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DBT-Skill building
through martial arts

A Structured Teen Development Program Integrating DBT-Based Social & Emotional Skills With Disciplined Martial Arts Instruction. Our Students Gain Practical Skill Sets for Stress Resilience, Controlling Focus, Composure Under Pressure, Emotion Regulation, & Interpersonal Effectiveness.

We work with families who value discipline, grit, self-regulation, courage, consistency, and long-term character development. This is a structured skill-building program with measurable growth outcomes enhancing performance & quality of life.​​

SERVING THE
CALIFORNIA BAY AREA
 (BERKELEY, SAN JOSE, & MORE).

Programs are primarily designed for adolescents but we also serve adults and children with a limited capacity.

Application Required.
No Experience Required.

​ Curriculum overview

Modern Teens Face Complex Emotional, Social, and Performance Pressures. This Program Gives Them Structured Evidence-Based Skills That Carry into Their Professional and Personal Lives.

Our Teen Development Program Builds Emotional Fortitude, Disciplined Focus, and Real-World Capability Through a Structured Curriculum that combines DBT-Based Psychological Skill Development with Intentional Martial Arts Practice.

Each Training Cycle Integrates:

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-Based Emotion Regulation Skills

  • Distress Tolerance under Controlled Stress (Crisis Survival Strategies)

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness, Communication Skills, & Conflict Resolution (Assertiveness Training)

  • Disciplined Physical Practice Grounded in Martial Arts Principles

  • Real-Time Skill Application​

  • Self-Defense Skills

  • Progressive Responsibility, Character Development, & Leadership Training

 Through this structured, evidence-informed framework, teens gain:

  • Lasting Emotional Resilience and Calm Confidence

  • Practical Tools for Navigating Conflict & Social Dynamics

  • Behavioral Discipline that Carries into School and Home

  • Enhanced Self-Respect and Personal Capability

  • Leadership Presence and Responsible Autonomy​

This active, skill-based work is
designed to create measurable growth in emotional strength, self-management, and life-ready competence-not just physical ability.

Parents consistently report improved communication, emotional control, academic focus, and confidence after the first training cycle.

Programs are primarily designed for adolescents but we also serve adults and children with a limited capacity.

the kurtz method

Applied Emotional Development Through Structured Physical Practice.

Most Teens Can Understand Emotional Skills in Theory. Few Can Access Them Under Pressure.

The Kurtz Method Was Designed
To Bridge That Gap.

This proprietary framework integrates evidence-informed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles with disciplined martial arts training to create effective, embodied learning — where emotion regulation, resilience, and competence are practiced in real time.

Rather than separating mental skills from physical experience, this method intentionally combines both. Structured physical training creates controlled stress, immediate feedback, and measurable progression.

Our Teens Learn To:

Regulate emotional reactions in real time

Maintain composure under pressure

  • Master their response to distress

Communicate effectively during conflict

Recover quickly from setbacks

Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively

Develop grounded confidence, grit, and self-respect

Physical practice is grounded in disciplined martial arts principles — not for competition, but as a vehicle for experiential skill integration. This is a controlled environment, teens safety is a top priority.

The result is durable emotional fortitude, disciplined behavior, and calm presence that carries into school, relationships, and life.

The Kurtz Method is structured developmental training designed to produce measurable growth in emotional capability and personal responsibility.

the PROGRAMS

Kurtz Method programs are structured development tracks designed to build multiple skill sets that develop grit, emotional resilience, disciplined focus, and real-world capability through DBT-integrated training and intentional physical practice. All Kurtz Method materials are included.

Each track follows a defined curriculum framework emphasizing:

  • ‘Taming your Gremlin’ Skills

  • Core Mindfulness Skills

  • Emotion Regulation Skills

  • Distress Tolerance Skills (Crisis Survival Strategies)

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness, Communication Skills, & Conflict Resolution (Assertiveness Training)

  • Disciplined Physical Practice Grounded in Martial Arts Principles

  • Real-Time Skill Application​

  • Self-Defense Skills

  • Progressive Responsibility, Character Development, & Leadership Training

Martial Arts is utilized as the vehicle to support the implementation of the DBT skills , ensuring skill sets are practiced in a structured environment so they become durable habits.
Programs are primarily designed for adolescents but we also serve adults and children with a limited capacity.

Enrollment is selective to maintain quality standards and individualized attention.

PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT TRACK (1:1)
12-WEEKS

A one-on-one structured coaching experience within the Kurtz Method framework.

This option provides personalized pacing, targeted skill emphasis, and individualized development planning. Ideal for those seeking focused support and accelerated growth.

*A Certificate of Completion will be awarded
at the end of the 12-weeks*

Continued enrollment options are available for families seeking extended development support.

