Guardian Arts is a discipline that weaves together parkour, mixed martial arts, yoga, and mindfulness into a single practice rooted in the protection of community.
My Journey
I started Guardian Arts when I was four years old as a Ling. Over the years I advanced through Halflings and Younglings, and in November 2022 I completed the Dawn Trial, joining the Sun Clan. Since May 2024 I have served as a Shadow Instructor, teaching the Lings on Sundays. I am currently training toward Shadow 2 Instructor certification, which will allow me to run courses independently.
About Guardian Arts
Guardian Arts is more than just a martial arts program — it blends parkour, mixed martial arts, yoga, and mindfulness into a single practice that emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and service. Instead of training only for sport or competition, the focus is on building the strength and calm needed to protect and support the community.
The system replaces traditional belts with a clan-based structure. Advancement is not only about skill but also about how well students care for others, contribute to their peers’ growth, and demonstrate readiness in real-world environments. Training includes playful but challenging “shatter matches,” cooperative games, and sparring that emphasize learning and safety while still pushing students outside their comfort zones.
As students progress, they face increasingly realistic scenarios — moving from padded gyms into unpredictable environments, and combining disciplines in ways that teach both physical mastery and mental focus. The practice encourages students to connect with movement in its most natural form, to face fear and discomfort directly, and to embody care as the guiding principle of self-discipline.
Guardian Arts also has a strong social mission: preserving Indigenous traditions, creating inclusive spaces for youth and adults alike, and offering programs for people with special needs. At its core, it is about cultivating people who are both strong and compassionate — ready to serve their community with courage, creativity, and care.
Media
Here are two videos from Josh Beam's Brazillian Jiu Jitsu channel when he came to try out Guardian Arts:
