Jake Brannan

Job outside Krav? Oncology Nurse at the Veterans Affairs Hospital

What are you most proud of? serving in the United States Marine Corps as a Reconnaissance Marine

Hobbies, what do you do for fun or to relax? Weight lifting, hunting, fishing, and hiking

Why do you teach? I have always found enjoyment in  sharing the things I am passionate about. I have a fundamental belief that it is our own individual responsibility to be able to protect and provide for ourselves and the people we love.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is… Pursue Jesus above all things.

What advice would you give a member getting ready for their first belt test? Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. Don’t compromise good technique for speed. Train as fast as you can with proper technique. As technique improves, speed will improve. Also, in a real situation you will fight like you train. If you train with bad habits, you will fight with bad habits. If you train with low intensity or with the wrong mindset, you will fight in the same manner. Train like you mean it. Think like it is real every time you practice a technique.

Cats or dogs? Dogs. 

What’s the most inspiring part of being an instructor? I love to help people improve themselves.

The most important thing I learned before high school was: You can’t join the Marines until you graduate high school. 

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Wait, I’m not a superhero?

When I was 5, I was pretty sure when I grew up I’d be a: I was pretty sure I’d be a cowboy when I grew up.

Favorite Pizza toppings? Pepperoni.

Tell us one fact about you that not many know.  I once had a pet yellow anaconda.