Train 4 Trauma Combative Sciences

Episode 14: Kru David Edwards - Muay Thai, Bully Prevention, & Purpose Join us on Episode 14 of the T4TCS Podcast as we sit down with a true powerhouse in martial arts and community advocacy, *Kru David Edwards!* Kru Edwards is the founder of *Bully Be Gone Canada* and a highly respected Muay Thai Kru, Trainer, and Coach at *Kombat Arts* in Mississauga, Ontario. In this insightful episode, we...

Welcome back to the Train 4 Trauma Combative Sciences (T4TCS) podcast! In this action-packed episode, we're diving deep into the incredible community collaborations and overwhelming gratitude we're feeling here at T4TCS. We've been busy forging strong relationships and expanding our reach. We're thrilled to announce our collaboration with Sifu/Kru Mark's and Kru Jakub's home training academy, Komb...

We've all seen them: those slick, high-energy videos showcasing incredible martial arts techniques and seemingly effortless self-defense maneuvers. A perfectly timed disarm here, a flawless takedown there – it's a visual feast that leaves you thinking, "Wow, I wish I could do that!" But here's the cold, hard truth: those videos are a dangerous illusion, a carefully curated fantasy that bears...

Ahead of his presentation at our May 7, 2025 conference, T4TCS co-founder Eric Poirier is interviewed by Jean Bota of The Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association. The speaking engagement abstract is provided below. While trauma-informed awareness is a valuable tool for addressing the root causes of crime, it's important to acknowledge that first responder activities remain essential for mai...

"It's important to remember that trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, and not everyone who has experienced trauma will show obvious signs. Being trauma-informed means being aware of this and approaching interactions with a compassionate and understanding mindset" ( for the rest, please find the full write up on our website ). "Trauma-informed care can actually help build resilience. By recogn...

December 6th holds a poignant significance in Canada, marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This solemn day commemorates the tragic events of the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989, where fourteen women were senselessly murdered. The horrific incident underscored the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and ignited a movement to address this pre...

They didn't give up on us, don't give up on them. ***Trigger Warning*** In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Kurt Leffler II, a U.S. military veteran and member of a multi-generational military family ( Visit his YouTube Channel Here ). Our conversation highlighted the critical importance of mental health support for veterans and the need to dismantle the stigma surrounding traum...

In this episode, we'll delve into the wisdom of Stephen Covey: "We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior." Our lazy brains often jump to conclusions, making assumptions about others' motives without seeking understanding. But what if we could awaken our minds to the importance of open dialogue and empathy? By sharing our stories and listening with an open heart, we can bri...

In a world seemingly overrun by violence, it's time to look beyond the headlines. Join us as we explore the psychological and societal impacts of living in a world where safety is a concern. From everyday aggression to shocking acts of violence, we'll delve into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions. If you haven't already, feel free to visit our website for our blog posts, titled Viol...

Trigger Warning ⚠️ Honouring Rob Leathen and the Importance of Normalizing Mental Health Conversations. As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, T4TCS would like to acknowledge the courage of our guest, Rob Leathen, a veteran firefighter, who shared his personal journey and emphasized the significance of normalizing discussions about mental health and suicide. By creating a safe and open spac...

The Interplay of Mental Health Medications, Salutogenic Approach, and Somatic Trauma-Informed Approaches in Post-Traumatic Growth With our guest, Carl Legault, Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, from Becoming You Counselling and Psychotherapy Services, we barely scratch the surface on this topic. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to the positive psychological changes that individuals may experie...

Teachers and coaches are human beings who, like everyone else, bring their own experiences and emotions into their work. Trauma kindling, the process of becoming increasingly sensitive to traumatic experiences over time, can significantly impact their ability to cope with the stressors of their profession. Trauma kindling is where repeated exposure to stressors can lower the threshold for experien...

Bullying and mental health: Trauma Informed Approach - Why People Take Martial Arts for the Wrong Reasons In this episode, we discuss what bullying is, how it impacts the victims and bully (trauma). How trauma informed martial arts can help. And, we take a little look at why some may take martial arts training for the wrong reasons and how teachers can try to recognize this. Bullying can have a si...

Both combat/competition and Self-defense training can be incredibly beneficial. What is equally valuable is to consider trauma-informed approaches to create a safe and empowering space for all participants. Moreover, having readily available trauma informed personnel that members and new clients can depend on can have a lasting positive impact in the community. Training for Confidence, Not Combat...

Somatic Healing from Trauma in Martial Arts - The True Power of a Trauma Informed Approach to Training In this episode we introduce the purpose and people behind Train 4 Trauma Combative Sciences (T4TCS). Eric Poirier Mark Medeiros Jakub Mulik Main Benefits of Martial Arts: Martial arts offer a holistic approach to personal development, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here a...