Durango Protection Services

08/19/2026

If anyone asks what my philosophy in life is, it comes down to two animals.
I carry this with me every day—including the Kanji tattooed on my left shoulder: “Spirit of the Dragon, Essence of the Tiger.”
Growing up, life made me rely on the Tiger. Long before I started Kenpo at age 11, my default was meeting force with force. It got me through tough situations, but over time, that constant hardness started causing problems of its own.
When I was introduced to the Dragon side of the philosophy, I thought that was the answer. I wanted to leave the anger behind and become the “Wise Dragon.” But I swung too far the other way. I started allowing people to disrespect me and speak ill of the people I care about, all because I was trying to keep the peace.
Finding real balance meant learning that peace isn’t passivity.
Today, the Dragon guides my mind and my actions, but I’m no longer afraid to call on the Tiger when necessary. If someone pushes hard enough to see the Tiger, that choice was theirs. The Dragon leads, but the Tiger is always ready

07/30/2026

You meet the nicest people at the rodeo.

07/30/2026

07/22/2026

I was thinking the other day about how long Tracy’s Kenpo Karate has been a part of my life.

I’ve been doing Kenpo for 40 years now. I’m a 5th Degree Black Belt, and for over 25 years I owned and operated a Kenpo dojo here in Durango before eventually closing it.

When I look back, it’s kind of hard to believe it’s been 40 years. I’ve spent a big part of my life training, learning techniques, teaching students, going to seminars, and trying to understand the art better.

One thing I’ve learned is that knowing a lot of techniques doesn’t necessarily mean you understand Kenpo. There is a lot more to it than just memorizing movements and being able to do them in the right order.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of timing, distance, positioning, movement, awareness and being able to adapt when things don’t go the way you expect them to.

My years working in security and executive protection have also given me a different perspective on martial arts. When you’re responsible for protecting someone else, you start looking at things differently. You have to be aware of what’s going on around you, where people are positioned, where you need to be, and how to move someone out of a bad situation.

I’ve always felt that there are a lot of things from Kenpo that can be useful in the real world, and there are also things you learn from real-world experience that can make you look at your martial arts training differently.

After 40 years, I still don’t claim to know everything about Tracy’s Kenpo. Honestly, I probably understand more now about how much there is that I don’t know.

I’ve had a lot of great instructors, training partners, students and friends along the way, and each one has taught me something. I’m grateful for all of them.

For me, Kenpo has never just been about getting a black belt or collecting ranks. It’s been about the journey, the people I’ve met, the students I’ve had the chance to teach, and continuing to learn.

40 years later, I’m still a student of the art.

And I guess that’s one of the things I like most about martial arts…

You never really stop learning.

07/10/2026

Join the Team at Durango Protection Services! 🏔️🛡️
We are currently seeking professional Independent Security Subcontractors to join our crew for an upcoming event in Telluride, CO from August 26–29, 2026.
If you are a professional, concierge-level security asset who works well in a team environment, we want to hear from you.
Requirements at a glance:
Must pass an interview and background check.
Must take direction well and be a team player.
Open to local or surrounding area applicants only.
📥 How to apply: Check out the flyer below for full details, and send your information directly to [email protected].

03/16/2026

More than a Security. A mindset. 👊
Your uniform gives you authority, but does your training gives you control? Protective Kenpo is here to build your security team’s core self-defense skills and help cultivate the security presence needed to manage any environment.
Ready to level up your team’s capability? Let’s get to work!

03/07/2026

ntroducing the Protective Kenpo Seminar – The Martial Way of Protection

What happens when the principles of Kenpo Karate meet the real-world mindset of professional protection?

Protective Kenpo is a seminar designed to explore how traditional Kenpo techniques can be applied through the lens of modern Executive Protection. The seminar focuses on adapting Kenpo’s principles and movements to situations where the goal is protecting someone else — a family member, a client, or a loved one.

The seminar blends Kenpo Karate techniques with Executive Protection concepts such as positioning, awareness, movement, and controlling space around the person you are protecting. Students will learn how traditional Kenpo can be used not just for self-defense, but as a practical method of protection.

This seminar was developed by Tim Smith, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Tracy’s Kenpo Karate and a certified Executive Protection Agent. Tim owned and operated a Kenpo dojo in Durango, Colorado for over 25 years and now works in the professional protection field through his company, Durango Protection Services.

With decades of martial arts experience and real-world protection work, Tim brings a unique perspective on how the protector’s mindset can be applied through Kenpo training.

This seminar is about expanding how we think about martial arts — shifting from simply defending ourselves to learning the martial way of protecting others.

Protective KenpoKenpo for the Protector’s Mindset

03/04/2026

☀️ Spring Break should be about making memories, not worrying about your safety. 🌴✨
Heading out with your besties or traveling solo this Spring Break? Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring a new city, or staying local, Durango Protection Services has your back. 🛡️
We provide professional, discreet, and reliable protection services specifically tailored for college women and small groups. From safe transport to on-site security, we ensure you can focus on the fun while we handle the rest.
Don’t leave your safety to chance—travel with confidence.
📍 Serving your Spring Break destinations.
📞 Call/Text: 970-946-2762
📧 Email: [email protected]
💻 Visit: durangoprotection.com
Our Priority is Your Peace of Mind. 🔒💪
GirlsTrip SoloTraveler ProtectionDetails DurangoBusiness SpringBreak2024

03/04/2026

Durango Protection Services: Spring Break Safety for Students
Spring Break should be about making memories, not worrying about your safety. Durango Protection Services provides professional, discreet, and reliable security tailored specifically for college women traveling in groups or solo.
Whether you are heading to a beach resort, a mountain retreat, or an international destination, our mission is to ensure you can focus on the fun while we handle the rest.
Our Specialized Services
We understand the unique risks associated with student travel. Our agents are trained to blend into the background while maintaining a high-level security perimeter.
• Group Travel Escorts: Continuous presence for sorority groups or friend circles throughout the duration of your trip.
• Solo Traveler Protection: Personalized 1-on-1 security for individual students navigating unfamiliar cities.
• Arrival & Departure Security: Secure transit from airports to hotels, ensuring a safe hand-off at your destination.
• Nightlife & Event Monitoring: On-site presence at clubs, festivals, or private events to prevent harassment and ensure safe returns to your lodging.
• Safety Consulting: Pre-trip briefings on local area risks, "safe zones," and emergency protocols.
Why Choose Durango?
1. Vetted Professionals: All agents undergo rigorous background checks and are trained in de-escalation and situational awareness.
2. Discretion First: We provide "invisible" protection. Our goal is to keep you safe without intruding on your vacation experience.
3. 24/7 Support: Our operations center is available around the clock to assist with any logistical or security concerns that arise during travel.
4. Peace of Mind for Families: We provide regular check-ins and status updates for parents and guardians back home.
Ready to Secure Your Trip?
Don't wait until the last minute—Spring Break dates fill up quickly. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and a custom quote based on your itinerary.
• Messenger: Click "Send Message" to chat with a representative.
• Phone: 970-946-2762
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: durangoprotection.com
Durango Protection Services: Your Safety is Our Priority.

Professional Protection For Today’s World

02/28/2026

If I have known that taking ICON’s Celebrity Protection class in Feb, 2021 would lead into this…. I would have done it sooner !