About Us
Mission Statement
The goal of Safety First Personal Protection Strategies is to empower women and children by educating them in the basics of personal protection, teaching them practical safety skills which rely on using their innate abilities, giving them the confidence and courage to escape from abusive situations or threat of attack. Working with local gyms, schools and community centers, we will develop a broader base for reaching out to people who are at risk, educating them to live a more confident and safer life.
Our History
Safety First Personal Protection Strategies grew out of the experience and friendship of its two founders, Bill Kortenbach and George Warnell. They first met in August of 1975 at Steve Armstrong's Isshinryu Karate School in Tacoma, Washington and continued their friendship and association in the martial arts arena, studying many different forms of self-defense.
Believing that what was being taught to the general public could be improved, they brought their collective 50 years of experience to the table and formed Safety First Personal Protection Strategies in June of 2001.
As of April 12th 2006, Safety First has become a Washington State Nonprofit Corporation. Safety First has a unique philosophy and curriculum specializing in innovative seminars for the general public, children in schools, and team building concepts for groups.
Board of Directors
- Connie Walle, Chair
- Laird Richmond
- Fred Oldenburg
- John Kouklis
- Nina Tabor
- Kathy Trammell
Staff
Bill Kortenbach
Bill Kortenbach is a lifelong martial artist with 30 years of active experience. He holds a sixth-Dan (6th Degree Black Belt) in Isshinryu karate and specializes in reality-based training.
Bill has trained hundreds of students and is an accomplished writer, speaker and seminar leader. It was while involved in a writing project on the subject of women's self defense that Mr. Kortenbach was introduced to Gavin De Becker's ground breaking work "The Gift of Fear" and subsequently to the subject of full force adrenaline response self defense.
George Warnell
George Warnell is a life long practitioner of Isshinryu Karate, holding a 1st Dan ranking.
He is the creator and designer of many of the exercises, props and all of the gear worn by the armored attackers.
He is a gifted Public Relations man and an enthusiastic motivator.
George is the voice of balance and caution in our organization and is indispensible in that role.
Ginny Smethers
Ginny Smethers was asked to join the ownership team in 2002, adding her expertise in the Real Estate Division and taking on record keeping, marketing and administrative responsibilities.
Ginny holds a black belt in Isshinryu karate and a black belt in Modern Arnis.
Volunteers
The continuing success of the Safety First programs would not be possible without the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff, all of whom have volunteered after graduating from their own Courage Quest course, in order to "pass it forward" and to serve others.
All staff and volunteers are required to adhere to The Safety First Code when working for Safety First. It's all about keeping committments, professionalism and the privilege of serving. If you're interested in volunteering with Safety First, please contact us.