Empowering
You For Life

You and your family will experience Billings' most well-rounded martial arts and self-defense classes for people ages 5 and up.

Build Confidence, Fitness and Christian Character by training at Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts.

Just Looking for Info?

​Martial Arts and Self-Defense training for kids, teens and adults!

Just want some info? Set up a Starter Membership
Our family-friendly location at 13th & Grand in Billings offers both Martial Arts training for kids ages 5-13 as well as Self Defense classes for teens and adults.

Your kids will experience a martial arts program (called Chi-Tu Do) that integrates biblical teachings focused on Christian character development into their classes that teach physical skills from various martial arts styles, including Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Japanese Ju Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in addition to the Filipino martial arts. This helps cater to their diverse interests and provide a well-rounded training experience.

As an adult or teen, the focus is on self-defense training in Krav Maga, which is a system originally developed in Israel that helps a person learn quickly and effectively while simultaneously giving them a great workout!

So whether your child is lacking focus or confidence, or if you are an adult looking for a good exercise program that is fun and motivating, our academy has something for everyone.

Families who train together and develop a common bond between parents and children, build stronger families. You will find that our family-friendly schedule provides that kind of opportunity!
Chi-Tu Do
Your child will learn a "traditional" mixed martial art system that combines techniques and movements from Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Ju Jitsu and Eskrima to give you the most well-rounded training experience. They will gain martial skill with a primary focus on Christian character development.
Age groups
5-8 & 9-13
Type of class
Weekly training (2x/wk)
Dress
Karate uniform
Footwear
Bare feet on mats
Atmosphere
Discipline, Respect, Character, etc.
How to Start
Orientation & Starter Membership
Krav Maga
You will learn an eclectic self-defense system created and used by the Israeli Defense Forces (called Krav Maga) that teaches simple and effective self-defense techniques that can be utilized by anyone, no matter the size, strength or ability. You will experience a great workout while simultaneously learning excellent self-defense!
Age groups
14 & up only
Type of class
Weekly training
Dress
Workout clothes
Footwear
Clean mat shoes
Atmosphere
Intense Workout
How to Start
Click this link to get started
FAST Defense
These 2-3 hour "introduction to self-defense" style seminars are designed to fit into today's busy schedules, especially if you can't attend a weekly class. You will not only learn the basic "moves" of self-defense, but also how to deal with the emotions that often accompany stress and confrontation.
Age groups
8-13 and 14 & up
Type of class
Seminars - usually on a Saturday
Dress
Plain clothes or workout clothes
Footwear
Clean regular shoes
Atmosphere
Small group dynamics
Find out more

Benefits

of training at
Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts

Character Building

Picture your child demonstrating respect, focus, self-control, patience, compassion and courtesy in their daily lives. How much would that be worth to you? Enrolling them in classes with us will transform their interactions and even reduce the need for physical self-defense. They will not only learn awesome self defense skills from a variety of styles, but will be taught what the Bible says about dozens of character values and traits so they they truly learn what it means to love their neighbor. Let us walk beside you and help them grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, supporting the values that truly matter in their walk with God.

Confidence

When your child experiences success, their confidence naturally improves. They'll learn how to set and achieve goals, such as earning patches and belts, boosting their self-esteem with every milestone. For adults, this journey often includes shedding unwanted pounds while mastering self-defense techniques, further enhancing your confidence. Our dedicated instructors are here to support you every step of the way. They know how to motivate you or your child to reach your full potential, guiding you through both triumphs and challenges. With their expert guidance, you’ll become a more confident and empowered version of yourself. Let us help you achieve your goals and build the confidence you deserve.

Self-Defense

True self-defense goes well beyond defending against physical aggression. It includes safeguarding yourself against poor health, a bad attitude, negative thoughts, injury, and apathy. When you or your child trains with us, we’ll discuss these crucial aspects, helping you understand how to maintain overall well-being. Alongside teaching you powerful physical techniques, we’ll emphasize the importance of mental and emotional resilience. By addressing all facets of self-defense, you will be equipped with the tools to lead a healthier, more positive, and peaceful life. Join us to develop comprehensive self-defense skills that enhance every aspect of your life.

Over 65 five-star reviews

And here are just a few
Mike Johnson
This is a great place to train, especially for kids and families. The staff here are wonderful and will help you achieve any goals you’re looking for on your martial arts journey. Highly recommended.
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Sara Chavez
My son has been doing classes now for a month and we have seen a big improvement in his focus at school. He loves his time spent there and I love that they teach respect and have a sense of a family when you are there.
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Rick Kale
Just started taking Krav Maga classes and love it! The instructors are amazing and it’s a solid workout. Would recommend them to anyone looking to get in shape and learn some real world self defense.
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Jodi Haddick
SWMA is an amazing, uplifting, and character building experience for the entire family. Our family has grown through the experiences here and couldn’t be happier with the way our boys have grown through it all. We look forward to what is next! SWMA has their priorities straight and genuinely care about each student.
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Shawn Mendes
Both of my children live going to Shepherd-Warrior. Master Forleo and Mrs. Dunaway are wonderful teachers.
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Jessica Cummings
SWMA is not just about studying martial arts, it’s also about developing an individual’s character. This mixture of training is ideal for our family and is what we seek when looking for martial arts training for our kids. My kiddo has been attending this dojo for quite a while now and absolutely loves it! Some of his favorite things about SWMA [In the interest of space, I’ll have to summarize, ha!]: Master Forleo, class atmosphere, character development, his classmates.
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RJ Haddick
This place is amazing. Want to give your kids a head start in manners, respect, and confidence? These guys are amazing. Great staff, clean dojo and engaging lessons. 6th star of one was available.
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Savannah Clark
My son and I have had the most amazing experience with this martial arts studio I couldn't ask for a better group of people to be taught by and train with.
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Tiffany Horton
My son has really enjoyed doing online classes with Master Johnson. As parents, we value the character lessons taught each month. Thank you for offering these online classes!

Location & Office Hours

Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts
1212 Grand Avenue, Suite 11
Billings, MT 59102
Monday-Thursday
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
You will learn a blend of martial arts and self defense systems to give you the best overall self-defense experience in Billings. You'll love our family-friendly facility when you come and experience the life-changing classes and training at Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts.

​You will find our location convenient in the Albertsons shopping center at the corner of Grand Avenue and 13th Street West.