Our Philosophy

At Shemwell’s Academy of Martial Arts, our aim is to bring high quality, accessible and affordable self defense sessions to the Hillsdale and  Jonesville communities. Our unique approach to combining traditional and innovative martial arts methods and techniques is what separates us from every other Martial Arts School you know.

Founded in 2021, our instructors have a wide range of expertise, and are here to train you through every step of the learning process. Whether you’re joining us as a beginner or a professional, there’s always more room to perfect your form. Browse our site to learn more.

Opening Hours

Please Join Us!

Mon - Thurs: 4pm - 9pm Fri - Sun: Closed

Mark Shemwell is part owner and our Lead Instructor. He has been involved with martial arts for nearly 30 years.  Beginning in 1994, he trained with Rafael Lovato, Sr., in Oklahoma City in Jeet Kune Do concepts at an International Martial Arts and Boxing (IMB) academy.  

In 1996, he joined the Army.  In addition to his military training with the Army Combatives program, he had the opportunity to train and learn from a variety of high-level instructors and competitors.  In Hawaii, he trained with Dennis Alexio for 2 years in kickboxing while teaching Muay Thai.  Mark Shemwell has more than 15 years of experience coaching with significant focus on coaching children and competitors.  He has earned his blue belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu from Phil Cardella, a Reylson Gracie Black Belt in St. Augustine, Florida.  He also has earned rank in Kuntao and has had more than 30 amateur fights and 2 professional fights. Mark is currently training under Bryan Barrick, a 2nd degree black belt under Ricardo “Rey” Diogo of the Carlson Gracie lineage, in Goshen, IN.

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Our academy currently holds an affiliation with Barrick Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, out of Goshen, IN.

 Maggie Barnard-Shemwell is Mark’s wife and part owner. She is new to the martial arts world. She will be taking classes alongside our students, and will eventually be taking over the women’s class.

Paul Shemwell is Mark's brother, and has also been involved in the martial arts for nearly 30 years.  He is also part owner in our martial arts family.  Beginning in 1995, he joined Mark in training with Rafael Lovato, Sr., in Oklahoma City in Jeet Kune Do concepts at the same IMB academy.  In 2000, he joined the United States Air Force and will retire in late 2022. 

In 2003, he volunteered as an assistant Boxing coach in Yuba City, California.  In 2015, Paul trained in Boxing and Muay Thai at Crazy88 MMA in Elkridge, MD, under Jamal Hargrove and Aung La Nsang.  Paul will be making periodic trips to the gym from his current duty station in Hawaii, and upon his retirement is considering coming to spend some time as an assistant coach before moving on to opening his own gym.

Children’s Classes

Tue Thur 4:15 - 4:50:  Peewees
Tue 5:00 - 6:00pm - Kids Striking
Thur 5:00 - 6:00pm - Kids BJJ

Warrior Fitness Challenge

Mon Wed Fri 6:15 - 7:15 PM

Adult’s Striking

Mon Wed Fri 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Mon Wed Fri 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Tue Thur 6:15 - 7:15

Adult's Brazilian Jiujitsu

Tue Thur 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Tue Thur 7:30 - 8:30 PM