Become a David in a world of Goliaths.

The Bender Academy of Self Defense is the Boardman area’s elite academy that focuses on pure self defense through striking skills and Jiu Jitsu. With over 20 years of experience both in martial arts and law enforcement, owner Micah Bender takes to the mats and shares from the wealth of knowledge that was accumulated through competition, specialty training, and on the job experience. Share the mats with us and see how SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE, and EFFICIENT your self defense journey can be.

The Next 6-Week Women's Program

Registration is OPEN!

This program is designed to introduce you to the theory and application of self-protection. Using the principals of situational awareness, threat detection, leverage, and distraction techniques, you will be able to notice a threat, maintain space, and even learn tactics to protect yourself if a situation becomes dangerous. This class serves as the perfect boost of confidence and knowledge for the busy professional, female student, trail runners, fitness enthusiast, nurse, or anyone who finds themselves placed in situations where bad things can happen.

For only $89.00, you get to participate in a program that has be used for over a decade to keep women like you safe from less than favorable situations. Want to know the BEST part? Regardless of your fitness level, age, past injuries, training experience, or current physical abilities you will be able to participate at your personal ability level!

This is about GROWTH, not perfection. Become more confident by KNOWING you have the tools to protect yourself regardless of what may come your way! We hope to see you soon!

The class size is limited at 16 NEW students!

Get registered today by clicking here!

Could you use more confidence, stress reduction, better fitness, or just some time for yourself? We believe our welcoming, engaging, and enjoyable environment is the key to helping students reach whatever goals they set for themselves. There is no EGO here, whether you are brand new, coming from a different academy, or returning after a long hiatus, you are welcome here. As the book of Romans says in 15:7, "Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Come and enjoy your time with us, just as we will enjoy our time with you.

Ask yourself..

The Bender Academy Programs

This 6-week program allows you to resolve conflict in scenarios unique to you. Every week you will learn in different situations from varying levels of risk and threats. Give yourself the gift of strength in a world that demands it.

Ages 13+ welcome!

Your child will get fit, have fun, and build long lasting friendships while developing the skills needed to respectfully carry themselves with confidence in their walk with Christ.

Little Lambs: 4-7 years

Little Lions: 8-12 years

Functional Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu has been proven countless times to be the premiere self-defense martial art. Learn to use this art to protect both you and your loved ones in this Functional Jiu-Jitsu class.

Kids Programs

Adult Striking

Most, if not all fights begin on the feet. This striking curriculum blends Thai boxing (Muay Thai) and European Boxing to hand students an unorthodox strategy to defend themselves using the striking arts.

Womens Self Defense

For more information on classes click here

Other Services

Want to schedule a private workshop for your friends, family, clients, or employees? Contact us today to get more information on how we can custom make a self-defense workshop specifically for you

Private Workshops

1-on-1 Private Training

Is your schedule conflicting with progress? Unable or don't want to come to a group class? Private training is your solution! It works on your schedule as well as shortens the learning curve by receiving 100% attention from the instructor!

Contact Us