MUNIO Self Defense co-founders Phil Ventrello (left) and Michele Vorberger (right)
During his career teaching martial arts, Phil Ventrello, a 6th degree black belt Senior Master instructor, strongly felt the need to reach and protect far more people than he would ever be able to do with his own self-defense classes.
He was troubled by the ugly consequences of victimization he witnessed and understood that not everyone wants to commit to the demands of martial arts training. He also knew that many self-defense products can create a false sense of security and have serious real-world limitations.
A lot of them only focus on attacks from the front. But what if you get attacked from another angle – especially from behind? And what good is any self-defense product if you can’t take it wherever you go due to legal restrictions?
After analyzing the problems and weaknesses of other self-defense options and products, he combined his professional skills as a martial artist and graphic designer/illustrator, and invented the MUNIO Self Defense Keychain, (or MUNIO for short). The brand name MUNIO, a Latin word which means “I protect” or “I defend” was chosen because it connects perfectly to his global personal safety mission.
PHOTO:
MUNIO Self Defense co-founders Phil Ventrello (left) and Michele Vorberger (right)
When it came time to put MUNIO to the test, Phil’s better half and co-founder, Michele Vorberger did just that. Using Phil as the testing subject made great couple’s therapy for the both of them! Phil got to aggressively simulate a carefully selected group of common criminal attacks, and in return, Michele got to kick his ass! Coming from a woman with no self-defense background, it confirmed that by simply striking with MUNIO’s point and/or whipping with your keys, MUNIO can effectively disable an attacker so you can escape to safety.
Today, MUNIO has become a trusted tool that is recommended and endorsed by self-defense professionals worldwide. MUNIO’s discreet and appealing looks have made it extremely popular and encourage countless people who are concerned about their personal safety to carry MUNIO with them regularly. This empowers them with a simple, practical, and effective personal safety advantage wherever they go.
PHOTO:
Michele using MUNIO against Phil during a simulated front bear hug attack.
Michele using MUNIO against Phil during a simulated front bear hug attack.
Michele and Phil demonstrating how to use MUNIO against a rear hair grab attack during one of our earliest MUNIO workshops.
As MUNIO’s popularity exploded, so did the requests for classes to practice using MUNIO. To meet that need, Phil and Michele combined his self-defense skills with Michele’s lack of them and developed the MUNIO Self Defense Workshop. The workshop is a safe, fun, and exciting experience that takes your instinctive ability to use MUNIO to an even higher level by combining self-defense education and hands-on practice using MUNIO in simulated attack scenarios.
PHOTO:
Michele and Phil demonstrating how to use MUNIO against a rear hair grab attack during one of our earliest MUNIO workshops.
We realized that if we really wanted to achieve our goals, we couldn’t do it alone. We needed a team of like-minded experts. So, we developed a program for top level self-defense professionals so they could become Certified MUNIO Self Defense Instructors and empower more people in their community with MUNIO.
We are grateful for our growing community of Certified MUNIO Self Defense Instructors throughout the world, comprised of martial artists, law enforcement officers, firearms instructors, military professionals, and the like. Together we are achieving our mission of creating a safer world.
PHOTO:
Certified MUNIO Instructor Bryan Ware (standing far left, back row) poses with female students after teaching them how to use MUNIO during one of his self defense missions in Africa.
Certified MUNIO Instructor Bryan Ware (standing far left, back row) poses with female students after teaching them how to use MUNIO during one of his self defense missions in Africa.
The MUNIO difference:
Effective, versatile, and endorsed
Effective and Versatile
Endorsed by Professionals
Safety, durability, and style:
MUNIO keychain features
Durable and Lightweight
Scratch and Wear-Resistant
MUNIO keychains feature designer artwork fused to their bodies, making them scratch and wear-resistant. Not only do they provide optimal functionality, but they also make a stylish addition to your daily essentials.
Legal and Portable
Carry your MUNIO keychain with confidence wherever you go. It is legal in all states and doesn’t classify as a weapon, allowing you to openly carry it in various settings, including concerts, sports events, schools, and even airplanes.
Supporting the fight against human trafficking and child sexual exploitation
Operation Underground Railroad and The Tim Tebow Foundation are actively fighting against human trafficking and child exploitation and providing support and aftercare for survivors throughout their healing journey.
We are proud to contribute to these organizations whose purpose aligns with our mission to create safer lives and communities.
Making a positive impact:
Supporting victims of human trafficking
Beyond our commitment to personal safety, MUNIO Self Defense is dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. We actively support victims of human trafficking, providing them with the help they need to recover and rebuild their lives. With each MUNIO purchase, you contribute to this important cause.
