MAJU BELA DIRIMAJU BELA DIRIMaju Bela Diri is a complete martial arts system that blends the precision of Chinese Kun Tao, Wing Chun, and Jeet Kune Do, the power and fluidity of Indonesian Silat, Ci Mande, and Harimau, and the combat effectiveness of Filipino Kombatan Arnis and Kali. Its classically progressive curriculum guides students from empty-hand techniques to edged weapons and from standing combat to ground engagement.
Maju Bela Diri is not one style — it is the culmination of three fighting traditions taught in classical progression, where each lesson builds on the last. The core motions translate directly across ranges: empty hand, edged weapon, stick, flexible weapon, disarms, weapon retention, and ground fighting. That makes the system approachable for total beginners and immediately compatible with students carrying prior training.
Every student begins with the same foundation. Advanced and seminar-level classes go deeper into specialized, situational material.
Three active locations, each led by a certified instructor under the MBD curriculum.
Midwest Ballet School & Co. — 2101 Stephens Blvd, Joplin, MO 64801
6341 SE 107th St, Belleview, FL
Access restricted to compound personnel.
Certified instructors leading MBD's active locations.
Founder of Maju Bela Diri. Decades of cross-training under teachers including GM Steve Todd, GM Shelley Millspaugh, Uncle Bill and Uncle Wayne DeThouars, and GGM Ernesto Presas Sr. shaped the system's fusion of JKD, Kali, Silat, and Kenpo.
Training since March 1996 under GM Sprawls. Earned Instructor Level in 1998, Master Instructor in 2001, and Independent Master Instructor in 2005. Former Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor for Belleview, FL law enforcement; now teaching MBD Florida in Belleview and MBD IQ at the Baghdad Embassy Compound.
Training since spring 1996 under GM Sprawls. Earned instructor-level black belt in 1998, master practitioner rank in 2001, and 6th degree independent master status in 2005. Also holds instructor-level rank under GM Steve Todd and GM Shelley Millspaugh.
Real training photos from across the MBD locations.
Replace with real upcoming dates.
Open to all standard curriculum students.
MBD Florida, schedule to be confirmed.
Instructors and schools in our extended network.