American Self Defense Systems

In 1980 when Mr. Royce was in high school he was attacked by 3 men in an alley in South Minneapolis near where he lived and grew up. After spending a couple of weeks in the hospital recovering from his severe injuries and required surgeries & After taking additional time to recover at home, Mr. Royce set out on his martial arts quest to learn how to defend himself. He began his training in a blended system of Kung fu, Chin na, TKD, and Judo. After training for a few years he decided to train deeper into the fighting arts of boxing & kickboxing and in 1984 he joined Mid America Karate – converted to National Karate. He obtained his black belt in 1989. He taught for NK schools for some time and then moved on to FMA training. Over the past 30 years, he has trained in FMA, JKD, Systema, BJJ, and Krav Maga.

In 1994 he opened his 1st martial arts center.

American Self-Defense Systems (ASDS) was founded by Mr. Mark Royce in the spring of 1997.

Mr. Royce has developed a system of self-defense training that is both unique and progressive. By utilizing combined past experiences in the martial arts (with over 40+ years of training, fighting & teaching experience) and continued new training techniques, he has developed a style of fighting and self-defense training that emphasizes empowerment, strengths of individuals, and complete knowledge of all 4 ranges of fighting. (Kicking Range, Punching/Striking Range, Trapping Range, & Grappling Range)

When a student trains and thoroughly develops skills in all 4 ranges, Several changes occur.

Mentally their individual confidence levels soar. Their physical stamina, endurance, speed & power are developed to their highest potential. And most of all through the teaching that the students receive from the instructors – the students become better, - better & more caring, they are taught that it is easy to cause pain, to cause injury, to maim or even kill in self-defense, it is self-control and respect for human life that is the focus. Each student will gain knowledge that will help them for life.