“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Christian Self Defense
Grace Martial Arts believes that Christians have a right to defend themselves, their families and people in danger. We see no law, principle or suggestion in the Bible against Christians defending themselves or someone in danger. In fact, God gives parents, lawmakers and governments the responsibility to defend themselves and other law-abiding citizens against attacks. That’s why cities, counties and states hire law enforcement officers and nations build military divisions: to defend themselves against criminal attack. It is well within the right of every citizen to defend themself within the parameters of the laws of the individual states and country.
Fighting and self-defense are not the same thing. Fighting because of greed, jealousy or the desire to dominate or harm another person is wrong. GMAF teaches students to defend rather than fight. The word defend means “to make or keep safe from danger, attack, or harm.”
The sole purpose of self-defense is to protect your life or the life of someone in your family or an innocent person who is in danger from attack or harm. That is well within the framework of God’s Word and Will.
Grace Martial Arts
Grace Martial Arts has developed special self-defense classes to help Christian families, churches, schools, organizations and businesses in a world growing more violent every day. Unfortunately, some of that violence is aimed at Christians and the Christian community. It is our desire to help every Christian learn how to defend themselves and their family.
Sensei Mark McGee has been involved in martial arts training since 1961 and began teaching in 1964. He became a Christian in 1971 and started teaching martial arts from a Christian perspective. He joined Judo and Karate For Christ in 1972 and started Grace Martial Arts in 1990. Mr. McGee teaches programs that emphasize “Saved and Safe.” Being “saved” means knowing you are saved from sin by the Blood of Jesus Christ and will go to heaven because of His Resurrection from the grave. Being “safe” means knowing how to defend yourself and others physically.
GMA teaches the proven Three-Zone Defense System developed by Christian pastor, missionary and martial arts expert Robert Xavier. Some of the self-defense classes available through Grace Martial Arts in Alabama and Florida include:
Yon Ch’uan Martial Arts
- Weekly classes
- White belt to Black belt
program - Special emphasis on practical
and age-appropriate self-defense
Three Zone Defense
- Zone Three Defenses
- Zone Two Defenses
- Zone One Defenses
Self-defense for Children
- Defense at Home
- Defense in the Neighborhood
- Defense at School
- Defense at Stores
- Defense in Public (including
parking lots and garages) - Defense Against Aggravated
Assault - Defense Against Bullies
- How to Avoid Violence
Self-defense for Teens
- Defense at Home
- Defense in the Neighborhood
- Defense in Cars
- Defense at School
- Safety on the College Campus
- Defense at Stores
- Defense at Work
- Defense in Public (including
parking lots and garages) - Defenses Against Aggravated
Assault - Defenses Against Robbery
- Defenses Against Rape
- How to Use Personal Security
Devices - How to Use ATM and Credit
Cards Safely - How to Avoid Violence (including
road rage)
Self-defense for Women
- Defending Your Children
- Defense at Home
- Defense in Cars
- Defense at Work
- Defense for the Business
Traveler - Defense in Public (including
parking lots and garages) - Defenses Against Aggravated
Assault - Defenses Against Robbery
- Defenses Against Rape
- How to Use Personal Security
Devices - How to Use ATM and Credit
Cards Safely - How to Avoid Violence (including
road rage)
Self-defense for Men
- Defending Your Wife
- Defending Your Children
- Defense at Home
- Defense in Cars
- Defense at Work
- Defense for the Business
Traveler - Defense in Public (including
parking lots and garages) - Defenses Against Aggravated
Assault - Defenses Against Robbery
- Defending Your Church
- How to Use ATM and Credit
Cards Safely - How to Avoid Violence (including
road rage)
Self-defense for Families
- Defending Family Members
- Defense at Home
- Defense in the Neighborhood
- Defense in Public (including
parking lots and garages) - Defending Your Church
- How to Use Personal Security
Devices - How to Use ATM and Credit
Cards Safely - Defense Against Con Artists
- Defense Against Hate Crimes
- How to Avoid Violence (including
road rage)
Self-defense for Senior Citizens
- Three Zone Defense
- Defense in Your Home
- Defense in Public
- Defense During Travel
- Defense Against Con Artists
- How to Avoid Violence (including
road rage) - Defending Against Falls
Safety for the Physically Disabled
- Three Zone Defense
- Defense in Your Home
- Defense in Public
- Defense During Travel
- How to Avoid Violence (including
road rage) - Defense Against Con Artists
Self-defense for the Visually Impaired
- Three Zone Defense
- Defense in Your Home
- Defense in Public
- Defense During Travel
- How to Avoid Violence
Self-defense for Churches
- Protecting Church Members
- Defense for Church Staff
- How to Avoid Violence
- Protecting Church Property
Self-defense for Christian Schools
- Protecting Students and Parents
- Defense for School Staff
- How to Avoid Violence
- Protecting School Property
How Not to Become a Victim of Crime
- How to Avoid Violence
- Defenses Against Aggravated
Assault - Defenses Against Robbery
- Defenses Against Rape
What To Do If You Become a Victim of Crime
- The Rights of Crime Victims
- The Needs of Crime Victims
If you would like more information about GMAF Christian self-defense classes in Alabama or Florida, please contact Mark McGee at gracemartialarts1@gmail.com.
