Sofia’s journey in self-defense began at thirteen, when she earned a 1st-Degree Black Belt in Mu Sool Won after seven years of dedicated training. Her foundation in martial arts expanded into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and eventually into concealed carry, weapons-based grappling, and real-world preparedness.
In her instruction, Sofia emphasizes a holistic approach to personal safety—starting with situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, creating space, and implementing non-lethal tools like pepper spray—reserving the use of a firearm as the final layer. She also advocates for physical health as a critical part of self-defense.
To meet the evolving needs of women in the concealed carry space, Sofia released the Sofia Bag by Zendira—a premium leather hybrid carry bag designed for both style and function. She now teaches hybrid carry strategies, blending off-body methods with traditional inside-the-waistband techniques for maximum versatility.
On social media, Sofia documents her journey in competitive shooting, personal protection, and gear testing—sharing the training she undergoes and the tools she trusts. She is certified through both the NRA and Rangemaster, competes in USPSA, and assists Lena Miculek in delivering instruction at ROSE by Sig Sauer events hosted during Shoot SIG weekends, where she helps guide women through their early steps in firearms training and confidence-building.
Laslty, Sofia proudly hosts the She Shield Podcast, a platform for honest conversations around readiness, personal safety, and empowerment. She interviews competitive shooters, preppers, martial artists, and self-defense experts. As of July 2025, the show has surpassed 38,000 downloads.
My Training Portfolio
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Keith Tyler of TFI Academy
USPSA Fundamentals, Movement, Stage Planning, and more
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Craig Douglas of Shivworks
Extreme Close Quarter Concepts (2022 & 2025)
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Eli Knight and Aaron Jannetti
Knife Control Concepts
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Tatiana Whitlock
Concealed Carry Technique
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SheepDog Response
Tactical Rifle
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fayetteville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt (presently training)
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1st Degree Black Belt
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Chuck Haggard Agile Training and Consulting
Low Light, Pepper Spray, MUC Workshops at the Guardian Conference
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Mickey Schuch of Carry Trainer
Diminished Positions and Shooting on the Move Workshop at the Guardian Conference
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AJ Zito
Red Dot Sight Shooting Workshop at the Guardian Conference
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Lena Miculek
Fanny Pack Concealed Carry Workshop and Sig Sauer x Rose Course Training
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Citizen Defense Research
Melody Lauer and Caleb Giddings
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Range Master Instructor Development Certification Course
Tom Givens of Rangemaster
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Assistant Instruction for Rose by Sig Sauer and Lena Miculek
Travel and teach with Lena Miculek for Shoot Rose and Shoot Sig
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Combatives Association Summit
The Combatives Association Summit unites combatives experts and enthusiasts globally to promote and advance the field.
2023 & 2024








