Jason Ellis on Life Experience, Personal Safety, and Why Byrna Matters

Jason Ellis on Life Experience, Personal Safety, and Why Byrna Matters

Jason Ellis has lived a life shaped by experience. As a professional skateboarder, fighter, comedian, and media personality, he’s spent decades around high-risk environments and real-world conflict. That background gives him a grounded, honest perspective on personal safety—and why preparation matters.

“I’ve seen some mean people get away with stuff,” Ellis said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m more affected by the crimes of humanity than the average person.”

That mindset is what made his introduction to Byrna so impactful.

Discovering Byrna: A Smarter Way to Defend Yourself

Ellis first learned about Byrna through a friend backstage after a show. Like many people—especially those living in California—he didn’t realize a non-lethal self-defense launcher like Byrna was even an option.

“I was shocked,” Ellis said. “I didn’t know something like this existed. I didn’t know you could legally carry it.”

Byrna stood out immediately because it filled a major gap: a powerful, effective self-defense option that doesn’t rely on lethal force and is legal to carry in many places where traditional firearms are restricted.

“As someone who’s been around violence, I never would have imagined this,” Ellis explained. “All my ideas were physical—fight back, use whatever you can. Byrna is a way better idea than anything I came up with.”

Real-World Protection Without Lethal Force

Ellis didn’t sugarcoat reality. In a real confrontation, size and strength often determine outcomes.

“What do you do when someone has 80 pounds on you and is attacking you for no reason?” he asked.

That’s where Byrna comes in. Byrna launchers are designed to create distance, stop a threat, and give you time to escape—without requiring hand-to-hand combat or deadly force.

“It’s about stopping the situation and getting away,” Ellis said. “Run to a store. Get to your car. Get somewhere safe.”

For Ellis, Byrna represents a calmer, more confident way to move through the world.

“It’s a more relaxing way to live your life,” he said. “If someone does step up, they’re not going to get what they want.”

Why Byrna Is About Protecting the People You Love

The conversation became deeply personal when Ellis talked about his girlfriend and his daughter.

“I want my girlfriend to have Byrna on her all the time,” he said. “I pray she never has to use it, but if she ever does, I want her to have something that gives her a real chance to get away.”

Giving his daughter a Byrna was one of the most meaningful moments of his life.

“That was one of the most important, gratifying days I’ve ever had,” Ellis shared.

For Ellis, Byrna isn’t about fear—it’s about responsibility. It’s about giving the people you care about a tool that helps level the playing field when the odds are stacked against them.

“I’d give one to everyone I care about,” he added. “If I’m giving it to you, you better have it with you wherever you go.”

Byrna’s Mission: Confidence, Distance, and Peace of Mind

Byrna exists to give everyday people a safer option for self-defense—one that prioritizes escape, distance, and peace of mind over escalation.

Jason Ellis’s story reflects exactly why Byrna was created: to offer protection when physical strength isn’t enough, and to empower people to live their lives with confidence, not fear.

Because the best outcome in any dangerous situation is getting home safely.