© 1990-2023 Grace Martial Arts
Grace Martial Arts 
Good Morning,
I would like to get more information on your self defense classes, locations, times and cost. Thank you, Diane Davis
Hi, Diane! Grace Martial Arts meets on Mondays at 6pm during the school year (September – May) at Seminole Heights Baptist Church, 801 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. Classes are free. The new school year begins September 9th. Thanks! Mark McGee
Our group does Fitness for the special needs community, we are in the Cleveland Ohio area. Looking for self defense component to this. We are faith based and pray after every workout.
Hi, Tony! So nice to hear from you. Suggest you contact Leslie Sowl at High Reaches Hapkido Club in Ashland, Ohio. Her email address is Leslie@HighReachesKarate.com
She may know someone in the Cleveland area who could help you.
Blessings!
Sensei Mark McGee
Do you have a branch in Mumbai India?
Hi, Jennifer. No, we don’t have a branch in Mumbai. I’ll look for other Christian programs in your area and let you know what I find.
Thanks!
Mark McGee
GMAF
Hello my brother, thank you for being a godly man with your skills and abilities. I am the owner of Genesis Black Belt Academy in Memphis, TN. I’ve been learning martial arts since I was about 7 years old, and teaching Taekwondo since 1984. It’s refreshing to see other Christian martial arts Instructors giving God’s people the truth about self defense.
Sr. Master Hawkins
Thank you, sir. God has given us a great opportunity to teach a much-needed physical skill from a Christian perspective. It is a great joy and privilege. Thank you for what you are doing in Memphis.
Hello Sir, I see that you are a Christian martial arts teacher. I have a doubt. I am a practicing Christian from india. I really love martial arts and I badly wanna learn that. Can a practicing Christian learn it? They all say about stuffs like eastern spirits and occult and many like that. Can u please gimme an explanation?
Hi, Shamini. So nice to hear from you. We recommend Christians study martial arts with a Christian teacher. If you cannot find a Christian instructor near you, carefully select an instructor who doesn’t emphasize a false religion or occult/New Age in class. Please let us know if we can help you as you select a martial art to study. Thanks! Sensei Mark McGee, Grace Martial Arts
Hello, do you have or know of a Christian self-defense course in the Denver area?
Hi, Bret. We do not personally know an instructor in the Denver area, but here are some schools you might contact for more information. If they are located too far from where you live, they may know about a Christian school closer to you. Thank you! Grace Martial Arts
Omega Martial Arts – http://omegamartialarts.com/
The Freedom School – http://www.freedomschool.com/
Faith Martial Arts – http://www.faithmartialarts.com/
Blessings!
Mark McGee
Grace Martial Arts
Hi there! Is there anyway to be connected to a Christian instructor in Miami, fl? I’m hosting a conference – there will be many teen girls and I would like for them to learn basic defense skills against rape.
Greetings! Please check into teachers in your area from this link – http://www.karateforchrist.com/karate_054.htm
Blessings!
Grace Martial Arts
Anything in Southsea, Portsmouth. Or near by. It’s for my 9 year old grandson.
Hi, Elisabeth! We don’t know of a Christian school near Southsea, but you might contact Colin or David Hardman at the location listed in the link below to see what they may know. Thanks!
http://www.karateforchrist.com/karate_032.htm
Dear Sirs: I am looking for a Christian martial arts program for my 6 & 10 year old. Thank you
Hi, Cheryl! Where do you live? We’ll be glad to help.
