Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Martial Arts Training in Benson, NC
Southern School of Martial Arts has been a trusted leader in martial arts training since 1996, offering a unique blend of practical self-defense techniques rooted in Casarez Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu. Our programs emphasize real-world applications, combining elements of Ninjutsu, Judo, Aikido, Karate, and Krav Maga to equip students with effective skills for diverse scenarios. Founded by Grandmaster John H. Casarez and now led by Soke Mark Murdock, a 10th Dan black belt with over 40 years of experience, we prioritize character development alongside physical training, teaching values like respect, discipline, and integrity.Our curriculum caters to all ages, from preschoolers in our Little Ninja program to adults seeking advanced self-defense or police tactical training. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, we maintain a legacy of excellence through personalized instruction, leadership development, and a commitment to adapting techniques for modern threats, including active shooter scenarios. With a focus on non-competitive, reality-based training, we empower students to protect themselves and others while fostering lifelong growth.
Services
Ju-Jitsu Training
Ninjutsu Classes
Kobushi-Do Program
Police Tactical Training
Little Ninja Preschool Martial Arts
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in non-sport, reality-based martial arts training.
- Our curriculum combines Ju-Jitsu, Ninjutsu, Krav Maga, and police tactical techniques.
- We teach practical self-defense against real-world threats including active shooters.
- Our leadership programs develop instructors and advanced martial artists.
- We maintain a BBB A+ rating for trustworthiness and quality instruction.
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
What people say
Amazing atmosphere
Incredible instructor
Real-world scenarios
Great with kids
Practical techniques
Services
Casarez Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu
This reality-based martial art combines traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu with elements of Ninjutsu, Krav Maga, and Judo for effective self-defense. Students learn joint locks, throws, weapon disarms, and ground techniques applicable to real-world scenarios. The system emphasizes practicality over competition, preparing practitioners to handle multiple attackers and armed threats while developing situational awareness and de-escalation skills.
Bujinkan Ninjutsu Training
Authentic Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu instruction covers striking, grappling, weapon techniques, and stealth training from nine traditional Japanese martial systems. Classes focus on body-mind-spirit development, teaching students to adapt techniques for modern self-defense while preserving historical Ninjutsu principles. The curriculum includes exotic weapon training and survival strategies rooted in samurai-era combat tactics.
Kobushi-Do Program
Designed for ages 7-14, this junior martial art blends Ju-Jitsu, Ninjutsu, and Aikido to build physical skills and character. Students develop self-confidence, discipline, and bully defense techniques while learning respect and goal-setting. The program emphasizes non-violent conflict resolution alongside practical self-defense applications tailored to young practitioners.
Police Tactical Training
Specialized program for officers supplementing BLET training with advanced control techniques, weapon disarms, and ground defense strategies. Instructors teach joint manipulation for suspect compliance, knife/gun disarms, and scenario-based tactics developed with Level 8 police training experts. The curriculum focuses on practical applications for real-duty situations beyond standard SCAT program requirements.
Little Ninja Preschool Class
Developmental program for ages 3-6 focusing on motor skills, balance, and hand-eye coordination through basic martial arts movements. Children learn foundational self-defense concepts, stranger awareness, and social skills in a playful environment. The curriculum uses obstacle courses, padded weapons, and games to build confidence while introducing martial arts principles.
People
Soke Mark Murdock
Head Instructor & Soke of Casarez Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu
A 10th Dan black belt with 40+ years of experience, Soke Murdock leads the system founded by John H. Casarez. He holds certifications in Bujinkan Ninjutsu and police tactical instruction, with inductions into four martial arts halls of fame. He has trained military personnel and law enforcement while developing specialized self-defense curricula.
Master Wayne Williams
6th Degree Black Belt Instructor
A senior instructor assisting with all programs, Master Williams brings extensive martial arts expertise to support Soke Murdock's teaching methodology across multiple disciplines and class levels.
Sarah Kuhaneck
3rd Degree Black Belt Instructor
Certified Level 3 instructor teaching select programs including Little Ninja and Kobushi-Do classes when senior instructors are unavailable, maintaining consistent training quality across all student levels.
Jon Gregory
Level 2 Police Tactics Instructor
A retired public safety educator and 4th Dan Combat Hapkido black belt, Jon develops police tactical curriculum and teaches self-defense techniques while managing BLET program integration.
Rick Kelly-Crapse
1st Degree Black Belt Instructor
Assisting with beginner classes and leadership programs, Rick supports student development while progressing toward advanced ranks through practical application of martial arts principles.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Casarez Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu (blending Ju-Jitsu, Ninjutsu, Krav Maga, and Judo), Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Kobushi-Do for children, and specialized police tactical training.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes, we provide family, military, and first responder discounts across our tuition plans while maintaining high-quality instruction from experienced instructors.
Are there competition requirements?
No, our programs focus exclusively on practical self-defense without tournament requirements, emphasizing real-world preparedness over sport applications.
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for preschoolers (Little Ninja), children (Kobushi-Do), teens, and adults, with specialized curricula tailored to each developmental stage.
Do you provide police tactical training?
Yes, our police tactics program supplements BLET training with advanced control techniques, weapon disarms, and scenario-based defense strategies developed with law enforcement experts.
How do I schedule a free trial?
Call 919-753-7964 to arrange a free week-long trial with no obligation, allowing you to experience our programs before committing to enrollment.
