Split Second Response

Split Second Response offers martial arts courses, kids and teen martial arts classes, Adult Fitness Kickboxing, and the Conditioned Combat Response program. The program also provides personal protection classes with less-lethal self-defense options, security training, CPR, First Aid & Emergency Response, and a range of firearms and tactical courses, including basic and advanced pistol, home defense, taser, pepper spray, and USCCA Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit certification. Additional options include BSIS Guard Card, BSIS 32-Hour Training, BSIS Baton, BSIS Exposed Firearms, and American Red Cross or HSI Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED courses.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Adult Fitness Kickboxing fitness classes are available as drop-in sessions Monday through Thursday; the Pepper Spray Course is a 4-hour course
• Price: $10 per session for Adult Fitness Kickboxing drop-in classes; 2 weeks and 1 private lesson for $19.99

Split Second Response states that its mission is to empower individuals to defend themselves physically, tactically, and legally through martial arts, firearms training, CPR, and legal education. The program is led by Dr. Timothy Calvin, an educator and law enforcement veteran who is a former SWAT and undercover officer with Oakland and Novato Police Departments, a U.S. Marine Corps HAWK Missile Operator (E-5 Sgt.), an 8th-degree Black Belt in Conditioned Combat, and a three-time law enforcement academy instructor with an Ed.D. in Organizational Change & Administration. The team of instructors has years of experience in law enforcement, the military, and elite-level martial arts, and the facility is fully certified and licensed through the state of California for the BSIS Guard Card Course, offers American Red Cross or HSI-certified training for adults and youth, and provides USCCA CCW permit certification.

Split Second Response describes itself as a licensed tactical training facility that blends hands-on combat skills with legal defense education, firearms training, and career development opportunities. Its programs include Youth Real-World Safety with physical, verbal, and mental tools plus CPR and legal awareness, Conditioned Combat for adults and youth taught by instructors with law enforcement and military backgrounds, and a Security Officer Job Placement Program with 1-day certification and direct job placement for underserved groups. The program also lists free women's self-defense, legal education on California use-of-force laws, tactical firearms and less-lethal training from CCW to tasers and Byrna, a job placement pipeline with BSIS certification and career guidance, and mental conditioning and awareness using tools such as the OODA loop and threat response. Split Second Response notes that its core values are built upon hard work and respect, that it creates a healthy and safe environment, mentors clients to take personal responsibility for their results, and is committed to providing innovative, relevant, sustainable, and accessible martial arts and self-defense programs that empower students for life, while serving Oakley, Brentwood, and surrounding areas.

Parent and student comments mention great, personable, and professional instructors, friendly and flexible staff, and classes for all age groups, including self-defense and firearms training courses. Families describe the academy as a place where multiple generations have trained, and several reviewers recommend the studio to beginners and others, with one noting a positive experience in a CPR class and timely responses to questions.

Last updated April 1, 2026.