Four Pillars Combatives:
Weapons, Grappling, striking, and fitness
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Four Pillars Self-Defense
Our Self-Defense program is built on the Four Pillars Combatives philosophy — Weapons, Grappling, Striking, and Fitness. You’ll develop practical skills in weapons awareness, defense, and retention; effective grappling, takedowns, and submissions for control and escape; and powerful striking and clinch work to create space and neutralize threats. Each class integrates conditioning and stress-based fitness to ensure you can perform under pressure. Situational awareness — recognizing, assessing, and responding to danger before it escalates — is reinforced through realistic scenarios and progressive training. Designed for all ages and fitness levels, this program will leave you more aware, more capable, and more confident.
Also offer a private women's only self-defense class and workshops.
Eskrima
Eskrima (also called Arnis or Kali) is a Filipino martial art that teaches weapons and empty-hand defense from day one. Known for its functionality and real-world application, Eskrima has been adopted by military and special forces worldwide for its effectiveness under pressure. Training develops sharp reflexes, awareness, and the ability to defend against knives, sticks, and improvised weapons—skills that seamlessly translate to unarmed combat. More than tradition, Eskrima is a complete survival system built to keep you safe.
Muay Thai / Boxing / Kickboxing
Boxing and Muay Thai are dynamic combat sports that emphasize striking, movement, and strategy. Boxing focuses on punches, footwork, and head movement, while Muay Thai, known as the "Art of Eight Limbs," incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and clinch techniques for a versatile striking approach. Four Pillars Combatives is proud to be part of USA Muay Thai, the governing body for amateur and professional Muay Thai in the United States, which promotes the sport's growth, development, and competitive standards.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
In our MMA program students will work on becoming proficient in striking, clinch, takedowns and submissions. It’s a blend of grappling & striking techniques and concepts from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Savate, Lethwei Kickboxing, Dutch Kickboxing, Western Boxing, Filipino Boxing, Freestyle, Folkstyle, Greco-Roman wrestling, with techniques and submissions from shoot wrestling, Judo, Sambo, and Catch wrestling.
Wrestling
Wrestling is a combat sport where participants aim to control or pin their opponents using a range of techniques, including holds, throws, and takedowns. It involves physical strength, technique, and strategy, with different styles emphasizing various techniques and rules.
Submission Wrestling / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Submission wrestling is a wrestling based grappling sport focused on achieving submission holds to force an opponent to concede. The goal is to apply joint locks or chokeholds that make the opponent tap out or verbally submit. Unlike traditional wrestling, submission wrestling allows a wider range of techniques and often incorporates elements from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, catch wrestling, judo, and other grappling arts. It emphasizes technique, leverage, and positional control rather than just pinning or points. Competitions can be won by forcing a submission, and matches may also be decided based on points or judges' decisions if no submission occurs.
Personal Training / Private Lessons
Personal Training/Private Lessons focus on individualized attention tailored to your specific goals, skill level, and needs. These sessions provide customized fitness or martial arts instruction, ensuring proper technique, progress tracking, and a personalized plan for optimal results. They are ideal for those seeking flexibility, privacy, and rapid improvement.
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Why Choose Coach Mark and Four Pillars Combatives?
Im Coach Mark, a martial arts instructor with decades of experience in MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, Submission Wrestling, and Eskrima. I specialize in teaching seminars, private lessons, back yard and small group training.
My philosophy of Four Pillars Combatives focuses on weapons, grappling, striking, and fitness-helping students develop real-world skills, confidence, and peak performance.
The philosophy Behind the Training
Four Pillars Combatives is a complete martial arts philosophy that blends:
Grappling: Control, takedowns, and submission techniques. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, and Submission Wrestling
Striking: Punching, kicking, Elbows, Knees. From Boxing, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing,
Weapons: Bladed, blunt, improvised, and defensive techniques. From Eskrima
Fitness: Strength, conditioning, and functional movement
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Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the most frequently asked questions about Four Pillars Combatives.
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Contact UsWhat is Four Pillars Combatives?
Four Pillars Combatives is a comprehensive training philosophy that integrates grappling, striking, weapons training, and fitness. It aims to develop well-rounded martial artists and enhance overall performance and well-being.
Four Pillars Combatives is a complete martial arts system that blends:
Grappling: Control, takedowns, and submission techniques
Striking: Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and close-quarters striking
Weapons: Bladed, blunt, improvised, and defensive techniques
Fitness: Strength, conditioning, and functional movement
What are the benefits of training in Four Pillars Combatives?
Training in Four Pillars Combatives offers numerous benefits, including: Improved physical fitness and conditioning. Enhanced self-defense skills. Increased mental fortitude and discipline. Development of practical combat skills applicable in real-world scenarios. Opportunities for personal growth and confidence building. Community support and camaraderie among fellow practitioners.
Can I compete in martial arts competitions through Four Pillars Combatives?
