Today we’d like to introduce you to Malvin Traylor
Hi Malvin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started at a very young age in martial arts, started in Kung Fu, Then went to Tae Kwon Do.. Did well I then took on American Kickboxing, Then to Reality based combatives
38 + Years of Martial Arts and Hand to Hand combative and Defensive Tactics experience.
TCLEOSE Certified Law Enforcement Instructor
Certified Pistol Instructor N.R.A.
Shotgun Instructor
Carbin Instructor
Tactical Firearms Instructor
A.L.E.R.T. Civilian Active Shooter train the trainer Instructor
CPR/ BLS Instructor
Stop the Bleed Instructor
Level 3 / Commissioned Officer Certified Instructor
L 4 Personal Protection Certified Instructor
Fugitive Recovery Instructor
V.I.P.E.R. / S.E.A.R. Instructor
V.I.P.E.R. / S.E.A.R. Commander
Commissioned Security Officer
Private Investigator
Mr.Traylor is certified through the State of Texas More state certification are forth coming
Induction – in the Martial Arts Hall Fame IIMAA
Induction – in the GNOPRBFI for R.B.I. of the Year
P.F.S.. – Certified Phase 1 Instructor – Under Paul Vunak
P.F.S.. – C.E.I. Certified Instructor – Under Paul Vunak
P.F.S. – Certified Edge Weapon Instructor under Paul Vunak
Apache Knife Fighting instructor
Certified Instructor – S.T.A.R. Method – Paul Green
Certified Defender Instructor – Peter Brusso/Paul Green
Instructor level 3 – Filipino Combatives – Hochheim
Instructor level 3 – Unarmed Combatives Course – Hochheim
Instructor level 3 – Kempo Karate-jujitsu – Hochheim
Instructor level 6 – Advanced Gun counter gun combatives – Hochheim
Instructor level 3 – Pacific archipelgo combatives which are Single Cane ,cane Knife,Double Cane ,Knife,Double Edge
Weaponry,Mano Mano/ Silat,Karate/ Kenpo,Jujitsu – under Hochheim
Recognized Instructor – Defense Tactics “ICSDA”
Recognized Instructor – Close Quarter Combat “ICSDA”
Recognized Instructor – Combat Martial Arts “ICSDA”
1st Dan – Hap-Ki Do
1st Dan – Kenpo
1st Dan – Black Arts Close Quarter Combat
1st Dan – Jui-Jitsu
2nd Dan – Tae Kwon Do
Black Sash – Palm YE Kung Fu
C.P.R. / B.L.S. – Certified
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey for Apex Tactical Institute and Dark Gift Combat has been far from smooth, especially during the tumultuous period marked by COVID-19 and economic hardships across the country. The pandemic brought strict closures and social distancing measures, severely impacting the ability to conduct in-person training sessions vital to law enforcement, security professionals, and civilians alike. For organizations focused on delivering hands-on, situational training, these restrictions posed significant operational challenges. At the same time, the economic downturn created additional obstacles, as many clients—whether individuals seeking personal safety skills or agencies investing in officer preparedness—faced financial constraints and budget cuts.
Despite these setbacks, both institutions demonstrated resilience by adapting to the shifting landscape. They explored virtual training options and refined course structures to provide value even amidst limitations.
The commitment to assisting law enforcement officers, security personnel, and civilians with critical skills remained unwavering, proving that innovation and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
We’ve been impressed with Apex Tactical Institute, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Apex Tactical Institute and Dark Gift Combat Fighting System mission is to set the standard for excellence in Reality-Based Combatives / Defensive Tactics and Tactical Firearms Training, with a specialized focus on navigating the challenges posed by today’s increasingly unpredictable urban environments. In cities across the globe, including our own communities, rising crime and violence have become a pressing reality, creating a need for practical, adaptable, and highly effective training that empowers individuals to protect themselves, their families, and others.
We are embracing a path of responsibility, commitment, and innovation. Every program we develop is designed to ensure that those we train are equipped with the skills, mindset, and confidence to Prepare, Protect and prevail in real-world confrontations, we offer TRUTH IN COMBAT.
Our approach bridges the gap between theory and application, preparing individuals to
handle high-stress scenarios such as assaults, armed confrontations, and active threats with
precision and clarity. In urban areas where crime often unfolds unpredictably—whether in
parking lots, public transit, or crowded streets—our training addresses the realities of
modern threats. We focus on teaching situational awareness, conflict de-escalation, and the
ability to engage effectively across multiple combat ranges. From unarmed self-defense to
edge weapon, blunt force weapon, improvise weapon and weapons of opportunity and basic
to advanced tactical firearms skills, our methods are tailored to the complex dynamics of
urban violence.
We work tirelessly to uphold and refine a curriculum that reflects the highest standards of
practical readiness, adaptability, and effectiveness. We integrate lessons from real-world
encounters, modern law enforcement, and military operations to ensure our doctrine remains
dynamic and relevant.
Ultimately, Apex Tactical Institute and Dark Gift Combat Fighting System we aim to cultivate a culture of preparedness, accountability, and resilience. Our mission is not just to teach Reality-Based Combatives / Defensive Tactics and Tactical Firearms Training skills but to empower individuals with the tools and mindset to thrive in today’s urban landscape.
Whether faced with an immediate threat or navigating the ongoing challenges of urban crime, those trained under our system carry the confidence and capability to rise above and protect what matters most.
What matters most to you? Why?
hhhmmmm…. What matters most to us at Apex Tactical Institute and Dark Gift Combat is empowering individuals—whether they are law enforcement officers, security professionals, or civilians—with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate real-world threats effectively. This mission is grounded in the belief that preparedness not only saves lives but also builds stronger, safer communities.
We understand that the moments when danger strikes are unpredictable and unforgiving. For law enforcement officers, it can mean the split-second decisions that ensure their safety and the safety of those they serve. For security professionals, it’s about being the frontline guardians in an ever-evolving landscape of risks. For civilians, it’s the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones in situations they never imagined facing. This sense of purpose drives everything we do—crafting realistic, hands-on training that mirrors the unpredictability of real life and delivers the tools necessary to respond with precision and confidence.
Why does this matter? Because when people are prepared, they have the power to act decisively in the face of uncertainty. They become not just protectors of themselves but pillars of safety within their communities. It matters because we’ve seen firsthand how effective training can mean the difference between chaos and control, vulnerability and resilience, survival and tragedy. At the heart of our work is the unshakable commitment to equipping individuals with the mindset, tactics, and tools they need to prevail when it matters most.
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