Meet the instructor

Jonathan Van Damme 

Founder and Head Instructor

Jonathan Van Damme is a licensed private investigator, conflict management specialist with over 10 years of experience in martial arts and self-defense. As the founder of Global Urban Defense Academy (GUDA), he combines physical training and psychological insights to train individuals and organisation to navigate modern life with confidence and safety.

Jonathan's approach is practical, approachable, and results-driven — every program is designed to turn knowledge into instinct, helping clients respond effectively in real-world situations.

His vision for GUDA is to create a holistic, 360-degree system of protection that equips participants with the skills, mindset, and awareness to feel safe, prepared, and empowered in a wide range of environments.

• Licensed private investigator
• Degree in conflict management
• Certified Krav Maga instructor
• Degree in Sport Psychology 

With Direct frontline corporate experience across Accenture and Teleperformance, Jonathan understands the exact pressures of modern BPO and high-stress environments. His background spans content moderation, investigating complex online scams, analyzing sensitive child exploitation material, and serving as a Customer Service Expert. This rare combination of top-tier corporate operational experience, investigative rigor, and conflict de-escalation allows him to deliver high-impact training tailored to real-world workplace friction while maintaining the understanding of the business environment.