Yes, we support and encourage students who wish to compete in martial arts competitions. Our training programs provide a strong foundation for various competitive formats, and we offer additional coaching and preparation for those interested in competing.
Who is the Instructor?
Mark brings a diverse background in security, military service, and as a MMA fighter, alongside roles as a bouncer and corrections officer. His training methods are rooted in discipline, resilience, and professionalism, ensuring every client receives top-tier instruction.Specializing in Muay Thai, boxing, Dutch kickboxing, submission wrestling, and Eskrima, Mark offers tailored programs to enhance martial arts skills and fitness levels. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned practitioner, Mark's focus on physical conditioning and mental fortitude will empower you to achieve your goals.Join Mark for private lessons, group classes, small group sessions, or specialized workshops designed for police, military, security personnel, and everyday carry enthusiasts. Embark on a transformative journey toward excellence with Mark as your guide.
Join Me
Whether your goal is to master martial arts techniques, compete in mma, improve your physical fitness, build mental resilience, or self-defense, Mark is dedicated to helping you achieve success. Join him for a journey of growth, strength, and empowerment.
Do you offer Personal Training?
Yes, we offer personal training in private, semi-private group (2-4), and small group (5-10) settings.
Do you offer Private Lessons?
Yes, we offer private lessons in private, semi-private group (2-4), and small group (5-10) settings.
Do you offer Boot Camps?
Yes, we offer Boot Camps as part of our Four Pillars Combatives fitness programs. Our Boot Camps provide high-intensity workouts focused on strength, conditioning, and overall fitness, and are designed to challenge participants and enhance their physical performance.
What is Submission Wrestling?
Submission wrestling is a grappling-focused discipline that emphasizes controlling and submitting an opponent using various techniques. It combines elements from different styles such as Freestyle Wrestling, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, and Judo. The primary goal is to force an opponent into a position where they must submit, usually through joint locks or chokeholds. It often involves a mix of positional control, transitions, and submission attempts, both on the ground and from standing positions.
What is Eskrima?
Eskrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapon-based combat, particularly with sticks, knives, improvised weapons, and other bladed weapons. It also includes empty-hand techniques and joint locks. The art emphasizes fluidity, agility, and practical applications in self-defense. Practitioners train in various drills and techniques to develop their skills in weapon handling, as well as in counter-attacks and defense strategies.
Do the instructors undergo a background check?
Yes, our instructors are required to pass a background check every 2 years.
Is Sparring Required?
Sparring is not required for all participants, but it is highly encouraged for those looking to advance their skills, especially in Kickboxing and Submission Wrestling, Eskrima, and MMA. Sparring offers valuable real-time experience, helping you to apply techniques in a controlled environment. If you're new or unsure about sparring, we provide introductory sessions to build confidence and ensure you're comfortable before participating. Safety is always our top priority, and all sparring is conducted with proper gear and under close supervision.
What is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai, also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," is a martial art from Thailand that emphasizes the use of eight contact points: fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Unlike other striking arts, Muay Thai incorporates clinching techniques, allowing fighters to control their opponents at close range and deliver powerful strikes. Known for its powerful strikes, conditioning drills, and emphasis on practical self-defense, Muay Thai is widely practiced for fitness, self-defense, and competitive sport. It's a key component in many mixed martial arts (MMA) training programs due to its effectiveness in striking.
Where do you train clients?
I offer flexible training options: at my location, your location, or at an approved public location. Each session is personalized for skill level, fitness, and goals.
What’s the difference between private, semi-private, small group, backyard training, personal fitness training, and seminars/workshops?
Private: One-on-one or two-on-one sessions for fully personalized training focused on your goals, fitness, and skill development.
Semi-private: 3–6 participants, still highly focused and tailored while allowing for group interaction and learning.
Small group: Up to 10 participants, balancing skill-building, technique practice, and fitness in an interactive class environment.
Backyard training: Intensive, no-nonsense sessions for those serious about self-defense and developing a warrior mindset. Focused on real-world skills, situational awareness, conditioning, and practical drills you can rely on.
Seminars/Workshops: Special sessions for schools, corporations, or groups, designed to teach fitness, martial arts skills, and or self-defense, in a structured, educational setting.
Personal fitness training: Individualized fitness sessions designed to improve strength, conditioning, endurance, and overall athletic performance.
Do you offer monthly memberships?
Yes. I offer flexible monthly membership options for group training, giving you consistent access to classes while keeping training affordable. Memberships provide a structured schedule, progress tracking, and priority access to sessions.
Contact us for more details.
What is Backyard Training?
Backyard Training is a group, in-person training held at my location. It’s designed for serious self-defense and combat readiness, combining Striking, Grappling, Weapons, and Fitness from the Four Pillars Combatives philosophy. The focus is on real-world skills, practical techniques, and building the mindset of a warrior in a hands-on, interactive group setting.