Self Defense Classes Near Gallatin, TN
Real-world self-defense skills drawn from 8+ martial arts disciplines. Taught by certified master instructors with over 50 years of combined experience in law enforcement, military, and competitive martial arts.
Not a Weekend Seminar — A Lifetime of Knowledge
Most self-defense courses teach a few moves in a few hours. At GMA, you train in proven martial arts systems under instructors who have taught law enforcement, military, and competitive fighters for decades.
Real-world methods from HapKiDo, BJJ, Wing Chun, TaeKwonDo, and more — not theoretical moves that look good on camera.
Led by a 9th Degree Black Belt with 50+ years of experience. Instructors are world-certified and additionally certified through GMA directly.
Self-defense isn’t one-dimensional. You learn striking, grappling, joint locks, weapon defense, and situational awareness across multiple martial arts.
Self Defense Through Our Martial Arts
Every martial art at GMA teaches self-defense from a different angle. Together, they create a complete system that prepares you for any situation.
The most direct self-defense art at GMA. Joint locks, throws, pressure points, weapon disarming, and ground defense. Designed to neutralize attackers using their own force against them — size and strength don’t matter.
Most real fights end on the ground. BJJ teaches you how to control, submit, and escape from any ground position. Gracie-lineage techniques proven in competition and real-world encounters for over 100 years.
Built for close-quarters fighting where most real attacks happen. Chain punches, trapping hands, and centerline theory give you tools for tight spaces — hallways, elevators, parking lots.
Powerful kicks and strikes that create distance between you and an attacker. Builds speed, reflexes, and the confidence to react under pressure. Led by a 9th Degree Black Belt — the highest rank achievable.
Self Defense Training For Women & Girls
Practical, real-world techniques designed specifically for situations women are most likely to face.
Self-defense for women isn’t about matching an attacker’s strength — it’s about using leverage, technique, and awareness to escape dangerous situations. At GMA, our women’s self-defense training draws from HapKiDo’s joint locks and escapes, BJJ’s ground defense and positional control, and Wing Chun’s close-range striking.
You’ll learn how to break grabs, escape holds, defend from the ground, create distance, and strike vulnerable targets. Every technique is taught in realistic scenarios by certified instructors in a safe, supportive environment.
No experience required. No fitness prerequisite. Women of all ages and backgrounds train at GMA. Many of our female students started with zero martial arts experience and now carry themselves with a confidence that comes from knowing they can protect themselves.
Certified Masters & Instructors
World-certified instructors with decades of teaching, competition, and real-world self-defense experience.
Law Enforcement & Military Self Defense
KwanJangNim Spillmann has taught self-defense to law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals throughout his career — including training seminars overseas. His HapKiDo-based curriculum for professionals covers compliance techniques, restraint methods, weapon disarming, cuffing techniques, and de-escalation through physical control.
GMA offers specialized self-defense seminars adapted for professional use. These programs are designed for active-duty officers, military personnel, private security, and first responders who need practical, field-tested techniques that work under pressure.
Contact us to discuss group training, department seminars, or individual professional development programs.
Trusted By Real Families
“Grandmaster Spillmann’s skills and knowledge are sought worldwide. His commitment to furthering the martial arts and developing a more peaceful and just world are inspirational. You won’t find a better martial arts school in your area than his!”
“My first kickboxing class as a 41 year old! I may not be good at kickboxing but I am trying! I absolutely love it! This is by far the best workout I have gone through! Master Spillmann is so patient and considerate of our aches and pains that he guides us through class with ease!”
Self Defense FAQ
There’s no single “best” martial art for self defense — real situations are unpredictable. That’s why GMA teaches multiple disciplines. HapKiDo covers joint locks and weapon defense. BJJ handles ground fighting. Wing Chun excels in close quarters. TaeKwonDo develops striking power and distance control. The most effective self defense comes from training across these systems, which is exactly what GMA offers under one roof.
No. Most students start with zero martial arts experience. Our instructors teach progressively — you’ll start with fundamentals and build from there. You don’t need to be in shape, flexible, or athletic. The training itself builds those qualities over time. Your first class is free so you can experience it with no commitment.
Absolutely. GMA is a family martial arts school with a safe, supportive environment. Women train alongside men and children in a respectful setting. Many of the techniques taught — especially from HapKiDo and BJJ — are specifically designed for smaller defenders against larger attackers. Several of our female students have trained for years and earned advanced belt ranks.
GMA is located at 509 Garnet Ct, Suite 100 in Gallatin, Tennessee. We serve students from across the Nashville metro area including Gallatin, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, White House, Lebanon, Bethpage, Castalian Springs, and greater Sumner County. We’re conveniently located just off Vietnam Veterans Blvd with easy access from Nashville Pike.
Yes. Grandmaster Spillmann has conducted self defense seminars for law enforcement departments, military units, corporate groups, and community organizations both domestically and overseas. We can customize seminars for your group’s specific needs — from basic awareness and escape techniques to advanced compliance and control methods. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Ready to Learn Real Self Defense?
Your first class is free — no commitment, no pressure. Come experience real self-defense training from certified master instructors with over 50 years of experience.
509 Garnet Ct, Suite 100, Gallatin, TN 37066
(731) 324-3850 | info@gmagallatin.com