Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Gilmurray.
Hi Lisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my law enforcement career in 1997 and retired in 2022. In college, I never had a desire to go into that profession, but shortly after college, I was a victim of an armed robbery. That traumatic event propelled me into a variety of martial arts, including Karate, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing. With my degree and this training, I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Early on in my career, an article was written about my experience as a victim, martial arts, and as a detective. Once that article was published, communities of all kinds began requesting that I come and present to their groups. As a result, I developed Self-Defense & Empowerment Seminars. I have provided these seminars for nearly thirty years to high schools, colleges, libraries, Girl Scouts, leadership groups, and many more. When I retired in 2022, I made these seminars my business, expanding them into the corporate world as team-building events and educational sessions for “at-risk” professions such as real estate agents.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ironically, the Self-Defense & Empowerment Seminars were never a struggle; however, the path that I was put on to get there was. I never set out to go into law enforcement, let alone create this program. I do believe it was my chosen path to be a victim, struggle through the trauma of that, so I can educate and inspire others with my story.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business is EPOC Fitness, and I train clients in fitness, but I specialize in self-defense seminars, also known as empowerment seminars. I have a black belt in a mixed martial art of Karate, Aikido & traditional jujitsu, and I have a brown belt in Brazilian Jujitsu. The seminars that I have created are different from most, as I not only have martial arts training and experience investigating major crimes, but also the victim’s perspective. My seminars are high-energy and show people how to tap into their inner strength. I teach the use of leverage and angles over “fighting” your way out of a street attack. But most importantly, I teach people how not to become a victim in the first place.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When looking for a mentor, find someone who is passionate about what you do and what you stand for. When networking, know that you don’t need to “click” with everyone you meet. Go to networking events even if you don’t know anyone there. Step outside your comfort zone. Interact with people with the intention of helping them. Give your network time to grow. Growth happens when you nurture relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.epocfitnessnj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epocfitnessnj?utm_source=qr&igsh=MTRzY2QwMDVndHh0NQ==
- Facebook: @epocfitnessnj
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-gilmurray-17ab4a336?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android
