David Eaton, Jr. is a US Navy veteran who served from 1994 to 1997 as a Gunner Mate (Guns) aboard the USS Merrimack. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College in 2002, where he was a three-sport captain in indoor/outdoor track and field and football, David began training in Krav Maga in 2006 under Dennis Amato of Krav Maga Boston.
Since then, he has achieved numerous milestones, including earning his Black Belt in 2015, 2nd Dan in 2022, Law Enforcement Certification under Blueline Krav Maga in 2017, and Expert Two Instructor Certification with Alpha Krav Maga International the same year.
David opened his first martial arts school in 2013 and proudly celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2023. He is the owner and lead instructor at South Coast Self Defense in New Bedford, MA. He has also trained in Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Outside of martial arts, David works as an Investigator for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, investigating abuse allegations. Married in 2021 to his wife, April, a seasoned martial artist herself, David enjoys spending time with his two children and sharing his passion for self-defense, fitness, and personal growth through martial arts.
Please join us in welcoming David Eaton as a member of the FIMA Family!