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He received His Black Belt in the 70's in Pasadena, California at Ed Parker’s Original Kenpo Karate Studio. Mr. Elwood has been involved in many other styles of Martial Arts for over 40 years. He has participated in all aspects of the Martial Arts including full combat tactics and also holds numerous honors in the fighting art world. From this he has established himself as a highly respected teacher of His art today. In the year 2000 ESDCS, or Elwood’s Self-Defense Combat System, was established in Reno, Nevada. At that time Mr. Barry Elwood had bestowed upon him by his peers the Rank of 10th Degree of his new System. Also known as SSMA "Street Smart Martial Arts".

ESDCS or Elwood's Self-Defense Combat System is an hybrid evolving street combat system that has in truth been evolving continuously over many years, of real-life “experiences”, pressure tested, and ultimately trying to answer that never ending question: “Does it really work?” The value of studying ESDCS for the streets lies in your courage to Adapt to Endure to Persevere as understand yourself better, through progressively evolving knowledge of both your limitations and capabilities. ESDCS dedicated to excellence. By a strict standard, quality control, and testing procedures have been put in place to ensure the highest quality of instruction, and also to preserve the art system being taught. ESDCS is not just a style. It is a process of self-discovery and constant growth. ESDCS purpose is to introduce the practitioner to the basic principles and provide them with the necessary truths of the reality of combat. From here it is up to each individual to expand on that knowledge, to find their own personal expression and discover their own truths. Only by knowing your own strengths and weaknesses can you exploit your opponent’s weaknesses and stay away from their strengths. ESDCS is much more than a collection of techniques and strategies from many different styles and systems. Rather, ESDCS unites diverse styles by identifying central themes like broken rhythm, preserving the centerline, maintaining rhythmic flow and the ability to “fit in” to the opponent’s techniques. ESDCS challenges martial artists to continuously grow, to change and evolve as the times or situation demand. After all, when fighting for your life, there is nothing un sportsman like about gouging the eyes, kicking the groin or legs etc., continues to change and evolve, so do our training methods. ESDCS that to be second to none. No longer do we do our techniques out of static reference points – we do them out of sparring. Practicing techniques principles with threat of a jab to the face or a kick to the legs groin etc. keeps you honest, and better represents the reality of combat in today’s world on the streets.