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MARTIAL BLADE CONCEPTS
Defensive Knife & Kali Training Tactics in Mesa AZ
Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) Training
Weapon Defense Classes for Adults (ages 18+)
Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) is a practical self-defense system that focuses on the defensive use of edged weapons, weapon awareness, and personal protection skills for modern threats.
Offered at Faction Combat Gym in Mesa, Arizona, our Martial Blade Concepts program provides a structured approach to defensive knife tactics, Filipino Martial Arts principles, and practical self-defense skills that can benefit everyone from complete beginners to experienced martial artists, concealed carriers, first responders, and security-minded citizens.
Unlike many traditional martial arts that focus heavily on sport competition, Martial Blade Concepts is designed around personal protection. The system was developed by internationally recognized self-defense instructor Michael Janich and emphasizes practical application, efficient movement, and a deep understanding of how to stop violent attacks through sound defensive tactics and proven principles.
A Unique Blend of Self-Defense and Filipino Martial Arts
Martial Blade Concepts draws inspiration from Filipino Martial Arts traditions such as Kali and Escrima while adapting those principles to modern self-defense concerns. Students develop skills with training knives and impact tools while also learning movement, timing, distancing, situational awareness, and empty-hand applications.
Training includes:
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Defensive edged-weapon concepts
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Kali and Escrima-inspired movement
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Weapon awareness and threat recognition
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Defensive tactics for modern self-protection
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Timing, distance, and positioning
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Empty-hand applications and transitions
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Practical self-defense principles
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Control and targeting concepts
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Personal protection mindset
The result is a highly functional system that develops both confidence and capability without requiring extreme athleticism.
Ideal for Adults Seeking a Lower Impact Martial Art
One of the most unique benefits of Martial Blade Concepts is that it offers meaningful self-defense training with less physical wear and tear than many combat sports.
While students still develop coordination, mobility, reflexes, and defensive skills, the training environment is generally lower impact than sparring-heavy programs. This makes MBC an excellent option for:
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Adults over 40
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Former athletes
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Individuals recovering from injuries
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Firearms enthusiasts
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Professionals seeking practical self-defense
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Martial artists looking to expand their skill set
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Anyone interested in Kali, Escrima, or Filipino Martial Arts
Many students appreciate being able to continue developing valuable defensive skills while avoiding the physical demands associated with hard sparring and competition training.
A Natural Complement to Firearms Training
Many responsible firearms owners recognize that personal defense situations can occur at a variety of distances and under rapidly changing conditions.
Martial Blade Concepts helps students better understand personal defense within close-range encounters where awareness, movement, positioning, and immediate action become critical. The concepts taught in MBC can complement the mindset and preparedness often valued by concealed carriers and self-defense enthusiasts.
While this program is not firearms training, many students who enjoy defensive shooting sports, concealed carry, preparedness training, and personal protection education find MBC to be a valuable addition to their overall self-defense skill set. Numerous skills transfer over to defensive firearms training such as draw strokes and defenses while holding the weapon in hand.
Why Train Martial Blade Concepts at Faction Combat Gym?
Faction Combat Gym is one of the few places in Arizona offering dedicated Martial Blade Concepts instruction.
Our training environment emphasizes:
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Safety first
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Realistic self-defense principles
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Beginner-friendly instruction
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Practical skill development
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Supportive community
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Structured progression
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Modern personal protection concepts
Whether your goal is practical self-defense, Filipino Martial Arts training, edged-weapon awareness, or simply finding a lower-impact martial art that keeps you engaged and learning, Martial Blade Concepts offers a unique training experience unlike anything else available in Mesa.
Combatives Instructors
Certified Kembativz & MBC Coach
Steve DeArmond
Combatives & MBC Head Coach
Coach Steve is a lifelong martial artist with over 25 years of training and teaching experience. After earning black belts in Mixed Martial Arts disciplines including Taekwondo, Karate, Hapkido, and Kung Fu, he turned his focus to real-world combatives and self-defense.
Steve is a Black Belt in Krav Maga (2020) and a Certified Instructor in both Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) and Kelly McCann’s Kembativz system. He is the only instructor in Arizona certified in both MBC and Kembativz, with additional instructor-level certifications in Edged and Stick Combatives as well as Ground Combatives.
Over the years, Steve has trained directly with leading experts such as Michael Janich (MBC) and Kelly McCann (Kembativz), traveling nationally to sharpen his skills and bring cutting-edge knowledge back to East Mesa.
Today, Steve manages the Faction Combat system, teaching Krav Maga, Combatives, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Self-Defense. He continues his own training while helping students across Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley build confidence and prepare for real-world situations.
Train directly with Coach Steve by booking your free Krav Maga trial class at Faction Combat today.
Martial Blade Concepts FAQ
Common Questions About our Defensive Edged Weapon Training
Is Martial Blade Concepts the same as Kali or Escrima?
Martial Blade Concepts incorporates principles found in Filipino Martial Arts such as Kali and Escrima while adapting them specifically for modern personal defense and practical application.
Do I need previous martial arts experience?
No. Beginners are welcome and no previous martial arts experience is required.
Is this a knife fighting class?
No. Martial Blade Concepts focuses on personal protection, defensive tactics, awareness, and responsible application of self-defense principles.
Is Martial Blade Concepts safe for older adults?
Yes. Many students choose MBC because it provides valuable skill development while generally being lower impact than combat sports and sparring-focused martial arts.
Can MBC complement firearms training?
Many students who participate in defensive shooting sports, concealed carry, or personal protection training find that MBC provides valuable close-range defensive concepts and situational awareness skills that also translate into their defensive firearms tactics and training.
What equipment do I need?
New students can begin with using our training knives. Training tools and equipment recommendations will be provided by your instructor.
Is Martial Blade Concepts included with Combatives?
Yes. MBC is included for Combatives members and is also available as a standalone membership option. Please contact the gym for current standalone membership rates for MBC.
What Is Martial Blade Concepts?
Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) is a modern self-defense system developed by Michael Janich that combines practical edged-weapon skills, Filipino Martial Arts influences, personal protection principles, and defensive tactics designed for today's armed citizen and self-defense practitioner. The system emphasizes efficient movement, awareness, targeting concepts, and practical application rather than sport competition.
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