Lifelong Martial Artist, Multiple Black Belt Holder brings his talents to the Self Defense Company.
Meet Self Defense Company Instructor Mark S Hale…
“I think it is important to post my bio so people can gain some insight into the kind of martial artist that I am, and where I am coming from. My involvement in the martial arts was first and foremost as a means of self‐defense.”
As a biracial child, Mark discovered that growing up in certain neighborhoods was not always pleasant.
“Although I had seen martial arts in movies and on television, I quickly understood at an early age that
there was “Hollywood” fighting, and “real” fighting. This is important to note, because many martial
artists do not differentiate between the two. My experience showed me that “pretty” or “intimidating”
techniques aren’t the ones that really work. The best techniques need to be simple, quick to be brutally effective against an attacker.”
Instructor Hale’s Martial Arts Journey
I was first introduced to the Martial Arts when my mom sent me to a free week of Karate using a coupon. Though we could not afford to join the class I remember going over and over the horse stances, punches and blocks I had learned during that week. I remember it being fun and I was in awe of the older students doing their high flying kicks (I was young, what can I say). I still remember walking home and having the “usual” group of bullies harass me. I remember one throwing a punch and being amazed that I actually performed a crude outward block.
Unfortunately, I thought it was so cool that I did it that I forgot to keep focused and never saw the other punch coming. Needless to say that although I got my butt kicked, I was quite proud of myself for executing that block.
During the next few years I was content to workout with other kids from school who would teach me what they learned from their Martial Arts classes. Though there was no formal style I still consider it one of the best learning experiences in my Martial Arts studies.
Fast forward a few years and I ran into a friend who informed me that an Ed Parker KENPO Karate school had just opened in town. Though the price was barley what we could afford, I jumped right in and began some serious formal Martial Arts training. As the years passed I began to understand that there is always someone stronger than you. This led me on a quest for a Martial Art that could allow me to add some “changeup” to my arsenal.
The art I found was Hakko‐ryu Ju‐jitsu, an art developed by Soke Okuyama who was an instructor of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu, which happens to be the “founding art” of many styles, including Akido. The place I went to study Ju‐Jitsu (Goshin Jutsu) was The Chicago heights Ju‐Jitsu Academy under Shihan Brian C. Smith. T
his was to be a very momentous move in my Martial Arts studies. It was through this avenue that I would learn more than I ever thought possible. We joined the organization Juko‐Kai under Soke Rod Sacharnoski, which led me to my studies of Combat Ki and Todie.
It was during the 50th anniversary of Juko‐Kai that I met a group of guys who studied Ninpo under Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi. So what did I do? I went and joined the IBDA under Shihan Richard Van Donk so I could learn Grandmaster Hatsumi’s nine schools of Ninjitsu. I currently assist Shihan Smith with instructing classes at the Chicago Heights Ju‐Jitsu Academy. I also meet with students before or outside of class to go over everything from MMA training to weapons.
Following is a list of studies and or certifications I have obtained:
- 6th degree Black Belt in Goshin jutsu
- 1st degree Black Belt in Todie (Okinawa Combat Art)
- Pa Kua Chang, Tai Chi Chaun and Shaolin Butterfly instructor
- Shodan candidate in Sambo
- Bujinkan practitioner
- Kendo and Iaido practitioner
- Recognized amateur fighter in MMA
- Certificate in Woodland Stealth tactics, Handcuffing and subject control, Active Shooter and Tactical
- Baton training
- Medal of Honor Award from the American Police Hall of Fame
- Recipient of multiple Dojo Bushido awards
- Recipient the Dojo Senpai certificate
- Virtus Training Certification
- Combat Obi‐Jutsu certification
- Member of the International Bujinkan Dojo Association
- Awarded Ninja weapons, Advanced level certification
- Interviewed by Daryle Jemal Elmore on his blog talk radio show
It is no doubt that Instructor Hale will be a valued asset to The Self Defense Company Corp of Instructors.
Helpful links and resources:
Go HERE to contact Instructor Hale in the Chicago Area<<<
I am not sure how I am supposed to use the talents of your obviously accomplished new instructor Mr. Hale. I am on the east coast in Philadelphia you all are in Chicago so again I don’t know how I can benefit from Mr. Hale’s expertise.
Hi Bruce – we have an online training portal.
With one click you can train with Instructor Hale or another certifies instructor.
There’s a link right at the bottom of the post to learn more.
We’ve also have a live training option with each video program.
Hi Bruce,
If it’s easier for you, lets schedule a quick 15 min in person call. I can send you a link and we’ll do a quick session!
email me at theselfdefencecompanychicago@gmail.com
Hi Bruce,
What Damian said! Instructor Hale is fantastic, along with our entire team of SDC instructors. We’d be glad to have you join us in accomplishing your self-defense goals. As one who has utilized the live training room on both sides, I think you would find it an easy and convenient way to train. All the benefits of training live with an instructor, the exceptional attention afforded by one-on-one instruction (no competing for help in a large class), and not having to leave your house to travel to a training location.
Check it out. Best of luck as you pursue your goals.
To All;
Here it is in a nutshell… Take notice many of the instructors in the SDC,
Come from a long line of study… What it really comes down to, are at least from my perspective is this…. There are the traditional martial arts and those that work in every case. The system that works on principle versus technique. I’ve noticed that the majority of people who have chosen to teach the SDTS, have done a major amount of research before choosing to become a SDTS Instructor…
I have not made the effort to become an SDTS teacher as of yet but take note I will be soon. I am making a move from Hawaii to Washington state. Once I have settled in Washington I will be following the other masters and teaching what I consider to be TRUE SELF DEFENSE!The SDTS!
Aloha from Kauai
Jeff “Bam Bam” Voorhies
9th degree Black Belt Yen Ching Tao
A combination of American Kenpo, Lima Lama, and La Systema
Very very welcome sir!!!
Good to hear from you Tony.
Mark is a bad man! Nice post. I don’t have quite that much experience in the martial arts, but I recognized the value offered here at SDC immediately. It’s apparent that the best combatives instructors in the world have gone beyond traditional martial arts, have studied what actually works under stress, and apply that in their teaching.