-Escalation
Not every threat announces itself. This talk teaches audiences how to read a room, spot early warning signs, and make smart decisions under pressure. Randy covers threat assessment, strategic de-escalation, and escape planning in a way that is direct, memorable, and immediately useful. Ideal for organizations where staff face unpredictable environments and need more than a policy to keep themselves safe.
Predator Proof
Women's Personal Safety and Self-Defense Awareness
The tactics predators use only work when you don't know what they are. This talk was built specifically for women. Not a generic self-defense class. Not a list of rules to follow. A direct, honest conversation about how predators actually think, how they choose targets, and what real personal safety looks like in the real world. Randy has trained thousands of women across North America and internationally, and this talk leaves every woman in the room with tools she can use immediately.
Randy's Personal Timeline
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1995 — Began training in Taekwondo, the starting point of a lifelong path in martial arts and personal protection.
1999 — Earned Taekwondo Black Belt.
2000 — Began working as a bouncer, entering the world of real-world conflict and de-escalation.
2005 — Opened KPC Self Defense (part-time).
2008 — Earned Close Protection Certification.
2009 — KPC Self Defense became a full-time operation.
Became a Full Instructor with Progressive Krav Maga
First Krav Maga instructor in Edmonton.
Earned Modern Arnis Black Belt.
2009–2012 — Head of Security and VIP Protection, King's Protection Company. Managed security operations for large-scale festivals, concerts, and rodeos across Alberta.
2012 — Certified as a Conflict Communications Instructor.
2014 — Completed Understanding Violence at Emory University.
Became Full Instructor and Canadian Director for One-on-One Control Tactics.
Joined the Violence Dynamics teaching team.
2015–Present — First Nations Specific Self Defence Speaker and Coach, Paradigm Esteem.
Developed and facilitated the Speak Up Self Defense Program for First Nations communities from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.
2016 — Began touring internationally, teaching seminars worldwide (14 countries and 80+ cities) Â
Modern Arnis, 4th Degree.
Renegade JKD Full Instructor.
2017 — Published Selling Out to Your Level of Comfort: How to Create Your Business on Your Terms.
Began a three-year contributing run with Conflict Manager Magazine.
Contributed to Principles-Based Instruction for Self Defense (Miller).
2018 — Contributed to Beyond the Picket Fence (Mac Young).
2019 — Wrote the foreword to Now You See It, Now You Don't: Using Empty Space in Self Defence (Wilson).
2020 —Owner, Program Designer, and Head Presenter of 80:20 Conflict Management Strategies
2022 — Contributed to There I Was When Nothing Happened: True Tales of Real Self Defense (Brick).
2024 — Co-founded the Institute of Modern Defence.
Completed CTSS Instructor and Training. .
2025 — Head Instructor and Lead Program Designer at the Institute of Modern Defence.
CTSS Master Instructor and Program Developer.
Endorsed Colleague Level 1, #500 Rising.
Voted to the Board of ASIS Chapter 156.
2026 — Published The Timeline of Self-Defense: Before, During, After through YMAA Publication Center (May 5).
Featured in Black Belt Magazine (February).
Licensed Instructor #500 Rising Level 2Â
WWMAA Instructor Examiner Ranking
Voted to the Board of the World Wide Martial Arts Association.
The Timeline of Self-Defense: Before, During, After
Published by YMAA Publication Center
This book is the result of over 20 years of real-world experience in personal protection. The Timeline of Self-Defense breaks down personal safety into a clear, practical framework that works before, during, and after a threat. Written for everyday people who want honest, usable information — not theory.
Headshots and Book Cover
Please use only approved photos for promotional materials. Do not crop, filter, or alter images without permission. Contact randy@randykinglive.com for additional formats or custom requests.
Logo Files
Use the approved logo files below for all promotional materials. Do not alter, recolor, or modify the logo in any way. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Brand Kit and Speaker One Sheet
Everything you need to represent Randy King Live accurately across all promotional materials.
TESTIMONIALS
What Event Organizers Say
Grant Strand
I trained with Randy for 6 weeks as a senior. I loved his appraoch, and leanrned so much.
He instills wisdom and knowledge in hos methods, and I want to thank you Randy.Â
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Diane Anderson
We were thrilled to have Randy King as a speaker for our ladies day event. His energy and humor captivated our audience of almost 100 women. He had the ability to quickly shift us over to prevention, giving us practical ways to feel more confident and safe.
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Kelley Hanson Haeder
"Randy King is an absolutely amazing trainer. He brings a deep and unique blend of experience to the table supported by research about conflict management and safety. He meaningfully engages everyone who attends I highly recommend Randy for any training you need.Â
Follow and Connect
36,000+ followers across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok combined, with content generating millions of cumulative views, including two breakout videos reaching 1 million and 475,000 views respectively.
Tag us in your event promotions and we will reshare to our audience.
Quick Copy and Paste Social Links
Instagram: @randykinglive
TikTok: @defencetalkswithdad
Facebook: facebook.com/randykinglive
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCQ00DBiusot8xDutKCsar3A
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/randy-king-6a2b9b27
Website: randykinglive.com
AV and Technical Requirements
Please have the following in place before the event:
- LCD projector or large-format display with HDMI input
- Lavalier or handheld wireless microphone
- Confidence monitor or ability to see slides while facing the audience
- Clear stage or presentation area — Randy moves while presenting
For workshops and seminars requiring physical demonstration space, please confirm floor clearance requirements in advance. Contact [email protected] for details.
AV and Technical Requirements
Please have the following in place before the event:
- LCD projector or large-format display with HDMI input
- Lavalier or handheld wireless microphone
- Confidence monitor or ability to see slides while facing the audience
- Clear stage or presentation area — Randy moves while presenting
For workshops and seminars requiring physical demonstration space, please confirm floor clearance requirements in advance. Contact [email protected] for details.
Thank You
Thank you for bringing Randy to your event. We are committed to making this an experience your audience will remember. If you need anything at all in the lead up to your event, reach out directly at [email protected]. We can't wait to work with you.