INVESTMENT
$5000

STRUCTURED GROUP
DEVELOPMENT TRACK
12-WEEKS

Small-cohort training following the same curriculum framework in a collaborative environment.

Participants benefit from guided skill application, accountability, and structured progression while maintaining individualized coaching standards.

*A Certificate of Completion will be awarded
at the end of the 12-weeks*

Continued enrollment options are available for families seeking extended development support.

INVESTMENT
$2000

virtual DBT
DEVELOPMENT TRACK
8-WEEKS

This offer is a collaboration with Dr. J.J. Kelly Psy. D., The CEO of UnorthoDocs Inc.

What is included:

  • Weekly 1-on-1 Zoom Coaching Calls with Kurtz MMA

  • Intensive 8-week online DBT-course,
    4 Modules of curriculum:

    • Increased awareness of your daily emotional experience (Core Mindfulness Skills - Module 1)

    • Build better resilience to life's unexpected challenges (Distress Tolerance Skills - Module 2)

    • Name and effectively modulate feelings in the midst of emotionally activating events (Emotion Regulation Skills - Module 3)

    • Learn how to ask for things, say no, and effectively resolve conflict (Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills - Module 4)

  • A Certificate of Completion will be awarded at the end of the 8-weeks

The button below will direct you to drjjkelly.com. To begin coaching & receive access to the online course you must sign-up for the “The Get Real Program-Self-Study” through Dr. Kelly’s website.

INVESTMENT
$3,500

TESTIMONIALS

“Aly coaches my teenage son and my preteen daughter. You are giving your kids a serious advantage in life by getting them this training. Straight out the gate, I could notice improvements in their behavior, communication, and confidence . Truly extraordinary work! The kids love it.”

— Joseph / Corporate Lawyer

“Direct, structured, and effective. This is one of the best investments I’ve made. I wish I knew these skills existed sooner. I use them every day in my professional & personal life. I have never felt more in control of how I show up.”

— Tran / Chief Technology Officer

“Enrolling my son in KurtzMMA was one of the most of the impactful decisions we’ve made as parents. As a pediatrician, I understand how critical emotional skills and structured discipline are during adolescence. The transformation in his confidence, communication, and ability to manage frustration has been remarkable.”

— Angela Marcos/ Pediatrician

"Alyssa taught the kids at my Emotions Camp and had a real connection and loving command with them . You know how slippery and pissy teens can be, and Alyssa just cut right through that bullshit and got 'em engaged in the work- which is in total alignment with my company and my own teaching style and values. I am VERY selective about who I hire to work with my students, and I will definitely be asking her to work with me again.
She's a pro!"

— Dr. J.J. Kelly  Psy. D / CEO /Best-selling author

the coach:
alyssa
“trigger-happy”
kurtz

I have spent several years coaching Dialectical Behavior Skills, Emotion Regulation, and Real-World skill development in adolescents, children, and adults. My experience integrates psychological skill training with structured physical practice so young people gain durable confidence, discipline, and self-management. Martial Arts is the perfect vehicle for the implementation of these skill sets.

EXPERIENCE

  • Founder & CEO of KURTZMMA 

  • Active MMA Fighter on the American Kickboxing Academy Team

  • Head DBT coach of Adolescent group at UnorthoDocs Inc.

  • Advanced DBT Coach for The Get Real Program created by Dr. J.J. Kelly Psy. D.

  • Trained in DBT Skills Training + Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (12 years)

  • Fundamentals & Youth Coach at American Kickboxing Academy

  • UnorthoDocs Inc. Adolescent Emotions Camp Coach & Leader

  • 20+ BJJ Gold Medals

  • MuayThai AFS Certified 2021

  • “Feels on Wheels” team member. Mobile Emotion Regulation & Crisis Survival Coaching during Covid Crisis 2020

  • Ms. Health & Fitness Nominee Runner-Up 2022

  • SBGi Mixed Martial Arts Coach
    Certification 2017

  • Completed Intensive MMA Training camp with one of Thailand's top teams; Tiger Muay Thai

  • Featured on chart-topping mental health podcasts- Self-Helpless, I F*cking Knew, Life Coach Baker, Thoughts from the Couch, and more! 

  • Completion of Elite Business Program with Delanie Fischer

  • Featured in the mental health books "Holy Sh*t, So This Is Anger" & "Holy Sh*t! My Kid is Cutting" by Best Selling Author Dr. J.J. Kelly Psy. D.


    My mission is to help young people build powerful resilience, grit, and a deep sense of confidence in themselves and their ability to face any of life’s challenges efficiently, gracefully, and with integrity. These skills can be utilized in every realm of theirs lives and will build their capacity for true joy & high-performance like nothing else.

Application

Due to the focused nature of this work, all new clients begin with a consultation to determine fit & commitment. Applications are reviewed individually, availability is limited but waitlist is available. Beginners are welcome.