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Dean Franco – MMA & Self-Defense Instructor

Dean Franco is a Connecticut-based martial arts instructor and practitioner with decades of experience in mixed martial arts, Filipino martial arts, and practical self-defense training. His martial arts journey began in Tae Kwon Do, where he earned a second-degree black belt, before expanding his studies into multiple combat disciplines focused on real-world effectiveness.

Over the years, Franco developed a deep specialization in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)—a combat system known for its focus on weapon awareness, striking, and tactical movement. He has trained extensively in systems such as Atienza Kali, Sayoc Kali, Abenir Kalis, and Battlefield Kali, earning instructor credentials including Second Level Guro in Battlefield Kali Single Stick and First Level Guro in Battlefield Kali Knife.

In addition to teaching martial arts and self-defense, Franco is widely recognized within the martial arts community as the host of the FMA Discussion podcast, a platform that explores the history, philosophy, and evolution of Filipino martial arts with instructors and practitioners from around the world.