Four Pillars Combatives:
Weapons, Grappling, striking, and fitness
Private Lessons |Group Training | Seminars | Fitness TrainingFill Out Form For More Information!
Thank you!
By opting in, you agree to receive periodic text messages & emails from Four Pillars Combatives. Your information will never be shared. Reply STOP to cancel. Standard rates may apply.
Gallery
Four Pillars Combatives (Self Defense)
Four Pillars Combatives delivers reality-based self-defense training originally designed for military, law enforcement, and security professionals, then adapted for civilian use without losing effectiveness. The system blends MMA, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, Kyokushin karate, Eskrima, and functional fitness into one cohesive, pressure-tested training approach.
Training addresses the full spectrum of personal defense—situational awareness, decision-making, striking, clinch fighting, ground survival, and weapons awareness. A strong emphasis is placed on mindset and threat recognition, using concepts like the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) to help students recognize danger early, manage stress, and act decisively under pressure.
Physical training develops effective striking, clinch control, takedowns, positional dominance, escapes, and submissions, along with weapon awareness, improvised tools, and edged-weapon principles. Fitness is integrated into every session to ensure techniques work when fatigued and under stress.
The goal is simplicity, adaptability, and control—providing civilians, first responders, and professionals with practical skills, confidence, and resilience for real-world self-defense situations.
Women's Only Self-defense
Women’s Self-Defense focuses on practical, real-world personal protection. Training covers situational awareness, boundary setting, verbal de-escalation, escapes from common grabs and holds, ground survival, and simple effective striking. The goal is not sport fighting, but learning how to recognize danger early, create distance, escape, and get home safe.
Women’s Self-Defense is offered through workshops/seminars and private lessons.
Workshops and seminars focus on awareness, prevention, and core self-defense skills in a group learning environment.
Private lessons allow for more personalized training, individual scenarios, and skill development at your own pace.
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.
We offer private instruction in:
Four Pillars Combatives
Women's Self-Defense
MMA
Boxing
Muay Thai
Submission Wrestling
Eskrima
Personal Training (Fitness)
Private lessons allow you to train at your own pace, focus on specific skills, improve faster, and receive one-on-one coaching designed specifically for you.
.png)
Why Choose Four Pillars Combatives
Real-World Self-Defense
Four Pillars Combatives focuses on practical self-defense for real situations, not just sport or competition. Training includes striking, grappling, clinch, ground survival, situational awareness, and weapons awareness so students are prepared for real life, not just the gym.
Complete Training System
Our system is built around four essential areas: Striking, Grappling, Weapons, and Fitness. This creates well-rounded students who can strike, control, escape, defend themselves, and stay physically prepared.
Private Lessons, Small Groups, and Seminars
We focus on private instruction and small group training instead of large classes. This allows for more individual attention, faster progress, safer training, and training tailored to your goals and skill level.
Confidence and Mental Toughness
Training builds confidence, discipline, awareness, and the ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure. The goal is not just physical skill, but mindset and confidence.
Functional Fitness With Purpose
Instead of working out just to exercise, training improves strength, conditioning, endurance, and mobility while learning real skills. Fitness becomes a side effect of training.
Training for All Experience Levels
Whether you are a beginner, looking to get in shape, wanting to learn self-defense, or already experienced in martial arts, training is tailored to your level and goals.
Train With Purpose. Train for Real Life.
Whether you are a beginner, looking to get in shape, wanting to learn self-defense, or already experienced in martial arts, training is tailored to your level and goals.
Trusted By Our Members
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the most frequently asked questions about Four Pillars Combatives.
Still haven't found the answer?
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.