Learn how to be your own bodyguard.
CitySafe empowers everyday people with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from harm.
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What We Do
Our mission: to build practical self-defense and safety skills in every person, family, community, and workplace.
Executive protection is the most effective personal safety system ever developed, built to protect celebrities, executives, and public figures from real-world threats. We take that same methodology and translate it into practical, accessible training for everyday people, covering everything from individual safety and self-defense to family preparedness, workplace threat response, community protection, and travel and transit safety.
OUR ORIGIN
How CitySafe Began
CitySafe was born out of a simple but urgent observation: the tools that keep people safe shouldn't only exist for people who can afford them. Professional safety training works, the executive protection industry has proven that. But for most people, daily commuters, families, communities facing real threats, those resources are completely out of reach. Compounding that is a reality every first responder knows well: when danger strikes, help is rarely immediate.
The minutes between an incident and the arrival of emergency services can be the difference between life and death. CitySafe was built to close that gap. By translating the proven methods of the executive protection industry into accessible, practical training, we equip individuals, families, workplaces, and communities with the skills to protect themselves before help arrives, because in a real emergency, you are your own first responder.
THE VISION BEHIND THE MISSION
Meet Our Founder
Michael Matos
Michael is a born-and-raised New Yorker whose commitment to safety and martial arts began at age four, and never stopped. For over 27 years he has trained in Kyokushin, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Tai Chi, Aikido, Boxing, and Escrima, building a foundation in combat and movement that spans nearly every major martial discipline.
That foundation took him into the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for 10 years specializing in anti-terrorism, search and rescue, and maritime security across domestic and international operations. From there he moved into executive protection, providing personal security to celebrities, Fortune 500 executives, elected officials, and community leaders across New York City and beyond. After years at the intersection of martial arts, military service, and professional security, Michael founded CitySafe with one clear purpose: take everything that keeps high-profile people safe and make it accessible to everyone else. Today CitySafe has trained teams at Lululemon, NYU, the U.S. Congress, and the NYC City Council and is just getting started.
Military Veteran
Former Bodyguard
Martial Artist
GET TRAINED
Train With Us
Real-world self-defense and safety skills, built for real life. Join one of our hands-on training events and walk away knowing how to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
No experience necessary.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Real People. Real Results.
★★★★★
“I loved the scenario-based training, both the de-escalation and live self-defense exercises. To have a chance to put the practical training into action gave me the opportunity to learn how I might react during such moments.”
Ginger — CitySafe Attendee
★★★★★
“I think we all were a bit apprehensive about self-defense training, but Michael put us all at ease and also gave us ways to notify if the actions were too much for us. He made the training enjoyable, safe, and enlightening.”
Denise — CitySafe Attendee
★★★★★
“This training is a must, and it’s great to finally have instructors who have lived experience teaching us in a fun but realistic way. Expect a great workout and to make new friends too. Highly recommended!”
Amanda — CitySafe Attendee
OUR TRAININGS
What to Expect
CitySafe events are welcoming, high-energy, and built for everyday people. Come as you are and leave more capable and confident.
A Supportive, Focused
Group Setting
You'll train alongside others who are just starting out. No judgment or competition, but a group of people committed to looking out for themselves and each other.
High Energy,
Hands-On Learning
Expect to move, practice, and get comfortable being uncomfortable. Our events are active and engaging, you'll leave feeling more prepared than when you came.
Safe, Inclusive &
Judgment-Free
Our instructors create an environment where everyone belongs. Whether you're nervous, curious, or skeptical, you're in the right place.
KNOWLEDGE IS YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
Our Latest
Tips, insights, and field-tested advice on personal safety, straight from CitySafe.
OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT
We're Easy to Reach
Prefer a more direct line? Here's how to get in touch beyond the form.
