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Welcome to Contemporary Fighting Arts

Since 1989, Sammy Francoโ€™s Contemporary Fighting Arts (CFA) has stood as one of the original reality-based combat systemsโ€”and remains the gold standard of self-defense today. Unlike traditional martial arts weighed down by rituals, sport combat bound by rules, or watered-down gimmicks flooding social media, CFA is a complete combat system forged for one purpose: surviving real violence.

Every principle of CFA has been systematically designed and engineered by Sammy Franco to withstand the harsh realities of real world combat. This no-nonsense system isnโ€™t about the safety of a dojo or the limits of a combat sporting arenaโ€”itโ€™s about preparing you for the chaos of the street. If youโ€™re serious about mastering practical self-defense through a method forged and proven since 1989, youโ€™ve found the right place.



Why Choose Contemporary Fighting Arts (CFA)?

๐Ÿ‘‰ The Gold Standard of Reality-Based Self-Defense:
Since 1989, CFA has set the global benchmark for authentic, reality-based combat training โ€” studied, refined, and pressure-tested in real-world violence, not theory or sport.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Founded and Led by a True Pioneer:
Created and taught exclusively by Sammy Franco, one of the original architects of the Reality-Based Martial Arts movement, whose combat doctrine has influenced law enforcement, military, and civilian defense worldwide.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Battle-Tested, Not Imitated:
Every CFA principle was forged in the crucible of real violence, evolved through decades of field application, and continues to evolve with modern threat dynamics. No gimmicks. No choreography. Just truth.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Comprehensive Doctrine, Real Results:
CFA isnโ€™t a collection of techniques โ€” itโ€™s a complete combat methodology that integrates psychology, tactics, biomechanics, legal strategy, and fear management into one cohesive system.

๐Ÿ‘‰Unmatched Credibility and Legacy:
With over 60 published books, 50 instructional videos, and a worldwide student base, CFA remains the definitive authority in reality-based self-defense โ€” trusted by professionals, feared by pretenders.

Real-World Self-Defense For Everyone!

Contemporary Fighting Arts (CFA) serves a worldwide community of students and professionals who are serious about mastering real violence and surviving it. Our programs are trusted across every level of experience and discipline, including:

  • Beginners to Advanced Practitioners โ€“ Whether youโ€™re just starting your journey or refining decades of experience, CFA meets you where you are and elevates your skill to a combat-ready level.
  • Martial Artists of All Styles โ€“ Traditional or modern, stand-up or ground, CFA strengthens and adapts what you already know for real-world conditions.
  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighters โ€“ Learn how to close the massive gap between the cage and the street โ€” where rules donโ€™t exist and survival is the only measure of success.
  • Self-Defense Instructors & Martial Art Schools โ€“ Enhance your curriculum with the gold standard of reality-based tactics, tested under non-compliant, high-stress conditions.
  • Defensive Tactics (DT) & Law Enforcement Instructors โ€“ Bring cutting-edge combat psychology and field-tested methodology to your professional training programs.
  • Military & Security Personnel โ€“ Integrate CFAโ€™s adaptable doctrine into mission-critical training for close-quarters battle, control, and survival.
NO BELTS – NO RITUALS – NO NONSENSE