By Grant Bevins on May 4, 2025

In the heart of New Hampshire, where small towns meet big ambition, John Orlen is helping people rewrite their personal safety stories. As the founder of Beyond The Ring Defense System, John has spent the past seven years providing specialized self-defense training for people of all ages. His mission is simple: keep people safe and give them the tools to protect themselves in real-world situations.
What makes Beyond The Ring unique? It’s not your typical martial arts class held in a gym or studio. John brings training directly to his clients—wherever they are. That could mean teaching nightclub security staff on-site, working with real estate agents in their offices, or hosting personal defense courses in community spaces. By training in real-life environments, clients learn how to navigate unpredictable scenarios with confidence.

This hands-on, mobile approach reflects John’s core belief: personal protection is about more than just knowing a few moves. It’s about awareness, adaptability, and learning to stay safe under pressure. His training covers everything from anti-abduction techniques for children to situational defense strategies for adults.
John’s journey into the world of self-defense wasn’t accidental. With over 20 years in the security industry and a lifetime in martial arts, he’s cultivated a deep understanding of what works in high-stress situations. His passion is fueled by the legacy of his mentor, who inspired him to create something practical, powerful, and focused on real-world safety. That legacy continues to guide every class he teaches.
While Beyond The Ring is based in the Rochester-Dover area, John’s reach spans across all of New Hampshire. He travels to train individuals, families, and professionals wherever the need arises. His goal? Make top-quality personal defense training accessible and convenient.
From young kids learning to avoid danger to adults seeking practical protection skills, John’s programs are designed for everyone. He tailors each training session to meet the specific needs of the group, making sure the content is both accessible and actionable. And for groups of five or more, Beyond The Ring offers special discounts, ensuring affordability doesn’t stand in the way of safety.
John isn’t just a business owner—he’s a community advocate. In the past, he’s provided support for women affected by domestic violence, including offering court escorts and teaching free defense courses. He sees safety as a shared responsibility and works hard to give back whenever possible.
Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, John made his way to New Hampshire through Massachusetts. While he admits he could do without the snow, he has a deep appreciation for the people and the peaceful surroundings of the Granite State. It’s a place where he’s been able to grow his business and build meaningful relationships through his work.
For John, teaching is not just about defense—it’s about empowerment. When he’s not running classes, you’ll find him staying sharp by training, playing basketball, or mentoring future instructors. His long-term vision? To bring Beyond The Ring to more communities across the country, offering high-impact training to anyone who wants to feel more secure in their day-to-day lives.
You can follow Beyond The Ring Defense System on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest classes, tips, and community events. If you’re ready to learn how to stay safer in everyday situations, John is just a message away.
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