Meet Our Instructors

Chief Instructor Chet Barnett

Director / Chief Instructor
KMICO / KMILA
45+ Years of Martial Arts, Self-Defense, Military & Law Enforcement Training Experience

Chet Barnett is the Director and Chief Instructor of Evolve Krav Maga. With more than 45 years of martial arts, self-defense, military, and law enforcement training experience, Chet brings a rare depth of knowledge to every class he teaches.

His background includes traditional martial arts, boxing, Krav Maga, Kapap, padded assailant training, law enforcement defensive tactics, firearms instruction, and military security experience. His teaching style is rooted in practical, real-world self-defense — helping students develop confidence, awareness, and the ability to protect themselves under pressure.

Chet has trained civilians, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals across a wide range of defensive tactics and combative systems.

Martial Arts & Self-Defense Background

Chet began his boxing and martial arts journey at a young age, training through AAU Boxing from 1968–1971 with N.O.R.D. / P.A.L. He began martial arts and self-defense training in 1972 through USBBA.

His martial arts ranks include:

  • 1st Degree Black Belt — Tae Kwon Do

  • 2nd Degree Black Belt — Tae Kwon Do

  • 3rd Degree Black Belt — Tae Kwon Do

  • 4th Degree Black Belt — Tae Kwon Do

  • 5th Degree Black Belt — Lung Shou Pai Kung Fu

Krav Maga, Kapap & Defensive Tactics Certifications

Chet has earned advanced certifications and expert-level credentials through multiple respected Krav Maga and defensive tactics organizations, including:

  • Krav Maga Certified Expert / Black Belt — KMI

  • Krav Maga Certified Expert / Black Belt — KMWW

  • Kapap Certified Expert / Black Belt — Kapap Academy

  • Krav Maga Certified G5 / Advanced — IKMF

  • Krav Maga Certified Expert 2 — AIKMA

  • Krav Maga Certified Instructor / Advanced — KMG

Law Enforcement, Protection & Tactical Instructor Certifications

Chet’s instructor certifications also include law enforcement, executive protection, firearms, and padded assailant training:

  • Krav Maga Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, Basic — KMWW

  • Krav Maga Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, Advanced — KMWW

  • Krav Maga Law Enforcement Instructor, Basic — IKMF

  • Krav Maga Law Enforcement Instructor, Advanced — IKMF

  • Krav Maga Certified V.I.P. Executive Protection — AIKMA

  • Kapap Certified Law Enforcement Instructor — Kapap Academy

  • R.M.C.A.T. Padded Assailant Instructor

  • F.A.S.T. Defense Padded Assailant Instructor

  • I.S.K.A. Certified Promoter & Kickboxing Instructor

  • NRA Certified Handgun / Rifle Instructor

  • Israeli Tactical Point Shooting Instructor

Military Experience

Chet is a U.S. Air Force Veteran with Security Police experience.

His military background includes Certificates of Commendation connected to Operation Iraqi Freedom and training or service experience involving:

  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing — Balad, Iraq

  • 90th Security Forces Peacekeeper — U.S. Air Force, Warren AFB

  • 10th Special Forces Group — Fort Carson, Colorado

  • U.S. Air Force Academy — Colorado Springs

  • U.S. Marine Corps — New Orleans, Louisiana

  • U.S. Navy — Algiers, Louisiana

Law Enforcement Training Experience

Chet has worked with officers and departments including:

  • Jefferson Parish Police Department

  • New Orleans Police Department

  • Denver Police Department

  • Littleton Police Department

  • Jefferson County Police Department

  • Larimer County Sheriff’s Department

  • Colorado State University Police Department

  • Minnesota State Police Department

  • Chicago Police Department

  • Weld County Police Department

Why Train With Chet?

Chet’s approach to training is direct, practical, and experience-based. His goal is not just to teach techniques, but to help students understand what works under stress, how to stay calm in dangerous situations, and how to develop real confidence in their ability to protect themselves.

Whether you are brand new to self-defense or have years of martial arts experience, Chet’s classes are designed to help you grow stronger, safer, and more prepared.