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Georgia Martial Arts and Self Defense has proudly served the Acworth areas since 1981
Georgia Martial Arts and Self Defense provides martial arts and self defense classes that are perfect for kids, teen, and adults.
Who we Are And Why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education, and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop, and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves. We stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident that it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Shawn Forristall
Sensei
BIO
Owner of Georgia Martial Arts & Self Defense Academy (GAMASD / Alliance Acworth affiliate).
Over 35 years in martial arts; full-time teaching for 16+ years.
Married with four children (including Miller Forristall, who played college football at Alabama and credits early toughness from his dad’s school).
Key ranks and certifications:
• 5th Degree Black Belt in Aikijujutsu / Aikido under Toshishiro Obata Kaiso
• 1st Stripe Black Belt in Alliance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Jacare Cavalcanti and Professor Ian McPherson
• Certified Alliance BJJ Instructor for adults and children
• 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate
• Hanshi in Shinkendo (Samurai Swordsmanship) under Toshishiro Obata Kaiso
• 3rd Degree Black Belt in Toyama Ryu
• 1st Degree Black Belt in Bojutsu Tanrendo The academy offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Alliance-affiliated), Aikido/Aikijujutsu, Shinkendo swordsmanship, kids/preschool classes, and self-defense programs.
Ian McPherson
Professor
BIO
Long-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with over 20 years of experience.
4-stripe Alliance Black Belt (promoted to black belt around 2010 under Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti at Alliance HQ in Atlanta).
Highly accomplished competitor, especially at brown belt:
• World Champion (2009)
• Pan American Champion (2010)
• Multiple medals at Worlds, Pans, and Nogi Worlds (2007–2010)
• World Master Championship Silver Medalist (2024) Known for technical expertise in toe holds and turtle attacks, and respected as an instructor in the Alliance network.
Charles “Happ” Wheeler
Instructor
BIO
Judo Instructor at Georgia Martial Arts & Self Defense Academy, with deep roots in West Georgia Judo.
Over 30 years of practice and teaching in Judo; known for motivational coaching that emphasizes commitment and proper technique execution.
Key ranks and certifications:
• 5th Degree Black Belt in Judo
• USA Judo Continental Coaching certification Coach Wheeler teaches traditional Judo fundamentals, throwing techniques, discipline, and confidence in adult and youth programs.
Gerry Tenya
Instructor
BIO
Over 20 years in martial arts.
Judo: 3rd Degree Black Belt (started 2002); active competitor and instructor focused on fundamentals, confidence, and discipline for all ages.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Black Belt (training since 2007).
Former MMA competitor (amateur 7–1, professional 3–1).
Career in IT; married with a daughter and son.
Believes martial arts deliver lifelong benefits in health, competition, and community.
Leo Perez
Instructor
BIO
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor at Georgia Martial Arts & Self Defense Academy (Alliance Acworth affiliate).
Accomplished competitor with consistent success in IBJJF tournaments across the Southeast, representing Alliance.
Key ranks and certifications:
• Alliance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with two stripes
• Certified instructor for gi and no-gi
Known for competitive drive, technical precision, and strong performances in adult and masters divisions. Professor Perez teaches tournament-proven grappling, strategy, and practical self-defense skills.
Kip Teitsort
Instructor
BIO
Self-Defense Instructor at Georgia Martial Arts & Self Defense Academy (Alliance Acworth affiliate).
Founder of DT4EMS (Defensive Tactics for Emergency Medical Services), specializing in survival training for healthcare providers, first responders, and law enforcement.
Over 30 years combined experience as firefighter/EMT, paramedic, police officer, and defensive tactics instructor.
Former Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Instructor with expertise in scenario-based training.
Accomplished in Kali (Filipino Martial Arts) and practical self-defense.
Emphasizes awareness, de-escalation, and street-proven techniques.
Coach Teitsort leads the Pathway Self-Defense program with realistic, high-intensity training.
Estevan Gutierrez
Instructor
BIO
Kids Program Head Instructor at Georgia Martial Arts & Self Defense Academy (Alliance Acworth affiliate).
Dedicated martial artist training under Professor Shawn Forristall since 2007; evolved from student to skilled coach.
Active IBJJF competitor representing Alliance with technical precision.
Key ranks and certifications:
• Brown Belt in Aikijujutsu / Aiki-Jujutsu
• Purple Belt in Alliance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Known for energetic, patient teaching that builds skills, discipline, respect, and confidence in young students. Sensei Estevan leads kids and preschool programs (including Small Samurai), fostering martial arts fundamentals, social skills, and a lifelong love for training.