Coach Mark is the Owner and head instructor at Poolesville Self Defense. He started his journey in self discovery at the age of 13 and spent countless hours experimenting with exercises and enjoying the challenge brought on by the iron. He has spent 20+ years training and developing strength and conditioning programs to develop stronger, more explosive athletes.

Even though strength training was his first passion, he found another passion in martial arts. At the age of 17 he started boxing and put on his first Gi in 1997 to discover Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2007 he started training at Evolve Academy of Martial Arts, where he is ranked as a Brown Belt under Master Mike Moses.

Mark’s passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is palpable, and he knew he always wanted to start a gym and develop a training environment that allowed people to develop self-confidence through the martial arts and strength and conditioning. He started training people in strength and conditioning and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a small home gym and quickly realized he needed to expand the program.

Mark is highly motivated and passionate about helping others. He is excited to bring the best martial arts and strength and conditioning programs to Poolesville, MD families.