The Hammer Defense System is a No Nonsense, Unique and Hybrid street-oriented fighting system that incorporates the underlying principles of the Filipino Martial Arts, Indonesian Arts and Guro Marc Halleck’s Improvised Weapon Series Techniques.

“Not everyone is a gun owner… Not everyone has martial arts weapons in the home…  But everyone has a toolbox… Every single household has a hammer” – Guro Marc Halleck

When you learn and understand the principles, techniques and fighting strategies of the Hammer Defense System… You will see that the hammer… or anything you hold in your hand… can be used effectively as an improved weapon in self defense.

Welcome to the Hammer Defense System with Guro Marc Halleck. It is a Effective, Fast… and Brutal.

My Story… “As a child… and into my late teens, I was never a natural athlete. I was rarely into extra curricular activities until I joined the local Tae Kwon Do school in 1982. After 6 years I received my 1st degree black belt. In 1988 I got married and moved north where I met a Jeet Kune Do – Kali teacher and have been studying the Martial Arts ever since.

In 1994 I was teaching at a Martial Arts school in Buffalo Grove where I had a large impact on the quality of Martial Arts and the schools overall enrollment. Around this time…about 1996…My father-in-law came to me and asked if I could run a school on my own. With my Father-in-laws assistance, The Northshore Academy of Martial Arts opened its doors in 1997.

Although my father-in-law has passed away since, I will be forever grateful to him for the once in a lifetime opportunity that he afforded me.

The dream of owning my own Martial Arts Academy finally came true and I began to teach my own students with nothing more than a card table, zero carpeting and only 1500 square feet of space. Shortly thereafter, the success that students were having was really showing… and in 2000… we moved into a much larger 4000 square foot facility. In 2008 we moved to our current location of 6000 square feet where I can honestly say that I still have the best Martial Arts team in the Chicagoland area.

I have made many friends over the years and could go on for days about them… But it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t mention those individuals that effected me the most over the last 30+ years…

Putting up with the endless hours it takes to run a Martial Arts School, I cannot thank My wife enough… as she has always been my biggest supporter.

In 1998 I met Hock Hochheim… never met anyone like him… His unique teaching style was second to none. In 2004 I started training with Guro Rick Faye… truly a selfless individual who helped me grow in the Martial Arts even more. In 2009, Thanks to Guro Dan Inosanto, I met Grandmaster Atillo. Today I am a honored to be a successor to his families art of Balintawak.

My biggest influence throughout the years has been Ron Balicki. We met in 1998 and He took me under his wing and showed me the potential I had inside. I had been training with Guro Dan Inosanto since 1990, but with Ron Balicki’s help, I trained even harder, and received my first Inosanto certification in 2001.

Another dream come true.

Martial arts has changed my life. I would not be the man I am today without it. At age 50, I feel great for my age… and I am defiantly more active. I am blessed, extremely thankful and will always be honored to be a part of all my Martial Arts family.”

Ranking and Accolades include:

  • Senior Associate Level 5 Instructor under Guro Dan Inosanto in Jun Fan-Jeet Kune Do
  • Senior Associate Level 5 Instructor under Guro Dan Inosanto in Filipino Kali
  • Associate Level 3 Instructor under Guro Ron Balicki/Diane Inosanto in Jeet Kune Do
  • Associate Level 3 Instructor under Guro Ron Balicki/Diane Inosanto in Kali
  • Instructor Level 2 under Guro Rick Faye in Filipino Kali/Jun Fan-Jeet Kune Do
  • Instructor / Eskrimador Atillo Balintawak under Legendary Grandmaster Atillo
  • Author of “The 10 Levels of Panantukan-Silat Combatives” Instructional Series
  • Midwest Representative and Certified Spikey Israeli Defense Instructor
  • Member of The International Law Enforcement Educator & Trainers Association
  • 98 World Eskrima Kali-Arnis Federation Mid-Western Regionals- 1st place
  • 98 World Eskrima Kali-Arnis Federation Mid-Western Nationals- 2nd place
  • 6th Degree Black Belt in Hand to Hand Combat under Guro Hock Hochheim
  • 6th Degree Black Belt in Archipelago Combatives under Guro Hock Hochheim
  • 3rd Degree Black Belt from Degerberg Academy International
  • 2nd Degree Black Belt in American Bu Kyoku Ryu Karate
  • 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
  • Master Knife Instructor under Guro Hock Hochheim
  • Certified Instructor under Sifu Pete Hetrick

Hammer Defense Level 1

Your Hammer Defense System Journey begins her with the Guro Marc Halleck's Hammer Defense System Level 1 - Special Guest Appearance by Guro Ron Balicki.  This Collectors Edition video covers Level 1 requirements for the 4-level Hammer Defense System course. This HammerDefenseSystem.com Box Set exclusive includes: Lenticular Full Hi-Resolution, Front and Back Cover artwork and Disc.

