About Us

C.O.B.R.A.
A Police Academy For Civilians

Combining experience in law enforcement, close-quarter combat techniques, martial arts & the psychology of criminal intent, the Combat Objective Battle Ready Applications, or C.O.B.R.A.™, is an Academy designed to be highly effective in real-world situations. When your survival is on the line.

​ Former street cop, Sheriff, Corrections Officer, and C.O.B.R.A.™ founder Chris Sutton developed this system. It covers both the mental and physical aspects of self-defense, with a unique emphasis on scenario training.

 

Who We Are:
Our Mission Is To Make EVERYONE Safer

Everyone deserves to improve their security. No matter your age, gender, or level of expertise.

There is no martial protocol. No uniforms. No belts. No bowing. This is a “Police Academy For Civilians.”
Avoid conflict in the first place and keep in control when conflict is unavoidable — when most people mentally and physically shut down.
C.O.B.R.A.™ is an eye-opening and rewarding experience for students

 

C.O.B.R.A. Self Defense of Central Michigan
Karah Schwalm is a Certified Instructor, and Owner, for the C.O.B.R.A. Self Defense Training System, serving the Central Michigan area. Having trained extensively in law enforcement-based tactical and psychological scenarios.

Karah has served several years as a youth Volleyball and Track & Field Coach. In addition, she is a Certified Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She knows that training and preparing the mindset for situations under pressure are crucial to staying focused in order to successfully execute the actions required in Self Defense, Physical Training, and Sports performance. It all begins and ends in the mindset.

She has two teenage daughters and is married to her husband, Mike, of 20+ years.