Tyler Weatherford
Tyler Weatherford is the Co-Founder of Practical Defense Academy and owner of Grow Fit, a functional fitness company focused on helping everyday people become stronger, healthier, and more capable.A United States Marine Corps veteran, Tyler served as an LAV Repairman/Technician, Hazardous Materials Handler and Environmental Compliance Coordinator, and Chaplain’s Assistant/Guard. His background also includes extensive medical and emergency-response training.
He holds an Associate’s Degree in Paramedic Science from Ivy Tech Community College, studied Fire Science and Emergency Management, and is a Nationally Registered Paramedic with additional training in advanced cardiac life support, pre-hospital trauma care, and pediatric emergency care.Tyler has also studied Exercise Science at Andrews University and is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer.
His martial arts background includes the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, where he currently holds the rank of Purple Belt. He has trained extensively in takedowns, wrestling, ground fighting, positional control, and submission grappling.
Through Practical Defense Academy and Grow Fit, Tyler combines functional fitness, emergency medicine, martial arts, and practical self-defense to help students develop greater strength, confidence, and real-world capability.
Curriculum Vitae
TRAINING BACKGROUND
Military Experience – United States Marine Corps
LAV Repairman/Technician
Hazardous MaterialsHandler/Environmental Compliance Coordinator
Chaplains Assistant/Guard
Military Awards/Achievements
Honorable Discharge
Educational BackgroundIvy Tech Community College
Associate’s degree in Paramedic Science
Studied Fire Sciences and Emergency Management
Andrews University
Studied Exercise Science American Council of Exercise
Certified Personal Trainer
Martial Background
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program
Rank: Green Bel
tMcGuin Jiu Jitsu Academy: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu South Bend
Rank: Purple Belt
(2) Kenny Johnson Takedowns for Fighting 2021
Evandro Nunes – Side Mount Mastery 2022
Evandro Nunes – Guard Mastery 2022
Thomas McGuin Leg Lock Seminar 2021
Thomas McGuin Leg Lock Seminar 2022
John McGuin Ground and Pound 2021
Brandon Adolf Wrestling for Jiu Jitsu Series
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
ICS course 100 Intro to Incident Command Systems
ICS course 200 Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
ICS course 700 National Incident Management Systems
ICS course 800 National Response Framework
Medical Training
American Heart Association CPR/AED
Combat Life Savers Course Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) Course
Nationally Registered Paramedic (# 0537-5637-5039)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support Certification
Pediatric Emergency for Pre-Hospital Providers Certification