Hammer Defense Level 2

Kick it up a notch with the Guro Marc Halleck's Hammer Defense System Level 2 - Special Guest Appearance by Guro Ron Balicki.  This Collectors Edition video covers Level 2 requirements for the 4-level Hammer Defense System course. This HammerDefenseSystem.com Box Set exclusive includes: Lenticular Full Hi-Resolution, Front and Back Cover artwork and Disc.

Hammer Defense Level 3

Bring your opponent to their knees with Guro Marc Halleck's Hammer Defense System Level 3 - Special Guest Appearance by Guro Ron Balicki.  This Collectors Edition video covers Level 3 requirements for the 4-level Hammer Defense System course. This Hammer Defense System Box Set exclusive includes: Lenticular Full Hi-Resolution, Front and Back Cover artwork and Disc.

Hammer Defense Level 4

Guro Marc Halleck's Hammer Defense System Level 4: The Final Chapter with Bonus Features that include: Blooper Reels and The Hammer Defense System: a short film.   This Collectors Edition video covers Level 4 requirements for the 4-level Hammer Defense System course. This HammerDefenseSystem.com Box Set exclusive includes: Lenticular Full Hi-Resolution, Front and Back Cover artwork and Disc.

Custom Training Hammer

This is a handmade foam claw training hammer.  An expertly hand-finished tool that features detailed wood grain on the handle and a steel cast iron look head. This custom training hammer features a rigid core construction for full use and action that allows for complete safety. The sturdy but soft foam head allows for safe impact when training solo or when used with your Hammer Defense training partners.

Hammer Defense Workbook

The Official Hammer Defense Workbook / Notebook.  This 80 Page Spiral Bound Monster is also perfect for taking notes, tracking your progress or just overall daily use on the Hammer Defense System.  Features the exclusive "Bloody Hammer" Guro Marc Halleck Hammer Defense System artwork.  A Great Hammer Defense System Keepsake or... Give it as a gift for that special someone 🙂

Hammer Defense Curriculum

The Hammer Defense Curriculum.  Everything you need to know that accompanies the The Hammer Defense System Level's 1 - 4.  Although the Curriculum Notes are also on screen... Having this by your side is a perfect way to follow along while training or even as a reference later as you perfect your Hammer Defense System skill set.

Hammer Defense Certificate

Official Hammer Defense System Association Certificate.  All Box Sets include a high quality Hammer Defense System Certificate that is ready for framing.  This 8.5 x 11 Certificate is printed on professional grade Matte Paper and is personally signed by Guro Marc Halleck himself. Great for display in your home or Martial Arts studio.

Official Hammer Defense Tee

Official Hammer Defense T-shirt.  Show your Hammer Defense system pride and affiliation with the New Hammer Defense System short sleeve tee!  Hammer Defense System T-shirts available in all sizes. Please Specify your size at the end of the Checkout process in the comment section - Small, Medium, Large, XL and XXL.

Sensei Alexandru Jovica Poster

Personally Autographed Official Hammer Defense System 11x17 Poster with Sensei Alexandru Jovica.  High Gloss and Printed on Professional Grade Paper.  A Great Collectors Item!

Goodie Pak

The Hammer Defense "Goodie Pak" includes a sticker and the official Northshore Academy of Martial Arts card and school pin.

Guro Marc Halleck Poster

Personally Autographed Official Hammer Defense System 11x17 Poster with Guro Marc Halleck.  High Gloss and Printed on Professional Grade Paper.  A Great Collectors Item!

Limited Edition Box Set - Sold Out

Hammer Defense System available by Streaming 

Sold Out

Special! Hammer Defense System - Level 1-4 Streaming only

Limited Time Only!  Hammer Defense System Streaming is 60% off the MSRP $120.00 Now $49.00.  Watch the Level 1-4 Videos Anywhere!

Buy Level 1-4 Streaming