We recently had the chance to connect with Ericka Howard and have shared our conversation below.
Ericka, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about our students is how much they value the community. Most people come in thinking they’re just here to learn self-defense—how to punch, kick, and protect themselves—but what they end up loving just as much is the friendships. And let’s be real—it can be hard to make friends as an adult!
But somehow, between our beach days, field days at the park, field trips, and even doing Spartan Races together, people end up building these amazing connections.
Parents tell me their kids aren’t just safer—they’re more confident at school. Adults tell me they’ve found their tribe here. And that part still blows me away, because while our mission is to teach people to go home safe, we’ve created a place where people feel stronger, supported, and connected in every area of life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ericka Howard, and I’m the CEO and owner of California Defense Academy, a Krav Maga and self-defense training facility in Murrieta. Our programs start at age three and go all the way through adults, so we work with entire families—and that’s one of the coolest things about what we do.
It’s incredible to see parents and kids training under the same roof, each learning skills designed for their stage of life. A five-year-old might be learning how to use a strong voice and set boundaries while their parent is practicing weapon defenses or situational awareness. Later, they go home and talk about what they learned at the dinner table—that kind of shared experience creates a strong sense of empowerment for the whole family.
What sets us apart is our culture and our commitment to developing more than just physical skills. We integrate leadership and life skills into our programs, so students gain confidence, character, and the ability to make smart decisions in real-world situations. Beyond that, we’ve created a community that feels like family. Between beach days, Spartan Races, field trips, and Parents Night Outs, people build friendships that last well beyond the mat.
Our tagline is ‘Go Home Safe,’ and everything we do supports that mission—whether that’s through teaching awareness, de-escalation, or giving people the ability to fight back if they need to. My goal is for everyone who walks through our doors to leave feeling stronger—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—and to know they have a team behind them every step of the way.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world happened during a trip to Peru. I was walking down the street when I saw a couple carrying a large, heavy bag—but what struck me wasn’t the bag, it was the way they each held a handle, sharing the weight equally as they walked. It was such a simple picture of partnership and how life’s load feels lighter when it’s shared.
Later on that trip, I met an elderly couple who had a single tomato plant on their porch. That little plant had produced just one cherry tomato. They picked it, split it in half, and each ate a piece. That image stayed with me because it wasn’t about having a lot—it was about appreciating and sharing what you have.
Those two moments taught me that happiness and strength aren’t about abundance or doing it all alone. They’re about connection, teamwork, and gratitude for the little things. I think about that a lot in my own life and in my work—it’s why community is at the heart of what I do.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something success never could—that I’m stronger than I ever realized. There were so many moments on my journey as an entrepreneur where I thought, ‘I can’t do this. I’m not going to make it through this.’ Times when the obstacles felt bigger than me—financial struggles, sleepless nights, the weight of making decisions that impacted not just me but my team and the families we serve.
And yet, every single time, I somehow managed to keep going. Not because it was easy, but because those hard moments forced me to dig deeper than I ever thought possible. They taught me resilience in a way success never could. Success is rewarding, but it doesn’t test you. Suffering does. It strips you down, challenges every doubt, and then shows you what you’re really made of.
Those lessons have shaped everything about how I lead and why I believe so strongly in what we do at California Defense Academy—because I know firsthand that the ability to push through when you think you can’t is life-changing. And if I can help others find that same strength in themselves, then every challenge was worth it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me and the real me are actually pretty close—at least if you’re in my classes! I’m a pretty private and introverted person by nature, even though I probably come across as extroverted. Teaching brings that out in me. During stretches—especially in my adult classes—I share a lot about my life. My students probably know more about my hobbies, projects, dogs, and family than most people.
Outside of that, I do like to keep my circle small, but in the training room, I’m an open book because I really value connection. For me, it’s not just about teaching techniques—it’s about creating relationships and a community where people feel like they belong. So while I might be introverted off the mat, my students get to see the real me every day.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
This is such a funny question because I used to believe I wouldn’t make it past 36. And now that I’m here—age 36 and still going strong—I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve spent my life chasing purpose, following my passions, and doing everything I can to make the people around me feel valued, appreciated, and seen.
Have I been perfect? Absolutely not. I have plenty of flaws. But I wake up every day trying, working on becoming the best version of myself while helping others discover that same strength and greatness within themselves.
I’ve worked 16-hour days, juggled multiple jobs since I was 16—but I’ve also played just as hard. I’ve climbed mountains, seen the world, loved deeply, and have an incredible family of people who mean everything to me.
If I only had 10 years left, I wouldn’t stop anything. I’d keep living with fire in my heart, gratitude in my soul, and a relentless drive to create a life full of adventure, connection, and impact. Because that’s what it’s all about—leaving this world knowing you truly lived.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cadefenseacademy.com/
- Instagram: @cadefenseacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086936108119 @cadefenseacademy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/california-defense-academy-murrieta?sort_by=date_desc#reviews
