In today’s climate of heightened safety concerns, Lisa Gilmurray is a leading voice in self-defense and personal safety. As a retired police officer and the current owner of EPOC Fitness, Gilmurray combines her law enforcement experience and martial arts background to teach women how to protect themselves—physically and mentally. She is dedicated to helping others gain confidence and control in potentially dangerous situations.
A Unique Path to Law Enforcement
Gilmurray’s path to law enforcement was unexpected. After earning a degree in communications, her life took a dramatic turn after an unsettling experience in a parking lot outside Philadelphia. The trauma from that experience motivated her to enroll in a martial arts program in 1994, igniting a passion that would reshape her future.
“I learned mixed martial arts,” she explains. “Eventually, I earned my black belt and began to see how I could integrate my communication skills with martial arts.” This blend became essential during her 25-year career in law enforcement, where effective communication comprised 90% of her work. In addition, Gilmurray has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past ten years, further enhancing her expertise.
Empowerment Through Self-Defense
After retiring from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Gilmurray shifted her focus to empowering women through self-defense seminars. “These aren’t just self-defense classes; they’re empowerment seminars,” she emphasizes. “I teach situational awareness, threat assessment, and how to project confidence, even if you don’t feel it.”
Gilmurray's seminars have reached diverse audiences, from high schools to community centers, where she shares valuable skills that can deter potential attackers. “It’s about understanding your surroundings and exuding confidence,” she states. “If you don’t look like a victim, you’re less likely to be targeted.”
Transforming Trauma into Strength
Gilmurray's approach is deeply personal. Drawing from her experiences as both a victim and a law enforcement officer, she equips her students with a comprehensive understanding of safety. “I had a student reach out to me years later, saying she used my techniques during an attack,” Gilmurray recalls, her voice filled with emotion. “That’s what drives me.”
She focuses on practical skills, such as escaping a hold without relying on strength. “I emphasize leverage and angles instead of brute force. It’s about working smarter, not harder,” she explains. Gilmurray's techniques empower women to defend themselves effectively, regardless of size or strength.
A Call to Action for Women
As women navigate an increasingly complex world, Gilmurray's message resonates powerfully. “It’s about applying what you learn in self-defense to everyday life,” she says. “The confidence you gain can transform how you carry yourself in all situations.”
Gilmurray encourages women to take proactive steps toward their safety. “Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and practice assertive body language,” she advises. “Shoulders back, chin up, chest out, eyes forward, and walk with purpose. This simple act can make a significant difference.”
Looking Ahead
With a mission to impact more lives, Gilmurray is committed to expanding her reach. “I hope to inspire women everywhere to feel empowered and confident,” she says. “It’s not just about self-defense; it’s about reclaiming your power.”
Her seminars offer transformative experiences for women seeking to enhance their safety and self-confidence. In her words, the worst things in life can lead to the best outcomes, turning trauma into a powerful tool for empowerment.
Gilmurray emphasizes that her seminars are open to people of all ages, though the majority of participants are women and teenagers. Through her teachings, she fosters a community of empowered individuals ready to face any challenge. As she continues her mission, one thing is clear: Gilmurray is not just teaching self-defense; she’s igniting a movement of empowerment and confidence among women everywhere.
For more information about seminars, visit epocfitnessnj.com/seminars.