Thanks!
Mark McGee
Grace Martial Arts
Mr McGee,
I have 2 grandsons,5 & 7, and I would like to find a class for them in Stow,Ohio would you know of any?
Thank you for what God has led you to do,
Bill
Hi, Bill! Nice to hear from you.
Here are some Christian instructors in Ohio. They may know of someone in your area:
Ohio
Ashland
Leslie Sowl
http://www.highreacheskarate.com
High Reaches Hapkido Club
Address: 107 East Main Street,
Lower Level, Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: 419-289-8771
Ohio
Findlay
Craig Spieker
Champion Karate Center
e-mail: champion-karate@att.net
Phone: 419-348-9944
Hours: Varies, call for information.
Ohio
Garfield Heights
Sabunim Edwin Padro
Warriors of God Korean Martial Arts
For information:
216-903-8418
edwinpadrojr@gmail.com
Ohio
Greenville
Daniel Wittler
Wittler’s Black Belt Academy
Sport Tae Kwon Do
Phone: 937-459-5091
http://www.wbba.vze.com
wittlersblackbeltacademy@gmail.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Thank you for writing! So nice to hear of your interest to help your grandsons.
Blessings!
Mark McGee
Grace Martial Arts
Hi, do you know if any places near Wallace, NC. I have two preschoolers… Is that too young?
Hi, Bobbie! Nice to hear from you. Take a look at these Christian martial arts schools in North Carolina to see if there’s one near you – http://www.karateforchrist.com/karate_046.htm
Pre-schoolers are not too young to enroll in classes taught specifically for young children. It can be a positive experience for them.
Thanks!
Sensei Mark McGee
Grace Martial Arts
Hi Sensei Mark McGee-
I wanted to know if you have any Christian Martial Arts going on in the East Bay (in the Bay Area of California)—Specifically Fremont, Newark….Hayward……
Do you know of anything? I would like to sign up a teenage girl who has a history of being attacked.
It would be great if you could let me know of any resources out here.
Thank you so much!
Blessings-
Greta
Hi, Greta! So nice to hear from you. Grace Martial Arts does not have a program in your area, so I searched for other Christian programs in your area. Unfortunately, I haven’t found any yet. I’ll continue to search and let you know if I find a program near you. We have some videos about women’s self defense that you can see on our YouTube channel. They may be of some benefit for your friend. We will be praying for her. Sensei Mark McGee
Do you know any Christian martial arts in Chicago?
Hi, Sally! So nice to hear from you. Here are some of the Christian martial arts programs we are familiar with in the Chicago area. I am also reaching out to some friends who may have other recommendations. Thank you for contacting Grace Martial Arts! Sensei Mark McGee
Master’s Martial Arts Academy
P.O. Box 5622
Naperville, IL 60567-5622
Phone: (630)567-9188 Pastor Dave
Schaumburg Christian School Martial Arts Class
200 N. Roselle Road
Schaumburg IL 60194
[Your child may have to be a student at the school]
Kids Christ-Centered Combat
2800 Black Road
Joliet, IL
(815) 342-3538
Hi, I was interested in classes for my son and/or daughter. When are classes offered and the cost?
Thanks
Hi, Kristen! Nice to hear from you. Let me know where you live and we’ll look at what Christian schools are near you.
Thanks!
Sensei Mark McGee
Grace Martial Arts
anything in chandler, az
Greetings! Grace Martial Arts does not have a program in Chandler, but we have heard of a Christian instructor at Chandler Martial Arts Center on N Alma School Rd. We believe his name is Marlon Moore. We don’t know if he is still teaching at the school, but you might call to see if they have a Christian program. Hope this helps!
Hello,
Thanks for the great work you are doing.
Do you plan to start online classes sometime – it will be quite helpful for those who can’t find instructors close by?
Thank you!
Hi, UB. I’ve been teaching online for several years, mostly my longtime students and their students. Your idea has merit. Please email me at gracemartialarts1@gmail.com. I’m interested in what kind of class you think would work for people who can’t find instructors. Thanks! Sensei McGee
Do you know any Christian martial arts in Albany, NY area?
Hi, Mary! I’m not familiar with a Christian martial arts school in your area, but you’ll find two KFCI schools in New York that might know of one near you. The information is located on this website – https://karateforchrist.com/new-york/ . Thanks! Sensei McGee