LISA GILMURRAY, B.S., M.A.S, FOUNDER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Lisa Gilmurray is the Founder and Lead Instructor of EPOC Fitness and a retired Detective Lieutenant with more than two decades of law enforcement experience investigating violent crime. Throughout her career, she developed deep expertise in situational awareness, defensive tactics, and personal safety strategies that she now brings to individuals, organizations, and communities through EPOC’s self-defense and empowerment programs.
Lisa began her law enforcement career in 1997 at the New Jersey State Police Academy and later served in several investigative units, including the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit and the Fugitive Unit. She was eventually assigned to the Somerset County Police Academy, where she supervised recruit training and instructed physical fitness and defensive tactics programs, helping prepare the next generation of law enforcement officers.
Her passion for empowerment is rooted in a personal experience as the survivor of an armed assault earlier in life. That moment became a defining turning point and ultimately inspired her mission to teach others how to recognize danger, trust their instincts, and respond effectively in threatening situations.
Through EPOC Fitness, Lisa provides self-defense training, situational awareness education, and safety programs for individuals, corporate teams, schools, and community organizations. Her programs emphasize real-world strategies for threat assessment, distance management, and practical techniques designed to help people avoid becoming victims and safely disengage from dangerous situations.
Lisa holds a black belt in mixed martial arts, incorporating karate, aikido, and jujitsu, and a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She is also a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, allowing her to integrate physical conditioning with tactical awareness and mental preparedness.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Marist College, a Certificate in Criminal Justice from Seton Hall University, and a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Lisa’s philosophy is simple: safety begins with awareness, preparation, and confidence. Through EPOC Fitness, she is committed to empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge, mindset, and practical skills needed to navigate the world with greater confidence and personal security.
CREDENTIALS & EXPERTISE:
- Retired Detective-Lieutenant, Somerset County Prosecutors Office
- Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts (Karate, Aikido, and Jujitsu)
- Brown Belt in Brazilian Jujitsu
- Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach
- Certified in Meditation and Stress Reduction Techniques
- Certified Tabata Instructor
Foster abbate, instructor
Foster Abbate is a personal trainer, boxing coach, and self-defense instructor with a lifelong background in martial arts and fitness training. Having grown up in a health and wellness environment, Foster began training in mixed martial arts at the age of ten and has continued developing his skills in disciplines including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, and strength training.
As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Foster works with clients through both one-on-one and small group training sessions, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs designed to build strength, endurance, and overall fitness. His approach focuses on creating challenging but achievable programs that help clients steadily progress toward their goals.
Foster has also been involved in self-defense instruction since 2008, assisting in seminars and training programs that teach practical techniques and situational awareness skills. In addition to working with adults, he enjoys coaching youth boxing and self-defense, helping young athletes develop confidence, discipline, and physical capability.
Through EPOC Fitness, Foster provides personal training, boxing instruction, and self-defense training, including in-home sessions for individuals and small groups. His passion for fitness and coaching is rooted in helping clients become stronger, more confident, and better prepared both physically and mentally.
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