Kevin Orvis
Meet Kevin Orvis — Innovator of Backpack Self Defense
Kevin Orvis, the creator of Backpack Self Defense, brings over four decades of experience in martial arts, military service, and law enforcement to his innovative and engaging approach to children’s self-protection. A seventh-degree black belt and Senior Master Instructor, Kevin began his martial arts journey in 1981 and has since dedicated his life to teaching practical, effective self-defense.
Kevin served in the United States military, beginning his service as a radar technician before earning a commission as a Field Artillery Officer. With nine years of military experience, he brings a unique and well-rounded tactical perspective to his teaching, blending discipline, strategy, and real-world readiness.
He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Arizona State University and has served in law enforcement for over 24 years. During his law enforcement career, Kevin has worked as a Field Training Officer, defensive tactics instructor, fitness coach, and Spanish instructor for fellow officers.
Recognizing the unique threats children may face, Kevin designed Backpack Self Defense to empower kids with real-world safety skills—without requiring kicking or punching. Instead, students learn to use their backpacks as protective barriers to create distance and escape danger. The program blends proven self-defense principles with imaginative, dinosaur-inspired techniques that captivate children and make learning memorable.
Kevin’s passion is rooted in the belief that “kids can do great things when they have great things to do.” Through Backpack Self-Defense, he’s made martial arts-based safety education fun, safe, and truly effective for young learners
