ST. LOUIS - eTradeWire -- The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) St. Louis Chapter hosted a unique hands-on continuing legal education (CLE) program titled "Awareness, Avoidance & Action: Practical Self-Defense Through Filipino Martial Arts" on Oct. 15 at the St. Louis Martial Arts Academy in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The event offered attendees an engaging blend of practical personal safety training alongside professional development.

The event was organized and led by Jay Repaso, 2026 Immediate Past President, and Senior Counsel, Corporate Security, Mastercard International Incorporated, in partnership with Applied Combatives Group. The interactive clinic moved beyond the classroom to provide members with real-world skills focused on three core pillars:

• Awareness: Enhancing situational mindfulness in everyday environments.
• Avoidance: Recognizing potential threats early and learning de-escalation strategies.
• Action: Practicing active, practical self-defense techniques rooted in Filipino Martial Arts.

The inspiration behind the program originated from the ACC St. Louis Chapter's award-winning 2026 Best Innovative Programming event, "Sun Tzu to Bruce Lee: Lessons for Corporate Counsel," presented in partnership with the Hesse Group, LLC (2025 ACC St. Louis Silver Sponsor) on Dec. 11, 2025.

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While the 2025 program explored philosophical strategy along with self-defense concepts, the Oct. 15 session focused directly on tactical self-defense concepts drawn from Filipino Martial Arts, Silat, and Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do. The session also served as a pilot initiative for the Chapter's upcoming Wellness Committee, which formally launches in 2027.

The program highlighted the Chapter's ongoing commitment to offering diverse, engaging educational opportunities that support both the professional and personal well-being of its members.

The Chapter represents in-house counsel and provides members with resources, education and opportunities to connect with fellow legal professionals. Through its programming and events, the Chapter supports the professional growth of its members while strengthening the broader in-house legal community.

About the Association of Corporate Counsel – St. Louis Chapter

The Association of Corporate Counsel - St. Louis Chapter, the premier bar association for in-house counsel, was founded in 1987. The Chapter has more than 680 members who represent over 175 organizations. The Chapter's commitment to its members and community has earned it an impressive list of accolades as a leader in the global network of chapters:

• Chapter of the Year 1995, 2012 and 2015,
• Chapter Challenge Award 2009,
• Legal Service of Eastern Missouri Richard B. Teitelman Distinguished Service Award for pro bono efforts 2014,
• Best Membership Strategy 2018,
• Gold Chapter of Distinction designation 2019-25,
• Best Diversity Initiative Award 2020, 2022 and 2024,
• Innovative Programming Effort Award 2023 and 2025
• Best Partnership Program Award 2023.

To learn more, please visit, https://www.acc.com/chapters/stlouis/ (https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/G1wRCM1ADS4jrM9LFkhZ9h8EkxQ?domain=acc.com).

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