Award Given:
Dale Craig Simmons: Best Martial Arts Instructor for Military Personnel in the U.S. of 2025
Best of Best Review proudly announces Dale Craig Simmons as the recipient of the Best Martial Arts Instructor for Military Personnel in the U.S. of 2025 award. A highly respected Marine Corps veteran and the founder of the Counter-Sambo combat course, Simmons's name has become synonymous with elite hand-to-hand combat training for military personnel. His contributions to modern combat training have revolutionized how soldiers prepare for physical confrontations, offering a comprehensive system that blends practical, real-world techniques with psychological and tactical expertise.

A Life Built on Combat
Simmons's journey into martial arts began under challenging circumstances. Born into hardship, he faced physical abuse, bullying, and adversities that would break most people. However, it was during a near-death beating at the age of 9 that Simmons vowed to master the art of combat. His determination and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped every aspect of his life.
With firsthand experience in over 40 physical, mental, and spiritual confrontations, Simmons developed his own methods of combat based on practicality, efficiency, and real-world application. His Counter-Sambo course, which blends Russian military hand-to-hand combat techniques with his personal innovations, has earned recognition for its effectiveness in training military personnel.
The Evolution of Counter-Sambo
Simmons's Counter-Sambo combat course was developed in response to the growing threat posed by Soviet-trained soldiers skilled in Sambo techniques. Understanding the need for effective self-defense, Simmons set out to create a course that would enable Marines to defend themselves against these highly trained adversaries.
His program, focused on practical, real-world scenarios, has become well-regarded for its adaptability. It teaches combat skills that can be applied in a wide range of situations, from close-quarters combat to more complex tactical situations. Simmons worked diligently to ensure that his techniques were effective not just for physical combat, but also for preparing military personnel mentally for the challenges they would face.
Overcoming Obstacles
Simmons’s path to success was not without its obstacles. He faced challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, interpersonal conflicts, and personal confrontations, but his perseverance and dedication helped him overcome these difficulties. These experiences also reinforced his belief that martial arts training should not only focus on physical techniques but also on the mental fortitude required to excel in high-pressure situations.
A Legacy of Teaching and Inspiration
Beyond his skills as a combat instructor, Simmons is deeply committed to mentoring and guiding those who wish to improve both physically and mentally. His life story is one of persistence and growth, and he has had a profound impact on many students who have had the privilege of training under him.
Simmons’s dedication to improving the training of military personnel was evident when he offered his Counter-Sambo course to the Marine Corps, hoping to provide valuable skills to a larger number of servicemen. His commitment to ensuring that his fellow Marines were prepared for the realities of combat speaks to his deep sense of responsibility.
Customer Testimonials: Recognizing Excellence
Simmons’s reputation as an instructor is well-established. According to 1st Lt. D. Kraus, “SSgt Simmons is the only person that I have ever seen that has a reasonable and truly effective answer to the Marine Corps' need for unarmed combat training.” Kraus commended Simmons’s ability to combine insights from psychology and physics, providing comprehensive and effective lessons that are highly valued within military circles.
The Path Ahead
Looking to the future, Simmons remains committed to sharing his knowledge with a wider audience. His LIFE OF COMBAT autobiography and audiobook have the potential to inspire not only military personnel but also those interested in martial arts and self-defense. As he continues to develop his training techniques, Simmons’s message remains clear: Never quit, never give up, and always pursue your dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Simmons’s legacy as a martial arts innovator and instructor stands as a testament to his dedication and expertise. For those seeking the highest level of training in hand-to-hand combat, Dale Craig Simmons continues to be a leading figure in the field.
You can learn more about Dale Craig Simmons and his Counter-Sambo course at www.lifeofcombat.com.
Pros:
Extensive real-world combat experience.
Successfully developed a comprehensive combat course for military personnel.
Combines psychological insights with practical techniques.
Focuses on effective, real-world combat training.
Recognized for inspiring students to excel in combat and personal growth.
Customer Reviews:
“SSgt Simmons has proven himself to be a master of martial arts and unarmed combat, offering real-world solutions and training that are unparalleled in the Marine Corps.” — D. Kraus, 1st Lt.
“The Counter-Sambo course has had a significant impact on our Marines, and SSgt Simmons’s methods are practical, effective, and easy to implement.” — Marine Corps Instructor.
Website: www.lifeofcombat.com
Best of Best Review
Best of Best Review is the leading award-giving body for businesses and organizations, and we take great pride in recognizing the best of the best.